GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 21, 2022

Thoughtful Giving

Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. (Ruth Carter Stapleton, 20th century American writer)

As we plan our Christmas giving, we should remember Stapleton’s observation. It isn’t the cost of the gift that is most important. Giving that’s wrapped in love will be appreciated and lasting. And, whatever the specific gift, its greatest value is in the expression of affection that accompanies it.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (John 3:16).

Stop & Think: December 20, 2022

Only Five More Days

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. (W.T. Ellis, 19th century U.S. congressman)

We’ve been hearing the popular seasonal tune, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas for weeks now. And we do “feel” it, don’t we? But as Ellis says, the real spirit of Christmas is not in the music or the activity but in the heart. And that’s true only when we truly understand the day’s meaning, the coming of God in human flesh to be with us.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23).

Stop & Think: December 19, 2022

Living Life

Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. (John Lennon, late singer, songwriter)

Some of us long so much for the “good ole days” that we’re hardly aware of what’s happening right now. Others are making detailed plans for the future—our work, our vacations, our retirement—for years ahead. Don’t let life with its great opportunities for service and growth, pass you by. Wake up! Look around! Seize the day!

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever (Psalm 16:11).

Stop & Think: December 18, 2022

One Week to Christmas

At Christmas all roads lead home. (Marjorie Holmes, 20th century American columnist)

I’ll Be Home for Christmas is one of our most beloved Christmas songs. The very sentimental lyrics bring tears to our eyes, as we realize that the singer is going to be home only in his dreams. It’s the memories of past holidays that add to our anticipation of this special day. And it’s a reminder of the one who left his home to bring joy and peace to earth.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17).

Stop & Think: December 17, 2022

Failure

There is no failure except in not trying. (Elbert Hubbard, 19th-20th century American writer)

Hubbard also wrote: “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” An anonymous author offered this provocative question: “Remember the person who gave up? Neither does anyone else.” Fear of failure has kept many of us from venturing far from what we think we can do successfully. But not trying is failure enough. So, just do it!

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God (Hebrews 12:15)

Stop & Think: December 16, 2022

Advancing Years

A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. (Abraham J. Heschel, 20th century rabbi)

With newer medications and improved health care, people are living longer, so Heschel’s comment is appropriate. He continues: “It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture.”

Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age (Job 32:7). Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life (Proverbs 16:31).

Stop & Think: December 15, 2022

Decisions

Each day, you have three choices: go backward, stay the same or go forward. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

We may not often stop to think about it, but it’s true that our choices often determine failure or success—or maybe it’s just a stalemate. Suitt advises: “Go forward. It’s not easy but going forward is the best choice.” When the choices are difficult, take time to study the options, seek good counsel, and move forward with confidence.

Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose (Psalm 25:2)

Stop & Think: December 14, 2022

Volunteering

There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer. Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, famed World Ward II pilot)

Four months after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor in Dec. 1941, Doolittle, the first Air Force general, led a courageous bombing raid on Japan. It seemed to be pretty much Doolittle’s idea against the wishes of high command. So, his comment about volunteers is a powerful incentive for all of us to accept opportunities to offer our services for the benefit of others.

. . . faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy (Philippians 2:17).

Stop & Think: December 13, 2022

Change

Change will never be easy, but it is an unchangeable fact of life. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Change is inevitable, and that’s usually a good thing. We move from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade, and we certainly have seen lots of changes over that time. Author Wayne Dyer’s words might make it easier for you, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Anticipate change and work to make it beneficial.

Now I am glad I sent [my letter], not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways (2 Corinthians 7:9a).

Stop & Think: December 12, 2022

Artistry

Every artist was first an amateur. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist)

Except for the rare child prodigy, no one becomes a concert pianist without long years of learning and practice. The quality of some world-renowned artists’ work was not recognized until after their death. They may have painted for many years before being accomplished enough to earn a living. Success in any endeavor requires practice, determination, and time.

Jesus: “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:18).

Stop & Think: December 11, 2022

Christmas Giving

Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting. (Brian Tracy, Canadian American motivational speaker)

Perhaps you’ve been going through the list of Christmas cards you received last year, wanting to be sure you don’t forget anyone when you send cards this year. Or maybe you are noticing those who didn’t send greetings and considering dropping them from your list. Tracy’s thought shakes us up a bit. Why are we giving? To get? This year let’s be different; remember what Jesus said.

Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35).

Stop & Think: December 10, 2022

Success

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. (Albert Einstein, late theoretical physicist)

People seem to be born with drive to be successful. As we grow into our teen years, it might be in sports, drama, or music that we dream of being the star. Einstein helps us realize that we may have the wrong definition of success. All members of a team are of value when they do their part well. That’s how we demonstrate our value.

But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value (1 Corinthians 3:13).