GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: December 28, 2021

Kind Words

Be kind to everyone, for everyone is fighting a fierce battle. (Plato, ancient Greek philosopher)

Sometimes we are distressed by the unpleasant behavior of a friend or even a stranger. We may want to respond in a similar unkind way. But Plato’s reminder can be very helpful in situations like that. Don’t be too fast to speak up. If we can be patient and sympathetic to the plight of other people, we may be able to speak a kind word of encouragement.

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body (Proverbs 16:24).

 

Stop & Think: December 27, 2021

Together

If we want to go quickly, go alone, but if we want to go further, let’s go together! (Bavon Jonas Aladoum, African pastor)

In the spirit of independence (and hurry), we often try to go it alone. After all, we can do the job more quickly by ourselves. By doing so, however, we can miss a lot. We miss the opportunity for camaraderie, the joy of working together with a friend or co-worker. We may miss the chance to encourage and train someone for a similar job. We may even be able to get a lot more done.

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Philippians 2:2i)

Stop & Think: December 26, 2021

After Christmas                  

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. (Harlan Miller)

It’s sad, isn’t it, that the “Christmas spirit” often doesn’t last beyond Dec. 25? Is it because our attention for so long has been on the hustle-bustle of decorating, partying, and gift-sharing? Now that they’re done, we may really be let down and need some rest. If, however, we hang onto the true Spirit of Christmas, the gift of love and peace in Jesus, we don’t have to have a letdown.

My words are always true and always here with you. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

Stop & Think: December 25, 2021

Christmas

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.”  (Dr. Seuss in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.)

Now is the day when we should realize—and teach the children—that true happiness and joy do not come from “a store” where gifts of all kinds can be bought and given. Christmas does “mean a little bit more.” A whole lot more, of course, it’s the celebration of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Thank God for the gift of his grace and peace in Jesus!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Stop & Think: December 24, 2021

Christmas Eve            

It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters. It’s who’s around it. (Charles Schultz, late American cartoonist)

In many homes, Christmas Eve is the time for family to gather for singing Carols, enjoying cookies and hot chocolate, and opening gifts. For those families who recognize the reason for the season—the coming of God’s Son to provide salvation to all who will trust him, there is even greater joy for members of God’s heavenly family on earth.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)

Stop & Think: December 23, 2021

Gift-Giving

I always like the gifts I get, but how I love the gifts I give! (Carolyn Wells, 19th & 20th century American poet and writer)

Well acknowledges that it’s gift-giving that gives her greatest joy. As children, we didn’t look at gifts that way. It was always the anticipation of getting what was on our wish list, and disappointment when we didn’t. We were certainly thrilled when we got the gifts we wanted. But growing up brings a more mature attitude about receiving and giving gifts.

Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Quoted in Acts 20:35)

Stop & Think: December 22, 2021

Anno Domini

Christmas is the day that holds all time together. (Alexander Smith, 19th century Scottish poet)

Smith may not have fully realized what he was writing, for Christmas is far more than just a miraculous day of the birth of Jesus. We number our calendar years from the life of Jesus. B.C. – before Christ; A.D. – anno domini, the year of our Lord. Few people may recognize the significance of dating that way, but it should be a reminder of the wonderful gift of Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Stop & Think: December 21, 2021

It’s Not Funny

I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, “Toys not included.” (Barnard Manning, 20th century English comedian)

It’s a joke, of course, but can you remember when the opposite happened? Toys with no batteries, and the giver had forgotten to provide them? Wow, what a disappointment that was to the children. On a more serious note, how often do we think about the potential reaction to the gifts we’re giving? Will they be useful and enjoyed? We should be thoughtful in our giving.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13)

Stop & Think: December 20, 2021

Christmas Gifts

Suggestions from Oren Arnold, late journalist and novelist.

“To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” That’s quite a gift list, isn’t it? As we think through these days until Christmas itself, these intangible gifts are surely far more important than glittery, wrapped packages, no matter the monetary value.

Wisdom: “My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver!” (Proverbs 8:18)

Stop & Think: December 19, 2021

The Good Life

The “good life” is one of self-honesty, knowing ourselves, and being ourselves to the glory of God. (Linda Brumbaugh, blogger)

To some, the good life seems to mean having as much “stuff” as you can get, enough time to do what you want, and unlimited opportunities to entertain yourself. Others have discovered, however, that life consists of more than just satisfying our desires. When we examine our abilities and opportunities, we discover that including God in our lives makes the “good life.”

My child, get wisdom; develop good judgment . . . Listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. (Proverbs 4:5, 10)

Stop & Think: December 18, 2021

A Hug for Christmas

A hug is a great gift—one size fits all, and it’s easy to exchange. (From a Norman Rockwell calendar)

As you’re planning your Christmas gifts (just a week from today), you probably realize pretty quickly, that you can’t afford to give gifts to everyone you’d like to. But Rockwell’s calendar comment suggests a worthy idea. Be sure to express your affection and appreciation for your friends with a warm embrace and words of encouragement and hope.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10)

Stop & Think: December 17, 2021

Books and Reading

If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th-century American essayist)

Many bookstores are closing because of declining sales. Information of all kinds is available online, so why buy a book? Yet, authors still write, and publishers continue to make their material available in hard copy. Emerson didn’t know about the Internet, but he would no doubt still encourage us to follow the works of intelligent authors, whatever the venue.

(The Apostle Paul in prison nearing death): “. . . Also bring my books, and especially my papers (2 Timothy 4:13)