GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: January 14, 2023

A Smile

I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile. (Elie Wiesel, late Romanian-born American writer)

A family who had moved from a large American city to a small Midwest town, remarked on the response of people they met on the street. In the city, everyone seemed in a hurry and hardly noticed passersby. In the small town, however, everyone smiled at them or at least nodded. Those spontaneous smiles seemed like a “welcome home.“

When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them (Job 29:24).

Stop & Think: January 13, 2023

Challenges

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. (Joshua J. Marine, author)

We don’t always welcome challenges into our daily routines. They’re often interruptions, and sometimes they can really upset our plans. But, as Marine suggests, if we were to see them not as problems but opportunities, we might discover that meeting them head on and “winning” would add luster and benefit beyond the routine.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. (1 Peter 1:7)

Stop & Think: January 12, 2023

Work at it!

You don’t have to envision everything at once; you need only a large enough vision to try your best. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Whether we’re into strategic planning or not, we often want to know what the future will hold for us. It may be thinking about a long weekend, a longer vacation, or a more distant career move. If we could only know what’s coming, we could be better prepared. But Brown seems to suggest that whatever we’re thinking of doing, we should give it our best effort now.

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave . . . Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper (Proverbs 12:24; 13:4).

Stop & Think: January 11, 2023

Struggles

Don’t let struggles break you—let them make you. (Anonymous)

What would life be without its difficulties and trials? We can’t imagine such a life, can we? We all have struggles from time to time, and they can be very discouraging. But as muscles are strengthened by exercise, our spirits can be made stronger by dealing with the difficulties and resolving to first overcome and then become even more valuable to our world.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (Romans 5:3).

Stop & Think: January 10, 2023

Talent

Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability. (Roy L. Smith, author)

The word discipline scares off a lot of people. It often refers to punishment, so we think of how our parents or teachers corrected us. But the word has an earlier sense of instruction and teaching. When we respond to what we have been taught and are disciplined to use that gift, we will develop an ability that will be of significant value to ourselves and others.

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise (Proverbs 19:20).

Stop & Think: January 9, 2023

Integrity

True greatness is not measured by the headlines a person commands or the wealth he or she accumulates. (Billy Graham, late evangelist)

Graham continues, “The . . . undergirding moral and spiritual values and commitments [are] the true measure of lasting greatness” (paraphrased). We tend to idolize athletes and artists whose names are in the headlines. They certainly get our attention! We may never reach stardom for our talent and skill but to be known for integrity and righteous character is far better.

May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope, Lord, is in you (Psalm 25:21). Righteousness guards the person of integrity (Proverbs 13:6).

Stop & Think: January 8, 2023

Suffering or Peace?

Suffering comes to everyone. (Anthony DeStefano, author)

That’s not a very encouraging thought, is it? But DeStefano continues: “No matter how smart you are, no matter how rich you are, there’s just no way to prevent ‘external’ events from interfering with your plans. That’s why you can’t ever allow your peace of mind to depend on external events.” Such peace comes from a settled inner contentment.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

Stop & Think: January 7, 2023

Idols

We Become What We Worship (Book title)

Greg Beale writes: “What people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or restoration.” Most of us would probably resist the thought that we are idolaters. We don’t bow down to stone or wooden statues or make animal sacrifices. Yet, when we consider how much time and effort we spend on possessions, sports, or entertainment, maybe we should give it another thought.

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them (Jonah 2:8).

Stop & Think: January 6, 2023

When Is Enough Enough?

When we have been blessed with more than we need, it’s not our need God is concerned about; it’s the need of someone around us. (Former pastor)

Modern advertising is geared to make the consumer feel that he really doesn’t have enough. He needs the latest smart phone because of its greater power and features. It may be difficult to remain satisfied with what you have, but if God grants you more than enough, thank Him, and find ways to share your excess with those who are less fortunate.

Just as you excel in everything . . . see that you also excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7)

Stop & Think: January 5, 2023

Limits

Walls keep everybody out. Boundaries teach people where the door is (Mark Conner, motivational speaker)

Walls are important defenses that prevent unwanted invasions of your property. Boundaries are important, too, because they help people recognize their limits. Both keep us from being hurt. Walls may have a locked gate, but boundaries willmost likely have a door where friends can come and go freely.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:23).

Stop & Think: January 4, 2023

Money

If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life. (Billy Graham, late evangelist)

Problems about money are among the key reasons for divorce. Disagreements about how to save, invest, or spend money and the failure to budget carefully are issues that can separate otherwise loving people. The Bible suggests the basic problem: “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Love people and use money, not the other way around.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5).

Stop & Think: January 3, 2023

What Now?

Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start. (Nido Quebein, motivational speaker)

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a situation that seems to have no solution. We look at our circumstances and wonder how we got there. Where did we go wrong? What could we have done differently? Quebein helps us take a different perspective on our dilemma. We can’t take a mulligan and start over, but we can begin to make lemonade out of the lemons.

God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). On the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me (Psalm 86:7).