GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 27, 2023

Judge Not

Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are. (Kirk Clulee, author)

Some of us seem to believe it’s our responsibility to correct the errors or mistakes we see in others. Whether it’s their speech, writing, dress, or action, we’re ready (even though we’ve not been asked) to show them where they’re wrong. Rarely is such an approach appreciated. But what’s worse, it’s a dangerous practice that will often bounce back on the self-appointed judge.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you Luke 6:37).

Stop & Think: July 26, 2023

Pride

Pride is the worst viper in the heart. It is the first sin that ever entered into the universe. (Jonathan Edwards, 18th century revivalist preacher)

Edwards continues, “It lies lowest of all in the foundation of the whole building of sin . . . Nothing is so hateful to God, contrary to the spirit of the Gospel, or of so dangerous consequence.” A spirit of arrogance will certainly distance the proud from longed-for friends.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). 

Stop & Think: July 25, 2023

Procrastination

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

Many have expressed the same idea in different words. Maxwell calls it “The law of diminishing intent.” Others might speak of it simply as procrastination: “Don’t do today what you can put off till tomorrow.” Or “mañana.” Many of us have sadly learned a hard lesson when we have put off something important. Determine now to set your priorities and do first things first.

When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him (Ecclesiastes 5:4).

Stop & Think: July 24, 2023

Prosperity

Adversity is the test of faith; prosperity is the test of integrity. (Tom Roy, Sports mentor)

Prosperity is a goal many people are working for, but adversity often gets in the way. A slump in the market or deteriorating sales will likely make a business leader upset and worried. Roy’s quote is helpful to consider when we understand that in adversity we gain wisdom more readily than in times of prosperity. It’s that wisdom that just might help us become prosperous.

For [God] gets their attention through adversity (Job 36:15). Trusting the Lord leads to prosperity (Proverbs 28:25).

Stop & Think: July 23, 2023

Leadership

[A leader] should be what he is calling others to be. (Paraphrase of John Piper, pastor and writer)

Piper was speaking of religious leaders, no doubt, but his observation is appropriate for anyone in a position of leadership. Some leaders are so jealous of their position that they fear anyone who might aspire to a position of authority. Such an attitude misses a central purpose of being a leader: training others to lead—even preparing a successor. That has lasting value.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously (Romans 12:80

Stop & Think: July 22, 2023

Beauty

Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. (Franz Kafka, 20th century Bohemian novelist)

Our environment is not always beautiful. Neither are the circumstances of life always pleasant and comforting. Not only is “beauty in the eye of the beholder,” as the saying goes, it is likely nearby and needs only to be seen to be enjoyed. Look for the flower growing in the mud, for example. A positive, expectant perspective might reveal more beauty than you imagined.

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. (Isaiah 35:2)

Stop & Think: July 21, 2023

Improvement

People are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. (James Allen, 18th-19th century British writer)

“If only I had a different job . . . boss . . . teacher . . . computer . . ., I could be a better person and do a better job.” Sometimes we think that way, blaming our shortcomings on anyone or anything that occurs to us. We need to be reminded, as Allen suggests, that we are bound, not by circumstances but by our unwillingness to change. That’s where improvement begins.

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things” (Revelation 2:19).

Stop & Think: July 20, 2023

Conflict

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. (Thomas Paine, English-born American Founding Father)

In describing life’s difficulties, Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow observed, “Into each life some rain must fall.” We simply can’t avoid all conflict, but Paine was probably thinking of impending war—really serious conflict. As we know now, of course, the conflict that was envisioned in the late 18th century resulted in the triumph that brought the USA into existence.

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Stop & Think: July 19, 2023

Expectancy

Start each day with expectancy, not expectations. (Gloria Gaither, songwriter)

Gaither continues, “If we start today with expectations, we will almost certainly be disappointed.” But if we live with expectancy, we may find things to be much more pleasing. If you attend a movie or concert and your expectations are not met, you will be disappointed. Start you day with hopeful expectancy and you might be surprised how well the day goes.

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly (Psalm 5:3).

Stop & Think: July 18, 2023

Winning

Acceptance is building a bridge not making a point, winning a heart not winning an argument, and accepting not convincing. (Former pastor)

From childhood we seem to have an insatiable need to win. It doesn’t change much as we grow older. Whether it’s in sports, music, or debate, we just don’t want to lose. This is most evident when it’s a matter of opinion. We simply must win or, at least, have the last word. How much better when we learn to build bridges, establish good relationships, and accept our differences.

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars (Proverbs 18:19). 

Stop & Think: July 17, 2023

What Is Life?

Life is only an opportunity for usefulness. (From a Puritan prayer)

It’s the question that has been asked from the beginning of time: “What is the meaning of life?” What’s its purpose? The Bible book of Ecclesiastes deals extensively with that issue. It views life from man’s point of view, concluding “Fear God and keep his commandments.” That will result in using life’s opportunities to honor him and benefit his creation and humanity.

Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life . . . Keep the commandments and keep your life. (Proverbs 10:27; 19:16)

Stop & Think: July 16, 2023

Vengeance

Vengeance is having a videotape planted in your soul that cannot be turned off. (Lewis B. Smedes, late seminary professor)

As noted elsewhere, often our natural human response is to try to get even with someone who has offended us. Until we can “get even,” however, we are continually overcome with thoughts about how and when we can do it. Too often the result is that we are far more concerned and worried about the wrong done to us than the offender is. What a waste of emotional energy!

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19).