GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 15, 2025

Father’s Day

Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. (Anne Geddes, photographer of infants)

Here’s how one father’s children described a dad. “A man who is encouraging, protective and gives great advice. A role model who is always there to listen to you.” Sometimes fathers don’t always live up to their good intentions, but, if you can live up to that description, it can be a wonderful and healthy relationship for both dads and their children.

God says, ‘Honor your father and mother.” (Matthew 15:4).
Listen to your father, who gave you life (Proverbs 23:22).
My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live (Proverbs 4:4).

Stop & Think: June 14, 2025

Flag Day

Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. ((James Bryce, 19th-20th century British academic)

Flags may be flown on schools, office buildings, and homes today to pay tribute to the wonderful country we live in. We are grateful for those who defended the flag, and we honor this symbol of our freedoms and rights. But, as Bryce has observed, our loyalty could best be expressed in righteous living that will strengthen our nation.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Psalm33:12).
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people (Proverbs 14:34).

Stop & Think: June 13, 2025

Where Am I?

Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life. (Deborah Day, author)

We have all probably wondered at some point if this is really where we want to be in our lives. Were we hoping to have taken a different route or at least achieved a certain desired place by now? If that has occurred (or might be your concern today), Day’s reminder could be just the encouragement you need to evaluate, pray, re-think and move on to a more desired goal.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Stop & Think: June 12, 2025

Adversity 2

It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, German airline executive)

Adversity or misfortune can come in a variety of ways, and no matter the cause, we all have to find a way to deal with those difficulties or suffer under them until we find relief. The success of our lives is not determined by those problems but by our response to them. Giving in brings only defeat and regret. Stand up, learn, and overcome.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

Stop & Think: June 11, 2025

Adversity 1

Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems. (Gever Tulley, American writer and educator)

It’s our natural inclination to avoid difficulties. We will do almost anything we can to get out of a problem that has trapped us. But Tulley seems to suggest that facing difficult problems might be just the right way to learn how to persist and develop an ability to resist rather than run.

So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13).

Stop & Think: June 10, 2025

Together 2

Coming together is a beginning. Staying together is progress. And working together is success. (Henry Ford, early American automaker)

Finding someone to join, whether briefly or for the long haul, can be the beginning of something that’s not only profitable, but enjoyable. Relationships sometimes don’t last long, but the ones that do can be mutually beneficial and life changing, resulting in both progress and success.

I will hear that you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News (Philippians 1:27).

Stop & Think: June 9, 2025

Together 1

In joined hands there is still some token of hope; in the clenched fist, none. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French author)

Whether it is in 19th century France or 21st century America, those words are a valid observation of life as it really is. A clenched fist, whether personal statement of dissatisfaction or in a crowd of protestors, accomplishes very little. But, whether it’s many or only a few, when hands are joined together in efforts to serve and help, much good can be achieved.

Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose (Philippians 2:2).

Stop & Think: June 8, 2025

Kindness

Kindness. It costs nothing, but means everything. (Source unknown)

Author Ashleigh Brilliant said it well. “Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most.” Talk show host, Chelsea Hart goes even further: “Every act of kindness grows the spirit and strengthens the soul.” When you show kindness, you are blessing someone, and you are blessed in turn. It’s a win-win all around.

Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you (Proverbs 16:24; 3:3a).

Stop & Think: June 7, 2025

Life Plans

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. (George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright)

Shaw’s counsel may be helpful if you are trying to “find yourself,” but there’s something even more significant to pursue. Turn your search toward finding and knowing the God who gave you life and wants to make you a completely new person. Through a relationship with his son, Jesus this “new you” will discover a life that’s fulfilled with purpose and joy.

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Stop & Think: June 6, 2025

Work

When work is a pleasure, life is a joy. When work is a duty, life is slavery (Maxim Gorky, 19th-20th century Russian writer)

Is 9-to-5 (or any other work schedule) a chore for you? Do you dread going to work every day, looking forward to the day’s challenges? No matter how difficult or easy the job, your attitude about your work may be the most important key to your ease of mind and success. Start with joy and anticipation.

I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. . . So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work (Ecclesiastes 2:10; 3:22).

Stop & Think: June 5, 2025

Hope 2

I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. (Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman)

No doubt, this would be the attitude of any president, prime minister, or king at just about any time during their tenure. Hoping for the best is certainly not enough while carrying such heavy responsibilities. A leader’s hope is based on wise preparation, coupled with a constant state of readiness, and strong faith in trustworthy help.

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you (Psalm 25:5).

Stop & Think: June 4, 2025

Hope 1

Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment. (Napoleon Bonaparte, 18th-19th century French statesman)

Author Dale Carnegie enlarges on the idea: “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Whether it’s a matter of unrequited love or failure to complete a task, hope is part of what’s required to achieve your goals. Seek help from others and trust God for that needed hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).