GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

Stop & Think: April 29, 2022

Humility

The first test of a truly great man is in his humility. (John Ruskin, 19th century English writer)

The winning team’s star . . . the Oscar-winning actor . . . the author of a highly acclaimed book   . . . each is interviewed after receiving his or her award. How they respond to the questions they’re asked will reveal a lot more about them than the exploits they are being honored for. It’s in those moments that we discover their character and integrity.

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. (Proverbs 22:4)

Stop & Think: April 28, 2022

Hard Work

If you want to do memorable things, you must put forth incredible effort. (Roger Grossman, sportswriter)

Grossman has watched and written about some amazing athletes and their accomplishments. And he recognizes that the achievements on the gridiron, the court, or the pitch are less the result of natural ability and more the product of diligent hard work. Teamwork, coaching, experience are all important but it’s the “incredible effort” of training that creates the memorable moments.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Stop & Think: April 27, 2022

Love

We have so mixed love with beauty and charm and sensuality and contact that we’ve robbed it of its higher call of cherishing and nurturing. (From a late apologist)

Every period of life has had its famous love stories. They reflect the values of their particular era. Today’s movies, TV shows, and paperback novels have made the word love something far less than it could be. Romance is legitimate, of course, but what is missing so often in the passion of the moment is enduring commitment to what is lasting and best for both parties in the future.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Stop & Think: April 26, 2022

Friendship

Friendship . . . is born at the moment when one man says to another, “What! You, too? I thought no one but myself . . . (C. S. Lewis, British writer)

Many of us have had an experience like Lewis’. What a joy it is to make new friends, people whom we had never met before, and who have had experiences or thoughts like ours. Who would have thought that, having been separated by time and distance, we would meet and make such strong friends? So, try to meet new people, perhaps establishing a long-term bond.

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. (Proverbs 11:30)

Stop & Think: April 25, 2022

Peace

Peace is the ability to wait patiently in spite of panic brought on by uncertainty. (Chuck Swindoll, pastor, author)

In a time of war and distress we think of peace as the lack of war and strife. In personal disputes it may simply be a respite between quarrels. Swindoll suggests a new dimension. We’ve all had times of apprehension as we awaited the unknown. For most of us, to have peace of mind in times like that is very difficult. But the Bible offers a solution.

Jesus: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)

Stop & Think: April 24, 2022

Aging

Age is just a number. (Joan Collins, English actress)

Many have added a joke line, “Yes, and mine is unlimited.” Maybe that’s just an attempt to escape the reality of getting older. The late self-help author, Napoleon Hill, commenting on age, said, “Our only limitations are the ones we set up in our own minds,” We can’t know the limit of our time, but we can be very careful to make good use of it for the benefit of others.

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. (Psalm 71:18)