Daily Stop & Thinks

Choices

This month our daily “Stop and Think” thoughts will relate to our understanding of the choices we have to make.

Choosing is a decision to select one thing, person, or course of action in preference to others. Each day demands untold numbers of choices, some not very important but others of great significance. We need to remember that the choices we make result in consequences, which should be considered before we make the choice.

A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one (Ecclesiastes 10:2).

New Year’s Eve

As we bid farewell to what was, we bid welcome to what will be. Celebrate endings because they precede new beginnings. (Jonathan Lockwood Huie, author)

The end of one year and the beginning of another often bring mixed emotions. We sometimes like to hang on to the old things; at other times, we can hardly wait for new starts. As we anticipate all that will happen in 2026, we are eager to begin new projects and make new friends, hoping that at the end, it will all have been for our good as well as the good of those around us.

The end of a matter is better than its beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

Evaluation Time

December is the time for remembering the past and reaching toward the future. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19^th century poet)

At the completion of a project, we often take time to do a debriefing. It’s important to evaluate what worked well, what fell short of expectations, and what can be done to improve. That certainly is necessary at the end of the year. The annual report and the audit will determine the gains and losses. Be grateful and thoughtful as you consider the past and prepare for the future.

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. . . . My future is in your hands (Psalm 37:37; 31:15).

Approaching the New Year

December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come. (Fennel Hudson, countryside author)

The closer we come to the new year, the less we think about what happened in 2025. Rather, we begin to focus on what’s to come in the next twelve months.  We can’t change anything in the past, but we can learn some important lessons from it as we think strategically and plan for the future.

O my people, listen to my instructions . . . I will teach you hidden lessons from our past (Psalm 78:1-2). This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, . . .  says: . . . “Come and learn a lesson about how to obey me”( Jeremiah 35:15).

Leadership

A true leader does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. (Douglas MacArthur, late 5-star general)

Some people do set out to be leaders. But MacArthur’s idea focuses on what really qualifies someone for a leadership role. It’s more than just skill in a profession, as important as that might be. Knowing how to build and maintain healthy relationships with staff, in addition to a history of exceptional work and a stellar character, is essential.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously (Romans 12:8).

Living It Out

The dignity of the human person consists in the ability to know the truth and to live it.  (Chuck Colson, Christian author)

Just two days ago, we celebrated Christmas. For many Americans, it was a day of fun and joy as we shared gifts and meals with family and friends. Most important was the significance of the holiday—the coming of God himself into this world in human flesh. Knowing and living that truth through a personal faith relationship with Jesus is the essence of true life.

The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). When the time had fully come, God sent his Son … to redeem those under law (Galatians 4:4-5). 

The Day After

The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek ways to make life better for those around us. (Terri Marshall, writer)

Christmas is over, but the holiday season continues. Many people are already excited about their upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration. Before you move on too quickly, stop to consider Marshall’s comment. If Christmas means anything to us, we should reflect a bit longer on its peace and joy, and try to share it for the good of those in “our world.”

[Those who love the Lord] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor (Psalm 112:9).

Christmas

The mystery of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding. (Martin Luther, “Father” of the Protestant Reformation)

Because we are unable to understand all that God has done or why, God revealed it in His Word. The Bible uses the word “mystery” to remind us that God has chosen to reveal to us what we could not have known apart from His revelation. The mystery of Christmas is that God came in human flesh to offer us a relationship with Him through personal faith in Jesus.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son (John 1:14).

Christmas Eve

Even as an adult, I still find it hard to sleep on Christmas eve. (Carrie Latet, writer)

In Clement Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas,” the children are pictured as “nestled all snug in their beds.” Really? Most children can’t sleep the night before Christmas, and some may have even unwrapped and rewrapped a gift or two before the family gets up. No matter the scenario at your house, be sure to spend time remembering God’s gift, Jesus, this Christmas.

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son…to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (Galatians 4:4-5).

God with Us

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas. (Cay Evans, author)

Evans was quoting the popular Christmas song, Silver Bells. Classic Christmas movies and endless Hallmark Christmas shows are truly idyllic. Even small towns have tree lighting ceremonies and there really is a different feeling almost everywhere. No one wants to do away with these traditions, but we must not forget the reason for them:  the birth of the Messiah.

[Mary] will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Peace on Earth

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. (Helen Steiner Rice, late writer and poet)

At the birth of Jesus, the angels praised God and said, “Glory to God . . . and on earth peace.” At the triumphal entry, Jesus was greeted with similar words: “Peace in  heaven and glory in the highest!” Three times after his resurrection Jesus greeted his disciples with “Peace be with you.” In a world that lacks peace you can be a “person of peace” by living out the Christmas message.

Jesus: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give (John 14:27).

Christmas Week Begins

Worship makes thanksgiving possible (Anna Mow, former missionary).

Just a month ago we set apart a special day to express our thanksgiving for God’s good gifts. Now, we’re approaching that special day when we celebrate God’s greatest gift: his son Jesus. Let’s begin Christmas week by worshipping the God who gave us the gift of eternal life through Jesus.

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