GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 31, 2023

Halloween

Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it! (Jack Skellington, a fantasy character in the film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”)

It’s been said that many people spend more to celebrate Halloween than Christmas. All sorts of ghoulish characters and situations are created, and although it’s all fantasy, children may believe that such creatures are actually real. But there is a lesson here. The reference to Christmas reminds us of the reality of the miracle we cannot fully understand but we fully believe.

When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman . . .. God sent him to buy freedom for us . . . so that he could adopt us as his very own children (Galatians 4:4-5).

Stop & Think: October 30, 2023

Authority

A true leader must know the limitations of his authority. (Eric Metaxas, author and talk show host)

A person with authority can use his or her power or influence in positive or negative ways. Giving inexperienced or untrained people authority can be dangerous, as they can so easily misuse their unlimited power. The same is true when those with evil intent are in control. The best leaders recognize that their authority comes with even more responsibility.

All authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (Romans 13:1)

Stop & Think: October 29, 2023

Attitude

We cannot control the negative atmosphere of the world, but we can control the atmosphere of our minds. (John Maxwell motivational speaker and author)

We may become so discouraged about the way things are going in our world, or the world in general, that we lose all hope. But Maxwell gives good advice: “Too often we try to choose and control things we cannot. Too seldom we choose to control what we can … our attitude.” Think of what a change to a positive, hopeful attitude could do if it became contagious.

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude (1 Peter 3:8).

Stop & Think: October 28, 2023

Truth

Your biggest vices are often a result of the fact that you made a little decision that you convinced yourself was no big deal. (Keith Minier, conference speaker)

When we were younger, we often thought that a little “white lie” or a “fib” was okay, especially if we thought the whole truth might be hurtful to us or someone else. Of course, experience has likely taught us that one lie almost always needs another one to keep the truth from coming out. Such is the history of mankind. We need to remember that the truth is always the best way.

Truthful words stand the test of time but lies are soon exposed (Proverbs 12:19).

Stop & Think: October 27, 2023

Worry

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. (Corrie Ten Boom, Holocaust survivor)

The world is full of worriers. They’re always concerned about what will happen—or maybe won’t happen—tomorrow. Most of us have discovered, however, that our fretting about what might or might not occur has little, if any effect on future events. It’s a lot of wasted mental and emotional effort, often depriving us of the strength we will need in our tomorrows.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done (Philippians 4:6).

Stop & Think: October 26, 2023

Temporary?

Nothing is more permanent than the temporary. (Ancient Greek proverb)

How often have we been told that a particular government program or action (even a tax levy) is temporary, only to see it turn out to be permanent? How about all of those unpacked boxes in our garages that we put aside temporarily to be opened at a later date? Because time is limited for all of us, we should clear up our temporary issues and give ourselves to more lasting goals.

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Stop & Think: October 25, 2023

Putting Off

He who puts off nothing until tomorrow has done a great deal. (Baltasar Gracián, 17th century philosopher)

But there might be one exception. Lisa Kleypas, American novelist is an example: “I’m a great believer in putting things off, in fact, I even put off procrastinating.” Combining those two apparently contradictory thoughts would probably help a lot of us “get off the dime” and make good progress in achieving our goals and dreams.

Remember your Creator now while you are young . . .. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty (Ecclesiastes 12:6, 13).

Stop & Think: October 24, 2023

Focus

You become what you focus on and what you focus on only gets bigger. (Chris Suit, pastor)

Podcast host and writer Darius Foroux explains: “What you pay attention to influences your thoughts, which impacts your actions, which determine the outcome of your life.” During the course of our lifetime, our brains change, whether through education or our experiences in life. It’s essential, then, to pay attention to what we’re focusing on; it will affect us for good or evil.

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Philippians 3:13-14).

Stop & Think: October 23, 2023

Talent and Work

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work. (Emile Zola, 19th century French novelist)

Viewing an honored piece of art whether an oil painting, sculpture, or pottery, we often marvel at the gifted artist who produced the work. Listening to a classical pianist or accomplished violinist creates the same response. Obviously, the artists are gifted, but we recognize their work is the result of a lifelong habit of practice, involving an immense amount of hard work.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom (Ecclesiastes 9:10)  

Stop & Think: October 22, 2023

Do It Now

Doing things at the last minute reminds us of the importance of doing things at the first minute. (Matshona Dhliwayo, philosopher and author)

When we delay completing a task until the deadline is nearly upon us, we sometimes have to scurry to finish the assignment on time. Remember what it was like when you were cramming the night before a college exam? Why didn’t we learn our lesson then? As suggested above, we would really do much better and have peace of mind if we started at “the first minute.”

Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. (Proverbs 6:4)

Stop & Think: October 21, 2023

Truth

Denial of the truth does not change the truth. (Author unknown)

Another unknown source wrote: “Truth does not care what we think about it. It is true, regardless of whether or not we know it, regardless of whether or not we believe it.” As the late US Senator Patrick Moynihan said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but he is not entitled to his own facts.” Don’t be influenced by intelligent people whose statements don’t add up.

You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

Stop & Think: October 20, 2023

Legacy

The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is . . . a legacy of character and faith. (Billy Graham)

Graham contrasted his statement with “[the legacy] is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life.” Today it seems that the goal is to collect all of life’s material goods that you can: real estate, property, investments–all things you can enjoy and pass on to your heirs. Those things will pass away, but a good reputation and strong faith in God will last.

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them (Proverbs 20:79)