GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: May 11, 2022

Growth

Growth is more important than comfort. (Cassie Rayl, women’s writer)

We do like comfort, don’t we? First class is better than business class which is better than tourist. We’re really happy when we’re upgraded to a more comfortable seat. But while we’re resting in our recliner, wouldn’t it be good for us read a book or watch an enlightening TV program to learn something new? It would be good to want to learn rather than merely to be comfortable.

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger (Proverbs 24:5).

Stop & Think: May 10, 2022

Hard Work

Worthwhile things always happen on the other side of hard. (Monty Williams, basketball coach)

Williams’ comment is just about the opposite of “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” which usually proves false. He suggests that any accomplishment of value lies beyond the stretch of hard work. If we’re not willing to put in the work, we’ll not achieve what we hope for. As in basketball, winning is the result of lots of practice and hard work. Just do it!

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

Stop & Think: May 9, 2022

Kindness

Kindness is thrown away upon the evil. (Aesop’s Fables)

Really? That’s certainly a human sentiment. We never just want to get even; we always want to get back in a much stronger way. The Old Testament principle of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” isn’t enough for us. But Jesus taught something far different, didn’t he? “Turn the other cheek”; “go the second mile.” We must show kindness to others (Romans 12:8).

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you (Proverbs 5:21-22).

Stop & Think: May 8, 2022

Mother’s Day

Motherhood: all love begins and ends there. (Robert Browning, 19th century English poet)

Across the ages, millions of sons and daughters have found Browning’s observation to be true. Mother’s love has often helped us make right choices and kept us from going astray. People who have not had a loving mother have suffered a great loss, to be sure. But there is an even greater love—the love of God for his created people. It’s that love that really prompts greater love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39).

Stop & Think: May 7, 2022

Get going!

Every journey begins with a single step. (Maya Angelou, late American poet)

This adage has been expressed in a variety of ways over many years. Why is it that we so easily overlook this simple principle? We find it so easy to delay starting a project—especially if it appears to be difficult or time-consuming. Most of us have discovered, however, that after beginning to move forward, there is a great sense of relief, and we can continue more easily.

The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 33:1).

Stop & Think: May 6, 2022

Warnings

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. (Benjamin Franklin, a USA founding father)

This well-known proverb has been proved a thousand times—and probably often in your own experience. Ignoring the “check engine” light on your dashboard can be dangerous. It may only show that you need a quart of oil or to add some air in your tires. Failure to heed the warning, however, may lead to much more expensive repair than a quart of oil. Check it out.

The laws of the Lord are true . . . They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them (Psalm 19:9-11).

Stop & Think: May 5, 2022

Overcoming Fear

One of the greatest discoveries a man makes . . . is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do? (Henry Ford, early auto manufacturer)

We hesitate to try something new or to take a different road for fear we’ll make a mistake or it’s the wrong road. When we do venture out and find out we really have done something helpful, we feel a great relief. It’s the experience Ford talks about as a “great discovery.” Let’s not let a bit of concern keep us from moving forward toward a determined goal.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

Stop & Think: May 4, 2022

Head and Heart

The heart never takes the place of the head; but it can, and should, obey it. (C. S. Lewis, late British scholar)

Hallmark and other TV networks often play romantic films that some call “chick flicks.” (Although men are known to watch them, too.) The episodes almost always conclude with a conflict between real life and romance. The common advice is “follow your heart.” We would do well to consider Lewis’ counsel, however. Heart and mind need to be in balance with reality.

[God’s] peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Stop & Think: May 3, 2022

Defeat?

What we do when defeat stares us in the face is the real touchstone of character. (Orison Swett Marden, 19th-20th century inspirational author)

At one time or another, we have all faced the specter of defeat. It’s like we’re seeing a ghost that is promising failure. Where do you turn at a time like that? Will a tarot card reader, your horoscope, or a seer be able to help you face reality and take the next step? It’s really helpful to use the resources of family, friends, or counselors. More importantly, divine help is available.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need (Proverbs 17:17). Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever (Psalm 125:1).

Stop & Think: May 2, 2022

Mistakes

He who never made a mistake never made a discovery. (Samuel Smiles, 19th-century Scottish author)

Mistakes just come with being a human. We’d like to be perfect, and we regret our mistakes, but they happen. That’s why there are erasers on pencils and spell-checks in our word processors. It might be interesting to study inventions and improvements that have been initiated by a mistake in an earnest attempt to achieve some good. When you blunder, get up and keep working.

Indeed, we all make many mistakes (James 3:2). The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again (Proverbs 24:16).

Stop & Think: May 1, 2022

The Spark

Would you prefer to live your life on the sharp, cutting edge of reality rather than to dream on the soft, phony mattress of fantasy? (Paraphrase of Chuck Swindoll, author)

Many folks dream of retirement, thinking it will be relaxing, stressless, and peaceful. That may or may not be true, but Swindoll says living on the sharp edge is the spark that prompts the engine to keep running. Being upfront where the action is seems to offer greater opportunities for advancement and might change our expectations for what may be next.

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:7). So prepare your minds for action (1 Peter 1:13).

Stop & Think: April 30, 2022

Commitment

Stay committed to your decisions but stay flexible in your approach. (Tony Robbins, American coach and philanthropist)

Some people seem to have difficulty making decisions and sticking with them. They sometimes vacillate between following through or changing their minds. Those often are tough choices, and Robbins gives good advice. When following through on a decision is tough, don’t give up; try to find another way to address the problem that will enable you to stay true to your word.

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?  Who may live on your holy mountain? . . . [the one] who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind. (Psalm 15: 1, 4)