GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: November 18, 2025

Victim or Victor?

Victims let the world happen to them; victors happen to the world. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

He explains: “We are either Victims (we let the world happen to us) or Victors (we happen to the world).” Oberbrunner also notes that in today’s world, some people have an exalted sense of entitlement, but their expectations don’t fit the realities of life. Life works much better when we are determined to be victors.

How we thank God for all of this! It is he who makes us victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Stop & Think: November 17, 2025

Life’s Value

Life is hard, but the journey’s worth it. (Jarryd Wallace, champion runner)

Wallace wasn’t only an Olympic champion; he was an amputee who said, “I didn’t just get back to running after my amputation, I learned how to fly.” There are few whose lives have been without difficult times. For most people, life is hard with some good days now and then. Wallace is an example of someone who valued his life in spite of his physical challenges.

If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am (2 Corinthians 11:30).

Stop & Think: November 16, 2025

Gratitude

Don’t wait until the fourth Thursday in November to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving! (Charmaine J. Forde, author and poet)

It’s somewhat typical for too many of us to wait until a designated holiday to observe its special meaning. If we stop to think about it, we can find ways all year to be thankful for all God has allowed us to have and experience. An attitude of gratitude can make every day Thanksgiving!

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks (1 Timothy 4:4).
Be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Stop & Think: November 15, 2025

Being Happy

Happiness demands far more and far less than the sum total of our possessions and pleasures. (Charles Colson, author)

Have you noticed how many garages are full but the car’s parked in the driveway? Or the multiple storage units scattered throughout the community? We don’t seem to have enough stuff to make us happy. So, we add adventure parks, sports, or get rich schemes. As Colson noted, happiness must be found elsewhere

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. . . . Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found (Psalm 86:4; 119:35).

Stop & Think: November 14, 2025

Friends

A man needs a friend not to flatter him, but to strengthen him at his weak points. (Edgar Watson Howe, novelist and editor)

Whether you meet for coffee in person or via social media, you are happy to be around people with whom you can share the ups and downs of life. Beyond that, as Howe suggests, the best friends are those who will confront you, when necessary, to challenge a decision and strengthen your character.

The godly give good advice to their friends . . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (Proverbs 12:26; 27:9).

Stop & Think: November 13, 2025

Learning

We will always need instruction because there will always be something to learn. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

We may think we’ve learned a lot and experienced life long enough that there’s not much more we need to learn. Well, just buy a new car or computer and it suddenly becomes very apparent how much we need to learn in order to use them to their full potential. So, be pleased with the opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).

Stop & Think: November 12, 2025

The End or the Beginning?

There will be a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning. (Louis L’Amour, late American novelist)

We have all experienced roadblocks in our plans that seemed to be the end of the dream. But when we carefully revised the plans and began afresh, most often we were able to overcome them. So, when the next critical hitch in your planning arises, remember L’Amour’s observation.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).

Stop & Think: November 11, 2025

Leadership

There is no success without a successor. (Tom Julien, late missionary statesman)

Too often, we’ve seen businesses or non-profits fail when new executives assume the leadership. Julien prepared his staff to take on his responsibilities and trained others for leadership. Future success depends on careful selection and preparation of the next leader.

Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people . . . Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you (Joshua 1:6).

Stop & Think: November 10, 2025

Checklists

Your long checklists for golf and life can be replaced with this simple guideline. Relax. Be at Ease! (Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong, sports writers)

Golfers are noted for going through a rigid routine as they address the ball, whether it’s the first hole or the final putt. For many people, life is like that, too. Every thought and action has to be taken through a list of dos, don’ts, and doubts. That becomes tiresome and frustrating, so the counsel is “relax!” It’s often hard to do, but doing so will make life much more enjoyable.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized (Hebrews 6:11).

Stop & Think: November 9, 2025

What’s Right?

You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right. (President Lyndon Johnson)

Sometimes, doing what is right isn’t as easy as LBJ says. Sometimes we make wrong choices because our desires are stronger than our conscience. But he is right in acknowledging how hard it is to know the difference between right and wrong. Today, we are confronted with a variety of mutually exclusive claims. It takes discernment and strength to know and do the right things.

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart (Proverbs 21:2).
Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right Ecclesiastes 8:5).

Stop & Think: November 8, 2025

Adversity

Our character is determined not by our circumstances but by our reaction to those circumstances. (Charles Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship)

Adversity strikes all of us sooner or later. It’s a universal part of human experience. We can’t always prepare for it, so how do we handle tough situations when they arise? When we’re under them, circumstances can smother us like being under a mattress rather than on top of it. But, if we face them with patience and determination, we may discover they are helpful stepping stones.

The Lord to the Apostle Paul: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Stop & Think: November 7, 2025

Good Advice?

Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, stop caring about what others think. (Roy T. Bennett, author)

This quotation can be helpful or harmful. If we’re living a life of integrity, negative criticism or false rumors shouldn’t concern us. But, as author Lysa TerKerust  put it, “Feelings are indicators, not dictators.” Because our “inner voice” often lies to us, it’s wise to evaluate our feelings and whether or not the criticism has any valid basis.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow (Psalm 25:4).
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found (Psalm 119:35).