GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 13, 2026

Truth

What others think is right, they think is right; and what others call wrong, they call wrong too. (J. C. Ryle, 19th-century Anglican bishop)

In listing “Dangers for Young Men,” Ryle included “Fear of Man’s Opinion.” He wrote, “It is terrible to observe the power which the fear of man has over most minds.” Do we ever nod in agreement with someone’s idea, or fail to express a contrary opinion, when we really believe they are wrong? We must speak up against what’s wrong and for what’s right.

I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth. . . . a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies (Job 33:3; John 7:18).

Stop & Think: July 12, 2026

Truth

The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. (George Orwell, 29th century novelist)

You might think that truth is a foundational principle that remains solid and unchanging. However, relativism has taken over the minds of modern man, and truth seems to be whatever one wants it to be. Time and experience have shown Orwell to be right. To speak truth directly may often engender the hatred of those who have strayed from it.

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8).

Stop & Think: July 11, 2026

Truth

Falsehoods don’t become truth by their repetition. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

Somehow, we seem to think that if we hear something often enough, it must be true. That seems to be the reasoning behind many TV commercials. Constant repetition—sometimes at fast-paced and high decibel levels—is impressed on our memories, so we often accept what is being related as truth. We would do well to check the facts to verify authenticity.

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, whatever is lovely, admirable . . .think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Stop & Think: July 10, 2026

Truth

Best friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. False friends are like leaves, found everywhere. (Origin uncertain)

The biblical King David complained about the betrayal of a close friend. That really hurts, doesn’t it? True friends will never betray you, but they may confront you with truth that hurts. David had another friend who faced him directly with his failures (see 2 Samuel 12), and the king repented and served his nation well, thanks to the rebuke of a true friend.

But correct the wise, and they will love you. . . . Open rebuke is better than hidden love (Proverbs 9:8; 27:5).

Stop & Think: July 9, 2026

Truth

To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. (Aristotle)

That warning says a lot about today’s society, doesn’t it? People seem to be so opinionated and judgmental that almost anything you say to them will be criticized—justly or unjustly. Oh, that life were different, but it often isn’t. So, as we strive to avoid unnecessary confrontation, we must not be afraid to speak the truth in appropriate ways.

Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts (Zechariah 8:16).

Stop & Think: July 8, 2026

Truth

The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices. (Frederick II, the Great, 18th century Prussian monarch)

Discovering truth is not only the task of scientists and inventors; it’s the privilege of any true seeker after truth. Accepting newly discovered truth, however, might mean we have to give up some previously held untruths, prejudices that have kept us from seeing the reality of truth. Look for that source of truth that is available for the searching.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. Sanctify them by the truth; your word [God] is truth (John 16:13; John 17:17).

Stop & Think: July 7, 2026

Truth

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie . . . but the myth. (John F. Kennedy)

Kennedy wrote that it’s not the “deliberate, contrived, and dishonest” fabrication we should fear but the “persistent, persuasive, and realistic” untruths cloaked in allegory or fables that are true-sounding but intended to deceive. Lies are often recognizable, but myths may have an appearance of reality. We should listen well and be discerning of all we hear.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7).

Stop & Think: July 6, 2026

Truth

There is a language in actions. And in some cases, the language of action is much more clear and convincing than words. (Jonathan Edwards, 18th century colonial preacher)

Perhaps Edwards’ words are the basis for the more modern expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” In spite of what someone might say, the evidence of his actions will usually reveal the true intent of his heart and mind. We might well tell him, “What you do speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you say.” Work hard today to make your deeds and words match.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Stop & Think: July 5, 2026

Truth

You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea. (Benazir Bhutto, late prime minister of Pakistan)

These are significant words from a political leader who was later assassinated. Her ideas of democracy and fairness no doubt inspired many who heard those words and then saw the cost of standing for one’s beliefs. Bhutto felt her efforts “gave ordinary people peace, security, dignity, and opportunity to progress.” Stand firm for ideas you know to be true.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (Ephesians 6:14)

Stop & Think: July 4, 2026

Truth

The 250 Year history of the United States gives testimony to a strong allegiance to essential truth. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

On this Independence Day, we may be reminded of what Peter Marshall, late U.S. Senate chaplain, wrote: “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” Our Founding Fathers discovered what is right by pursuing truth, revealed by God himself and proven by the experience of history over many generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord . . . The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. (Psalm 33:12; 113:4)

Stop & Think: July 3, 2026

Truth

What we see depends mainly on what we look for. (John Lubbock, 19th-20th century British banker)

Lubbock’s statement should be a warning to the honest student and researcher. When we set out to find answers to puzzles, we begin with preconceived ideas that too often influence the solutions we find. An open mind and disciplined procedures are necessary to discover truth. Make sure you start with reliable sources of information.

Have I not [taught] you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve? (Proverbs 22:20-21)

Stop & Think: July 2, 2026

Truth

Where goodness and truth exist, there you will find beauty. (Pat Sajak, former TV quiz show host)

Sajak continues, “Our purpose is to seek truth in order to discover and to act on what is good and beautiful in this life.” He also quotes the website of Hillsdale College: “The good of anything is found in its ability to accomplish what it was created for.” So, to say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder is too subjective. Beauty is objectively displayed in truth and goodness.

[Speak] the truth in love. . . . For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true (Ephesians 4:15; 5:9).