GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: February 18, 2024

Change

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. (Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple)

That may be hyperbole, but the thought is challenging. In an election year we hear politicians who are just “crazy enough” to think that, if elected, they will be able to institute change that will solve the problems we’re facing. The point is, unless we’re willing to step out of our comfort zone and take some risks, we’re probably not going to effect any worthwhile change.

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth (2 Timothy 2:25).

Stop & Think: February 17, 2024

Friendship #2

Misfortune shows those who are not really friends. (Aristotle)

This wisdom from antiquity is matched from a more modern source. Late actress Marlene Dietrich said, “It’s the friends you can call up at 4am that matter.” You don’t feel right about calling anyone but a close friend to come to your aid at a difficult hour or in a really tough situation. How comforting to have someone you can trust implicitly when you need help.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. . . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9).

Stop & Think: February 16, 2024

Friendship

You only meet your once in a lifetime friend… once in a lifetime. (From the Little Rascals cartoon)

The little rascals, like a lot of other childhood gangs (in the good sense) probably thought their friendships would last forever. Perhaps, some of them did continue into their adult years. But, in reality, very few have experienced more than one or two friendships that lasted into adulthood. Such relationships are to be treasured because the mutual benefit of having friends is priceless.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Stop & Think: February 15, 2024

Parenting

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you. (H. Jackson Brown, late inspirational author)

One could wish that more parents would take Brown’s advice. With the breakdown of the home in recent years—especially the increase in fatherless homes, we should not be surprised with the tragic results. For all parents—single or partnered—what a worthy challenge. It’s a goal to be achieved by standing on righteous principles and exercising biblical love in the home.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Stop & Think: February 14, 2024

Love

Love without sacrifice is mere sentimentality. (Timothy Keller, late author and pastor)

A lot of songs and poems are about love, but a quick look reveals that most of them are mere expressions of sentiment—feelings. Genuine love, however most often costs something, even sacrifice. The New Testament writer, Paul describes such sacrifice as “meaningless if made without love for others,” the kind of love that may indeed cost a great deal.

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Stop & Think: February 13, 2024

Goals or Habits?

We should stop setting goals and start making habits. (James Clear, author of Atomic Habits)

Did you make New Year’s resolutions a month ago? How are you doing? Clear continues his helpful thought: “A goal gives you no actionable steps and, ultimately, no result. For example, commit to walking 15 minutes every weekday instead of setting a goal to lose 15 pounds. The habit is the actionable step that will result in making you healthier.”

Take care you don’t stray from the straight path, the way of truth,  and you will safely reach the end of your road (Proverbs 4:26).

Stop & Think: February 12, 2024

Is It Worth It?

Anytime you say, It’s not worth it, make sure it’s worth saying. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Sometimes we are just exasperated when things aren’t working out for us. We may be working on a simple project, and everything we try fails. We decide it just isn’t worth the effort. Forget it! I’ll try something else. Brown cautions us to think about that carefully. Is it really true that you should just scrap the project? If it might have real value, keep working at it with renewed vigor.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:4).

Stop & Think: February 11, 2024

A New Path

Never take a step forward that is on the same path you’ve been lost on. (Payton Christian, horse rescuer)

It’s strange, isn’t it, that such advice is needed? How many times have we all continued on the same path that has taken us nowhere, yet we kept trying? Christian’s advice is clear: “Instantly find a new path.” Good advice, but sometimes we just can’t get out of the rut of our own making. Maybe we need the help of a friend or counselor to keep us motivated to change.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. . . The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe (Proverbs 3:6; 16:17).

Stop & Think: February 10, 2024

Tolerance

Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions. (G. K. Chesterton, 18th-19th century British apologist)

Chesterton’s comment looks at tolerance from a very restricted viewpoint. Allowing commentators with views different from us for the purpose of discussion and learning is a virtue. However, G. K.’s comment is accurate when you won’t allow others to be heard because of their ethnic background, sexual orientation, or political views, as is too often the case today.

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm. . . . (1 Corinthians 16:13). Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong (Ephesians 6:11).

Stop & Think: February 9, 2024

Improved Teaching

Variety keeps the teaching moving and aids the learning process. (Bruce Triplehorn, cross-cultural teacher)

Triplehorn’s observation fits well with teaching within one’s own culture, as well. He suggests using . “. . stories, gestures, role playing, and objects to illustrate . . . truth.”  Such techniques will overcome boredom (often a problem with lectures) and may stimulate creative thought. We can all profit from a variety of learning methods to improve understanding.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching (1 Timothy 4:16).

Stop & Think: February 8, 2024

Healthy Experience

Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life. (Robin Sharma, Canadian writer)

When the prospective employer followed up on the statement, “I’ve had 25 years’ experience at my previous job,” his former employer noted, “Really, he had just one year’s experience 25 times.” It’s possible, isn’t it, to repeatedly perform or have an experience many times without really learning anything new? Make it your goal to experience many new things every year.

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. … Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life. … Godly people find life (Proverbs 9:11; 10:27; 11:19).  

Stop & Think: February 7, 2024

Discipline

Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. (Abraham Lincoln)

We may rightly complain about the lack of discipline in schools, the workplace, and even in our homes. But self-discipline is probably the area most in need of our attention. As Lincoln suggests, we usually succumb to the desire to have what we want and to have it RIGHT NOW. What we too  often neglect to do is consider the wisdom of waiting.

We are waiting for the hope of being made right with God (Galatians 5:5a).