GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 15, 2025

Christmas in July?

Every July, I look forward to taping a Christmas show – in July in Nashville. In 98-degree weather. I love it.” (Larry, the Cable Guy)

Thinking about Christmas in the middle of July is probably a favorite imaginary thought for lots of people in the northern hemisphere. Anything to escape the hot, muggy weather. On some TV channels there seem to be Christmas shows all through the calendar. How strange it seems, but the idea of the Christmas spirit of love and sharing is a good think year-round.

For everything there is a season . . . A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8).
May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love (Jude 1:2).

Stop & Think: July 14, 2025

Falling

No [number] of falls will really undo us if we keep picking ourselves up each time. (C. S. Lewis, British apologist)

Like children who fall into the mud, our falls may dirty us in one way or another. But Lewis continues: “It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.” God is in control not only when good things happen, but even when we fall. And it’s in those times that we can call upon him and receive the cleansing and strength we need to go on.

The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads (Psalm 145:14).

Stop & Think: July 13, 2025

Kindness

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. (Aesop’s Fables)

A simple “Hi” or “Hello” offered with a smile to a stranger may be the kindest thing he or she has heard all day. It didn’t cost you much and you may never know its value to the one you greeted. Oscar Wilde wrote: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” So, be on the lookout for someone you can encourage today.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness . . . (Colossians 3:12).

Stop & Think: July 12, 2025

Action!

If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don’t do it, and it won’t happen. (Desiderius Eramus, 16th century Dutch humanist)

This observation could well apply to the 21st century, too. How many times have you thought or dreamed about something you wanted to do—something worthwhile and important, perhaps. But you just never got around to doing it. Thinking and dreaming are important and helpful, but action is required to accomplish anything of value. So, as Nike says, “Just do it!”

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). So prepare your minds for action (1 Peter 1:13).

Stop & Think: July 11, 2025

Time for Refreshing

Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy. (Roy T. Bennett, author)

Free speech and the right to protest are important, but shouldn’t there be some limits? When we are deeply angry and resort to violence, many can be hurt, and no one benefits. What do activists do when they’re not protesting? Are there any leisure times, moments of rest, fun times, pleasant interactions with others? Those times are essential for physical and emotional refreshing.

Don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul (Proverbs 3:21-22).

Stop & Think: July 10, 2025

Persistence

Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages. (George Washington)

President Washington certainly faced difficult times. He led a ragtag army of inexperienced farmers who eventually won the Revolutionary War. As the leader of a fledgling new nation, he had to administer a totally new form of government. His perseverance, courageous spirit, and his faith in God sustained him.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you (Joshua 1:9).

Stop & Think: July 9, 2025

Faith or Fear

Faith and fear both demand that you believe in something you cannot see. You Choose. (Bob Proctor, Canadian author and business owner)

We speak of some religious folks as “people of faith.” Their lives reflect their trust in a God who cannot be seen with the physical human eye. There are other folks who could rightly be called “people of fear” because they seem to live in constant fear of something that could happen in their future. The Bible is clear that there is a God who cares, protects, and gives real hope.

We can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear” (Hebrews 13:6).

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).