The goodness of the heart trumps the evil of the hands. (Pastor Kip Cone)
Does this mean that if your heart is right, it’s okay to harm others? Certainly not! Evil actions reflect what is really in the heart, and a heart that is right with God will not intentionally or regularly do evil. What Cone is probably saying is that the good acts from a godly heart can overcome the hurts done with evil intent.
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. (Romans 12:21)
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. (Albert Einstein, renowned scientist)
The intricacies of God’s creation are beyond human understanding, but much of value can be learned from it. In laboratories around the world researchers are discovering how to mimic certain natural features to develop helpful devices like Velcro, for example. Both the numerous stars in the heavens and the countless sands of the seashore, they’re all part of God’s classroom.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. (Psalm 19:1)
Keep looking up. It’s the secret to life. (Snoopy, Peanuts cartoon character)
Have you ever noticed how different people walk? Whether it’s a daily habit, regular exercise, or just casual strolling, their demeanor can be very telling. For some, a grimace might suggest they’re not enjoying it. Others are looking down as if fearful of the next step. Snoopy’s advice could be really helpful. You might see better and enjoy walking a lot more.
Set your mind on heaven above. . . . Stay focused on what’s above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2)
A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever. (Jessamyn West, American short story author)
The old saw about rocks breaking bones but words never hurting has long been discarded. Probably every living person has been deeply hurt by intentionally harsh or merely ill-spoken words. The closer to the victim the author of the hurtful expression might be, the deeper the injury. Guarding our thoughts and words is the most loving habit we can develop.
With their words, the godless destroy their friends. (Proverbs 11:9)
[But] Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24)
The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. (Sydney J. Harris, 20th century American journalist)
It seems difficult for many people today to find time to relax. Days off are skipped because of the rush of events or duties. We sometimes postpone vacations because of urgent business involvements. And even when a few spare moments become available, we hasten to turn on the TV or fill the void with some activity. God’s order for taking Sabbaticals is ignored to our loss.
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile. (Mark 6:31)
Maturity: the ability to do a job without being supervised (Dear Abby advice column)
One of the purposes of apprenticeships and internships is to help a worker learn his task well enough to do it alone without supervision. Childhood is like that, too. Children can’t do much by themselves until they’ve been shown how and given adequate practice. We need to train, teach, and give ample time for practice before we commit responsibility to learners.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4)
I wonder often whether any other generation has seen such astounding revolutions of data and values as those through which we have lived. (Winston Churchill, World War II British leader)
More than half-a-century ago, Churchill continued: “Scarcely anything material or established which I was brought up to believe was permanent . . . has lasted. Everything I was . . . sure or taught to be sure was impossible, has happened.” What do you suppose he would think now? The changes and innovation happening today demand we find something true and lasting to build on.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
The measure of a man is what he does with power. (Plato, ancient Greek philosopher)
We can judge a man or woman by many standards. How effective are they in their particular field of endeavor? What have they achieved of note? In this election year we will make a lot of choices on the basis of what the candidates promise in their campaigns. A good question to ask: “How have they used their authority in the past? For the good or harm of those they rule?
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. (Proverbs 29:2)
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. (Edmund Hillary, New Zealand mountaineer)
Hillary and his Sherpa companion were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Such an accomplishment requires conquering height, weather, wind, cold, and fatigue. But the conqueror’s comment highlights what is the first essential in conquering any obstacle or project. You must be under control, and that’s a valuable lesson for any life achievement.
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. (Proverbs 16:32)
Stress is not a status symbol. (Charlie Birch, British athlete)
The higher one climbs on the ladder of success, the greater the stress seems to be. In fact, one might judge a person by the amount of stress he’s experiencing. That doesn’t seem to make much sense; why would a person want to have that kind of responsibility? Having capable associates on the job can help. Even more helpful: a trust in God’s help and guidance.
As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. (Psalm 119:143)
Don’t expect to see a change if you don’t make one. (Kevin Saunders, actor and motivational speaker)
It’s an election year, so we’re hearing a lot about change. Either it’s “replace the incumbents” or follow the new programs of the present leaders.” Whether it’s local, state, or federal, there are probably very few citizens who don’t wish for some kind of change. But, as Saunders suggests, real change close to home requires each of us to be willing to make changes for the good of all.
Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:2)
Leaders are readers, and readers are leaders. (John Stonestreet, worldview writer)
An effective leader is one who is knowledgeable in the area of his or her expertise. What one reads, of course, will have great influence on decisions that are made in leading. Studying the “Great Books” of the past and keeping up with current thinkers will enhance one’s ability to lead well. And don’t forget the most valuable reading available today: God’s Word.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true. . . . God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)