GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 14, 2024

Impossible?

When they say it can’t be done, they only mean, we don’t know how to do it.  (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

We’ve often heard those words from someone who has tried and failed. But many inventors have proved that the “impossible” can be done. The persistent worker will toil long and hard until he or she finds how it can be done. We are the beneficiaries of just such determination. When life is difficult, don’t give up. Ask for help, and keep working at it.

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

Stop & Think: March 13, 2024

Hopefulness

Hope is the melody of the future. Faith is dancing to that melody right now. (Jim Cress, Counselor)

Hope is an elusive concept which can be powerful, but only when acted upon. If you cling to hope but never act on it, you won’t know the joy of seeing your hope come true. Faith, on the other hand, is an action.  It demands that I do something.  The hope of Christians is positive because it is based on faith in God’s word. So, why shouldn’t we be dancing ?

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. (Hebrews 10:23)

Stop & Think: March 12, 2024

Life’s Extras

What shortsighted people we are when we live as though all our “extras” are intended for us only. (A former pastor)

While many people live from paycheck to paycheck, others seem to have a ready resource for the “extra” things that they enjoy. We should realize, however, that what we have is intended not only for us but for the benefit of others. And those who are generous with what God has given them, find great joy in sharing. When that happens, everyone benefits.

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. (Hebrews 13:16)

Stop & Think: March 11, 2024

Quiet

Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. (C.S. Lewis, British Christian apologist)

We may not agree with Lewis’ thought, but hear him out. He continues, “Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world.” Lewis writes often about his walks, and they are sometimes with close friends when, you can be sure, there was lively conversation. At other times, whether with friends or alone, he marveled at what he could learn from God’s creation.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. (Psalm 55:7)

Stop & Think: March 10, 2024

Character 2

Your character is more important than how good you are at any sport. (Tom Roy, former coach, sportswriter)

Many of today’s youth strive to excel in some sport ~ and why not? College athletes are now able to earn money from their sports activity, and they are often groomed for moving up to lucrative contracts as pros. Coach Roy notes, “Your athleticism is only temporary, but your character, the type of person you are, lasts forever.” And he concludes, “Be the best person you can be.”

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:2, 5)

Stop & Think: March 9, 2024

Character

Men of genius are admired; men of wealth are envied; men of power are feared; but men of character are trusted. (Zig Ziglar, late motivational speaker)

Is Ziglar saying that geniuses, the wealthy, and the powerful are not to be trusted? Probably not  exactly, but he is undoubtedly warning that we should be careful not to be misled just because of the unique abilities or wealth of prominent individuals. In this election year, it’s a good reminder to consider what each candidate offers, not just in policy, but in integrity and character.

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:11)

Stop & Think: March 8, 2024

Adversity

Out of the hottest fire comes the strongest steel.(Chinese Proverb)

We will all face difficulty and adversity sometime in life, and we will often question its purpose. This proverb has been repeated in many ways and places, and they are helpful. However it’s said, it describes the really tough situations in life that often confront us but result in our growth. Through them we develop strength, character, and integrity, traits that help us overcome.

We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. (2 Corinthians 6:4)
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. (2 Timothy 2:12)

Stop & Think: March 7, 2024

Kindness

Kindness is thrown away upon the evil. (from Aesop’s Fables)

Really?  Remember that a fable is sometimes a legend or a story that may or may not be true. What would our world be like if we failed to be kind to those who are themselves unkind? Note in contrast what S. H. Simmons wrote, “Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower.”

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! . . . Your kindness will reward you. (Proverbs 3:3; 11:17)

Stop & Think: March 6, 2024

Happiness

Happiness is not about getting all you want; it’s about enjoying what you have. (Parveen Kaswan, Indian Forest Service officer)

You would think that getting all you want is, indeed, the source of happiness. That’s what everyone seems to be doing: getting all they can even if it means putting much of it in a storage bin. If you find yourself constantly acquiring more, it’s clear that this principle isn’t helping you find lasting happiness. Take Kaswan’s conclusion to heart.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Philippians 4:11-12)

Stop & Think: March 5, 2024

Encourage

The easily embarrassed don’t learn. (Jewish Proverb)

We all know someone who likes to make jokes at the expense of others — even their friends. To them, it’s a “back-slapper,” but to the one being embarrassed, it’s not funny at all. If it was meant to help someone learn or improve, it’s not working. Better to save the offhand remarks and find a kind way to encourage your friend toward change.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12: 10)

Stop & Think: March 4, 2024

Prayer

The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer. (F. B. Meyer, 19th-20th  century British pastor and author)

We all find it difficult to wait when we feel our prayers are unanswered. But knowing that God’s reply sometimes is “No” or “Wait,” is a comfort as we exercise God-given patience and understanding. As Meyer suggests, what is worse than not hearing is not asking. Prayer is that phenomenon that allows us to have an intimate relationship with a God who cares and answers.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Stop & Think: March 3, 2024

The Next Step

You don’t have to know all the right moves—you just need to know the next one. (Oprah Winfrey, entrepreneur)

Long-range planning is valuable as is a game plan for a sporting event. But there are times when you, your work group, or team are in the middle of a crisis, and there’s little time to deliberate. That’s the time when the successful leader, has to know what the next step is, when to take it, and, ultimately, how to work with others to reach the goal.

The prudent carefully consider their steps. . . . We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (Proverbs 14:15; 16:9)