GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: May 12, 2023

What’s True?

News and truth are not always one and the same. (Lysa TerKeurst, author)

Unfortunately, perspectives and biases have always played a part in reporting the news. It certainly is true today when politics seems to influence much of what we hear and read about what’s happening around the world. It is much more important that we listen carefully and have our minds tuned to what is ultimate truth

Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed … Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. (Proverbs 12:19; 23:23)

Stop & Think: May 11, 2023

Greatness 2

The first test of a truly great man is in his humility. (John Ruskin, 19th century English writer)

Winners of championship teams are often interviewed and asked what was most important to them in their victory. Some of them talk about the years of training, the months of tiring practice, the life-long goal of achievement. The most memorable, probably, are those who humbly turn attention to their families, coaches, and teammates who have made their dreams possible.

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor . . . For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Proverbs 29:23; Luke 14:11)

Stop & Think: May 10, 2023

Greatness 1

If any of us are ever truly great, it will be for consistency, selflessness, and a generous spirit. (Gloria Gaither, gospel songwriter)

What makes a person great? In our 21st century lifestyle, you might think it’s achievement in sports, academia, or the dramatic arts. Newspaper headlines and TV alerts announce the latest exploits of the well-known stars among us. But there is a new start every season, and someone who has surpassed previous records. Gaither notes what is longer-lasting and beneficial.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).

Stop & Think: May 9, 2023

Friends 2

Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold. A circle is round it has no end, that’s how long I want to be your friend! (From a children’s song)

We are often reminded that wedding rings are circles, representing vows that, like a circle, are to be unending. Unfortunately, some marriages don’t last like some friendships, but that is never the plan. In both cases, it takes more than intention. It requires continual attention to one another and the constant gracious effort to preserve the love that cements the relationship.

Love is patient and kind . . . It does not demand its own way. It . . .  never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, 7). 

Stop & Think: May 8, 2023

Friends 1

A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of money left inside. (Winnie the Pooh, a cartoon character)

Do you ever remember going to the “pot” (your wallet or purse) and finding it empty? It’s a sinking feeling, isn’t it? Has it ever happened that you needed a friend and couldn’t find one to call on at that moment? That’s an even worse feeling, isn’t it? How valuable it would be for all of us to make it a practice to be available when someone else needs a friend.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need . . . Never abandon a friend (Proverbs 17:17; 27:10)

Stop & Think: May 7, 2023

Nature

One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books. (John Muir, 19th-20th century Scottish American naturalist)

Muir was certainly not against reading; he wrote books promoting the National Parks. In fact, he was sometimes called “the Father of National Parks.” He also said, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Following his challenge, we would once again appreciate God’s creation and marvel at its beauty.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak (Psalm 19:1-2).

Stop & Think: May 6, 2023

Genuine Love

Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own. (H. Jackson Brown, inspirational author)

We think of love in many different ways, emotional feelings, romantic interludes, kind thoughts toward others, for a few. Brown has homed on the significance of genuine, biblical love. It always acts in the best interest of the loved one. Sometimes that means personal sacrifice, but the end result is blessing for both the lover and the loved.

For you have been called to live in freedom, . . .  use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13) 

Stop & Think: May 5, 2023

Trust

Without trust people give up on relationships and leave organizations; cynicism reigns and progress comes to a halt. (Ken Blanchard, business consultant)

Destroyed friendships, broken marriages, business failures—how many of these disasters (and many others) have resulted from the loss of trust. If you can’t trust those you work, live, or play with, those relationships will inevitably fail. Developing faith in others no doubt begins at an early age, but it is a life-long factor in any lasting relationship.

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones (Luke 16:10).

Stop & Think: May 4, 2023

Attitude

People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. (John C. Maxwell., motivational speaker and author)

Our actions reveal our attitudes maybe even more than our words. And since our actions and attitudes are two of the very few things we can control, it’s vitally important that we guard them both very carefully. Make it your goal to encourage others, because the old adage is true: “What you do speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you say.”

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18).

Stop & Think: May 3, 2023

Choices

There are two things you can control: your choices and your attitudes. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

Lao-Tze, legendary Chinese philosopher, expanded this idea: “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words. They become actions. Watch your actions. They become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character. It becomes your destiny.” We need to be careful about the choices we make; they may well determine our future.

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living  (Romans 6:16).

Stop & Think: May 2, 2023

Planning

A good rule of thumb . . . things take longer to happen than you think and then happen much faster than you thought. (Lawrence Summers)

It’s a good rule to keep in mind for any kind of planning like building a house or developing long range strategies for your education or business. Supply chain delays and hiring shortages can make a building project extend far beyond your anticipated deadline. On the other hand, pursuing a degree for three or four years may pass by so fast you fail to “smell the roses” along the way.

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed . . . Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity (Proverbs 16:3; 21:5).

Stop & Think: May 1, 2023

May Day

We salute thee with our early song, and welcome thee, and wish thee long. (John Milton, famed 17th century English poet)

Those were Milton’s words, celebrating the coming of May. May Day applauds the height of spring and the flowering of life. Austrian poet Rainer Maria Wilke put it this way: “Everything is blooming most restlessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.” Spring always emphasizes the joy of renewed life.

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)