Category — Inspirational Quotes

I’ve been reading the Book of Exodus lately about the hard bondage of Israel and how God delivered the Hebrews across the Red Sea. But that was only the beginning of forty years of wandering through the Sinai wilderness. But, in the end God kept His promise and delivered Israel into the promised land of Canaan. So, while the beginning was hard, the end was good – and God can do the same for us today.

“A hard beginning maketh a good ending.” – Bible or Not?

Although it seems to make sense, the quote about a hard beginning making a good ending is not in the Bible. The author of the quote is the English Renaissance Writer John Heywood (circa 1497- 1580).  You can read the Book of Exodus in KJV here and learn more about John Heywood here.

I have heard it said in church circles that when God closes one door He opens another. Although it sounds quite religious, it never struck me as a Biblical quote. Nevertheless, it is an excellent quote that inspires us to lean on our faith when we don’t quite understand when things aren’t going our way. The relationship that didn’t blossom, the job the was lost, the effort that seemed to come to nothing, lost opportunities and outright failures, the list goes on.

“When one door closes, another door opens.” – Alexander Graham Bell

As inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell was not a stranger to failure. Like any inventor, engineer or scientist, failure is an accepted part of the discovery process, and it’s through that process that success will eventually come. And for the ordinary person like you and me, such an optimistic perspective can lead us to success in life.

I think though, for those who believe in God, the belief that for every door that closes we see another door open goes way beyond simple optimism. Optimism is great but it provides no basis, other than hard work and chance, that the other door would ever open. By faith though, we know that God is ultimately in control and has a multitude of doors waiting for us. We look to him for guidance and direction, and we know that all things work together for good for those that love God – things happen for a reason.

So if you’ve had a door close on you recently, be of good cheer, for God has a better door just waiting to be opened for you.

If you’re interested to learn more about Alexander Graham Bell here is a biography and here where you can find a complete list of his inventions.

I think I could safely say that General George S. Patton was not a poster child of godliness, but he did have some redeeming qualities. And one of the principles he lived by can for sure to linked to Biblical teachings, and in particular, Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.

“Always do more than is required of you.” – General George S. Patton, Jr. – American General

Kind of funny to connect Patton and Jesus, but if the shoe fits, wear it (there’s one quote to research). I do think the connection here is self evident. On the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is shown as the source of the famous quote to “go the extra mile”.

“If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” – Matthew 5:40-41

So this is in line with the Patton quote, “Always do more than is required of you”. You are asked for your coat, you also give your shirt. You are asked to go one mile, you go two miles. But that’s about the only thing in the passage similar with Patton’s view. Jesus goes on to teach us how we should deal with our enemies.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Yes, Jesus says love your enemy, and Patton says kill your enemy (I’m sure in much more colorful words than is permissible in this blog). So there you have it, Jesus a man of peace and Patton a man of war. But let’s not forget, that Jesus came the first time as a Lamb, but He is returning as a Lion.