GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: April 18, 2023

Citizens

The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops—no, but the kind of man the country turns out. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist)

When we study history, we often judge past civilizations by the size of their territory, their conquests in war, or the monuments they may have left—the pyramids, for example. Isn’t it more important, however, to know the kind of people they produced? Are they known for their evil dictators and cruel warriors or for their artists, philosophers, and teachers?

He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people. (Exodus 18:25)

Stop & Think: April 17, 2023

Charity

Charity is never lost; it may meet with ingratitude . . . yet it ever does a work of beauty and grace upon the heart of the giver. (Conyers Middleton, 18th century English clergyman)

Middleton has added an important twist to the essential quality of charity, or love. We most often think of charity as helping others and, in turn, receiving the thanks of the recipient of our love. But when that isn’t the case, there is still great benefit to our acts of charity because they do something good in us.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Stop & Think: April 16, 2023

Sunshine

Don’t be a dark cloud on a sunny day. (Television commercial)

Do you know anyone like that? Things are going well; you’re happy and doing fine, and wham! Somebody comes along and ruins your day with their unhappiness, pouring out their misfortune or bad attitude on you. Wouldn’t you rather be the person who brings sunshine and hope into another’s life? Make it your purpose for today.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Stop & Think: April 15, 2023

Success

To feel valued, to know, even if only once in a while, that you can do a job well is an absolute[ly] marvelous feeling. (Barbara Walters, American broadcast journalist)

We all want to succeed at something, to do really well, and to be recognized for our achievement even if it’s only in a little thing. It does something for our self-image. Knowing that, it would be good for all of us to lend a hand to others by helping them succeed in a worthy endeavor so they can have their moment of “feeling valued.”

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29).

Stop & Think: April 14, 2023

Achievement

If you want to do memorable things, you must put forth incredible effort. (Roger Grossman, sports announcer)

Grossman has watched thousands of sports activities and called hundreds of games. In his weekly newspaper column, he often reports on the successful efforts of athletes, crediting their exploits to good coaching, family, and fan support and—above all else—the hard work over many months of practice that has developed their skills. What a life lesson for all of us!

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

Stop & Think: April 13, 2023

Truth

It’s better to wrestle with truth than wallow in turmoil. (Lysa Terkeurst, author)

Truth is sometimes difficult to discern. Hearing varying deeply held convictions expressed by authoritative voices, how are we to know what is true? Some just give up, thinking it’s impossible to know. Others think that truth is relative; whatever pleases you is true for you. But it’s essential to pursue truth at any cost because following falsehoods can be fatal.

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment (Proverbs 23:23).

Stop & Think: April 12, 2023

Life’s Path

If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one. (Dolly Parton, singer, songwriter)

Many people seem to be content with their life and see no need for change. But there are some others who feel as if they are pursuing the wrong goals or are unhappy with their current situation. It may not be easy, but Parton’s advice could be the answer to finding contentment in this stage of your life. Set worthy goals, pray and plan, and create a new path.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Stop & Think: April 11, 2023

Decisions

Stay committed to your decisions but stay flexible in your approach. (Tony Robbins, author and speaker)

It’s often difficult to make a decision when many options are available. Whether it’s job- or family- or career-related, it’s sometimes tough. When you reach a decision, stick with it. But, as Robbins suggests, you may sometimes have to adjust your approach as you live with your choice. Be firm in your decision and flexible in the application of your choices.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you (Psalm 37:5).

Stop & Think: April 10, 2023

Mistakes

He who never made a mistake never made a discovery. (Samuel Smiles, 19th century British author and reformer)

We all make mistakes, but no one really intends to. The fewer risks we take, the fewer mistakes we make. But, as every inventor and learner knows, you can’t make much progress or growth if you are determined to avoid ever making a mistake. As Edison and other inventors knew well, it’s the process of trial and error that ultimately leads to learning and success.

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again (Proverbs 24:16).

Stop & Think: April 9, 2023

Easter

The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends, and love never dies. (Kate Mcgahan, hospice counselor and author)

After three days in the tomb, Jesus was raised to life again. Not only did he defeat physical death, but he also gave the promise of spiritual life for all who trust in him. As cruel as the cross and crucifixion were, there is hidden triumph in that event, because he was restored to his former glory and has made it possible for us to share in the love he demonstrated that week.

It is by [God’s] great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation (1 Peter 1:3).

Stop & Think: April 8, 2023

Getting What You Want

There are only two tragedies in life; one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. (Oscar Wilde, 19th century Irish poet and playwright)

Remember how hard it was as a child when you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas? You were so disappointed, but you eventually got over it. Can you remember another time when you did get something you had wanted so much for a long time? How long were you satisfied with your long-awaited prize? These are among life’s most difficult lessons.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4).

Stop & Think: April 7, 2023

Errors

From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own. (Publilius Syrus, 1st century BC Latin writer)

There’s something in the perverse nature of many of us that may cause us to take pleasure in  another person’s mistake. We may laugh or tease the one who made the error. But, when it’s our mistake, we may be embarrassed, and we likely will not react kindly to someone who laughs at us. The best response to errors—whether ours or another person’s—is to learn from them.

Indeed, we all make many mistakes (James 3:2). A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes (Ecclesiastes 10:4).