GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 8, 2025

Challenges

Our lives are defined not by the challenges we encounter, but by how we respond to those challenges. (Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author)

Everyone faces challenges at one time or another, small difficulties or huge obstacles to overcome. They are a universal part of human existence, and we had best be prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually to address them with courage and fortitude. The real test is not the challenge, but our response to it. That will demonstrate the quality of our integrity and character.

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil (Ephesians 6: 11).

Stop & Think: July 7, 2025

Prayer

To say prayers in a decent, delicate way is not heavy work. But to pray, really, to pray . . .  ‘til the iron gates of difficulty are opened . . . this is hard work, but it is God’s work. (E. M. Bounds, author and attorney)

There are probably only a few places in the world where people don’t pray. Even atheists at times may utter an unexpected prayer for help. For many, praying is merely the recitation of religious formulas, invocations, benedictions, and responses in religious rites. But for effective prayer, there mut be heart and mind given to sincere worship, confession, and intercession.

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. . . The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (James 5:13, 16).

Stop & Think: July 6, 2025

Meeting People

You meet people for a reason. Either you need them to change your life or you’re the one that will change theirs. (J Paul Nadeau, motivational speaker and author)

Life may seem unpredictable and uncertain, but if you believe in a sovereign God, you know that nothing every really happens by accident. That gives life meaning and purpose and helps us understand that even a casual relationship with someone can be purposeful. How could we encourage a stranger? How can we gain the desired support of someone who cares for us?

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 12:2)

Stop & Think: July 5, 2025

Seasons

I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a blanket. (Ellie Elmore, university student)

Really? The days of July are usually some of the hottest days of the entire year in the northern hemisphere. Can you think of having a blanket around you on a 90-degree day? Maybe Elmore was having these thoughts while experiencing a really cold day in January or March. In any case, summer days are eagerly anticipated in the winer and especially enjoyed by outdoor people.

. . . the Lord your God cares for . . . [and] watches over [the land] through each season of the year! (paraphrase of Deuteronomy 11:12)

Stop & Think: July 4, 2025

Independence Day

Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. (James Bryce, 19th century British academic)

Waving the flag, singing the National Anthem, pledging allegiance, and the 4th of July speeches are soul stirring to American citizens. But words are only words, and the holiday celebration is soon over. Maintaining the liberties provided by the founding fathers and fought for by sacrificing warriors can be perpetuated only by living God-fearing lives of encouragement.

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12-22).

Stop & Think: July 3, 2025

Integrity

What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength. (Meryl Streep, actress)

No one really wants to be considered “weird,” or “different” in a weird way. But Streep’s point can be helpful if we view it correctly. Simply being one of “the crowd,” just like everyone else, is not a desirable posture either. Men and women of honesty, trustworthiness, and good behavior could really stand out in a positive way in today’s society. Character will be seen and emulated.

For we are each responsible for our own conduct. . . (Galatians 6:5).
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Stop & Think: July 2, 2025

Truth

One claim to truth excludes another claim to truth. Both can be wrong, but both can’t be right. (Chuck Colson, former government official)

In a day when claims to truth are broadcast widely in political, religious, and social debate, Colson’s remark is challenging. Everyone seems to have his or her own truth. Truth is relative, they say; it’s whatever works out well for you. As we are reminded, however, when arguments are clearly mutually exclusive, it’s wise to discover the only one that is true in reality.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. . . [And] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 14:6; 16:13).

Stop & Think: July 1, 2025

Constancy

Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. (Jenny Han, American author and screenwriter)

Not everybody looks at July as Han does. In some parts of the U.S. people will complain about the high temperatures and humidity. Elsewhere it’s the low humidity when hot days seem like living in a pizza oven. Some vacationers are looking forward to trips into the cool mountains, while others will enjoy a breezy day at the beach. It’s all personal preference, isn’t it?

As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night (Genesis 8:22).

Stop & Think: June 30, 2025

Honor

Heroes never die. They live on in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps. (Source uncertain)

Real heroes are not the caped characters in comic books and cartoons that children love to imitate at Halloween. Those costume heroes are soon forgotten. We have set aside special holidays to help us remember and honor the real heroes–those who faced danger and even death so we wouldn’t have to. They are the heroes we should never forget.

Give to everyone what you owe them: . . .  if honor, then honor (Romans 13:7).

Stop & Think: June 29, 2025

Excellence in Aging

Excellence is always its own reward . . . (Arthur Brooks, professor and author)

He continues: “. . . and this is how you can be most excellent as you age.” How? “[By devoting] the back half of your life to serving others with your wisdom. Get old sharing the things you believe are most important.” The most significant lessons of your life are probably what you learned from personal experience. Sharing your life lessons with others is its own reward.

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old (Job 12:12).

Stop & Think: June 28, 2025

Teamwork

There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves. (Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th president)

Johnson’s thought may have been a bit optimistic; there are a few issues that we probably can’t solve even if we work in unity. But the sentiment is vital. There are many things that we are not able to achieve, even though we try our very best.  Many of them, however, will be accomplished by the cooperative effort of a team of committed minds.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live [and work] together in unity (Paraphrase of Psalm 133:1).

Stop & Think: June 27, 2025

Endurance

This is no time for ease and comfort. It is time to dare and endure. (Winston Churchill, World War II British Prime Minister)

Churchill spoke these words in a time of great distress and danger in Europe. It took all that England had to offer along with other Allied nations to restore peace. But in 21st century America, though we may seem to be at ease and comfortable, there are dangers that still need to be addressed with a war-like effort to overcome crime, disease, and poverty.

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1).
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need (Colossians 1:11).