GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 10, 2025

Change

If you want people to change, make it safe for them to try. (Source unknown)

Surely, some wise person first made this comment. He or she had undoubtedly noted times when someone encouraged a friend to give up a bad habit or begin a good new one only to see failure because the expectations were unrealistic. Allowing our friends to change without making it difficult for them to do so will help them to succeed.

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14). 

Stop & Think: October 9, 2025

Storms

Not every storm destroys . . . some storms reveal the strength we never knew we had. (Beloved Ashville website)

Some storms leave very little physical damage to property, while others bring total devastation. Even in those cases,  however, strong life values often prevail. Property may be damaged or gone, but the survivors may discover personal strengths and courage they never knew they had. As difficult as it will be, look for the hidden blessings and the valued life lessons.

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25).

Stop & Think: October 8, 2025

Worthy Goals

Goals determine direction; they do not define success. (Jarryd Wallace, champion runner)

In spite of serious physical limitations, Wallace was a successful competitive runner who won numerous races, setting records and earning a Paralympic medal. He had set and achieved personal goals, but his observation that goals do not define success is a helpful reminder to set priorities that help achieve those worthy goals, earn respect, and honor God.

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God . . . is calling us (Philippians 3:14).

Stop & Think: October 7, 2025

Confidence

The person I fear most in the last two rounds [of golf] is myself. (Tom Watson, professional golfer)

If you play golf at all, you know how tense the last two rounds can be. Even the best golfers in the world know that, on any given day, one of their gifted competitors could overtake their lead and win in the final round. Like Watson, we have to play with confidence; we must be in complete control of ourselves—not just our physical ability, but our judgment and emotions—to bring home the win.

Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward (2 John 1:8).

Stop & Think: October 6, 2025

Wise Words

What is done cannot be undone, but at least one can keep it from happening again. (Anne Frank, World War II diarist)

Wise words from a teenager who wrote her diary while hiding from enemy persecutors during that terrible war. She knew full well both the evil of her day and the truth that she had learned during her childhood. We may be forgiven for our errors, but the consequences can be long-lasting. To avoid harmful results in the future, be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment (Proverbs 9:6).

Stop & Think: October 5, 2025

Numbers

Is life just a game of numbers? (Jesse Deloe, writer)

Four seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter), three tenses (past, present, future), and lots of twos (arms, legs, eyes, ears). And the Bible says there are only two ways–one wide, the other narrow, and just one of them leads to life eternal with God. Life is not just a numbers game, so you do need to follow the one right way to be ready when your number is up.

Lord, remind me . . . that my days are numbered . . . So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 49:4; 90:12). 

Stop & Think: October 4, 2025

Mistakes

Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. (Mary Tyler Moore, late TV actress)

Henry Ford put it this way: “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” Often, it hurts when critics point out our errors. But their motives may be good and their suggestions helpful. We can learn best when we figure out what we did wrong and how to correct it, even if it takes several tries. 

The words of the godly encourage many (Proverbs 10:21).
So encourage each other and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).   

Stop & Think: October 3, 2025

Friendships

It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company. (George Washington)

While there are some people who really do want to be alone because of fear or a strong introverted personality, most people want to be around others—family, classmates, work partners, or teammates. Because there is strength in numbers, such associations can be very healthy when they are positive.  But stay away from relationships that can be harmful.

Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). 

Stop & Think: October 2, 2025

Seasons

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. (Albert Camus, 20th century French philosopher)

Each new season brings changes to our environment. Days are shorter now; temperatures cooler; and the Fall flowers and changing leaves brighten the drab browns. Being sensitive to the variety enhances our ability to enjoy it. You can appreciate each season of the year and of life when you approach it with positive expectation.

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! . . . There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God (Isaiah 35:2).

Stop & Think: October 1, 2025

October

Hello, October! Let the leaves fall and the adventures begin. (Source unknown)

Writer Elizabeth George Speare adds, “In October any wonderful thing might be possible.” It’s always good to begin a new month (day, week, or year) with a positive attitude. We don’t know what adventures or difficulties lie ahead, but we know that God has a perfect plan for us.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21).

Stop & Think: September 30, 2025

The End or the Beginning?

Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul . . . (Peggy Toney Horton)

That’s the way we began this month, but here is what Horton continues to say, “. . . but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October.” That’s the attitude we should develop about the moving on of time. Enjoy what you have today and look forward with anticipation to what is coming tomorrow. That means a happy life!

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. . . . Neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow . . . can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38).

Stop & Think: September 29, 2025

Be Somebody to Somebody

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody. (Peg Fitzpatrick, social media guru and author)

It could reasonably be said that everybody needs somebody. Mankind was not created to be alone. (Remember Adam and Eve?) The family circle is the best and most intimate place for sharing the good and the tough times, with everyone learning to be helpful. Start your day by asking God to show you the person you can help feel like somebody today.

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important (Galatians 6:3).
And let us consider one another, to encourage to love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24).