GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: August 5, 2023

Judging

Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are. (Kirk Clulee, author)

We seem to have an innate need to judge other people. Sports fans judge the umpires and referees. Voters judge their political rivals, and TV viewers often think they have a better idea. As Clulee says, however, a critical attitude says more about the critics themselves. Too often it’s a matter of pride and a sense of superiority that reflects poorly on the “judge.”

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged (Matthew 7:2).

Stop & Think: August 4, 2023

Stand for What’s Right

It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends. (J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series)

We admire those defenders who serve in harm’s way to protect our nation, often facing danger or death. With courage in spite of fear, they stand. Could it be harder to confront a friend when you see them doing wrong? Are we tempted to give in rather than risk a friendship? That’s when we need courage to speak truth.

The godly give good advice to their friends . . . Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 12:26; 27:6)

Stop & Think: August 3, 2023

Good or Bad?

Everything is as good or as bad as our opinion makes it. (C. S. Lewis, late British apologist)

Lewis has certainly described modern society correctly. Personal opinion rules, it seems. There is little belief in absolute truth. It reminds us of an Old Testament observation that could describe today as well: “All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Life is much better when the community of people look outside themselves for truth.

God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Stop & Think: August 2, 2023

More

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not. (Epicurus, ancient Greek philosopher)

He continued, “Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” We seem to have an insatiable desire to have more—more of whatever it is we hope for. More rarely satisfies because when we have it, we’ll want even more. Gratitude for possessing what we once only hoped for will help us learn to be content with all that we have now.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth (1 Timothy 6:6). I have learned how to be content with whatever I have (Philippians 4:11).

Stop & Think: August 1, 2023

Wonder

As knowledge increases, wonder deepens. (Charles Morgan, 10th century American railroad magnate)

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. the skies display his craftsmanship” (Psalm 19:1). Observing the skies, especially through today’s telescopes, should create a worshipful sense of amazement. Its beauty, arrangement, and precision are beyond human explanation. The more we learn about it all, the more we must admire its creator.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth (Isaiah 40:28).

Stop & Think: July 31, 2023

Imago Deo

You are valuable just because you exist. (Max Lucado, American minister and author)

Lucado continues, “Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are.” Though we may place differing levels of value on people because of their achievements (Olympic medal winners, a 4.0 GPA graduate, or a wealthy business tycoon), everyone else has value simply because God created them in his image; That makes us all of equal value.

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27). 

Stop & Think: July 30, 2023

Bridges

Bridges exist to get us to the other side, not to provide a place to pitch our tents. (Tom Julien, late missionary statesman)

Bridges are examples of amazing architecture and imaginative design. As remarkable as they are, however, we realize that beauty is only a side benefit. Their purpose is to move people across a dividing chasm between destinations. Bridges are a great analogy of personal relationships. We don’t just admire ways to meet people, we cross over to create relationships for mutual benefit.

I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Stop & Think: July 29, 2023

Priorities

When your priorities are confused, don’t be surprised if you are, too! (Source unknown)

That is a contrast to what life coach Martina Faulkner writes: “What we do is a direct expression of what we prioritize.” The distinction is obvious between those who seem to know exactly how to move forward with their plans and others who seem unable to decide on the next steps. We must begin by establishing with certainty the priorities by which we will make choices and plans.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this:  . . .  ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Stop & Think: June 28, 2023

Life Today

It’s no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society” (Jidda Krishnamurti, 20th century philosopher from India)

Whether God-fearing or a skeptic, most people recognize that our world is changing rapidly. In spite of today’s scientific and technological advances, the basics of morality and civility seem to have been lost. Some find it difficult to handle these changes, but those who see life through eyes of integrity may be the healthiest people around.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times (2 Timothy 3:1).

Stop & Think: July 27, 2023

Judge Not

Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are. (Kirk Clulee, author)

Some of us seem to believe it’s our responsibility to correct the errors or mistakes we see in others. Whether it’s their speech, writing, dress, or action, we’re ready (even though we’ve not been asked) to show them where they’re wrong. Rarely is such an approach appreciated. But what’s worse, it’s a dangerous practice that will often bounce back on the self-appointed judge.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you Luke 6:37).

Stop & Think: July 26, 2023

Pride

Pride is the worst viper in the heart. It is the first sin that ever entered into the universe. (Jonathan Edwards, 18th century revivalist preacher)

Edwards continues, “It lies lowest of all in the foundation of the whole building of sin . . . Nothing is so hateful to God, contrary to the spirit of the Gospel, or of so dangerous consequence.” A spirit of arrogance will certainly distance the proud from longed-for friends.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). 

Stop & Think: July 25, 2023

Procrastination

The longer you wait to do something you should do now, the greater the odds that you will never actually do it. (John Maxwell, leadership author and speaker)

Many have expressed the same idea in different words. Maxwell calls it “The law of diminishing intent.” Others might speak of it simply as procrastination: “Don’t do today what you can put off till tomorrow.” Or “mañana.” Many of us have sadly learned a hard lesson when we have put off something important. Determine now to set your priorities and do first things first.

When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him (Ecclesiastes 5:4).