GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: November 23, 2025

Judging Others

When you judge another, you do not define them; you define yourself. (Wayne Dyer, Motivational Author and Speaker)

When we are tempted to judge someone, we must be careful to limit our effort to an evaluation of their work or their words, not their character or motives. What they say and do will reveal their character, so we should let that be the evidence without our judgment. As Dyer suggests, our judgment of others really reveals more about our character than theirs.

In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you  (Matthew 7:2). 

Stop & Think: November 22, 2025

Generosity

In giving, we often receive more than we give. (Chuck Colson, justice advocate)

Next week, we have set aside a day to express our thanks for all that has been given to us as we enjoy our freedom, our health, our family and friends, and so much more. Some are even beginning to think of that special giving day just a month away. Colson reminds us that one of life’s great joys is the opportunity to offer time, help, and encouragement to others.

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Stop & Think: November 21, 2025

Purpose

The unexamined life is not worth living. (Socrates)

Many people seem to be pretty care-free about living. Eat, drink, and be merry might well be their life principle, and their influence is short lived. But the person whose life has purpose examines his or her own life. When others look at them, they will find evidences of honesty, truth, and integrity.

My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide (1 Corinthians 4:4).

Stop & Think: November 20, 2025

Change

Our job is not to change the world. It’s to transform someone else’s world. (Christoper Townsend, songwriter)

Changing the world is too large a project for only one change agent. The late inventor Steve Jobs noted that “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Add to that Townsends’s admonition that to bring wide change, it must be intended for the benefit of others.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).

Stop & Think: November 19, 2025

Progress

Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. (George Bernard Shaw, 18th-19th century British playwright)

Many resist change of any kind, yet, as Shaw contends, moving forward in life at any level often requires change. One’s view of progress may depend on a variety of influences: environment, education, or social standing, for example. So, to make changes that benefit the most people requires positive cooperation and careful evaluation of your progress.

Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching (1 Timothy 4:15-16).

Stop & Think: November 18, 2025

Victim or Victor?

Victims let the world happen to them; victors happen to the world. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

He explains: “We are either Victims (we let the world happen to us) or Victors (we happen to the world).” Oberbrunner also notes that in today’s world, some people have an exalted sense of entitlement, but their expectations don’t fit the realities of life. Life works much better when we are determined to be victors.

How we thank God for all of this! It is he who makes us victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Stop & Think: November 17, 2025

Life’s Value

Life is hard, but the journey’s worth it. (Jarryd Wallace, champion runner)

Wallace wasn’t only an Olympic champion; he was an amputee who said, “I didn’t just get back to running after my amputation, I learned how to fly.” There are few whose lives have been without difficult times. For most people, life is hard with some good days now and then. Wallace is an example of someone who valued his life in spite of his physical challenges.

If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am (2 Corinthians 11:30).

Stop & Think: November 16, 2025

Gratitude

Don’t wait until the fourth Thursday in November to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving! (Charmaine J. Forde, author and poet)

It’s somewhat typical for too many of us to wait until a designated holiday to observe its special meaning. If we stop to think about it, we can find ways all year to be thankful for all God has allowed us to have and experience. An attitude of gratitude can make every day Thanksgiving!

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks (1 Timothy 4:4).
Be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Stop & Think: November 15, 2025

Being Happy

Happiness demands far more and far less than the sum total of our possessions and pleasures. (Charles Colson, author)

Have you noticed how many garages are full but the car’s parked in the driveway? Or the multiple storage units scattered throughout the community? We don’t seem to have enough stuff to make us happy. So, we add adventure parks, sports, or get rich schemes. As Colson noted, happiness must be found elsewhere

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. . . . Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found (Psalm 86:4; 119:35).

Stop & Think: November 14, 2025

Friends

A man needs a friend not to flatter him, but to strengthen him at his weak points. (Edgar Watson Howe, novelist and editor)

Whether you meet for coffee in person or via social media, you are happy to be around people with whom you can share the ups and downs of life. Beyond that, as Howe suggests, the best friends are those who will confront you, when necessary, to challenge a decision and strengthen your character.

The godly give good advice to their friends . . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (Proverbs 12:26; 27:9).

Stop & Think: November 13, 2025

Learning

We will always need instruction because there will always be something to learn. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

We may think we’ve learned a lot and experienced life long enough that there’s not much more we need to learn. Well, just buy a new car or computer and it suddenly becomes very apparent how much we need to learn in order to use them to their full potential. So, be pleased with the opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).

Stop & Think: November 12, 2025

The End or the Beginning?

There will be a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning. (Louis L’Amour, late American novelist)

We have all experienced roadblocks in our plans that seemed to be the end of the dream. But when we carefully revised the plans and began afresh, most often we were able to overcome them. So, when the next critical hitch in your planning arises, remember L’Amour’s observation.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).