GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 7, 2023

Friends

Misfortune shows those who are not really friends. (Aristotle, 4th century BC Greek philosopher)

We sometimes call them “fair weather friends.” They’re with us when the times are good, sharing the fun and achievements. But, let things get tough—misfortune, losses, poor health—and they disappear. It’s a difficult loss to endure, but how much more precious are the friends who stay with us, sharing in the loss and offering help and encouragement.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Stop & Think: June 6, 2023

The Impossible?

When they say it can’t be done, they only mean, we don’t know how to do it. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

When Thomas Edison was working so hard to develop the electric light bulb, don’t you suppose that there were many who said to him, “It can’t be done.” That’s probably been true of most ideas or inventions. Few of us could have imagined smart phones and TVs a few short years ago. What’s next? It’s only impossible until someone does it.

Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible (Matthew 19:26).

Stop & Think: June 5, 2023

The Right Change

Very often, a change of self is needed more than a change of scene. (A. C. Benson, English essayist)

When things get tough, we’re often tempted to take drastic steps, even move away, thinking that would somehow solve our problems. Or we wish others would change, so our lives would be less difficult. Benson’s observation is very helpful counsel. Changing our perspective and behavior is most likely the better solution.

This same Good News . . . is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives. (Colossians 1:6). 

Stop & Think: June 4, 2023

Faithful

I fear for the future of authentic faith in our country. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British activist)

Writing to his fellow Englishman, he continued, “We live in a time when the common man in our country is thoroughly influenced by the current climate in which the cultural and educational elite propagates an anti-Christian message.” Not much has changed in the intervening centuries, has it? All the more reason, then, that Christians must lovingly but courageously stand for truth.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Stop & Think: June 3, 2023

Tolerance

Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions. (G. K. Chesterton, 19th-20th century British literary critic)

Intolerance is a popular subject in today’s society. Believing in the right to freedom of speech, we must allow others to have their opinions and speak their mind. It is most disturbing, however, when those same voices refuse to allow anyone with a contrary opinion to speak. We must be open to listen as well as to speak.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19).

Stop & Think: June 2, 2023

Friendship

Tears are the truest connection we have with others. (Lysa Terkeurst, author)

When friends are hurting, the kind words we may want to offer are appreciated, without doubt, but they often fall on unhearing ears. But the friend who weeps with those who weep will be understood and appreciated. Likewise, congratulations are appreciated when a friend is honored or achieves some significant mark. Shared tears, again, may well hit a deeper level of joy.

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep (Romans 30:5). Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Stop & Think: June 1, 2023

Parenting

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you. (H. Jackson Brown, American author)

Cartoons, movies, and TV shows often make light of families with troublesome parents or undisciplined, spoiled children. With so many dysfunctional and single-parent families today, it’s more important than ever for complete, wholesome families to demonstrate a lifestyle that encourages others to follow suit. Children need parents who exemplify healthy living.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). 

Stop & Think: May 31, 2023

Honesty

Some say that one’s faith is a private matter and should not be spoken of so publicly. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British member of parliament)

He continues: “The fact is those who say such things usually don’t even have a concern for their faith in the privacy of their interior lives.” It’s also true today that some people argue for issues that aren’t consistent with their personal convictions. Again, it’s a matter of personal integrity and honesty. It’s a worthy goal to live so that our lives reveal the true intent of our heart.

Honesty guides good people . . . Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. (Proverbs 11:3; 19:1)

Stop & Think: May 30, 2023

Long-lasting Love

The heart that truly loves never forgets. (Thomas Moore, 18th-19th century Irish writer)

After a few years, husbands often begin to forget things like birthdays and anniversaries. It isn’t that they’ve forgotten their mates or don’t still love them, it’s just that life brings too many dates and events to remember them all. But wives love it when husbands do remember. On the other hand, it’s important to forget past grievances. That’s really strong evidence of true love.

Live happily with the woman you love . . .  The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil (Ecclesiastes 9:9). Love keeps no record of being wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5). 

Stop & Think: May 29, 2023

Leadership

The iceberg represents your leadership. (Southeastern University)

The statement continues, “The10% above the water is your skill. The 90% below the water is your character. It’s what’s below the water that sinks the ship.”  It’s rather frightening, isn’t it? The citation continues, “Your leadership ability has the potential to carry you further than your character can sustain you.” Your integrity must be the driving force in the exercise of your skill.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity. (Proverbs 10:9; 11:20)  

Stop & Think: May 28, 2023

Do It Now!

You may regret that you didn’t start sooner. But that doesn’t stop you from starting today. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Are these some of your regrets: “I wish I had taken piano lessons when I was a kid.” Or “If only I had started dieting last year.” You can probably think of several others. Remember, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.” The lesson is obvious. You can’t start any sooner than today, so let’s get to it. This is a good day to plant a tree!

Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love (Hosea 10:12).

Stop & Think: May 27, 2023

Speaking and Living

An ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching. (Gandhi, 19-20th century Indian political ethicist)

The Italian mystic, Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” When we were kids, we said it this way, “Actions speak louder than words.” It’s the way we live, more than our words that show people who we are and what we stand for. Be sure that what you say accurately reflects who you are.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone . . . Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Colossians 4:6; Hebrews 10:24)