GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 3, 2026

Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. (John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. president)

Some people seem to think they are leaders, but no one is following them. Others are not concerned whether they are recognized as leaders, but, as Adams says, their actions draw others to follow them. It’s essential that we have leaders who, indeed, do inspire us to dream, learn, do and become more than we would do or be without their leadership.

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

Stop & Think: March 2, 2026

Leadership

We get the leaders in the future that we make now. (Randy Smith, Bible teacher)

Great leaders don’t just pop up when we need them. They must be trained, gain experience, and be tested in the workplace. Often, the best place to find them is from among us. Looking outside for leaders may work, but when we grow our future leaders, we’ll know what to expect from their leadership.

So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader; lay your hand on him” (Numbers 27:18).

Stop & Think: March 1, 2026

Leadership

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. (Ken Blanchard, author and motivational speaker)

This month we’re considering the importance of leadership, the ability to influence, guide, and direct others. Sometimes we may think that our authority should be sufficient to motivate our colleagues.  But influence by persuasion, careful counsel and concern will likely accomplish more than merely exercising one’s authority.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good (Romans 13:4).

Stop & Think: February 28, 2026

Love

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. (The Dalai Lama)

Many powerful political, business, or social leaders seem to have a rather brusque exterior. Often, they are so focused on the bottom line that they may not reflect the gentler side of human nature. But to be truly effective and well-remembered, leaders must recognize the lasting value of concern for others and care for their followers.

God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others (Colossians 3:12).

Stop & Think: February 27, 2026

Love

Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice. (Nora Roberts, American author)

Everyone realizes that a good magician has to study, practice, and work hard to perform his sleight-of-hand tricks. We don’t often think of love that way, though. We view it as a romantic sentiment that comes over us in the presence of someone attractive and responsive. But lasting love requires more than emotion; it takes commitment and determined effort.

. . .the Lord appeared to his people and said,  “I love you… with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Stop & Think: February 26, 2026

Love

Where the ego promotes control by fear, the soul promotes freedom in love. (Inspiration Line)

Too many of us are driven by our egos; our pride motivates us to be sure that number one is always prominent. We believe somehow that this will bring the freedom we think we deserve. Unfortunately, to gain such status, we often resort to fear tactics to protect our position. How much better it would be to let love be the motivator.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

Stop & Think: February 25, 2026

Love

Take away love and our earth is a tomb. (Robert Browning, 19th century English poet)

According to the musical Carnival, “Love makes the world go ’round.” But for Browning, whose poem laments the loss of a loved one, there was nothing left to live for. When love is missing, life often becomes tedious and dreary. A fulfilling life needs the love of a heavenly Father, as well as a true and faithful human companion.

Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices (Song of Songs 4:10).

Stop & Think: February 24, 2026

Love

Love is very much a matter of actions rather than emotions. (Jerry Bridges, late author, speaker)

In a world flooded with songs, movies, and stories of love, it’s really hard to understand what genuine love is. Many times, it is identified with lust or eroticism. Other times, it is regarded merely as an emotion—something that fosters the idea of “listening to your heart, not your mind.” But real love is thoughtful, unselfish, and results in actions that benefit the one loved.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

Stop & Think: February 23, 2026

Love

If we love people even when they are unlovable, then we provide an opportunity for them to change. (Ken Blanchard, author and motivational speaker)

Wow! How do you love someone who is unlovable? Blanchard doesn’t tell us how, but he points to the benefit there is in doing so. It’s hard to help people change. Arguing rarely helps. Becoming angry only makes things worse. But if you show them unconditional love, you may be surprised at how they might change.

But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly (Matthew 5:44).

Stop & Think: February 22, 2026

Love

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. (John F. Kennedy, 35th US president)

It’s appropriate to recall Kennedy’s challenge. Many of us say or think about something that we intend to do, but fail to follow through. Never is that more obvious than when we tell someone we love them, but don’t show that love in our actions. Love is an action word—and actions speak louder than words.

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Stop & Think: February 21, 2026

Love

We become like that which we love. (Bishop Fulton Sheen)

Is it true that people begin to look like their pets? That’s probably just a joke, but there is some truth to what Bishop Sheen says. Over the years of marriage couples do begin to think and act alike. But if we become so infatuated with the things of this temporary life, we will miss out on God’s very best intention for us – becoming like His son, Jesus.

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,  all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength (Mark 12:30).

Stop & Think: February 20, 2026

Love

Who is wise in love, love most, say least. (Lord Alfred Tennyson, 19th century English poet)

Many are the words of love. Gifted artists have given us innumerable songs, poems, and prose tributes to the elusive qualities of love. While almost everyone appreciates hearing words of love, the best evidence of caring for someone is not in the quantity of words, but in the thoughtful actions that encourage, benefit, and uplift the loved one.

. . . we must not only talk about loving people; we must show we love people by what we do for them. We must really love them. (1 John 3:18)