GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 2, 2026

Character

One can acquire everything in solitude—except character. (Henri Stendhal, 19th-century French writer)

Stendhal (pen name for Marie-Henri Beyle) raises an interesting concept. We can develop certain abilities and skills by ourselves, perhaps, but how can we develop character alone? Character, after all, is demonstrated by one’s conduct with and toward others. It cannot be proved in isolation; integrity can be learned alone but can be seen only by others.

The light of the righteous shines brightly (Proverbs 13:9).

Stop & Think: October 1, 2026

Character

When you judge another, you do not define them; you define yourself. (Wayne Dyer, self-help author)

This month’s thoughts center on character, the set of qualities that make someone distinctive and become that person’s reputation.  When we are tempted to judge someone, we must evaluate their work and words, not our perception of their character or motives. What they say and do will reveal their character, so we should let those be the evidence without our judgment.

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: September 30, 2026

Work

It is better to prepare than to repair. (Richard Krejcir, ministry consultant and author)

In the urgency of time and priorities, we are often tempted to cut corners and forget good warnings. “Think before you act.” “Measure twice, cut once.” These are reminders that careful advance work can avoid a lot of second efforts. No one wants to go back and do it all over again. Today, no matter what you’re doing, make every attempt to do it right the first time.

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled (1 Peter 1:13a).

Stop & Think: September 29, 2026

Work

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. (Vince Lombardi, successful football coach)

Coach Lombardi’s success proved the validity of this statement. His teams won games because the individual players worked hard at doing their best, whatever their assignment. It almost seems that life today tends toward mediocrity. We must put forth our best effort to become all that we can potentially be. Work at it!

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chron 15:7).

Stop & Think: September 28, 2026

Work

The value of achievement lies in the achieving. (Albert Einstein)

Here’s another way of putting it. “The value of work is the working.” Whatever the accomplishment, honest work is important and is its own reward. Faithful, honest workers take pride in their work and find joy and satisfaction in a job well done. According to the Bible, man was created to work, and, in doing so, he most honors his Creator.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for [God], not for men (Colossians 3:23).

Stop & Think: September 27, 2026

Work

Work is not always required of man. There is such a thing as sacred idleness; the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected. (George MacDonald, Scottish author and poet)

Work is such an important value that some nations have actually set aside a day to recognize it and workers themselves. It’s a time to celebrate hard work, a necessity for personal success and progress in society. But MacDonald reminds us that there is more to life than work. We need quiet time to reflect and grow inwardly.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Stop & Think: September 25, 2026

Work

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. (Sam Ewing, former professional athlete)

When you are faced with a difficult task, something that will require hard work, how do you respond? Ewing suggests the best way to respond. The person of character will accept the task and will set about to accomplish it as effectively and efficiently as possible. We’d all like to have people with such character work for us.

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty (Proverbs 14:23).

Stop & Think: September 24, 2026

Work

If it’s meant to be; it’s up to me. (Terri Gulick, teacher)

Personal responsibility seems to be a lost quality today. When opportunities for work and improvement are presented, the response too often is, “Let George do it.” It’s someone else’s responsibility, we think. But we’ll find success and a sense of accomplishment when we do our fair share.

Each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to (1 Corinthians 7:24).

Stop & Think: September 23, 2026

Work

Quality is never an accident; . . . it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. (William A. Foster, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient)

Good things don’t happen by accident. Worthy deeds are not produced by mere happenstance. We must choose what we do and how we do it. When we see worthy accomplishments, we know someone worked hard to produce them. And quite often, it’s heroic sacrifice that produces work of significant accomplishment.

His work will be shown for what it is . . . It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work (1 Corinthians 3:13).

Stop & Think: September 22, 2026

Work

The spirited horse, which will of itself strive to win the race, will run still faster if encouraged. (Ovid, ancient Roman philosopher)

Would horses be hindered by criticism? People often are. But in some way people must be like horses because encouragement is a strong incentive for us, too. It causes us to move on, to work harder, to run faster. If a horse can be spurred on by encouragement, how much greater will the results of encouragement be among human beings!

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15).

Stop & Think: September 21, 2026

Work

No one need be ashamed of fingernails made dirty by a hard day’s work. (Linus, a cartoon character in Peanuts)

Work is a gift from God. The first man was placed in a garden and instructed “to work it and to take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). In fact, the Bible also says that if a man will not work, he shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Good, hard work is of great personal benefit and provides opportunity for society’s well-being, also.

Work with your own hands . . . so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Stop & Think: September 20, 2026

Work

Artists, like some mothers, frequently love those of their children best who have caused them the greatest pains. (Robert Schumann, 19th century German composer)

Have you sometimes struggled in your work, just as an artist may have over his work? Sometimes it takes extra time and work just to complete a particular project. What is it that has given you the most satisfaction in your work? The work that came easy or the work you really labored over? The real question is: “Will your work stand the test when it is judged?”

If any man builds . . . his work will be shown for what it is . . . and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).