GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: May 12, 2025

An Example

Make your life an illustration, not an argument. (Chris Tiegreen, devotional author)

Some of us like to have a good argument. The more sensitive the issue, the louder our retorts. If that’s the way we are, we may discover that our friends are beginning to leave us out of the conversation. It would be much better if we were less argumentative and more of an example of what a positive person of hope and peace could be.

Be an example . . . by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect [your] integrity and seriousness. (paraphrase of Titus 2:7)

Stop & Think: May 11, 2025

Mother’s Day

Everybody wants to save the earth; nobody wants to help Mom do the dishes. (P J. O’Rourke, writer)

In this day of modernization, very few are “doing” dishes anymore. We just put them in the dishwasher; anybody can do it. In the “old days” a son or daughter washed and the other dried, which was a big help to an already busy mother. In addition to a nice card and flowers this year, why not find something to do that would make Mom’s day (and week) easier?

So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. (Proverbs 23:25)

Stop & Think: May 10, 2025

Logic

A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become legal because it’s accepted by the majority. (Booker T. Washington, 19th-20th century American educator)

Common Sense is a phrase we hear a lot today. It seems that in the complicated life of the 21st century, everything is just too involved and twisted to make sense of it all. Confusing terminology and contrived jargon are just too difficult to translate into simple meaning. Stick to principles and simple communication skills to avoid confusion and to maintain reason.

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them. (Proverbs 3:21)

Stop & Think: May 9, 2025

Positive or Negative?

We can complain that rose brushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. (Abraham Lincoln)

It’s curious, isn’t it, how people see life differently? Pessimist or optimist? Happy-go-lucky or melancholy? Is our tendency to be one or the other innate or learned? Whatever the case, we can certainly improve our outlook by associating with happy, positive-minded people and intentionally looking for the bright side.

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

Stop & Think: May 8, 2025

Faith

Faith is like a muscle; it must be exercised to get stronger. (Billy Graham, late evangelist)

When it comes to physical strength, “no pain, no gain” is the mantra that encourages us to maintain an exercise schedule, accepting the momentary pain for the long-term benefit of the workout. In contrast, pain isn’t the result of exercising faith in the promises of God. Instead, there is spiritual growth and a joy that overflows to the benefit of those around you.

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

Stop & Think: May 7, 2025

Force

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. (Albert Einstein, noted scientist)

Einstein recognized that not much of value is accomplished by force alone. Late columnist Charles Lauer put it this way: “Leaders don’t force people to follow, they invite them on a journey.” And Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Thinking of force in those ways would make 21st century life much better.

When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. (Proverbs 16:7)

Stop & Think: May 6, 2025

Aromas

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go. (Oscar Wilde, 19th-20th century Irish playwright)

Wilde’s observation is just too true, isn’t it? We like to be around people who light up the room when they enter. They bring an uplifting spirit, and they spread joy when we meet them. Conversely, we can’t wait to leave the room when someone’s spreading nothing but gloom and doom. The question is, are others happy to see us go?

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 14:13)
For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

Stop & Think: May 5, 2025

Success

Success is not a comfortable procedure. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. (Steve Harvey, television host)

Like many other public figures, Harvey was not always successful in the various acting and job opportunities he had. His observation may sound confusing, but it might be helpful as we face successes and failures along our career path. Success rarely comes easily, so in spite of being uncertain and uncomfortable, be “comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. (Joshua 1:7)

Stop & Think: May 4, 2025

Enough

Earth provides enough for every man’s needs but not for every man’s greed. (Mohandas Gandhi, 19th-20th century Indian nationalist)

God created this world so that by careful use it could provide for what would become many multitudes of people—and animals, as well. And, in spite of less than careful environmental use over the centuries, there still is plenty for everyone. Of course, for some people there’s never enough of what they want. The challenge is learning to be content with less.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth . . . So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:6, 8)

Stop & Think: May 3, 2025

Worry

Worrying works. Look at all the things I’ve worried about that never happened. (author Elaine Benton quoting her mother)

With all the advice offered about worrying and its waste of time and effort, this comment is refreshing if not helpful. But isn’t that often our ready response when we are advised to stop worrying? In times of concern, however, it would be far better to seek help among our friends, which may be the beginning of our ability to overcome worry.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up . . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 12:25; 27:9)

Stop & Think: May 2, 2025

Light

Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful. (Jim Carrey, actor and author)

We are enjoying May flowers that April showers have brought into our gardens. We have planted seeds or bulbs, and they have sprung from the rich soil and have turned to the sun that contributes to their growth and beauty. In the last century, philosopher Kahlid Gibran challenged us to, “Be like a flower and turn your face to the sun.” Be positive and beautiful.

God is light . . .  (1 John 1:5)
Blessed are those who . . . walk in the light of your presence, Lord. (Psalm 89:15)

Stop & Think: May 1, 2025

May Day

The beautiful spring came; and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also. (Harriet Ann Jacobs, 19th century freed slave and author)

We who live in areas where the four seasons are clearly distinct, eagerly welcome spring every year. But something even more reviving to our spirits than spring are the events of the first Easter that we celebrated just a few days ago. What God offers is not seasonal but everlasting life, in response to faith.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)