GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 23, 2026

Work

Quality is never an accident; . . . it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. (William A. Foster, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient)

Good things don’t happen by accident. Worthy deeds are not produced by mere happenstance. We must choose what we do and how we do it. When we see worthy accomplishments, we know someone worked hard to produce them. And quite often, it’s heroic sacrifice that produces work of significant accomplishment.

His work will be shown for what it is . . . It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work (1 Corinthians 3:13).

Stop & Think: September 22, 2026

Work

The spirited horse, which will of itself strive to win the race, will run still faster if encouraged. (Ovid, ancient Roman philosopher)

Would horses be hindered by criticism? People often are. But in some way people must be like horses because encouragement is a strong incentive for us, too. It causes us to move on, to work harder, to run faster. If a horse can be spurred on by encouragement, how much greater will the results of encouragement be among human beings!

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15).

Stop & Think: September 21, 2026

Work

No one need be ashamed of fingernails made dirty by a hard day’s work. (Linus, a cartoon character in Peanuts)

Work is a gift from God. The first man was placed in a garden and instructed “to work it and to take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). In fact, the Bible also says that if a man will not work, he shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Good, hard work is of great personal benefit and provides opportunity for society’s well-being, also.

Work with your own hands . . . so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Stop & Think: September 20, 2026

Work

Artists, like some mothers, frequently love those of their children best who have caused them the greatest pains. (Robert Schumann, 19th century German composer)

Have you sometimes struggled in your work, just as an artist may have over his work? Sometimes it takes extra time and work just to complete a particular project. What is it that has given you the most satisfaction in your work? The work that came easy or the work you really labored over? The real question is: “Will your work stand the test when it is judged?”

If any man builds . . . his work will be shown for what it is . . . and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).

Stop & Think: September 19, 2026

Work

Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. (Margaret Cousins, 20th century Irish-Indian educationalist)

We too often miss the opportunity to sa thanks, don’t we? Days, especially workdays, consume our thoughts, and we neglect to recognize or acknowledge the good work of our associates. Or we take for granted the kindnesses of those who serve or befriend us along the way. We should be on the alert to show appreciation for the good work of others every day.

Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).

Stop & Think: September 18, 2026

Work

The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. (Charles Schwab, financial consultant)

Have you ever played for a coach that berated you for each mistake you made, perhaps cussed you out and made you feel lower than the bottom of a deep well? On the other hand, has anyone ever built you up by saying a kind word of encouragement? Which worked better and made you work harder?

Encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Stop & Think: September 17, 2026

Work

As human beings, we really have a hard time parting with our stuff. What is it you value so much that you can’t imagine parting with it? (Mike Lee, former pastor)

As retirement age approaches, many folks begin to think about downsizing, but it often proves to be a very difficult task. How can I get rid of these good things I’ve worked for all these years? How can I dispose of memorabilia that link me so closely to events, family, and friends? The playwrights, reflecting Bible truth, put it well, “You can’t take it with you.”

What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36)

Stop & Think: September 16, 2026

Work

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. (Albert Pike, 19th century American author)

Pike offers a healthy perspective on life’s work. The Broadway play said it this way, “You Can’t Take It with You.” Someone else has said, “But you can send it on ahead.” Let’s not forget that the reason we do what we do is all important. If what we do is done with pure hearts and motives, it’s like precious metals and jewels, and will receive God’s reward.

If any builds … using gold, silver, costly stones . . . his work will be revealed . . . if what he builds survives, he will receive his reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-14).

Stop & Think: September 15, 2026

Work

I play for fun, friends, exercise, and fresh air. (Bill Roland),

There is more to life than long hours of hard work. We need to have some fun; life is short, so we should find ways to enjoy it while we can. Whether it’s golf, tennis, hiking, or one of a hundred other pursuits, find time for worthy leisure activity. Do your work diligently but take time to relax and enjoy life outside your workplace. And don’t neglect your spiritual life.

Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

Stop & Think: September 14, 2026

Work

A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play. (Francois Auguste René Chateaubriand)

It’s been said that when a person loves his job, he never works a day in his life. That’s no doubt an exaggeration. It’s never just “all work and no play” or “all play and no work.” We really should do both. But if you can really enjoy your work so much that it’s almost like play or recreation, so much the better!

When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

Stop & Think: September 13, 2026

Work

Years ago, we discovered the exact point [that is] the dead center of middle age. It occurs when you are too young to take up golf and too old to rush up to the net. (Franklin P. Adams, 20th-century American columnist)

We really can’t tell when we’re halfway through our lives. When we’re young, it seems as if life will go on indefinitely. As we age, we recognize that our time is becoming short. Only God knows the number of our days. The important thing is to make the best use of the time we have, planning as if we’re going to live forever and working as if we’ll die tomorrow.

So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

Stop & Think: September 12, 2026

Work

Lazy hands make a man poor. (The Bible)

Several books of the Bible include warnings about poverty coming upon the lazy person. That seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it? Work is honorable, designed by God for man’s good, not only because it provides for our material needs, but it also makes it possible for us to give to the needs of others.

Make it your ambition . . . to work with your hands. . . . If a man will not work, he shall not eat (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).