GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: August 27, 2025

Circumstances

Even though you’re not always in control of your circumstances, you are the one in control of your attitude. Nobody else is. (J. T. Olson, founder of BothHands ministry)

It has been said that there are only two things in life we can control, and neither of them is circumstances. They are often so difficult and unyielding that we want to wish them away. Since we can’t, we need to recognize Olson’s truth. We must control our attitudes so we can respond positively to tough situations.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Stop & Think: August 26, 2025

Words

Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs. (Pearl Strachan Hurd, British poet and writer)

Few could have imagined the destruction to be left by the atom bombs dropped on Japan in World War II. Likewise, we generally don’t understand how destructive our words can be. Hurd has said it well. Words have almost infinite power for good or evil. Lives have been ruined by harsh or unkind words, and nations have been destroyed by wars as a result of misdirected words.

The tongue is a flame of fire . . . It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself . . . No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:6).

Stop & Think: August 25, 2025

A Good Start

It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome. (William James, American philosopher)

It may be hard to start to work on something that we anticipate will be difficult and might not turn out well. Beginning with such a negative attitude almost guarantees that a job will not be well done or even be a complete failure. So, start with a good plan and a positive attitude; then add the right resources and expect a successful result.

I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work (Nehemiah  2:18).

Stop & Think: August 24, 2025

Your Legacy

The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy. (Kahu Ndukwe Kalu, Nigerian American political scientist)

The older we get, the more we begin to think about our legacy. What will we leave to our children? It might be property, a business, and material goods that they may or may not want. But a good name and worthy reputation that has been evidenced by the good we have done for others will be more meaningful and enduring. Leave a lasting legacy!

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others (1 Timothy 6:18).

Stop & Think: August 23, 2025

Finding a Better Life

To live a life most people don’t, you have to be willing to do what most people don’t. (Callyn Hahn, fitness advocate)

Have you noticed that there is more to life than many people ever discover? Whether it’s simply that they don’t want to do something worthwhile or they just don’t care makes little difference. The result is the same: no improvement in their life or in the world around them. Choose to live your life above and beyond life’s everyday struggles.

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper (Proverbs 13:4).

Stop & Think: August 22, 2025

Decisions

If it costs you your peace, it costs too much. (Source unknown)

We are all faced with daily decisions. Some are of little consequence like which tie or socks I should wear today. Others may significantly affect our future—questions of education, marriage, career, and the like. One good test of your decision is how do you feel about your choice after a few days? If you don’t have peace of mind, rethink it. If you do, move forward with confidence.

Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22).
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it (1 Peter 3:11).

Stop & Think: August 21, 2025

Today and Tomorrow

One today is worth two tomorrows; what I am to be, I am now becoming. (Benjamin Franklin)

The past is our foundation. We learn from it and use its lessons to plan for the future. But today is even more important. Not only does our future depend on the past, but also the way we use our time and the lessons learned today. One song writer put it this way: “Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment in time.”

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? (James 4:14)
Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring (Proverbs 27:1).

Stop & Think: August 20, 2025

Respond Well

We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. (Thomas S. Monson, late religious leader)

Someone else put it this way: “The wind may blow from any direction, but the direction in which you go depends on how you set your sails.” The lesson of those analogies is simple: we can’t always control our circumstances, but we can exercise our own abilities to respond in ways that correct or take advantage of our situation. Be prepared and trust the God of the wind.

Who holds the wind in his fists? (Proverbs 30:4)
Even the wind and waves obey him! (Luke 8:25)

Stop & Think: August 19, 2025

Creation’s Beauty

No one can believe that God is not good when the August gardens are in their heyday. (Gladys Taber, late author and columnist)

There are flowers that bloom in the spring and others in late September. But in August, many gardens reveal the extraordinary blooms of such beauties as zinnias, sunflowers, and gladiolas for us to enjoy. God has graciously created the seasons so that in many parts of the world we can enjoy the variety of his creation. We appreciate the beauty and worship to creator.

There will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! . . . You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring (Isaiah 35:2; 58:11).

Stop & Think: August 18, 2025

Positivity

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you. (Mary Lou Retton, American gymnast)

Few people are neutral when it comes to their perspective on life. Some are mostly negative; often seeing the thorn rather than the rose. Optimists, on the other hand, ignore the thorn and rejoice in the blossom. Retton has observed that people who think positively attract the most friends. And their influence often produces happy outcomes.

You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles (2 Corinthians 7:4).

Stop & Think: August 17, 2025

Challenged

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. (James Baldwin, American writer)

We have all run into situations we want to change. And sometimes there’s even an urgency about it. Unfortunately, we often ignore the problem rather than confront it. But Baldwin’s challenge is significant. We certainly can’t change even the changeable if we don’t first address it. Then we can begin working to overcome it.

Whenever we are faced with any calamity . . . we can come to stand in your presence . . . We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us (2 Chronicles 20:9).

Stop & Think: August 16, 2025

Worry

Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create. (Roy T. Bennett, author)

Most people worry. Whether it’s if the weather will ruin your outdoor wedding plans, what others might think of you, or if you’ll have a heart attack, we worry about things we can’t control. And therein lies the problem. So, rather than worry, put your concerns to work and trust God with your worries.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries (Matthew 6:34).
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything (Philippians 4:6).