Daily Stop & Thinks

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. (Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States)

Yet, sometimes families and friends are separated because of past grievances or hurt feelings. Christmas is a time for giving love and mending damaged relationships. The big day is just two weeks away. That’s just enough time, perhaps, to repair those strained relationships that sometimes separate those who should be close at the holiday season.

Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11).

We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. (Albert Schweitzer, medical missionary to Africa)

That was Schweitzer’s conclusion after he said, “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.” All of us have had those times of discouragement, when we need a kind word from someone else. The result often is a rejuvenated sprit and a desire to press on.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. (Author Unknown)

Is it possible that we take our blessings for granted without fully appreciating what we enjoy every day? Health, sufficient food, good friends, steady employment—these are all elements of life that we sometimes fail to recognize as blessings. Many in this world do not have what we take for granted. So, let’s be thankful for these things and live grateful lives.

In everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). . . . Always giving thanks for all things (Ephesians 5:20).

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (The Bible)

What people really value in life is demonstrated by their activity, their habits, the way they use their resources. We may say that we love God, or we’re altruistic and want to help people who are less fortunate than we are. But, when more of our time and money are spent in pursuing the personal pleasures of this life, we show what we really value most.

I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces . . . everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:8, 11).

A stumble may prevent a fall. (English proverb)

When we stumble and almost fall, it may make our heart skip a beat. We may be shaken up a bit, but it helps to realize that, at least, we didn’t fall down and hurt ourselves. The same can be true in the social world. We may stumble verbally or make a bad choice that is disturbing. But, that stumble may have been a warning that will prevent a serious failure.

We all stumble in many ways (James 3:2). So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)

You can never make the same mistake twice because the second time you make it, it isn’t a mistake; it’s a choice. (Michael Baisden, radio personality)

No one is above making mistakes. We all do it. An honest mistake should not discredit an otherwise truthful person. But, if people repeat their mistakes, you might question their sincerity. When you become aware of your mistake, you have the responsibility to correct it and, even more importantly, not to intentionally repeat it.

Have I not written . . . sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth? (Proverbs 20:20-21)

It’s better for a society to hold strong truths weakly rather than weak truths strongly. (R.R. Reno, magazine editor and former university professor)

In a day when many reject the idea of absolute truth, people think almost anything is acceptable if you believe strongly enough. Of course, believing in something that is not real or is false will result in disaster. The true test of truth is discovering its source. A little faith in a genuine truth is better than strong trust in something that is untrue.

Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

Believe in the magic of the season. (On holiday signs)

Christmas is three weeks from today, and the holiday season is evident all around us. But, what is so magic about Christmas? Why all the decorations, celebrations, music, gifts, and hoopla? Many will say it’s just a fun family time, filled with tradition and the expression of good will. It would be good to read the original Christmas story as recorded in the Gospels.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. (John 3:16).

Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy. (Fred De Witt Van Amburgh, publisher and writer)

Van Amburgh also said, “None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude.” In contrast, the grateful person is a person of joy; he is someone everyone likes to be around. Thankful people like to share, and their attitude of gratitude is contagious. It can be passed on to others. Furthermore, the sharer has lost nothing in the giving.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible. (Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State)

People who lead must understand their role. Whether a business executive, a labor manager, or a teacher, leaders must appreciate their responsibility to prepare and challenge their workers or learners. Leaders are managers, of course, but successful leaders are artists, too. Their handling of programs, people, and problems demands the finest of skills.

In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned (Titus 2:7, 8).

STOP AND THINK –

Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him that we are capable of in this life. (William Law, 18^th century Church of England priest)

When many people think of prayer, they may recall those they recited as a child before a meal or at bedtime. Others use prayer as a kind of heavenly vending machine or last resort when things are really bad. But prayer is a two-way conversation with God; its highest purpose is to enjoy His presence and listen to His voice, and then tell Him our needs.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer (1 Peter 3:12).

STOP AND THINK – You can’t serve, love, or care for others without connecting. (Mike Lee, American pastor)


It’s easy to “care about” the poor or the suffering in some far country. But that’s not really caring, although we might pray for and give financially to support such unfortunate people. To really help and have an impact, however, we need to have a closer contact. We must work at connecting with some who are quite near us so we can offer genuine love and care.


The righteous care about justice for the poor (Proverbs 29:7).