HABITS TO GROW

 

      Here are the 12 Habits you'll learn to master:  These were given to us by Benjamin Franklin Habit #1 Appreciation (Or Gratitude) - Notice the blessing in everything, big and small. Dwell on the beauty in all I see, hear, touch, taste and smell. Realize that everything is a gift from the Almighty and is put there to enjoy and learn from.  Habit #2 Positive Speech Judge the value of my words before I speak. Speak only what may benefit others and myself. Avoid evil speech/gossip.  Habit #3 Tranquility, Peace, Patience - Interpret everything quietly without undue confusion, excitement, or anger. Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable. Whatever is happening in life, be patient. Determine the lesson to be learned in every challenge to become elevated. Control anger.

       Habit #4 Righteousness - Do unto others as you'd have done unto you, and as they desire to be done unto. Wrong none by doing injuries. Be just by accepting my duties and responsibilities.  Habit #5 Gentleness - The words of the wise are spoken softly and peacefully.  Habit #6 Respect/Honor Others - Be extremely careful with the honor and feelings of others. Strive always to make the other person feel good about himself/herself.

     Habit #7 Physical Health - Exercise daily and eat with health and moderation. Habit #8 Quickness - Do all I need (or have) to do without wasting time (procrastination) and with maximum productivity per moment. Cut off all unnecessary actions. Focus.  Habit #9 Resolution - Resolve to perform what I ought/have chosen to perform, without fail. Act with consistency, as well as persistency. Be diligent.

   Habit #10 Order/Cleanliness - Keep all living and working environments both clean and in order. Be organized. Clean, file, straighten up as soon as necessary and right away. A place for everything and everything in its place.   Habit #11 Thrift/Frugality - Use money wisely and for the benefit of all (to do good for others and myself) and with no waste.   Habit #12 Truthfulness - Be truthful in all that I say (based on motivation/intent). 

     When choose to walk in these ways it is amazing not only how you influence and control yourself but also how you treat others.  I have heard many times that if you cannot be anything at least be kind.  Paul says that love is both patient and kind.  Everyday you and I have the chance and choice to be a blessing these principles are a good place to start.  Remember the secret to real influence others is treating everyone the way you want to be treated.  It is amazing how this can positively affect others around us especially today. 

QUOTES FOR SEPT 282, 2026

 

HOW TO BE A DAD

 Cornerstone Community Church

 

      Today I want to share how to be A Great Dad!  I have had the privilege of being the father of four children and now nine grandchildren.  I have made many mistakes but hopefully I have learned from my mistakes.  An expert is someone that does not give up and learns from their mistakes. 

    A recent Newsweek poll showed that 49% of fathers do a better job of parenting than their dads did.  Most of the dads polled (54%) say they equal parenting responsibilities with their wives and some 24% say they felt they did more than their spouse, 51% of the mothers claimed otherwise. 

     HB London wrote: Nowadays you’ll find almost everything in a home except the family.

In this article I am going to list the seven promises outlined in the Promise Keeper manual as the starting and exclamation point for being the great husband, father and man that God intended.

A Father must be committed to honor Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and obedience to God’s word through the power of the Holy Spirit. A father is committed to pursue vital relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises. A father is committed to practice, spiritual, moral, ethical and sexual purity. A Father is committed to build strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values. 

      A Father is committed to support the mission of his church by praying for his pastor and actively giving his time and resources. A father is committed to reach beyond racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity. A Father is committed to influence his world being obedient to the great commandment of Mark 12:30-31 and the great commission of Matt 28:19-20.

     The Bible has five further thoughts about what a father should be. A Father is a servant: Matthew 20:28 - Service is an act and a lifestyle.  A Father is an example – God of goodness, give me yourself, for you are sufficient for me.  A father is consistent:  Heb 13:8 – Lord help me to show my children your ways.  A Father is responsible:  1 Tim 4:16 – The ability to accept responsibility is the true measure of a man.  A Father has character:  2 Chron 16:9 – Someone asked J.P. Morgan what the best collateral for a loan and he replied, “character.”

     Did you know that 85% of a child’s self-esteem comes from what their father thinks and views them.  That stats on this view are so powerful and consistent.  My challenge is to dads to become the father that God intended you to be.  We need you.  Your family needs you and society in general needs you.  As a father and grandfather, I have the privilege to spend time with my family.  I love each one and the amazing thing is they love me in spite of all the blunders I made.  We can learn from each other and together we can be better dads and the father God intended us

 

LETTER TO A FRIEND

 

 

     Today I wish to introduce you to the wonderful book in the bible called Philemon.  This is literally a letter to a Friend.  The letter of Philemon is a story of two friends.  This letter was written by Apostle Paul who was in was in prison in Rome.  Col 4:7-9.  It is probably the most personal of Paul’s letter and we see his heart, it’s about restoration. 

     Now Philemon was a member of the church at Colossae.  This church met in his house.  He was generous and benevolent. He was a man of some means. He was also a convert of Paul; Paul is writing to him about Onesimus: He was a runaway slave of Philemon.  Rebelled against his master and ran to Rome.  He came under the influence of Paul and became converted. 

     The lesson we learn from his life is that you can’t run away from God.  Onesimus became a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to keep him as a helper, this becomes a wonderful lesson of discipleship. Paul felt he should send Onesimus back and this letter is Paul pleading with Philemon to forgive, reconcile and restore Onesimus.

     In this letter Paul prays that Philemon would be active in sharing his faith.  Paul knew what was at stake, an entire generation needed to hear about Christ.  One of the goals you should have as a Christian is this very thing.  In Philemon Paul reminds him that he must have a full understanding of every good thing you have in Christ.  You have redemption, forgiveness, peace, love, joy and gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Many writers of the Bible call it full salvation. 

     Philemon’s love for Christ had given Paul great joy and encouragement.  Live a life of joy and be an encouragement and example.  He tells him to refresh the hearts of the saints.  Be a role model, mentor and example.  Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. 

     Paul uses Onesimus as an example of a changed life.  He makes an appeal for forgiveness.  We are to do this for each other.  So, what are the lessons we can learn from Paul in this letter.

It is important to appeal on behalf of others and the unfortunate.  Importance of being obedient to the law.  Onesimus had to be returned to Philemon.  Being brothers in Christ destroys all social and class distinctions. 

     Correspondence like this has a profound effect on the receiver.  In Paul case he wanted to remind Philemon and us that lives that seemed wrecked can be restored and be of great inspiration to others.  Robert Downey Jr. was a A list Hollywood star, but he fell into alcohol and drugs.  As a man young he literally had destroyed his career.  It got to the point where no one wanted to hire him.  He decided to get sober.  He applied for many acting positions without success.  Through perseverance and determination, he slowly rebuilt his career and life.  Today he is one of Hollywood most successful actors and a model of restoration.  You are only finished if you choose to be finished.  Paul showed this through this letter, and you can through your life.

INTERCESSION

 

Sept 28 – Intercession - Isaiah 59:8-14

 

     Isaiah continues talking about his generation.  Most believe this was written during the time of Manasseh.  They look for light and find darkness.  Justice and righteousness do not reach them.  Isaiah from time to time puts himself in the monologue as an intercessor.  They are like people walking in darkness groping at a wall.  At midday they stumble and fall because of the darkness of their souls.  They moan like bears and doves.  They look for justice but find none.  Deliverance is far away.

     The intercession begins.  Our offenses are many in your sight.  Our sins testify against us.  We acknowledge our iniquities.  Rebellion, treachery and turning our backs on God.  This has brought revolt and oppression.  Lies in the hearts brought this about.  Justice is driven away.  Righteousness stays at a distance.  Truth stumbles in the street and honesty cannot enter.  Isaiah like Daniel is confessing the sins of the people.

GOD WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYER

 

     Isaiah 65:24 tells us that before we pray God answers.  You see God is attentive to the prayers of His people.  Our prayers will always have a divine audience and a promise of divine hearing.  Before the request is even out of our mouth the answer is on the way according to Daniel 9:23. The Lord promise wo hear while we are speaking.  He says call and I will answer you and do great and mighty things.  Things that are to great for you understanding. 

     Did you know the will of God is not mysterious or secret.  God wants us to know Him better.  Ninety percent of God’s will is found in the pages of the Bible.  Prayer us the key that unlocks God’s riches.  So, prayer and then God answer.

QUOTES FOR SEPT 27, 2026