GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: September 30, 2025

The End or the Beginning?

Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul . . . (Peggy Toney Horton)

That’s the way we began this month, but here is what Horton continues to say, “. . . but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October.” That’s the attitude we should develop about the moving on of time. Enjoy what you have today and look forward with anticipation to what is coming tomorrow. That means a happy life!

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. . . . Neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow . . . can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38).

Stop & Think: September 29, 2025

Be Somebody to Somebody

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody. (Peg Fitzpatrick, social media guru and author)

It could reasonably be said that everybody needs somebody. Mankind was not created to be alone. (Remember Adam and Eve?) The family circle is the best and most intimate place for sharing the good and the tough times, with everyone learning to be helpful. Start your day by asking God to show you the person you can help feel like somebody today.

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important (Galatians 6:3).
And let us consider one another, to encourage to love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24).

Stop & Think: September 28, 2025

Wealth

It is more important to have generosity than to have wealth. (Author Neil Cole)

While some wealthy people are generous, far too many fail to notice the needs of others. In fact, it has often been noted that people who have the least are often the first to give. Before you criticize the wealthy for not sharing their goods, consider how much has been given to you. It is good to be recognized for your generosity, no matter your financial means.

And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven (Luke 16:11).
Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything (Proverbs 11:14).

Stop & Think: September 27, 2025

A Better Way

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. (John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States)

Today’s fast-paced lifestyle makes it difficult to live with either of these qualities. It’s difficult to keep up with our schedules and responsibilities, so we often rush into projects too quickly without proper plans or preparation. Many of our mistakes and frustrations might be lessened if we learned how to practice these two character qualities.

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of . . . patient endurance (2 Peter 1:5-6).
You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:3).

Stop & Think: September 26, 2025

Get Started

Don’t fear starting small; fear staying small. (Source uncertain)

Sometimes we may have a good project idea, but the task seems so overwhelming that we simply can’t bring ourselves to start on it. It may be a lack of ambition, the fear of failure, or wondering where to begin. If the idea is sound, we’ll need to plan well, gather our resources, and overcome our reluctance by stepping out with determination.

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26).
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35).

Stop & Think: September 25, 2025

“Good Luck”

A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It’s seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. (Howard Shultz, American businessman)

“Good Luck” is what we say to our friends who may be starting on a new venture. Whether it’s off to school, a new job, or a change in one’s lifestyle, we are hoping for the best for our friends. We know, of course, that it isn’t luck that brings success. It begins, as Shultz observes, by taking advantage of our opportunities, acting responsibly, and working hard.

Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Stop & Think: September 24, 2025

What’s Best?

Pursuing whatever we desire is not what is best for the world. (Pastor James Emory White)

White’s comment may seem odd in a world where we are often encouraged to go hard after the things we want. Since we are free to do so, why let anything stop us? He went on to write, “What is best for the world is when we submit our desires to what is best for the world.“ That calls both for unselfishness and a deep-seated desire to serve others in their best interest.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13).
You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God (1 Peter 4:2).

Stop & Think: September 23, 2025

Responses

In life, you have a choice: (1) Consume (2) Critique (3) Criticize (4) Create. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

What most characterizes your behavior? Do you merely take in all you see and hear? Are you a careful evaluator of it all? Or are you critical, doubting what you read and watch? A better way is to take in what you learn but work to make it better. Be creative; widen your own experience and benefit your community.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (Romans 12:2).
Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior (Ezekiel 18:20).. 

Stop & Think: September 22, 2025

Wannabes

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are. (Kurt Cobain, musician and songwriter)

Cobain is a much-admired musician who has many young admirers and wannabes. And he has some very good advice about a person’s ambitions. He says that wanting to be someone else or to just be like another person is a fruitless goal. We should accept ourselves for who God made us to be and live our lives purposefully.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14). 

Stop & Think: September 21, 2025

Fear

Fear has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run, or Face Everything And Rise. The choice is yours. (Zig Ziglar, late motivational speaker)

Flight or Fight? Run or Rise? Two significant choices. It’s easier to run from the situation and hopefully have nothing to fear. Choosing to rise and face the problem is more difficult because we can’t be certain of the outcome. But facing our fears with determination will help us rise to the occasion with confidence.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

Stop & Think: September 20, 2025

Accidents

Falling down is an accident. Staying down is a choice. (Rosemary Nonny Knight, business coach)

Everyone falls down occasionally, whether physically or emotionally. Physical falls are most often resolved by just getting back up. Emotional falls are sometimes more difficult. But Knight’s observation is helpful. Making the choice to overcome the setback and find help, if necessary, are the first steps to both physical and emotional restoration.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again (Proverbs 25:16).

Stop & Think: September 19, 2025

Perspective

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. (Lewis Hamilton, British racing driver)

It seems that, in today’s society, there are as many (or more) naysayers than those with a positive outlook. Such people seldom appear to be upbeat and happy. You’d think they would want to change their perspective on life. It’s important to realize that a positive mindset may well determine your overall well-being and outlook.

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:23).
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).