GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: January 27, 2023

Truth-Telling

Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words. (Francis of Assisi, Italian Catholic friar)

How is the truth best taught? Preachers and orators are gifted in delivering oral messages to help us understand truth about God, life, and reality. Friar Francis emphasizes the other side of truth-telling. We preach/teach by the way we live; we demonstrate what is really important to us by our conduct. Truthful conduct will open the way for truth-telling in conversations, also.

An honest witness tells the truth (Proverbs 12:17). Let us tell our neighbors the truth (Ephesians 4:25).

Stop & Think: January 26, 2023

Quiet Time

If we only stimulate our children . . . that’s not good. A sense of solitude is one of the most beautiful things a parent can give a child. (Henri Nouwen, 20th century spiritual writer)

With the widespread use of tablets and digital game boards among children, there is almost constant stimulation of their brain. Coupled with the lack of physical activity, today’s children are often developing serious physical, emotional, and learning problems. Nouwen’s advice to parents should be taken seriously. Help your children develop times of quiet meditation.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile (Mark 6:31).

Stop & Think: January 25, 2023

New Friends

Strangers are just friends waiting to happen. (Steve Klaka)

It is said of some people that they never knew a stranger. That’s a compliment for sure, but it is probably not true of many of us. We find it difficult to approach someone we don’t know, especially if there is a difference in ethnicity or language. But if we just remembered Klaka’s observation, we could probably develop strong and helpful relations much more quickly.

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 13:2)

Stop & Think: January 24, 2023

True Joy

There is no hope of joy except in human relations. (Antoine de Sainte-Exupery, 20th century French writer)

It isn’t that a person can’t ever be happy by him- or herself. We often have moments alone that are particularly enjoyable and pleasant. But, as a general rule, joy is most truly experienced when it’s shared. The exchange in conversation and activity can be a great source of pleasure. And we must not overlook the extraordinary benefit of a spiritual relationship with God.

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

Stop & Think: January 23, 2023

Discontent

Disappointment is nothing but a premature conclusion, causing you to stop reading before the story’s end. (Ann Spangler, award-winning author)

Spangler’s comment can be a valuable reminder to all of us when we reach that familiar moment when we feel like a failure and there’s no reason to continue. In reality, it may be that we just stopped too soon. A few more days, a little more effort or persistence in the difficult moments could bring the end we’ve hoped for and dissipate any lingering frustration.

Always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. Prov. 23:17-18).

Stop & Think: January 22, 2023

Humility #2

After the game is played, the king and the pawn go into the same box. (Italian proverb)

Business consultant Dennis Engelbrecht added this: “In business terms, this famous Italian proverb translates to the fact that there is no room for arrogance or ego irrespective of one’s position.” That’s a helpful analogy, isn’t it? Likewise, when you put the separated puzzle pieces away, they lose their purpose and unity. Purposeful unity demands the subjugation of self.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5).

Stop & Think: January 21, 2023

Humility #1

We listen more than we talk, we learn more than we teach, and we serve more than we are served. (Mitch Kruse, TV host)

That’s pretty much Kruse’s definition of humility. It’s a difficult quality to achieve. But this definition can be identified by its demonstration. When you see a person who fulfills those characteristics in life, you can be sure you’ve seen a genuinely humble person. He or she will never talk about it and may even deny they are humble, but actions speak louder than words.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others. (Philippians 2:3).

Stop & Think: January 20, 2023

Love Overcomes

Love, like a river, will cut a new path when it meets an obstacle. (Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 19th century English poet)

If you watch a swift-flowing river over the years, you can see how it has cut away the banks and even the rocks and stones that it encounters. What a forceful power flowing water can be. Browning’s observation reminds us of the power that fervent love can demonstrate, breaking down resistance and often creating new, lasting relationships.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 3:3).

Stop & Think: January 19, 2023

“I’m Sorry”

Saying, “I’m sorry” is not enough. Fixing the problem is. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

Remember what your mother said when you hit a playmate or stole his toy? She made you go to him and say, “I’m sorry.” Were you really? Probably not, you just did what you were told. Such feeble attempts at correction simply don’t work with adults. Genuine apologies seek to renew the relationship through repentance and change.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Stop & Think: January 18, 2023

Misfortune

If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you. (Calvin Coolidge, 30 US president)

Remember Murphy’s law? Joe Btfsplk was a character in the satirical comic strip Li’l Abner by cartoonist Al Capp. He was well-meaning but was “the world’s worst jinx.” His “bad luck” always affected others. But that’s all stuff in the funnies. Coolidge was right. Not every potential misfortune will hit you, and you have to look beyond that to the rich opportunities ahead.

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared (Proverbs 3:25-26).

Stop & Think: January 17, 2023

Forgiving

Forgiveness isn’t something we do for others. We do it so we can get well and move on. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, late German theologian)

Forgiving someone for hurting you is a really difficult response for most of us. We just can’t seem to forget the offense, longing for revenge. We don’t recognize that we are really hurting ourselves as we continue in this frame of mind. The longer we wait, the harder it is to forgive. But as Bonhoeffer suggests, it is the only way we can rid ourselves of the heartache and burden.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-14).

Stop & Think: January 16, 2023

Reading

A man who does not read has no advantage over a man who cannot read. (Samuel Clemens)

There are too many illiterate people in the world who have had no opportunity to learn how to read. But in a society of readers, it’s alarming that television, podcasts, and digital games have taken away the incentive to read. Great literature that has enlightened the world is available for those who will take advantage of this great resource of wisdom.

Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them (1 Timothy 4:13). God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church (Revelation 1:3).