GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: November 13, 2025

Learning

We will always need instruction because there will always be something to learn. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

We may think we’ve learned a lot and experienced life long enough that there’s not much more we need to learn. Well, just buy a new car or computer and it suddenly becomes very apparent how much we need to learn in order to use them to their full potential. So, be pleased with the opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).

Stop & Think: November 12, 2025

The End or the Beginning?

There will be a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning. (Louis L’Amour, late American novelist)

We have all experienced roadblocks in our plans that seemed to be the end of the dream. But when we carefully revised the plans and began afresh, most often we were able to overcome them. So, when the next critical hitch in your planning arises, remember L’Amour’s observation.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).

Stop & Think: November 11, 2025

Leadership

There is no success without a successor. (Tom Julien, late missionary statesman)

Too often, we’ve seen businesses or non-profits fail when new executives assume the leadership. Julien prepared his staff to take on his responsibilities and trained others for leadership. Future success depends on careful selection and preparation of the next leader.

Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people . . . Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you (Joshua 1:6).

Stop & Think: November 10, 2025

Checklists

Your long checklists for golf and life can be replaced with this simple guideline. Relax. Be at Ease! (Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong, sports writers)

Golfers are noted for going through a rigid routine as they address the ball, whether it’s the first hole or the final putt. For many people, life is like that, too. Every thought and action has to be taken through a list of dos, don’ts, and doubts. That becomes tiresome and frustrating, so the counsel is “relax!” It’s often hard to do, but doing so will make life much more enjoyable.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized (Hebrews 6:11).

Stop & Think: November 9, 2025

What’s Right?

You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right. (President Lyndon Johnson)

Sometimes, doing what is right isn’t as easy as LBJ says. Sometimes we make wrong choices because our desires are stronger than our conscience. But he is right in acknowledging how hard it is to know the difference between right and wrong. Today, we are confronted with a variety of mutually exclusive claims. It takes discernment and strength to know and do the right things.

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart (Proverbs 21:2).
Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right Ecclesiastes 8:5).

Stop & Think: November 8, 2025

Adversity

Our character is determined not by our circumstances but by our reaction to those circumstances. (Charles Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship)

Adversity strikes all of us sooner or later. It’s a universal part of human experience. We can’t always prepare for it, so how do we handle tough situations when they arise? When we’re under them, circumstances can smother us like being under a mattress rather than on top of it. But, if we face them with patience and determination, we may discover they are helpful stepping stones.

The Lord to the Apostle Paul: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Stop & Think: November 7, 2025

Good Advice?

Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, stop caring about what others think. (Roy T. Bennett, author)

This quotation can be helpful or harmful. If we’re living a life of integrity, negative criticism or false rumors shouldn’t concern us. But, as author Lysa TerKerust  put it, “Feelings are indicators, not dictators.” Because our “inner voice” often lies to us, it’s wise to evaluate our feelings and whether or not the criticism has any valid basis.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow (Psalm 25:4).
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found (Psalm 119:35).

Stop & Think: November 6, 2025

Desires

Not to have is the beginning of desire. (Wallace Stevens, poet)

If we really yearn for something, we will likely work to find a way to satisfy that desire. It has long been noted that “necessity is the mother of invention.” And when we come to believe that we can’t live without something, we may be willing to do almost anything to get it. It’s good to pursue ways to fulfill legitimate desires for our own well-being and the good of others.

May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. . . . Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 20:4; 27.4)

Stop & Think: November 5, 2025

Time

Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back. (Harvey MacKay, businessman and author)

Years, months, weeks—hours, minutes; all are precious gifts that we don’t earn and can’t buy. They are part of God’s wonderful creation that enables us to use the other gifts he’s given to live and to enjoy, to grow, and to make a worthy contribution in “our” world. Ask him for the ability to see and act on those opportunities for living a life that enriches others.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Stop & Think: November 4, 2025

Mistakes

The only real mistake is one from which we learn nothing. (John Powell, music conductor)

Author Steve Maraboli offers a helpful reminder: “We all make mistakes . . . but you are not your mistakes. You are here now with the power to shape your day and your future.” First, we should learn from our mistakes: why did it happen and how can I avoid it the next time? Then, we should recognize that improvement must begin with our own determination and effort.

A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

Stop & Think: November 3, 2025

Meeting People

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. (Kent M. Keith, American writer and educator)

That’s a pretty negative view of people, isn’t it? All generalizations—like that one, of course—are wrong. You probably have many friends who are happy, reasonable, logical, and self-controlled. Very likely, Keith’s point is that no matter the attitude, disposition, or pride of someone we might meet, we should respond with kindness and encouragement.

The Apostle Paul to Philemon: “I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people” (Philemon 1:5).

Stop & Think: November 2, 2025

The Good Life

The good life is realized in our ability to hold fast to the truth and our human dignity that rests upon it. (Charles Colson, former White House counselor)

Some argue that there is no absolute truth. Colson’s life experience is a stunning example of that fundamental error. His brilliant legal mind and cunning political prowess took him to the White House. But his “good life” came crashing down because his pursuit of success was based on false realities. When he accepted God’s truth, he was restored to a life of service and dignity.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked (Psalm 84:10).