GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 20, 2025

Better Ideas

Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, 19th century educator)

Sometimes a great idea pops into one’s mind as if from nowhere. That person may pursue the idea and write a great poem, deliver a powerful speech, or invent a useful item. It is likely more often, however, that when the idea person shares the thought with another creative person, the idea will be developed into something even better.

Plans succeed through good counsel. . . Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 20:18; 11:14).

Stop & Think: June 19, 2025

Juneteenth Day

We all require and want respect, man or woman, Black or white. It’s our basic human right. (Aretha Franklin, late singer, songwriter)

Juneteenth marks the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved people in the U.S., finally reached Galveston, Texas in 1865. While enslavement and racism still continue in all too many places in the world, freedom and liberty are the hallmarks of democracy and basic human rights. Even more important is the freedom that’s available by faith in Jesus.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins (Ephesians 1:7).

Stop & Think: June 18, 2025

It’s Your Choice

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. (Nelson Mandela, 20th-21st century activist and first president of South Africa)

Mandela had every reason to be fearful. As a result of his activism, he suffered imprisonments and isolation. But he maintained a positive attitude of hope, which resulted in his ultimate freedom and elevation to the highest office in the nation. Undoubtedly, it was that positive attitude that kept him hopeful, planning ahead for the day of his freedom. What an example!

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted (Romans 12:12; Proverbs 10:24).

Stop & Think: June 17, 2025

Straight Dealing

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye. (Helen Keller, 19th 20th century American author & educator)

What a challenging comment from the remarkable Keller who became blind at 19 months. Even though she couldn’t “look anyone straight in the eye” physically, she understood what it is to be forthright and direct in conversation. In a day of too much fraud and deceit, how transforming it would be if we accepted her challenge in all our relationships.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light (Matthew 6:22).

Stop & Think: June 16, 2025

Hands and Feet

I can do great things you cannot. You can do great things I cannot. Together we can do great things. (Mother Teresa, 20th century Missionary of Charity.}

This diminutive servant of God blessed many and encouraged many others to do good works of charity and mercy. Her comment above is mindful of the Apostle Paul’s teaching about the church, the body of Christ. It’s one body of many necessary parts that together are God’s hands and feet in today’s world (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-20).

Jesus: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these. (John 14:12). 

Stop & Think: June 15, 2025

Father’s Day

Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. (Anne Geddes, photographer of infants)

Here’s how one father’s children described a dad. “A man who is encouraging, protective and gives great advice. A role model who is always there to listen to you.” Sometimes fathers don’t always live up to their good intentions, but, if you can live up to that description, it can be a wonderful and healthy relationship for both dads and their children.

God says, ‘Honor your father and mother.” (Matthew 15:4).
Listen to your father, who gave you life (Proverbs 23:22).
My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live (Proverbs 4:4).

Stop & Think: June 14, 2025

Flag Day

Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. ((James Bryce, 19th-20th century British academic)

Flags may be flown on schools, office buildings, and homes today to pay tribute to the wonderful country we live in. We are grateful for those who defended the flag, and we honor this symbol of our freedoms and rights. But, as Bryce has observed, our loyalty could best be expressed in righteous living that will strengthen our nation.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Psalm33:12).
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people (Proverbs 14:34).

Stop & Think: June 13, 2025

Where Am I?

Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life. (Deborah Day, author)

We have all probably wondered at some point if this is really where we want to be in our lives. Were we hoping to have taken a different route or at least achieved a certain desired place by now? If that has occurred (or might be your concern today), Day’s reminder could be just the encouragement you need to evaluate, pray, re-think and move on to a more desired goal.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Stop & Think: June 12, 2025

Adversity 2

It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, German airline executive)

Adversity or misfortune can come in a variety of ways, and no matter the cause, we all have to find a way to deal with those difficulties or suffer under them until we find relief. The success of our lives is not determined by those problems but by our response to them. Giving in brings only defeat and regret. Stand up, learn, and overcome.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

Stop & Think: June 11, 2025

Adversity 1

Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems. (Gever Tulley, American writer and educator)

It’s our natural inclination to avoid difficulties. We will do almost anything we can to get out of a problem that has trapped us. But Tulley seems to suggest that facing difficult problems might be just the right way to learn how to persist and develop an ability to resist rather than run.

So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13).

Stop & Think: June 10, 2025

Together 2

Coming together is a beginning. Staying together is progress. And working together is success. (Henry Ford, early American automaker)

Finding someone to join, whether briefly or for the long haul, can be the beginning of something that’s not only profitable, but enjoyable. Relationships sometimes don’t last long, but the ones that do can be mutually beneficial and life changing, resulting in both progress and success.

I will hear that you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News (Philippians 1:27).

Stop & Think: June 9, 2025

Together 1

In joined hands there is still some token of hope; in the clenched fist, none. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French author)

Whether it is in 19th century France or 21st century America, those words are a valid observation of life as it really is. A clenched fist, whether personal statement of dissatisfaction or in a crowd of protestors, accomplishes very little. But, whether it’s many or only a few, when hands are joined together in efforts to serve and help, much good can be achieved.

Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose (Philippians 2:2).