GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 8, 2026

Leadership

Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself. (Thomas J. Watson, late American business leader)

Some people long to be leaders in some arena—sports, politics, education, or business. Often, the ambitious person will pursue education and special training to equip himself to lead others in some worthy endeavor. But no matter how well he does in training others, the real proof of his ability is the way he controls and directs his own life.

Now the [leader] is to be above reproach . . .  temperate, self-controlled, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2).

Stop & Think: March 7, 2026

Leadership

Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. (Voltaire, 18th-century French philosopher)

It’s strange, isn’t it, that in a culture where individual independence is so highly valued, so much intolerance is often shown to those who offer an opinion that is contrary to the current “political correctness”? We should value our highly thought-out opinions and guard them with care, while learning to give those with differing opinions the same privilege.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

Stop & Think: March 6, 2026

Leadership

A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference. (Winnie the Pooh, cartoon character)

Most of us think our opinions are right, and we don’t hesitate to say so. But when we don’t think of others before we speak, we may unintentionally offend someone. Careful thought before we speak is important and often prevents us from hurting others. When we value others’ opinions, we may learn something in an exchange of ideas and keep our friends, too.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought. . . . Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:3, 10).

Stop & Think: March 5, 2026

Leadership

No one wants to fail, and my job was to help those around me be successful. If they were successful, I would be successful. (Davis Illingworth, Jr., business executive)

In the self-centered attitude of so many today, personal success is their life’s goal. Too often, it’s of little concern to them how many people may be hurt or “run over” in their climb up the corporate ladder.  Leaders who take Illingworth’s comment to heart are worthy of being followed.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Stop & Think: March 4, 2026

Leadership

Smart people always say smart things. But wise people know when to say nothing at all. (Ed Kang, advisor)

Words, words, words.  News broadcasts, talk shows, discussion panels­—all have “talking heads.”  Often, such settings reveal who’s truly smart and who only thinks they are. Abraham Lincoln said it best: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” So, it’s enlightening to hear wise people who know when to speak and when not to.

The quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish ruler (Ecclesiastes 9:17).

Stop & Think: March 3, 2026

Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. (John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. president)

Some people seem to think they are leaders, but no one is following them. Others are not concerned whether they are recognized as leaders, but, as Adams says, their actions draw others to follow them. It’s essential that we have leaders who, indeed, do inspire us to dream, learn, do and become more than we would do or be without their leadership.

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

Stop & Think: March 2, 2026

Leadership

We get the leaders in the future that we make now. (Randy Smith, Bible teacher)

Great leaders don’t just pop up when we need them. They must be trained, gain experience, and be tested in the workplace. Often, the best place to find them is from among us. Looking outside for leaders may work, but when we grow our future leaders, we’ll know what to expect from their leadership.

So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader; lay your hand on him” (Numbers 27:18).

Stop & Think: March 1, 2026

Leadership

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. (Ken Blanchard, author and motivational speaker)

This month we’re considering the importance of leadership, the ability to influence, guide, and direct others. Sometimes we may think that our authority should be sufficient to motivate our colleagues.  But influence by persuasion, careful counsel and concern will likely accomplish more than merely exercising one’s authority.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good (Romans 13:4).

Stop & Think: February 28, 2026

Love

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. (The Dalai Lama)

Many powerful political, business, or social leaders seem to have a rather brusque exterior. Often, they are so focused on the bottom line that they may not reflect the gentler side of human nature. But to be truly effective and well-remembered, leaders must recognize the lasting value of concern for others and care for their followers.

God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others (Colossians 3:12).

Stop & Think: February 27, 2026

Love

Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice. (Nora Roberts, American author)

Everyone realizes that a good magician has to study, practice, and work hard to perform his sleight-of-hand tricks. We don’t often think of love that way, though. We view it as a romantic sentiment that comes over us in the presence of someone attractive and responsive. But lasting love requires more than emotion; it takes commitment and determined effort.

. . .the Lord appeared to his people and said,  “I love you… with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Stop & Think: February 26, 2026

Love

Where the ego promotes control by fear, the soul promotes freedom in love. (Inspiration Line)

Too many of us are driven by our egos; our pride motivates us to be sure that number one is always prominent. We believe somehow that this will bring the freedom we think we deserve. Unfortunately, to gain such status, we often resort to fear tactics to protect our position. How much better it would be to let love be the motivator.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

Stop & Think: February 25, 2026

Love

Take away love and our earth is a tomb. (Robert Browning, 19th century English poet)

According to the musical Carnival, “Love makes the world go ’round.” But for Browning, whose poem laments the loss of a loved one, there was nothing left to live for. When love is missing, life often becomes tedious and dreary. A fulfilling life needs the love of a heavenly Father, as well as a true and faithful human companion.

Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices (Song of Songs 4:10).