GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 25, 2025

Goals

A good goal is like a strenuous exercise—it makes you stretch. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

If a goal is easily reached, it isn’t much of a challenge, nor does it test our skills and vision. It’s one thing to keep our usual routines and assignments, but quite another to create new ones.  And to do so requires using our minds and talents in ways that truly stretch us, but the outcome will be its own reward!

Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God (Psalm 58:11).

Stop & Think: July 24, 2025

Anger

We are never, ever, under any circumstance, to let our anger control what we do and what we say. (Retired pastor)

When it comes to anger, some of us have a very low “boiling point.” Others may simmer for days, months, or even years before exploding. Whether it’s a personal affront or a political issue, adding anger to the mix is never a wise thing to do. Make it your goal to never let anger control what you do or say.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you (Ephesians 4:26)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19). 

Stop & Think: July 23, 2025

Life or Existence

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. (Oscar Wilde, Irish playwright)

That’s a rather strange statement, isn’t it? And thought-provoking, to be sure. What does it mean to live? Wilde is surely right in what he is suggesting. There are probably many people who are lonely, desperately ill, or just deeply despondent. Is life worth living for them? The Bible makes it clear that life can be fulfilling if it is centered in knowing and following God.

. . . your real life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). For to me, living means living for Christ (Philippians 1:21).

Stop & Think: July 22, 2025

Work

I believe the best social program is a job. (Ronald Reagan, 40th US president)

He also said: “There are no easy answers but there are simple answers.” His suggestion may be oversimplified, but there is a wholesome basic principle behind it. William Brewster, leader of the early Pilgrims, discovered that when each worker was given his own property, everyone rose to the task, worked hard, and there was no need for broad social programs.

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Stop & Think: July 21, 2025

A Metaphor

My life, I realize suddenly, is July. Childhood is June, and old age is August, but here it is July, and my life, this year, is July inside of July. (Rick Bass, American essayist)

Bass squeezes life into a brief metaphor of summer. Do you see June as a picture of youth with its playtime and leisure moments (perhaps like a June vacation)? Will August’s slower pace and longer hot days seem like what you imagine old age might be? Whatever your thought, you must live July as if it were all you have—like life. Seize the moment!

Wisdom: “Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years,  and your life will be satisfying” (Proverbs 3:1-2).

Stop & Think: July 20, 2025

Working Together

Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success. (Source uncertain)

Some people are determined to work alone, thinking they don’t need help, and they can do the job by themselves. Others have discovered that, in spite of their many skills, sharing the task often provides even more opportunity for success. Teamwork usually makes the work easier and faster. It also provides reward and satisfaction for the whole team.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

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).