GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 24, 2022

Grief

Grief is the price we pay for love. (Late Queen Elizabeth II)

In the beginning of our relationships of love, we rarely think of when that relationship might end or what our feelings will be at that time. Whether it’s a life-long spouse or a long-reigning monarch, we experience the natural grief over our loss. The greater the love and the longer the relationship, the greater feeling of loss. But we won’t regret the love, only the loss.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Stop & Think: October 23, 2022

Procrastination #3

Don’t wait for things to get better. Tomorrow is not promised. You only have this moment. (Charles Schultz, late cartoonist)

Schultz concluded with this challenge: “Take it.”  He continues, “If something is important enough, one does not stop trying just because the odds are long. Success is never guaranteed. But one thing is clear: If one does not try, failure is guaranteed.” In spite of today’s challenging circumstances, consider the odds, count the cost, but do it now! Carpe diem!

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone (James 4:14).

Stop & Think: October 22, 2022

Procrastination #2

Procrastination is totally a good thing. You always have something to do tomorrow, plus you have nothing to do today. (Source unknown)

We are often looking for an “escape clause,” some way to rationalize our bad habits. It may be true, of course, that putting off a project or an assignment on one occasion or another turned out to be helpful. A few days’ delay may bring a needed answer or solution to mind. But that’s no way to plan your life. Tomorrow is filled with enough duties that we shouldn’t add another.

I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands (Psalm 119:60).

Stop & Think: October 21, 2022

Procrastination #1

The longer you wait to do something you should do now, the greater the odds that you will never actually do it. (John C. Maxwell, leadership author and speaker)

The big word for this habit is procrastination, which as Charles Dickens said “. . . is the thief of time.” It seems to be a widespread human trait to want to wait until tomorrow to do something we dislike or are afraid to attempt. But Maxwell reminds us of the greater tragedy in waiting: we probably won’t get around to do it tomorrow or even the next day.

Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do (Proverbs 6:4)

Stop & Think: October 20, 2022

Generosity

You don’t have to be rich to be generous . . . (Original source unknown)

A church in Kentucky, continued the quote: “. . . as generosity is not about the size of the gift but the condition of the heart.” Eastern Kentucky was hit with the “flood of the century” in July, and numerous non-profit groups and individuals began to help to restore devastated communities. Many of the generous donors were not wealthy, but their caring heart prompted generous giving.

Since you excel in so many ways . . . I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).

Stop & Think: October 19, 2022

Friends

In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)

He continues: “The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.” Do you remember how important your childhood friends were? Later, we valued friends who helped us in the years of career and family. Now, what a delight to have our friends’ aid and companionship as we age.

The godly give good advice to their friends . . . A real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 12:26; 18:24)

Stop & Think: October 18, 2022

Wisdom

Walk with the wise and become wise. (The Bible)

Someone wrote, “Do you want to be wise? Choose wise friends.” “Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company” (Booker T. Washington). Another: “You become like the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose carefully. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge properly. Seek it and practice it always.

Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble (Proverbs 13:20, Everyday Reading Bible).

Stop & Think: October 17, 2022

Doing and Being

Doing is usually connected with . . .  how we make a living. (Source unknown)

When we meet someone, we often ask, “What do you do?” We’re interested in their vocation or career. But, what is more important, of course, is how a person lives. The unknown source of today’s quote completed the thought this way: “Being is much deeper [than doing]. It relates to character, who we are, and how we make a life.” Live above reproach with scrupulous integrity.

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there (1 Chronicles 29:17).

Stop & Think: October 16, 2022

The Future

Those men and women who refuse to get bogged down in and anchored to the past are those who pursue the objectives of the future. (Source unknown)

Palestinian President Abbas put it this way: “We cannot erase the past, but it is within our power to change the future.” Obviously, we must not ignore the past. Much of what has happened in our history is foundational to what we have today and what we hope to accomplish tomorrow. So, we must concentrate on what we can do with what we have to move forward and achieve our goals.

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God . . . is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14).

Stop & Think: October 15, 2022

Body and Soul

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. (Jim Rohn, entrepreneur and motivation speaker)

Rohn’s comment may seem too simple and obvious, but the reminder could be helpful to busy 21st century people. We may spend hundreds of thousands on luxurious houses and do everything possible to maintain good health but fail to make provision for an eternal home. Your body will die one day, but your soul will live eternally. Check the health of your soul and spirit.

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls (1 Peter 2:11).

Stop & Think: October 14, 2022

Risks

Decide whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying. (Amelia Earhart, late aviation pioneer)

Earhart disappeared on a flight she had prepared for, evidently feeling that the risks were worth taking. We should considered her advice for whatever project we may be pursuing. Life is full of risks, but nothing of value is accomplished by refusing to face them. Whether in business, lifestyle choices, or daily routines, consider possible hazards; make wise choices, and move on.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions (Proverbs 22:3).

Stop & Think: October 13, 2022

Hard Work

Work hard at work worth doing! (Leslie Knope, TV fictional character)

The TV script makes a statement worth considering. On Labor Day we honor those who toil in the everyday work world to supply the goods and services that we need. But some people work hard at tasks that really don’t produce much of value whether in tangible products or helps. To have a sense of fulfillment and purpose, choose to work at tasks that provide value and benefit.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).