GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Stop & Think: September 28, 2026

Work

The value of achievement lies in the achieving. (Albert Einstein)

Here’s another way of putting it. “The value of work is the working.” Whatever the accomplishment, honest work is important and is its own reward. Faithful, honest workers take pride in their work and find joy and satisfaction in a job well done. According to the Bible, man was created to work, and, in doing so, he most honors his Creator.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for [God], not for men (Colossians 3:23).

Stop & Think: September 27, 2026

Work

Work is not always required of man. There is such a thing as sacred idleness; the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected. (George MacDonald, Scottish author and poet)

Work is such an important value that some nations have actually set aside a day to recognize it and workers themselves. It’s a time to celebrate hard work, a necessity for personal success and progress in society. But MacDonald reminds us that there is more to life than work. We need quiet time to reflect and grow inwardly.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Stop & Think: September 25, 2026

Work

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. (Sam Ewing, former professional athlete)

When you are faced with a difficult task, something that will require hard work, how do you respond? Ewing suggests the best way to respond. The person of character will accept the task and will set about to accomplish it as effectively and efficiently as possible. We’d all like to have people with such character work for us.

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty (Proverbs 14:23).

Stop & Think: September 24, 2026

Work

If it’s meant to be; it’s up to me. (Terri Gulick, teacher)

Personal responsibility seems to be a lost quality today. When opportunities for work and improvement are presented, the response too often is, “Let George do it.” It’s someone else’s responsibility, we think. But we’ll find success and a sense of accomplishment when we do our fair share.

Each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to (1 Corinthians 7:24).