GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 13, 2023

Remembering

Those who receive with most pains and difficulty, remember best. (Plutarch, ancient Greek philosopher)

He continued: “Every new thing they learn, being, as it were, burnt and branded in on their minds.” It’s not an idea we really want to think about a lot. Nobody wants to experience pain and suffering, but we realize that it’s those events we don’t forget.  If we can capitalize on the lessons learned through those incidents, we will grow and improve.

I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. (Lamentations 3:20-22).

Stop & Think: September 12, 2023

A Hard Life

When I hear somebody sigh, “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?” (Sydney J. Harris, 20th-century American journalist)

At times we probably all think that life is hard. Problems on the job, serious health concerns, financial woes, and much more. All can make life very difficult. We must take them seriously, of course, and work hard to alleviate the difficult issues. But if we have a job, follow good medical counsel, make sound financial plans, we can overcome the hard times and be at peace.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (Romans 5:3).

Stop & Think: September 11, 2023

Your Legacy

When you hope to be remembered, please note: you may not be remembered for what you hoped. (Author unknown)

Many people will likely have their “15 minutes of fame.” While some would shy away from any publicity; others would like to be remembered. The question is: remembered for what? Actress Carrie Hamilton put it this way: “Our legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give, altering someone’s plan, if even for a moment, and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.”

How joyful are those who fear the Lord . . .. They share freely and give generously to those in need.  Their good deeds will be remembered forever. (Psalm 112:1, 9) 

Stop & Think: September 10, 2023

Friends

The love of my life is the love between friends. (Source Unknown)

There are many ways to describe love and to express this strong emotion. Romantic love often leads to a lifetime commitment of marriage, and many would testify that their spouse is not only the love of their life but their very best friend. Others realize that there is a bond between close friends that is an unusually strong support in life’s trials and difficulties. Friends are invaluable.

A friend is always loyal . . .. The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 17:17; 27:9)

Stop & Think: September 8, 2023

Worldview

I believe in Christ, like I believe in the sun – not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else. (C. S. Lewis. British apologist)

Everyone has a worldview. People see the world and make judgments about it on the basis of their assumptions and ideas, which may come from family values, education, or associations. Viewpoints may be mistaken, but everything we see is judged by our personal standards. How critically important it is, then, that we learn to see the world from the basis of revealed truth.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” . . .. Jesus to God the Father, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” (John 14:6; 17:17).

Stop & Think: September 7, 2023

Justice

Being unjust is far more damaging to the moral structure of a person’s character than enduring the slings and arrows of injustice. (Quoted in Hillsdale College paper)

We hear a lot about injustice today. Some complain they are being treated unjustly when they are confronted with truth that is contrary to their behavior. The person of integrity who tries to treat everyone fairly is sometimes accused of bias and prejudice. Those accusations are hard to bear, but it is far better to accept and withstand them than to be involved in an unjust retort.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed (Proverbs 31:8).

Stop & Think: September 6, 2023

Get a Grip

I have to rate a faulty grip as the most common cause of bad golf. (Tommy Bolt, late professional golfer)

Whether play-for-pay or merely weekend duffers, golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game. Slicing, hooking, or landing in sand traps—all are reasons to look for improvement. Bolt says it’s all about how you hold the club. It’s a lot like life, isn’t it? If we have the right grip on our attitude, hopes, and expectations, life is much better.

Stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Stop & Think: September 5, 2023

All the Answers

Let us beware of always wanting to be the people with the answers. (Alistair Begg, pastor)

Have you ever been in a conversation with several people when one dominates the discussion, because he “has all the answers”? Irritating, isn’t it? Often that person finds it necessary to correct others and has to have the final word. Even married couples have had to learn how to deal with this issue so they can have mutual respect and learning.

A truly wise person uses few words (Proverbs 17:27). Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29).

Stop & Think: September 4, 2023

Leaders

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. (John Maxwell, leadership author and speaker)

Leaders are often people who have been followers of strong leaders. They have not only heard what their mentor said, but they have seen him follow closely the path that he envisioned for others. And he or she did more. They showed the way, taught by example, and involved their followers in the work along the way.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously (Romans 12:8)

Stop & Think: September 3, 2023

Purpose

Once you discover your purpose . . . practice makes purpose. (Tom Roy, coach and author)

People ask, “Why am I here?” “What’s my purpose in life?” Whatever you’re aiming for, it will take diligent practice to be successful. We are told that practice makes perfect, but the truth is that practice only makes permanent, and poor practice won’t help you accomplish your goal. Find God’s purpose for your life and “practice” it every day.

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes (Proverbs 16:4). Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4). 

Stop & Think: September 2, 2023

Quiet

Truths are quiet; lies are loud. (Anthony Douglas Williams, Canadian writer)

Today it’s hard to find a quiet place, isn’t it? Finding a place to enjoy a cup of coffee in a quiet atmosphere seems to be becoming more and more difficult. And what is all the noise about? It isn’t always lies, of course, but haven’t you noticed that sometimes in the middle of cacophony, a quiet voice often is heard speaking compelling truth.

Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king (Ecclesiastes 9:17).

Stop & Think: September 1, 2023

Summer Vacation

Take vacation. Wallets refill. Clocks don’t rewind. (Joshua Becker, American writer and author)

Summer is vacation time. But some think vacations are too expensive. So, they spend their money on less expensive ventures. And then there are hard workers who just don’t have the time; there’s just too much to do. The truth is that we all need time away to be restored and refreshed.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).