GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 9, 2026

Truth

To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. (Aristotle)

That warning says a lot about today’s society, doesn’t it? People seem to be so opinionated and judgmental that almost anything you say to them will be criticized—justly or unjustly. Oh, that life were different, but it often isn’t. So, as we strive to avoid unnecessary confrontation, we must not be afraid to speak the truth in appropriate ways.

Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts (Zechariah 8:16).

Stop & Think: July 8, 2026

Truth

The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices. (Frederick II, the Great, 18th century Prussian monarch)

Discovering truth is not only the task of scientists and inventors; it’s the privilege of any true seeker after truth. Accepting newly discovered truth, however, might mean we have to give up some previously held untruths, prejudices that have kept us from seeing the reality of truth. Look for that source of truth that is available for the searching.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. Sanctify them by the truth; your word [God] is truth (John 16:13; John 17:17).

Stop & Think: July 7, 2026

Truth

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie . . . but the myth. (John F. Kennedy)

Kennedy wrote that it’s not the “deliberate, contrived, and dishonest” fabrication we should fear but the “persistent, persuasive, and realistic” untruths cloaked in allegory or fables that are true-sounding but intended to deceive. Lies are often recognizable, but myths may have an appearance of reality. We should listen well and be discerning of all we hear.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7).

Stop & Think: July 6, 2026

Truth

There is a language in actions. And in some cases, the language of action is much more clear and convincing than words. (Jonathan Edwards, 18th century colonial preacher)

Perhaps Edwards’ words are the basis for the more modern expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” In spite of what someone might say, the evidence of his actions will usually reveal the true intent of his heart and mind. We might well tell him, “What you do speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you say.” Work hard today to make your deeds and words match.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Stop & Think: July 5, 2026

Truth

You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea. (Benazir Bhutto, late prime minister of Pakistan)

These are significant words from a political leader who was later assassinated. Her ideas of democracy and fairness no doubt inspired many who heard those words and then saw the cost of standing for one’s beliefs. Bhutto felt her efforts “gave ordinary people peace, security, dignity, and opportunity to progress.” Stand firm for ideas you know to be true.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (Ephesians 6:14)

Stop & Think: July 4, 2026

Truth

The 250 Year history of the United States gives testimony to a strong allegiance to essential truth. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

On this Independence Day, we may be reminded of what Peter Marshall, late U.S. Senate chaplain, wrote: “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” Our Founding Fathers discovered what is right by pursuing truth, revealed by God himself and proven by the experience of history over many generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord . . . The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. (Psalm 33:12; 113:4)

Stop & Think: July 3, 2026

Truth

What we see depends mainly on what we look for. (John Lubbock, 19th-20th century British banker)

Lubbock’s statement should be a warning to the honest student and researcher. When we set out to find answers to puzzles, we begin with preconceived ideas that too often influence the solutions we find. An open mind and disciplined procedures are necessary to discover truth. Make sure you start with reliable sources of information.

Have I not [taught] you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve? (Proverbs 22:20-21)

Stop & Think: July 2, 2026

Truth

Where goodness and truth exist, there you will find beauty. (Pat Sajak, former TV quiz show host)

Sajak continues, “Our purpose is to seek truth in order to discover and to act on what is good and beautiful in this life.” He also quotes the website of Hillsdale College: “The good of anything is found in its ability to accomplish what it was created for.” So, to say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder is too subjective. Beauty is objectively displayed in truth and goodness.

[Speak] the truth in love. . . . For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true (Ephesians 4:15; 5:9).

Stop & Think: July 1, 2026

Truth

Truth, though it has many disadvantages, is at least changeless. You can always find it where you left it. (Phyllis Bottome, 20th-century British novelist and short story writer)

This month’s theme for our daily thoughts is Truth, a premise based on fact and reality. Truth is unalterable and independent of one’s personal worldview. Truth sometimes may hurt, but truth is truth. It doesn’t change with the changing ethics of society or personal preference. Pursue truth at all costs.

Truthful lips endure forever (Proverbs 12:19).

Stop & Think: June 30, 2026

Integrity

Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value. (Albert Einstein, noted scientist)

Ours is a success-oriented society. It’s more than just wanting not to fail. From early childhood, we want to be first in everything, and from there to adulthood, we are pushed to be winners in whatever we pursue. Sometimes, winners don’t always exhibit the best conduct. The person of integrity, however, is always a winner in the most important sense.

Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go (1 Kings 2:3).

Stop & Think: June 29, 2026

Integrity

The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he’s born. (William R. Inge, 19th-20th century Anglican priest and author)

If poverty is generational, so can moral integrity and character be. But the development of good character most often begins in the influence of our ancestors. Inge wants us to understand the importance of living lives of integrity that will instill good character into succeeding generations, firmly establishing our grandchildren and theirs. How well are you influencing your posterity?

Put my commandments on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Stop & Think: June 28, 2026

Integrity

Your character & integrity as a leader are much more important to the people who work for you than how much you pay them. (Mike Lee, former pastor)

We live in a society where money seems to rule, and some people are primarily concerned about how much they can make. But it is still true that many people would rather work for an honest boss at a lower wage than for a scoundrel who may pay more. That says something important about leaders who maintain a good relationship with staff because of their high integrity.

Have I not … [taught] you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve? (Proverbs 22:20-21)