GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 18, 2021

Leadership II

The litmus test of a great leader is if you can write down the five names of people you have developed (Mike Pumphrey, religious worker)

We’ve often heard the comment that if there is no one following you, you really aren’t a leader. Pumphrey suggests a good test to evaluate leaders. It’s simply this: If you have worked with a group for a reasonable amount of time, is there any sign that future leaders are being developed and moving on to their own opportunities for leading others? If not, why?

Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. (Luke 6:40)

Stop & Think: July 17, 2021

Leadership I

Leaders [are] those who empower others. (Paraphrase of Bill Gates, business leader)

Most adults work or serve under a variety of leaders over their work life. We have found some of them to be easy to work for; others made it difficult because of their leadership style. Some of our most profitable times were likely those when our bosses shared the plan, provided what we needed to work with, and gave us the authority to do our job in the way we thought best.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. (Romans 12:8)

Stop & Think: July 16, 2021

Taking Risks

You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore. (William Faulkner, late Nobel prize-winning author)

Author Mark Batterson put it another way: “The greatest opportunities were the scariest lions. Part of me has wanted to play it safe, but I’ve learned that taking no risks is the greatest risk of all.” It’s often a difficult decision: do I, or don’t I? The answer may depend upon ability, resources, and opportunities. And considering the risks is an important issue to answer first.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3)

Stop & Think: July 15, 2021

Busy

It’s not how busy you are, but why you are busy. Bees are praised. Mosquitos are swatted! (Mary O’Connor, business assistant)

In modern American, the hectic pace of life creates all kinds of problems for people who try to catch or keep up. Busy, busy, busy seems to be the answer to “how’s it going?” O’Connor’s observation assumes there might be the need to evaluate our “busyness.” Are we engaged in worthy activity with beneficial results or just aimlessly being a pest?

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. (Psalm 39:60)

Stop & Think: July 14, 2021

The Danger of Wealth

We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us. (Winston Churchill. British prime minister)

Is it possible that we could become so enamored with our houses that we begin to emulate them? If we built the bare minimum, could we somehow live that frugally? Or, if we really enlarged our dwelling and furnished it to the max, we would surely be living in an ostentatious way. But. remember what happened to the rich man in the Bible that kept expanding his property. 

“I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones.” “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:18, 20-21)

Stop & Think: July 13, 2021

Courage

Courage is far more than just a lofty, noble concept appropriate only for fairy tales and movies. (Keith Caver, leadership consultant)

Caver says, “Courage is meant not only for the battlefield. . . Rather, it’s a skill that is essential to ensure a thriving, high-performance culture.” When things are difficult in life, whether it’s a business problem, a personal issue, or any one of many potential problems, we can give up or we can face the situation with determination—that takes courage, too!

Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

Take courage as you fulfill your duties. (2 Chronicles 19:11)

Stop & Think: July 12, 2021

Problems II

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. (Aldous Huxley, 20th century English writer)

Like the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand, we sometimes find it easier to ignore a problem and act as if it doesn’t exist than to face it head-on. We have all found that Huxley’s comment is right on. As much as we wish it weren’t there, the problem keeps surfacing, and we have to do something about it. Identify and acknowledge the issue. Face it squarely and bravely.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. (Isaiah 43:2)

Stop & Think: July 11, 2021

Problems I

Happiness is not the absence of problems; it’s the ability to deal with them. (Steve Marshall, American writer)

Did you ever have a problem-free week? Or even a day without problems? They can cause us to clam up and not move to do anything at all. But, if we move to solve the problem, resolve the conflict, or handle the unpleasant situation, we will be taking a great step forward to make the day successful. What a relief! What happiness when we don’t avoid but solve the problem!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3)

Stop & Think: July 10, 2021

Others

When we are consumed with our own thoughts, we fail to draw out the concerns or insights of others. (John Piper, author)

Author Dale Carnegie wrote that to influence others you need to put yourself in their place and try to think their thoughts. How is that possible when, as Piper suggests, our minds are focused on ourselves? It may be difficult, but if we are to be of help and encouragement to anyone else, we must learn to listen carefully and try to “walk in their shoes.” 

 [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Stop & Think: July 9, 2021

Procrastination

Not making a decision is actually a decision in and of itself.

This often-quoted maxim reveals a truth that sometimes is missed when we have to make some kind of choice—to do or not do, to go or stay, to pick this or that. It’s obvious though, isn’t it? When we hesitate or delay, we obviously have made a choice, and it could make a big difference in how things work out. Choosing may be hard, but it’s part of life’s growing experiences.

And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve. (Joshua 24:15)

Stop & Think: July 8, 2021

Influence II

The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. (Leo Buscaglia, late American author)

In spite of that, Buscaglia says, “But that does not lessen our possible impact. . . It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.” We don’t have to be famous—or even recognized—to make an impression and influence others for good. Be gracious and kind and look for those you can help quietly—maybe even secretly.

[Those who fear the LORD] share freely and give generously to those in need. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:9)

Stop & Think: July 7, 2021

Influence I

You have a little bit of opportunity and a little bit of time on earth. What are you going to do with it? (Mike Lee, pastor)

We don’t like to think about it too often, but it’s undeniable that life is all too short. People seem to be living longer nowadays, but still, we all have to consider how best to use the time God has given us. Will we live those hours and days completely for our own enjoyment and pleasure, or will we contribute to society in a way that will benefit others well into the future?

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)