GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 29, 2023

Focus

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. (Max Lucado, author)

It may seem just too obvious, but there is a good lesson to learn. The conductor isn’t concerned about the audience. He’s concentrating on the music and the orchestra. What he wants is the highest quality performance possible—in tune, with proper tempo and excellent precision. The lesson: focus on the performance without concern about who is watching.

Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4b) 

Stop & Think: September 28, 2023

“Why” in Leadership

The only leadership question that unites people is “Why?” (Carey Nieuwhof, best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster.)

He continues, “When you cast vision, focus twice as much on why you do what you do rather than what and how. Why unites, while what and how divide.” A really challenging thought. If you can unite your followers and co-workers on the “why” of your project, you may find it easier to explain the “what” and “how.” A united workforce is essential to accomplish worthy projects.

Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose (Philippians 2:2).

Stop & Think: September 27, 2023

Opinion

Without God there are no moral facts. In a secular world, there can only be opinions about morality. (Dennis Prager, radio talk show host)

Pastor Kip Cone expressed the same sentiment: “Apart from the existence of God as a moral law giver, there simply is no objective morality. Instead, there are just moral opinions.“ This double reminder ought to help any sincere thinking person to evaluate more carefully the opinions he shares and those he hears. Anchor your thoughts in revealed truth.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

Stop & Think: September 26, 2023

Balance

Wisdom is the fruit of a balanced development. It is this balanced growth of individuality which it should be the aim of education to secure. (Alfred North Whitehead, 19th-20th century English mathematician)

Education is one of those highly explosive topics for discussion today. Federal and state agencies are wrestling with the issue, and it seems Whitehead’s counsel would be helpful to follow. Balance is often hard to achieve in any endeavor. (Just ask a high balance beam gymnast.) It may be even more difficult to achieve in life unless we look at all sides of the issues.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding . . .. He sets the standards for fairness (Proverbs 2:6; 16:11b)

Stop & Think: September 25, 2023

Imagination

Nothing is more free than the imagination of man. (Hume, 18th-century Scottish essayist)

Out of free thinking have come imaginative thoughts that have created much of what we experience today. However, it’s not all good. What God saw among his creation early on was that “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). We see evidence of such thinking today, too. So, it’s critical to judge well and follow worthy ideas.

Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 paraphrase).

Stop & Think: September 24, 2023

Friends

Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods. (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)

The thought is a bit extreme, but current reports on suicides and attempted suicides are alarming. We hear of people who have a lot of this worlds goods and have achieved a degree of success and fame, yet take their lives. Apparently, having “all other goods” doesn’t bring satisfaction. Loneliness itself may be fatal. We must look not only to have friends but to make friends.

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

Stop & Think: September 23, 2023

Rest

We work, we play…we work, we play- but our spirits are neglected in the cycle. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British politician and philanthropist)

Sports are all-pervasive in today’s society. Kids are encouraged to participate in baseball, soccer, gymnastics virtually year-round. TV and newsprint are filled with advertisements for sports equipment and physical training. Workers are looking for retirement to play golf or pickle ball. Where is the time for needed rest and relaxation to benefit the soul? Don’t neglect it!

Jesus: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest . . .. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29) 

Stop & Think: September 22, 2023

Influence

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. (Helen Keller, late author and speaker)

Who would have thought that a girl with Keller’s physical disabilities could become such a great encourager and person of influence? The great miracles of life are not always the phenomena of healings or restorations. They often are the results of personal influence in spite of, or maybe because of handicaps. What a privilege to share our life-lessons with those who need them.

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor (Psalm 112:9).

Stop & Think: September 21, 2023

Integrity

Often, if there is no risk of loss or painful consequences, one will never know if one has integrity. (Sam Storms, teacher and author)

Storms continues: “One will never know if what motivates you is moral conviction or moral convenience until you are forced to suffer loss for standing your ground or keeping your word.” We might wish it were otherwise—that people could just see our integrity without losses or difficulties to test us. So, be sure your strong character is seen when hard times come.

The LORD tested Israel as he led them through the wilderness . . . testing them to prove their character (Deuteronomy 8:2 paraphrased).  Endurance develops strength of character (Romans 5:4).

Stop & Think: September 20, 2023

Purpose

Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. (John A. Shedd, American author and businessman)

Safety is an important factor in any venture, but it cannot be the only consideration. Shedd’s observation suggests that although it may be tempting to stay in one’s comfort zone, true success lies in taking risks and venturing outside of it. To keep a ship in harbor that has been built to withstand sea travel and equipped to carry valuable cargo would be a terrible waste.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes (Proverbs 16:4). This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes (Romans 9:11).

Stop & Think: September 19, 2023

What the World Needs

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive because the world needs people who have come alive. (Howard Thurman, 20th-century author)

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” was a popular song a few years ago, and it’s sentiment is still true, no doubt. But Thurman’s suggestion is a great challenge. If, indeed, each of us would focus on what excites us most and find ways to use that enthusiasm to benefit others in our community, there’s no telling what good we could accomplish.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Ephesians 6:7). 

Stop & Think: September 18, 2023

Learning

The smartest people are those who know what they don’t know. (Keith Minier, minister)

Just imagine what it would be like today if Thomas Edison had rested on his early discoveries, feeling he already knew all that he needed to know. Probably no one in his right mind ever thinks he knows it all. And those who act like they do are usually unpopular and, probably, not very productive. Keep learning, growing, and contributing.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance . . .Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9)