GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 24, 2022

Never Give Up

Failure is not a reason to give up. Failure is a reason to try harder and seek new solutions. (Jim Hocking, Founder, Water 4 Good)

When Hocking launched his well-drilling enterprise in central Africa, he and his crew tried lots of ways to successfully supply safe drinking water where it was previously not available. Their attempts were not always immediately successful, but they learned from mistakes and kept working. Now, they are providing good water for thousands of Africans. Keep on trying!

If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small . . . for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. (Proverbs 24:10, 16)

Stop & Think: July 23, 2022

Civility

A person of faith…must avoid crude humor, selfish anger, discourtesy, and any action that blatantly disregards the norms of common civility. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century English statesman)

Wilberforce’s efforts to restore civility were painful and arduous but eventually were fruitful. We could certainly use another champion like him today. Today’s conversations are often cruel and hateful—sometimes even violent. Unfortunately, it is often people with religious fervor who have lost the self-control that would make their point of view more readily acceptable.

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech (1 Peter 3:10).

Stop & Think: July 22, 2022

Luck?

A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. (Howard Shultz, businessman and author)

Schultz continues, “It’s seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future.” We often wish others, “Good Luck.” Our intention, no doubt, is to encourage them to keep moving forward with the hope that everything will work out well for them. It might be better to challenge them to pursue their ambitions with courage, strength, and perseverance.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:16).

Stop & Think: July 21, 2022

With Love

If our zeal is embittered by expressions of anger, invective, or scorn, we may think we are doing service to the cause of truth, when in reality we shall only bring it into discredit. (John Newton, author of “Amazing Grace”)

Although Newton wrote in the 18th century, his words could not be any more appropriate for today. Far too often we read or hear commentary that may be spot-on when it comes to truth, but it is couched in such anger and invective that it is difficult to read and hear, much less to apply. So, let’s learn to be gracious in expressing our thoughts and opinions.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Stop & Think: July 20, 2022

Fragility

We are surrounded by, and are part of, a society of emotionally fragile quitters. (John Piper, author)

People seem to be so easily offended nowadays. We are hurt when someone just hints that we might be mistaken. We fly off the handle quickly at an unintended misspoken word or action. As a result, we too often just give up and quit. Noting this problem, Piper concluded, “We all need help here.” We need to be careful in our speech and actions, refusing to be offended or quit.

If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

Stop & Think: July 19, 2022

Speaking Truth

Our truth will not be heard until our grace is felt. (Jim Swanson, YMCA executive)

The late Jack Kemp said something similar: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When someone disagrees with us, we need to be especially careful to “speak the truth in love,” (the Bible) that is, we must be gracious in any correction we offer. Speaking with grace and love will go a long way when sharing truth.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone (Colossians 4:6).

Stop & Think: July 18, 2022

Encouragement

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody. (Peg Fitzpatrick, social media author)

What do you remember about the people you’ve been with when you separate? Were you discouraged or upset or did you go away encouraged? Isn’t it great when you walk away, feeling better about yourself and your friends? How helpful it would be if each of us determined to do as author Fitzpatrick suggests: make everybody you meet feel like “somebody.”

Encourage each other and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Stop & Think: July 17, 2022

Wisdom

Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. (The Bible)

No doubt, the best test for the veracity of someone’s ideas and opinions is that they prove to be true in experience. “The proof is in the pudding,” they say. As you can tell what kind of tree you’re looking at by its fruit, so you can tell what is real when people’s lives of integrity match with what they say. The walk of a wise person will verify his or her claims of knowing truth.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).

Stop & Think: July 16, 2022

Integrity

It doesn’t matter what they say about you as long as it isn’t true. (www.streamingfaith.com)

If people are saying you’ve done wrong, you’ve lied, or have otherwise questioned your integrity, yes, this statement is good. If the evil things said about you aren’t true, don’t think you have to prove yourself. On the other hand, when good things are reported about you, be sure that they are true. Let your words and deeds always be forthright, honest, and gracious.

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. (1 Peter 3:13-14)

Stop & Think: July 15, 2022

Truth-telling

Fear comes from focusing on the costs of speaking up. Courage comes from focusing on the costs of staying silent. (Ashley Judd, American actress)

With so many “peaceful demonstrations” and activists of all kinds taking to public forums, there is certainly no lack of people “speaking up.” No doubt many honest thinkers are reluctant to speak out because of the potential hurtful rhetoric in return. However, if truth-seekers remain silent, how will others learn about the legitimate truths that need to be told? Speak up!

An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies . . . Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed (Proverbs 12:17, 19).

Stop & Think: July 14, 2022

Expectations 2

It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him. (John Steinbeck, 20th century Nobel Prize winning writer)

This says a lot about expectations, doesn’t it? If someone senses that not much is expected of him or her, very likely that person won’t achieve greatness. Why should he or she strive for something others don’t think they can obtain? It would be better for us to help someone move forward by letting them know we think they can do it and encouraging them all along the way.

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29).

Stop & Think: July 13, 2022

Expectations 1

It’s hard to know what expectations you have until they’re not met. (Jeff Redland, college campus pastor)

Sometimes we really don’t know what our expectations are for a certain situation. We want a happy outcome, but what will that look like? When the time comes, however, we realize that we were expecting something quite different. We couldn’t have put our thumb on it, but now we know what we really wanted. Be realistic in your expectations to avoid disappointment.

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly (Psalm 5:3).