GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 10, 2026

Character

Your character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what men think you are. (William Hershey Davis, late seminary professor)

Everyone likes to be well thought of. We all want to have a good reputation, and that’s important. But ultimately, character will determine one’s reputation. If you develop strong character, reflecting virtue and high values, your reputation will demonstrate it. It’s what is inside you that determines what impression you will make on others, whether good or bad.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Stop & Think: October 9, 2026

Character

A good character is the best tombstone. . . . Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. (C.H. Spurgeon, 19th-century Englishman often called “the prince of preachers”)

How do you want to be remembered? What would you like people to say about you? That will be determined pretty much by the way you live, speak, and act before you die. And it will not be the words and actions so much as the attitude you displayed and your integrity. It’s a matter of what people thought you to be on the inside; that’s character.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity (Proverbs 11:3).

Stop & Think: October 8, 2026

Character

Nearly anyone can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. (Abraham Lincoln)

History is filled with examples of leaders who didn’t know how to handle power well. We all may have experienced such failure personally when we were given authority before we were fully prepared to handle it. Character qualities are developed when you handle the hard times gracefully. When you’ve proved yourself in adversity, your integrity will keep you from abusing the power you’ve been given.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn (Proverbs 29:2).

Stop & Think: October 7, 2026

Character

Example is not the main thing in influencing others . . . it is the only thing. (Albert Schweitzer, 20th-century German theologian and physician)

That’s a rather strong statement, isn’t it? And yet, we probably all recognize that watching another person’s conduct offers better evidence of his true character than what he may say. Because what one does reveals more clearly who he or she really is as a person. So, we must all be sure our own conduct and expression match. Say what is right and do it, too.

Set an example … in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Stop & Think: October 6, 2026

Character

It is not what a man has, but what he is, that matters. (F. B. Meyer, 19th-20th century English pastor)

Too often we are likely to judge the value of people on what they do or have, rather than on what they are. What a person does will tell you pretty much what he or she is. What one is will determine what one does. So, let’s learn not to judge people by what they have. Let’s try to discover what they are and help them develop their inner character.

As he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

Stop & Think: October 5, 2026

Character

Your leadership ability has the potential to take you further than your character can sustain you (Jonathan Herron, author).

Perhaps that statement explains why so many leaders fail when they’ve reached a certain level of achievement. The higher you climb on the ladder, the more hurtful the fall. Sometimes we can be so intent on the progress we’re making that we overlook the importance of relationships. While we’re honing our leadership skills, we must also be developing a character of integrity.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).

Stop & Think: October 4, 2026

Character

One’s mere word should be as trustworthy as a signed agreement attested by legal witnesses. (Curtis Vaughan, late seminary professor)

“Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” That oath is supposed to guarantee that what is testified to will be true. Why is such an oath necessary? Can’t we trust one another? Unfortunately, we’ve learned that not everyone is trustworthy, but the word of a person with character and integrity should be enough.

Simply let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matthew 5:36).

Stop & Think: October 3, 2026

Character

You cannot dream yourself into a character, but you must hammer and forge yourself one. (James A. Froude, 19th-century English historian)

We would all like to be known for our stellar character, but it doesn’t just happen. How do we develop a good reputation? It is the result of a lifetime of living. It comes over time as a result of the effort and determination to live honorably. Often, it grows stronger as a result of bearing trials courageously. As we respond to life’s events, our character becomes readily recognized.

We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).

Stop & Think: October 2, 2026

Character

One can acquire everything in solitude—except character. (Henri Stendhal, 19th-century French writer)

Stendhal (pen name for Marie-Henri Beyle) raises an interesting concept. We can develop certain abilities and skills by ourselves, perhaps, but how can we develop character alone? Character, after all, is demonstrated by one’s conduct with and toward others. It cannot be proved in isolation; integrity can be learned alone but can be seen only by others.

The light of the righteous shines brightly (Proverbs 13:9).

Stop & Think: October 1, 2026

Character

When you judge another, you do not define them; you define yourself. (Wayne Dyer, self-help author)

This month’s thoughts center on character, the set of qualities that make someone distinctive and become that person’s reputation.  When we are tempted to judge someone, we must evaluate their work and words, not our perception of their character or motives. What they say and do will reveal their character, so we should let those be the evidence without our judgment.

In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:2).

Stop & Think: September 30, 2026

Work

It is better to prepare than to repair. (Richard Krejcir, ministry consultant and author)

In the urgency of time and priorities, we are often tempted to cut corners and forget good warnings. “Think before you act.” “Measure twice, cut once.” These are reminders that careful advance work can avoid a lot of second efforts. No one wants to go back and do it all over again. Today, no matter what you’re doing, make every attempt to do it right the first time.

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled (1 Peter 1:13a).

Stop & Think: September 29, 2026

Work

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. (Vince Lombardi, successful football coach)

Coach Lombardi’s success proved the validity of this statement. His teams won games because the individual players worked hard at doing their best, whatever their assignment. It almost seems that life today tends toward mediocrity. We must put forth our best effort to become all that we can potentially be. Work at it!

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chron 15:7).