GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 10, 2021

Meditation

The lost art of the twenty-first century is meditation. (Paraphrased from many writers)

To find time to pause for a quiet moment is nearly impossible for most of us in our 21st century “Instagram” lives. It’s so much easier to move from one thought to another without considering the implications or applications of those thoughts. Perhaps society’s ills today are the fruit of this lost art. This month, plan time to sit quietly and think deeply about the wonders of life.

Study (God’s Word) continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8)

Stop & Think: December 9, 2021

Integrity

True integrity implies you do what is right when no one is looking or when everyone [else] is compromising. (C. S. Lewis, British writer)

The Bible says, “[God’s] light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Hasn’t that been the experience of all of us at one time or another? Didn’t we hide our behavior from public view when we knew it was wrong? No matter what others may be doing, we must be honest in public and private; that’s integrity!

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed . . . [God] is a shield to those who walk with integrity. (Proverbs 10:9; 2:7)

Stop & Think: December 8, 2021

Good Intentions

Foolish behavior wrecks good intentions. (Andy Simkins, blog writer)

Have you meant well in doing something but really goofed in spite of your good intentions? We can all understand that. Most of us don’t really want to do something harmful, but because of haste or poor planning or maybe simple incompetence, we mess it up. Writer Peter Drucker put it this way: “Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.”

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5)

Stop & Think: December 7, 2021

It’s Pearl Harbor Day

We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. (Abraham Lincoln)

Lincoln’s words from his Gettysburg Address were repeated after the disaster at Paarl Harbor in 1941. Unfortunately, since that day 80 years ago, many more men and women have given their lives in defense of our country. We should express our gratitude to veterans who have served to protect our liberty. Perhaps, equally important, we should use our freedom to serve others well.

For you have been called to live in freedom . . .  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:18)

Stop & Think: December 6, 2021

Decision-making

We are a culture trapped in the moment, unwilling and unable to delay gratification. (John Stonestreet, author, speaker)

It’s important to be living in the present, of course, but many people seem to have lost any idea of how present choices affect tomorrow. The late preacher and author Robert Schuler, put it this way. “My decision today will become tomorrow’s reality.” Instant gratification fades quickly. We must think about future consequences as we make choices and decisions.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts [decisions?] lead to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5)

Stop & Think: December 5, 2021

Busyness

Never mistake activity for achievement. (John Wooden, late sports coach)

Wooden’s down-to-earth maxims are remembered by his players and sports fans. He has observed, as we all have, people who are busy, busy, busy all the time. They never seem to slow down to relax and socialize because “I’m too busy.” It would be good to see what our busyness is accomplishing. When it comes to overwork, maybe “less is more.”

Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)

Stop & Think: December 4, 2021

Gift-giving

The best gifts come from the heart … not the store. (Sarah Dessen, American novelist)

Christmas is three weeks away. Have you done your shopping yet? Did the supply chain crunch this fall affect your planned giving? Perhaps it would be helpful to follow Dessen’s observation. Maybe you could write a note as a gift to encourage a friend or send a letter to express your love for a distant friend. Even if you’re giving a gift, attach a little warm and caring note.

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: December 3, 2021

Safety or Service?

At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security. (Jodi Rell, former governor of Connecticut.)

With the uncertainties of life today and the unrest in so many urban areas, Rell’s comment offers some comfort. Others suggest, however, “fight the tendency to prefer security to availability.” Hanging on to today’s comfort will keep you from anticipating tomorrow’s challenge. Perhaps it would be better to find ways to serve others rather than hunker down in our secure nest.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The man who does what is right runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Stop & Think: December 2, 2021

Leadership

Leadership is all about people . . . You have to be people centered. (Late General Colin Powell)

Powell also wrote “[Leadership] is not about organizations. it is not about plans. It is all about people, motivating people to get the job done.” That’s good advice from a man who served as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and U.S. secretary of state. Some think their foresight and carefully planned strategies are the secret, but unless leaders love their people, failure is certain.

Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example (1 Peter 5:3).

Stop & Think: December 1, 2021

Action – not Advice

Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis. (Aesop’s Fables)

Writer Charles Swindoll observes: “There is a bond deep within that binds us to one another. It is the glue of authentic love, expressing itself in compassion, fairness, willingness to support, and, when possible, coming to the aid of another. Personally. Without strings attached.” Putting your good thoughts into action, rather than just offering counsel, will often offer the very best help.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Stop & Think: November 30, 2021

Storms

Even the storms bear a message of encouragement for us: Deeper roots make for stronger lives. (popular maxim)

Hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, floods—storms cause all kinds of physical damage, and the mental and emotional damage can be even more devastating. But, as deep-rooted trees may stay strong during a storm, so our mental and emotional well-being can be sustained by a deep-rooted spiritual life, one that depends on God’s grace and power.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (Ephesians 3:17) 

Stop & Think: November 29, 2021

Past, Present, Future

Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present. (Thomas S Monson, late religious leader)

Musician Billy Cox said it another way, “Release the past, capture the present, and embrace the future.” Both are good counsel. While we are consumed with our active lives today, we cannot forget the past and should profit from our experience. At the same time, there is an unknown future ahead that we look forward to with careful preparation and expectation.

We must hold on to the progress we have already made (Philippians 3:16). I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Philippians 3:15).