GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 21, 2022

Procrastination #1

The longer you wait to do something you should do now, the greater the odds that you will never actually do it. (John C. Maxwell, leadership author and speaker)

The big word for this habit is procrastination, which as Charles Dickens said “. . . is the thief of time.” It seems to be a widespread human trait to want to wait until tomorrow to do something we dislike or are afraid to attempt. But Maxwell reminds us of the greater tragedy in waiting: we probably won’t get around to do it tomorrow or even the next day.

Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do (Proverbs 6:4)

Stop & Think: October 20, 2022

Generosity

You don’t have to be rich to be generous . . . (Original source unknown)

A church in Kentucky, continued the quote: “. . . as generosity is not about the size of the gift but the condition of the heart.” Eastern Kentucky was hit with the “flood of the century” in July, and numerous non-profit groups and individuals began to help to restore devastated communities. Many of the generous donors were not wealthy, but their caring heart prompted generous giving.

Since you excel in so many ways . . . I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).

Stop & Think: October 19, 2022

Friends

In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)

He continues: “The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.” Do you remember how important your childhood friends were? Later, we valued friends who helped us in the years of career and family. Now, what a delight to have our friends’ aid and companionship as we age.

The godly give good advice to their friends . . . A real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 12:26; 18:24)

Stop & Think: October 18, 2022

Wisdom

Walk with the wise and become wise. (The Bible)

Someone wrote, “Do you want to be wise? Choose wise friends.” “Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company” (Booker T. Washington). Another: “You become like the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose carefully. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge properly. Seek it and practice it always.

Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble (Proverbs 13:20, Everyday Reading Bible).

Stop & Think: October 17, 2022

Doing and Being

Doing is usually connected with . . .  how we make a living. (Source unknown)

When we meet someone, we often ask, “What do you do?” We’re interested in their vocation or career. But, what is more important, of course, is how a person lives. The unknown source of today’s quote completed the thought this way: “Being is much deeper [than doing]. It relates to character, who we are, and how we make a life.” Live above reproach with scrupulous integrity.

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there (1 Chronicles 29:17).

Stop & Think: October 16, 2022

The Future

Those men and women who refuse to get bogged down in and anchored to the past are those who pursue the objectives of the future. (Source unknown)

Palestinian President Abbas put it this way: “We cannot erase the past, but it is within our power to change the future.” Obviously, we must not ignore the past. Much of what has happened in our history is foundational to what we have today and what we hope to accomplish tomorrow. So, we must concentrate on what we can do with what we have to move forward and achieve our goals.

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God . . . is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14).

Stop & Think: October 15, 2022

Body and Soul

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. (Jim Rohn, entrepreneur and motivation speaker)

Rohn’s comment may seem too simple and obvious, but the reminder could be helpful to busy 21st century people. We may spend hundreds of thousands on luxurious houses and do everything possible to maintain good health but fail to make provision for an eternal home. Your body will die one day, but your soul will live eternally. Check the health of your soul and spirit.

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls (1 Peter 2:11).

Stop & Think: October 14, 2022

Risks

Decide whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying. (Amelia Earhart, late aviation pioneer)

Earhart disappeared on a flight she had prepared for, evidently feeling that the risks were worth taking. We should considered her advice for whatever project we may be pursuing. Life is full of risks, but nothing of value is accomplished by refusing to face them. Whether in business, lifestyle choices, or daily routines, consider possible hazards; make wise choices, and move on.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions (Proverbs 22:3).

Stop & Think: October 13, 2022

Hard Work

Work hard at work worth doing! (Leslie Knope, TV fictional character)

The TV script makes a statement worth considering. On Labor Day we honor those who toil in the everyday work world to supply the goods and services that we need. But some people work hard at tasks that really don’t produce much of value whether in tangible products or helps. To have a sense of fulfillment and purpose, choose to work at tasks that provide value and benefit.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).

Stop & Think: October 12, 2022

Life’s Sorrows

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones . . . (Victor Hugo, 19th century French writer)

Hugo continued: “. . . and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.” Those “small” sorrows are sometimes the most difficult to handle. As the saying goes, we often “make mountains out of molehills.” We need courage and patience, not only for the big troubles but for the smaller ones, too.

Jesus: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Stop & Think: October 11, 2022

Talent

Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. (Henry Van Dyke, 19th-20th century American educator)

A music director told one of his choir members, “If I had to lose one member of the choir, it would be you.” It was understood to be said in jest, the point being that even the least talented member is essential to the performance of the group. Don’t hide your talent simply because you’re not the most gifted. You are important; work to improve, but don’t stop singing.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10).

Stop & Think: October 10, 2022

Gratitude

It’s not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy. (David Steindl-Rast, author and lecturer)

Apparently, a lot of people have not made the connection that Steindl-Rast speaks of. Everybody wants to be happy, and hosts of people are seeking joy and contentment in all kinds of places and associations. Discontent and dissatisfaction seem to go with always wanting more. Thankfulness for what you have and gratitude to those who provide it will help bring joy and pleasure.

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks (1 Timothy 4:4).