GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 3, 2023

Trees and Life

The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life. (Rabindranath Tagor, 19th-20th century Bengali philosopher)

People who plant trees must realize that much later others will appreciate them for their beauty, shade, or timber.  A slave wrote, “He that plants trees, loves others besides himself.” Someone else suggested that we should be useful as a tree by giving life to others.”  Trees are a witness to life, and our lives should be a witness to the best life possible, one lived for God and others.

[They who] delight in the law of the Lord … are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season (Psalm 1:2, 3). 

Stop & Think: March 2, 2023

Life Investment

Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. (Sarah Bernhardt, 19th-20th century French stage actress)

This may sound like either a science lesson about life and energy or a philosophical statement about life itself. The science lessons are important, but Bernhardt no doubt is simply trying to help us understand something even more important. When we spend ourselves for the good of others, we both benefit and become that much richer in character and value.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).

Stop & Think: March 1, 2023

Real Friends

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

When times are tough, we often find out who our real friends are. Those who keep their distance, perhaps saying nice things in passing, are not there to help when we need it. But those who show up when things get tough are the ones we cling to for support. They are demonstrating genuine friendship.

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? … A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17; 20:6))

Stop & Think: February 28, 2023

Friend 3

The most beautiful discovery that true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. (Elizabeth Foley, Attorney)

Sometimes we find it difficult to move away from home, leaving friends behind. We feel as if we’re losing some important part of our life. When children make such a move, they may form new friendships easily, forgetting most of the former ones. But, as Foley suggests, if our friendship has been deep and meaningful, separation will not diminish the relationship.

A friend is always loyal. … The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. … As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9, 17)

Stop & Think: February 27, 2023

Friends 2

A world without a friend, what would it be? (Christy Boyd, writer)

Boyd answers her own question: “It would be like a world without water, something you need.” She continues: “Friends are like glass, once broken, they are hard to fix.” Her challenge: “Keep your friends, as you would keep your water.” Avoid a lonely life; honor and keep your friends!

A wise person wins friends. … A friend is always loyal. (Proverbs 11:30; 17:17) 

Stop & Think: February 26, 2023

Friends 1

A circle is round; it has no end; that’s how long I want to be your friend! (Make New Friends)

These song lyrics begin with “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.” We’ve heard of “fair weather friends,” who stick close to you when things are going well but move away if it might cost something to stay close. Making new friends is good, of course, but keep them close for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.

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

Stop & Think: February 25, 2023

Fame

When you hope to be remembered, please note: you may not be remembered for what you hoped. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Have you hoped for your “15 minutes of fame,” perhaps appearing on “Wheel of Fortune” or in a newspaper note of some community accomplishment. Brown suggests that sometimes we are noted for other things. They might be a DUI arrest or some hidden faux pas in the past we had forgotten about. But when you live a life of integrity, you will be noticed for all the right things.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed (Proverbs 10:9).

Stop & Think: February 24, 2023

Injustice

We are to drive a spoke into the wheel [of injustice] itself. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 20th century author and World War II martyr)

Bonhoeffer began this challenge, writing: “We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice.” Helping those who are suffering through unfair and cruel treatment is important, of course. But we should also stive to alleviate their pain and restore justice. To defeat such cruel treatment, we must work to bring it to a lasting end.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed (Proverbs 31:8).

Stop & Think: February 23, 2023

Love?

I have feelings too. I am human. All I want is to be loved for myself. (Marilyn Monroe, late movie star)

This is the lament of a woman who attained stardom in the entertainment world and was idolized by millions. Such adulation, however, did not fill the void in her life. In spite of—and maybe because of—her films that were all about a mistaken understanding of love, she missed what genuine love could give her. We would all do well to focus on that God-given love that satisfies.

Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)

Stop & Think: February 22, 2023

Revenge

Revenge is a two-edged sword. (Aesop’s Fables)

Aesop’s simple statement is a warning against the practice of revenge, trying to get even with someone who has offended you. Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century A.D. offers a better solution to controversy: “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.“ We’re never satisfied with getting even, wanting to hurt our offender more. Leave revenge to a just God.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God (Romans 12:19).

Stop & Think: February 21, 2023

One Another

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. (Audrey Hepburn, 20th century British actress)

Life was never intended to be lived alone. In the very beginning, God created a man and a woman and told them to establish a long-lasting family. In a series of “one anothers,” the Bible repeatedly urges people to live, serve, and work together. And, of course, holding on to the God who created the family is even more important.

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: February 20, 2023

Anger

Be patient and calm; no one can catch a fish with anger. (Herbert Hoover, 31st U.S. president)

Being President during the Great Depression must have been very difficult. Political voices and actions were anything but peaceful (much like today!). The fisherman who stirs up the water will scare away the fish. Likewise, in life patience and calm will go much further toward finding solutions than shouting and shoving.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. (Psalm 4:4) … Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)