GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: January 27, 2024

Talents

It’s not how many gifts you have but which ones you use. (Source unknown)

We sometimes refer to a person as a Renaissance man. In its historical setting, it referred to a cultured man of the Renaissance era who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields. A few people seem to have those characteristics today, and they are often multi-talented. But it’s not so important how many gifts you have, but that you use them effectively.

Each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another (1 Corinthians 7:7). In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well (Romans 12:6).

Stop & Think: January 26, 2024

Stick with It

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. (Amelia Earhart, late American aviation pioneer)

Earhart is one of those pioneers who didn’t wait too long in determining her next steps in aviation. She decided to do the difficult and stuck with it, as most inventors and pioneers do. We often find it difficult to stick with our decisions. We vacillate  until the time has passed, and it’s too late. Plan carefully, make your choice, push forward, and stick with it.

Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. . . . “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water” . . . At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished . . . “(Daniel 1:8, 12, 15).

Stop & Think: January 25, 2024

Balance

The cultivation of the mind is the handmaid of virtue and religion. (E. L. Yoder, church founder)

Sadly, Yoder’s statement isn’t true in the Hallmark movie world we like to live in. In that setting, one’s feelings are the all-important factor when it comes to making life choices. If it feels good, it must be okay. “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right.” But Yoder is far closer to reality. The best life is one where education, work, faith, and love are well balanced.

Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control, perseverance, to perseverance godliness . . . (2 Peter 5b-7).

Stop & Think: January 24, 2024

Courage

I learned that courage is not the absence of fear but the courage to triumph over it. (C. S. Lewis, late British scholar)

Lewis continues, “The brave man is not he who is not afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Do you remember what it was like when you played in your first piano recital (or similar event)? You had butterflies in your stomach, didn’t you? And you likely wanted to forget all about it. But, if you went ahead and performed, you were courageous, fearful but doing it anyway.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

Stop & Think: January 23, 2024

Influence

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. (Alice Walker, American social activist)

Everyone has influence over others in some way. Whether it’s a playmate, a fellow student, or an adult compatriot, there is always an opportunity to bear some kind of influence however limited. Thinking you don’t really have such power will severely restrict your ability to be an example and encourager to others who are looking to you.

[Those who fear the Lord] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:9)

Stop & Think: January 22, 2024

Time

If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of. (Bruce Lee, late American actor)

There is probably nothing so easy as wasting time. We all have the same 24 hours a day, and some people can accomplish a lot in those waking hours. Others of us find it far too easy just to let time pass without exerting much meaningful effort. Time to rest and relax is important, of course, but using time wisely and purposefully will benefit both you and others around you.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . . Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11)

Stop & Think: January 21, 2024

Leading

You don’t lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case. (Ken Kesey, late American essayist)

We seem to like to tell other people where to go and how to get there, don’t we? Even when we haven’t been on that trail, we often think we know all about it either from something we’ve read or heard. But there’s nothing quite like going with the traveler and leading the way with confidence. It gives you a sense of fulfillment and certainly encourages your followers.

He led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness (Psalm 78:52).

Stop & Think: January 20, 2024

The Greatest and Best

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. (Buddha, ascetic and religious teacher)

Those who enjoy good health would heartily agree. And, like the Apostle Paul, learning to be content with what you have is a great blessing (see Phil. 4:11-13). The blessings of firm and loving relationships is truly a joy. And the amazing fact is that God has provided a way for us to have a personal relationship with him through faith in his gracious provision.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8).

Stop & Think: January 19, 2024

Integrity

Integrity is the most important thing—it develops trust. ( Condoleezza Rice, former US secretary of state)

Perhaps the most important goal of education is the developing of character in the learner. The ability to function effectively in modern society requires knowledge and skill in many areas of learning. But the value of that learning depends on whether one can be believed and trusted. So, developing a strong reputation for integrity is really essential for success.

The Lord . . .  delights in those with integrity. . . . People with integrity walk safely (Proverbs 11:20; 10:9). Joyful are people of integrity (Psalm 119:1). 

Stop & Think: January 18, 2024

Making it Work

Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness. (Marie Forleo, American entrepreneur)

Everyone wants to be happy. And many people work hard to arrange their lives so they can have the happiness they are seeking. It might be in job selection, the choice of a course of study, or the choice of a life partner. But Forleo suggests that whatever situation you find yourself in now provides an opportunity to work hard at making it the best possible in today’s experience.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation (Philippians 4:12).  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Stop & Think: January 17, 2024

Expectations

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome. (Michael Jordan, former professional athlete)

This is a lesson we all need to learn, and the earlier the better. Sometimes children struggle because their parents’ expectations of them are so high. Our own expectations, of course, can be a serious obstacle for our achievement. A realistic appraisal of our abilities and a careful evaluation of our expectations will help us accomplish our goals.

Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us (Romans 12:3).

Stop & Think: January 16, 2024

Mistakes

Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the errors that counts. (Nikki Giovani, American poet and writer)

Unfortunately, Giovani is right. We do make mistakes; they are unavoidable. Some are rather minor, a grammatical error or typo, for example. Others are more serious, missing a doctor’s appointment, using erroneous data in a report—the list goes on and on. But acknowledging the error and apologizing are first steps. Taking measures to correct it where possible is next.

Indeed, we all make many mistakes (James 3:2). A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes (Ecclesiastes 10:4).