GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: November 1, 2026

Gratitude

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. (Harry Ward Beecher, 19th-century American orator)

We’ll center our thoughts on gratitude this month: the attitude of being thankful, whether to someone for doing something or, in general, for life and its blessings. It’s uplifting to be around grateful people, people who don’t hesitate to say, “Thank You,” and always seem to appreciate the kindness of others. Let’s develop such an attitude and always be thankful.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2).

Stop & Think: October 31, 2026

Character

Humility is not a personality trait, it’s a choice . . . to put others and their interests first. (Gary Vet, pastoral consultant)

Some people seem to be naturally humble, often regarding others more worthy or important than they are. This attitude may come naturally to some, but most of us have to work at considering others before ourselves. It’s usually “look out for No. 1.” Humility is a character quality that can be the result of an honest, but difficult choice to put others first.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition . . . . Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4).

Stop & Think: October 30, 2026

Character

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. (George Washington)

One of the favorite stories about Washington is that when asked if he had cut down a cherry tree, he replied, “I cannot tell a lie.” Even though he was the primary military force in the Revolutionary War, chairman of pre-constitutional conventions, and, of course, chief executive officer of the new American nation, what he valued most was not the titles but being a man of integrity.

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity (1 Chronicles 29:17).

Stop & Think: October 29, 2026

Character

Character is tested when a person receives power. (John Wooden, late championship coach)

Wooden points out that key elements of great character—humility, consideration for others, and integrity—are sometimes severely tested when a person receives power. He adds, “Maintaining these qualities when we have power requires self-discipline. A leader’s most powerful tool is his or her example.” Using one’s authority requires a humble concern for others.

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.  But when the wicked are in power, they groan (Proverbs 29:2).

Stop & Think: October 28, 2026

Character

Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike. (Theodore Roosevelt, 26th U.S. president)

The leader of a great nation might be inclined to look back with pride on his accomplishments. “Teddy” Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and was a hero in the Spanish-American War. Some credit him with restoring the presidency to its rightful place of prominence. Yet, to him, character, not accomplishment, was “the decisive factor” of life.

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity (1 Chronicles 29:17).

Stop & Think: October 27, 2026

Character

The unexamined life is not worth living. (Socrates)

Many people seem to be pretty carefree about living. Eat, drink, and be merry might well be their life principle. Their influence is not lasting. But the person whose life has purpose is the one who makes a significant contribution to society. He or she can be scrutinized and examined, and those who look will find evidence of honesty, truth, integrity, and character.

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: October 26, 2026

Character

It is with trifles and when he is off guard that a man best reveals his character. (Arthur Schopenhauer, 18th-19th century German philosopher)

It’s a truth we need to be reminded of often. The character of a person is really not what is on public display. One can put on and take off a persona as he pleases in order to suit a particular crowd. But character is best revealed when you don’t think anyone is looking and you act out of your personal integrity.

The integrity of the upright guides them (Proverbs 11:3).

Stop & Think: October 25, 2026

Character

Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character. (Albert Einstein)

It’s popular to say that some very simple activity doesn’t “take a nuclear scientist,” as if being a scientist is the personification of intelligence. Apparently, Einstein viewed it in a different light. After a scientist does careful research and countless experiments, he reports his findings with honesty and forthrightness, whatever the results.

Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making (Proverbs 16:11).

Stop & Think: October 24, 2026

Character

The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out. (Baron Thomas Babington Macauley, 19th-century British historian)

The Bible says that men love darkness rather than light because of their evil deeds (John 3:19). We don’t do our “evil deeds” out in public, do we? We hide them from the public. People with integrity, however, are not afraid to have their private activity seen, because they live out their true character in public and in private.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Stop & Think: October 23, 2026

Character

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened. (Helen Keller)

Like trees that endure harsh winds, muscles that are strengthened through exercise, or metal that is tempered, so is the character of mankind when it is tested and tried. It’s through enduring the hard times and persevering in difficulty that character and strength are formed and developed. Keller’s life overcoming frailty and difficulty is a prime example of the way great character is developed.

[You are] being strengthened with all power according to [God’s] glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience (Colossians 1:11).

Stop & Think: October 22, 2026

Character

Reputation grows like a mushroom; character grows like an oak. (William Hershey Davis, late Greek scholar)

It takes many years for an acorn to develop into a full-grown, strong oak tree. Many other trees may grow much more quickly, but never become stable. Character is like that. It takes life’s experiences and trials over a lot of time to establish character, but the strength they develop is both fruitful and long-lasting.

Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3).

Stop & Think: October 21, 2026

Character

Character is like a tree and reputation [is] like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. (Abraham Lincoln)

What an interesting analogy! A tree cannot escape its shadow; whatever direction the light comes from, it casts a shadow of the real tree. Neither can a person escape his reputation. Wherever there is light, your life will be seen for what it is; you cannot pretend to be someone else. Think carefully: what does your shadow reflect?

Describing the person who wants to serve God: “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap” (1 Timothy 3:7).