GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 17, 2023

Simple Freedoms

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. (Anne Frank, from her World War II diary)

You can easily understand how Anne Frank, a house-bound victim of war, could appreciate going outside. She must have remembered more pleasant days when, as a young girl, she had the freedom to enjoy nature. Living in a cramped attic with family and other refugees surely gave her an appreciation for being alone, too. A lesson for all of us: enjoy your freedoms now.

For you have been called to live in freedom . . .  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13)

Stop & Think: February 16, 2023

Purpose

All paths lead to the same goal: to convey to others what we are. (Pablo Neruda, 20th century Nobel Prize winner in literature)

Neruda expresses a popular worldview that centers on oneself. Everything is about “me” and we feel the need to make sure everyone knows and accepts the real me. This makes for a self-centered life that will undoubtedly run into conflict with others at some point. In contrast, the biblical worldview sees mankind fitting into God’s Story. When this is true, our lives are fulfilled and God is glorified

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28).

Stop & Think: February 15, 2023

Past, Present, or Future?

My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there. (Charles Kettering, late American inventor)

Are you given to nostalgia? You just can’t get beyond longing for the good ole days. Or are you so intense about what’s happening in your life and work today that you can’t see beyond your weekly agenda and detailed spreadsheets? Don’t forget that your past story and current involvements are important, often as the foundation for what’s ahead.

What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. (Ecclesiastes 3:15) My future is in your hands.  (Psalm 31:15)

Stop & Think: February 14, 2023

Valentine’s Day

Distance between two hearts is no obstacle, rather a beautiful reminder of just how strong true love can be. (kushanwizdom)

Thousands will share Valentine greetings today, and the promises of “love you to the moon and back” and “love you forever” will no doubt warm many hearts. But, in reality, such sentiments are more emotional than realistic—pleasant to share but often not taken seriously. True love, however, is a gift from God whose love never fails. What an encouraging reminder today!

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:28).

Stop & Think: February 13, 2023

Pride

[Pride] lies lowest of all in the foundation of the whole building of sin. (Jonathan Edwards, 18th century American theologian))

He continues: “There is no one sin that does so much to let the devil into the hearts of the saints and expose them to his delusions.” Maybe we don’t see pride as clearly as Edwards describes it. When we defend our opinions and choices, is it because of the strength of our argument or simply that we just have to be right and defend ourselves else we’ll be embarrassed?

The Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. … The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished. (Proverbs 3:34; 16:5)

Stop & Think: February 12, 2023

An Old Sentiment?

I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better. (Abraham Lincoln)

On the anniversary of his birthday, we encounter once again one of Lincoln’s insightful comments. Who, except a truly caring man, would make such a statement? When we meet someone that we find difficult, we usually want to stay as far away as possible. But if we were to adopt Lincoln’s attitude, we could benefit by making new friends and sharing our lives together.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning (2 John 1:5).

Stop & Think: February 11, 2023

A Healthy Body

We live in a civilization where people drive to the gym to walk on a treadmill. (Sean Dietrich, humor writer)

And we use sweetener in our tea before we order dessert. This practice of too many of us is either our habit of procrastination (I’ll start to change later) or rationalization (It isn’t really so bad; I’m pretty careful). Whatever the reasons, many of us, who are otherwise careful about the environment and animal welfare, are not good stewards of our own God-given bodies.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should (1 Corinthians 9:27). Use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God (Romans 6:13). 

Stop & Think: February 10, 2023

Keep the Faith

I fear for the future of authentic faith in our country. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British philanthropist)

Wilberforce continues: “We live in a time when the common man in our country is thoroughly influenced by the current climate in which the cultural and educational elite propagates an anti-Christian message.” That was written in 1797 in England, but it sounds like an accurate summary of the 21st century here at home. The need today is for vigilance in keeping the faith.

[I urge] you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people (Jude 1:3).

Stop & Think: February 9, 2023

Purpose

The best part of life is not just surviving but thriving with passion and compassion . . . (Maya Angelou, late noted American poet)

The quote continues “. . . and humor and style and generosity and kindness.” So, there are many facets to a happy and prosperous life. You can experience all of those components only if you have some sense of security and purpose. The purposeless life is empty, offering very little to the individual and nothing of value to others. Find purpose and you’ll find fulfillment.

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

Stop & Think: February 8, 2023

Thinking

Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it. (Ernest Holmes, writer)

“What were you thinking?” we might ask when someone’s actions question his or her reasoning. After all, what we do is pretty much a result of how and what we think. It’s like looking in a mirror and thinking you see something quite different from the image in the glass. Thinking precedes acting, so we should be really careful about what and how we think.

For if you listen to the word (God’s Word) and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (James 1:23-24).

Stop & Think: February 7, 2023

Dreams

You have to have a dream so you can get up in the morning.” (Billy Wilder, late Austrian-American filmmaker)

Have you ever been awakened in the night by a horrible nightmare? At other times perhaps you woke up, realizing you had had a beautiful dream that you wish hadn’t ended. Wilder, however, was probably referring to a hope or plan for the future that helps you begin each day with a purpose, something to accomplish. That’s a good way to start the day.

A dream fulfilled is a tree of life . . . It is pleasant to see dreams come true. (Proverbs 13:12, 19) 

Stop & Think: February 7, 2023

Friends 2

A world without a friend, what would it be? (Christy Boyd, writer)

Boyd answers her own question: “It would be like a world without water, something you need.” She continues: “Friends are like glass, once broken, they are hard to fix.” Her challenge: “Keep your friends, as you would keep your water.” Avoid a lonely life; honor and keep your friends!

A wise person wins friends. … A friend is always loyal. (Proverbs 11:30; 17:17)