GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 19, 2025

Starting with Nothing

God made the world from nothing, and if we can be nothing, then God can make something of us. (Martin Luther King Jr, social activist)

Do you marvel at God’s creation and love its beauty and the amazing way it works? Humans are the capstone of his creation, but with a significant difference. We have minds which can reason and wills to make choices, and we must not open the door to wrong choices. When we regard ourselves as nothing without God, he can begin to use our lives to honor him and benefit society.

So God created people in his own image. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way (Genesis 1:27a & 31). 

Stop & Think: July 18, 2025

Weakness

When you are honest and humble about your weaknesses, you will be more comfortable in your own skin. (Arthur Brooks, American author and academic)

Many of us find it difficult to acknowledge our weaknesses. But Brooks continues: “When you use your weaknesses to connect with others, love in your life will grow. And finally—finally—you will be able to relax without worrying about being exposed as less than people think you are.” After all, it is not the praise of men that we long for; it is the blessing of God.

As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. . . For [the Lord] . . .  will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due (1 Corinthians 4:3, 5).

Stop & Think: July 17, 2025

Talents

Talents are sown as liberally among the poor as the rich. (Thomas Jefferson)

It’s unfortunate and short-sighted to think that only the wealthy have anything to offer in the way of ideas or abilities. Cross-cultural workers can testify to the skill and creativity of nationals who may live in abject poverty. Given the opportunity to express themselves and use their ingenuity, they often can exceed the expats in their ability to find solutions for even the biggest challenges.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well (Romans 12:6).

Stop & Think: July 16, 2025

Will

People do not lack strength; they lack will. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French author)

How do you handle tough times? Difficulties provide a test for us. Often, we feel that we just don’t have the strength to persevere and overcome. In giving up, however, we miss a chance to grow. Author Bob Marley wrote, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” Discover your strength by facing the difficulty and working hard to overcome it.

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil (Ps 119:133).
Jesus: “. . . take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

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).