COURAGE

 

     Courage is according to Joshua is knowing that the Lord is with you and will never forsake you.  The apostles showed this in the ways that they were martyred.  It is the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery:

     Courage is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various forms of bravery and strength.  Courage is knowing what not to fear. - Courage is the quiet voice within that whispers, 'I can.'  Courage is the bridge between fear and triumph.   Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point. - C.S. Lewis.

     Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistent.  Courage can be expressed and the importance of having the courage to face our fears and pursue our dreams. They serve as a reminder that courage is not about fearlessness but about the strength to act despite fear.

     Audie Murphy was a will known WW2 hero that though he was a simple farm boy showed courage and resourcefulness many times during the war.  He said his courage came from within and in the moment.  You never known when courage will arise.  Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice said that her courage arose anytime someone tried to intimidate her.  Your courage will show up when you least expect it but remember it is buried inside and will be released when you stand for the Lord and for the right.

guidance

 

     The Christian life must be one of obedience.  Yet how does that happen?  It happens by revealed guidance from the Lord.  We must live our lives day by day and choice by choice.  God is creative and made us complex, so He is very creative in how he leads us.  The two ways he leads in by revealed guidance and day by day experience. 

     Revealed guidance is by the bible and leading of the Holy Spirit.  So, because God never contradicts himself, he reveals himself through the pages of the Bible.  Everything we need for faith and practice is found in the Bible.  Our part is to believe and obey.  You will learn how to do God’s will when you read, meditate and obey God’s word.  God’s will for us is to be like Jesus and our part is to strive for that. 

     Special guidance is how we react to the world around us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  He will lead, guide and direct us into all truth.  We choose everyday and, in every circumstance, to obey and love God. 

     Revealed guidance starts with salvation and then follows with our willingness to obey God.  We walk by faith.  The principles of God word are first followed through by prayer.  God also uses authority figures, parents, counsel of mature believers, circumstances and the leading of the Holy Spirit to bring us guidance.

     God is willing to guide us which is a day-by-day process.  God’s will is that we obey the word and become like His Son.  We receive his guidance by being born again, obeying him in every area of life and trust him no matter what.  He will guide by the Bible, prayer, authorities, circumstances and through the Holy Spirit.  God sometimes uses problems to help us to trust Him but they ultimately to the best path for life.

QUOTES FOR SEPT 30, 2026

 

WISDOM

 

     When Solomon became king, he went to the high place on Gibeah to worship the Lord and when the Lord ask Him what he wanted, he said wisdom so he could lead his people right.  God was so pleased that he gave him not just wisdom but riches and long life.  His wisdom was so well known that the Queen of Sheba came to visit him.  He wrote proverbs and psalms, and the Lord gave him an understand heart.

     Wisdom is the fear of the Lord.  It is the best thing you can get.  It is a foundation that does not move.  It is understanding and insight.  Worldly wisdom is manmade or satanic in nature.  It is foolish and those who possess often say they are wise. This wisdom leads to slander, mocking, not taking instruction, contention, meddling, self confidence and dishonesty.

     The wisdom given by God is precious, strengthens the wise, promised and makes you wise.  It allows you to see the world in a better light.  It gives you ability to know to use that which you have been given.  True wisdom is letting God in your life.  It gives you understanding and discernment.  Nothing better or more beautiful than the wisdom God gives so like Solomon ask for it and you will have it. 

HIS WORDS

 

Sept 30 – His Words - Isaiah 59:18-21

 

     Isaiah then states that the Lord will pay them back for what they have done.  It will be wrath for His enemies and retribution for His foes.  From all direction people will fear the name of the Lord.  From the rising of the sun to its setting they will revere His glory.  They will be aware of His character, essence, and nature.  He will come like a flood and His breath which gives life will drive His vengeance along.   

     The Redeemer will come to Zion to the people of God.  To those who repent of their sins they will find healing, restoration, and victory.  The following promises will come to those who repent.  The Lord makes an agreement and covenant with them.  The Spirit of God who is upon them will not depart from them.  Today of course He lives inside the believer.  His words will be upon and spoken through our lips.  It will also be upon the lips of the following generations.  From this time and forever more.  The Lord declares it and so it shall come and stay.

NEW LIFE

 

     Blaise Pascal said that there is a void or vacuum inside every person that only God can fill and we will never feel complete until it is filled.  SO, we spend our lives trying to fill it but often leave God out of the equation.  The problem is sin gets in the way which is both a manmade problem and eternal one as well. 

     When man sinned the result was physical, emotional and eternal death.  This problem was passed on to all Adam’s children to this day.  This means that we are subject to death and why we leave God out of the pictured.  God is holy and can’t look upon sin, so he has allowed substitution.  First, it was animals and then ultimately, it was Jesus Christ who did in our place for sin.  Jesus fulfilled all the requirements because he was both God and man.  He was holy and perfect

     The result of His death was that we have been forgiven, have eternal life and now are residents for the Holy Spirit.  We have been given a wonderful gift by grace, and we have received it by faith.  Faith is not just believing in your mind it is trusting with your heart.  We have repented and now we live a life of obedience and trust. 

      We now live in the reality of the new birth.  We are part of the family of God.  We can now communicate with God through prayer and have the Bible as our instruction manual.  You are a new person inside and out because of the Holy Spirit who lives inside.  The old has passed away and now you are new.  Every part of your life changes.  Your goals, dreams, attitudes, actions and relationships.  You become like Jesus wanting to do the will of your Father.  It takes times but you change for the better.  Through the Bible prayer and choice, you become more like Jesus everyday. 

     Man is empty without God because we are separated from God by our sin but because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin, we now have eternal and abundant life.  This is how God showed his love for mankind.  By faith we receive Christ and then live for Him.  God’s purpose is to make us like Jesus.  This is done by prayer, the bible, fellowship and circumstances.  Let us choose to follow him. 

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

 

UNDERSTANDING PRAYER

 

     Understanding prayer is knowing that it a time of communion with God.  Jesus is the perfect example of this.  He frequently and daily prayed.  He did before major decisions and in times of testing.  He gave thanks to God and on behalf of others.  He also prayed to make sure he was doing the will of God.

     Martin Luther said that prayer was the food of his soul.  Billy Graham said that prayer was the sign of a person who is mighty in God.  He also said a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.  So, prayer must be made in faith where you really believe in what God says.  It must be in Jesus’ name.  Jesus said ask anything in my name and it will be given to you.  It must according to the will of God and this you find in the pages of the bible.  You must live a life of obedience.  You must have a forgiving and loving heart.

     Jesus said that we must worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth.  Aspects of prayer are thanksgiving where you thank the Lord for, He has done.  Confession where you are honest with God and expose and examine yourself and get rid of anything that stands between you and him.  Intercession is where you pray for others.  Petition means you bring your own needs before the Lord.  Then there is communion where strength, comfort and help from the Lord come from. 

     When you have unanswered prayers.  It could because you violated one of the principles of prayer.  Most likely God has something better in mind.  Often God is working behind the scenes, and he is teaching you to wait.  Sometimes you are asking selfishly and what you are asking for could be damaging so it doesn’t get answered.  Often it just being persistent and not giving up.  It takes faith and discipline in prayer but keep praying because the answer is on the way.

NO ONE DOES GOD.

 

Sept 27 – No One Does Good -

     Isaiah continues with his diatribe.  No one pleads for justice or acts with integrity.  They conceive trouble, speak lies give empty arguments and give birth to evil.  They are like evil spiders and poisonous snakes.  They clothed themselves with cobwebs of deceit.  Their deeds and acts are evil and violent.  They rush into sin and are swift to shed innocent blood.  They go after evil schemes and violence mark their ways. 

     The way of peace and righteousness they do not know.  There is no justice in their path or the way they deal with others.  They follow crooked roads and paths.  Anyone who walks with them soon become like them.  Paul would use this passage to describe his generation in the book of Romans.

DEDICATION

 

     Today we are looking at dedication it means being devoted or making a priority in your life.  The Lord wants us to be dedicated to Him.  He made a promise to Abraham that He would always be with him.  He made the same promise to us in Matthew 29:20. The Lord is truth and it would be against His character to go back on his word.  Samuel for example was dedicated to the Lord and his life was one of truth and the word of God. 

     When we dedicate a child to the Lord, we have an assurance that the Lord will be there even though we cannot.  Prov 22:6 says when you train a child in the ways of the Lord when they are old, they will not depart from it.  As parents we are to pray for an mentor our children in all aspects of life.  The most important thing to remember is that they are a gift from the Lord given to us for a short time so we must be good stewards of them.  That means are to raise our children to love and glorify God.  We are saying to the world as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. 

     We must remind our children that going to church doesn’t make you a Christian but you show by day-by-day example.  We show what a Christ like person by obeying and loving the Lord in practical expression of faith everyday.  To love, accept and forgive others.  To walk in grace, mercy and holiness. 

FAITH

 

     Today we are talking about faith and how the bible supports it.  Faith assures success and 2 Chron 20:20 shows how through faith the armies of Judah defeated their enemies.  Faith is a duty of the believer.  Jesus had told His disciples they were being sent to work in the communities around Galilee and faith would give them the victory.

     Faith is our defensive weapon.  We use the shield of faith to quench all the attacks of the enemy.  Faith is essential in prayer because you must believe that you will receive.  It is the effectual and fervent prayer od a righteous person that avails much. 

     Faith must be united with love.  Paul says that love is the foundation of faith and faith is the avenue in which love flows.  We are made right by faith because we have believed and this has made us right with God.  Faith brings answered prayer, sonship, power, rest, inheritance, foundation and assurance.

QUOTES FOR SEPT 26, 2026

 

being sure

 

     Being sure is being convinced and having absolute confidence in what you believe and see.  For the Christian it is having salvation and all the benefits there of.  Today many believe that you can get to heaven by good works, but the Bible makes it clear it is only but Jesus sacrifice that we can get eternal life.  Works are a result of our faith not the reason. 

     The Bible is evidence of who Jesus is and archeology backs it up as well.  The Bible of course claims that God is the author of its message.  It is a book that transforms lives and its promises are backed up by God himself. 

     Jesus Christ came and yes, he healed, taught but he is so much more than that He is the savior, healer, baptizer in the Holy Spirit and the soon coming king.  Many dismiss Jesus as the Son of God, but his resurrection proved beyond a doubt His claims. 

     People struggle because they base their faith on feeling which change from day to day.  Faith is an act of the will and facts.  We also have the inward witness of the Holy Spirit.  We also have the moral evidence of a changed life and the social evidence of being part of the family of God.  We love and view our fellow Christians with grace and mercy.  We are motivated by compassion and grace.

     Salvation is based up what Jesus did and not we have done.  Our faith is dependant on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  Never confuse faith with feelings.  Faith is based on the word of God and changed lives.  The Holy Spirit lives inside giving inward witness and guidance.  This helps you to live in assurance.

CONSEQUENCES

 

Sept 26 – Sin’s Consequences - Isaiah 59:1-3

 

     Isaiah reveals something about the Lord and His view of the present generation.  Isaiah of course lived through the reign of five kings.  He saw the reign of 3 godly kings and two ungodly kings.  He was finally killed by Manasseh the son of Hezekiah.  He says surely the Lord hand is not so short that he cannot save or his ears so dull or deaf that He cannot hear. 

     The problem is that the iniquities of the people have separated them from God.  Sin is doing wrong and evil.  It is an active force in mankind.  It is part of our DNA.  It causes us to hide our face from Him.  It causes Him not to hear when we call to Him.  The hands of the sin are stained with blood and fingers are covered in guilt.  This is the action of sin.  The attitude of sin is expressed in how we talk.  Lies and wickedness are spoken. 

PSALM SUNDAY

 

     On Palm Sunday Jesus had instructed his disciples to go and get a coat for Him to ride.  They found everything just as Jesus said.  This showed that Jesus had complete control over all that would happen to Him during the Passion week. 

     This animal knew that he could trust Jesus and so can you.  Jesus had the audacity to come in Jerusalem even when the leadership wanted Jesus dead.  When Jesus came into town the people spread palm branches and cloaks before him and they shouted, “Blessed he who come sin the name of the Lord and Hosanna in the highest. 

     Jesus was showing himself as the Messiah.  Many thought he was going to be a political person.  Jesus came first as the suffering savior.  Next time he will come as the conquering king.  The Pharisees told Jesus to quiet his followers, but Jesus told them it the crowd did not praise him the rocks and stones would call out.

     Jesus was not a moral teacher, miracle worker or a philosopher He is the Son of God.  He is God with a face.  The perfect union of God and man.  Jesus not long afterward wept over Jerusalem because he knew what was going to happen in the future.  The city would fall to the Romans, and the rejection of His Messiahship would carry a heavy price.  A lesson we need to learn is that when we do not recognize Christ in the moment, he is presented our rejection does carry a price.   

     Jesus then would cleanse the temple of the money changers and the merchants that had turn the temple which was a house of worship and prayer in a marketplace.  There were three explanations given of why Jesus could get away with this.  The first is the popularity of Jesus at the time.  John said secondly it was because it wasn’t Jesus’ time.  The last is that Jesus was in control and thus his death was entirely in His hands. 

     When one looks at Palm Sunday, we see Jesus in both his humanity and deity.  We see him being worshipped and then him weeping over the city.  We see him angry over the treatment of the temple.  All this shows that Jesus was a man of passion but in righteous control.  We should follow His example.

     

PAUL'S WISHES

 

      Paul had many wishes and desire for the church of then and now.  As he was called so are we.  God wants to bless us with all spiritual blessings.  We have been given a heavenly home.  Think about that.  We have been called his children.  God wants us to live in abundance.  He has made the mystery of Christ known to us and we are to tell others.  He wants us to be a family with others.  He wants us to walk in unity, love, acceptance and forgiveness. 

     We only have one life to live.  We are to bring hope, peace and love to our world.  Back in 1969, Dionne Warwick sand a song about how the world needs love.  Our world needs that today.  With wars raging in Ukraine and Iran the world needs love and the message of Christ.  Let us who it by our example and love.

WISDOM

 

     When God says He is going to do something, faith says, “I believe it”, and yes with a big exclamation point.  If you do not trust God, you will find yourself like the nation of Israel wandering around in a desert place for years.  Get out of your wilderness and desert by following Crist to the promised land.  Leave the dark by placing your life in the Light of the world.  If you want your promised land you will have to fight for it like Joshua did.  The greatest joy in your salvation is to lead another to it. The highest honor in salvation is seeing others walk in salvation and truth.  If you want to disperse your doubts and fear look to Jesus, the author and finishers of your faith.  If you want to increase your fear and doubts look to yourself and trust your own resources.  Many talk about heaven as if it is a matter of speculation but the Bible says it is true and an established fact.

QUOTES FOR SEPT 25, 2026

 

TRUTH ABOUT JESUS

     So why did Jesus allow his body to be broken and his blood to be shed.  He did it because we could not save ourselves.  He who knew no sin became sin for us.  He did it because we were lost in sin and death.  He became our substitute because our sin has separated us from God.  He bore our iniquities and the burden of humanity.  He did it so we could live an eternal and abundant life. 

     There is an old song that says, “He paid a debt he did not owe; I owe a debt I could pay.”  Jesus suffered and died for people so we would not have too.  Sin is an eternal problem and a mam made problem so only the eternal man could be the right substitute

     Jesus chose the time and place of his death.  He gave His life willingly.  His sacrifice was an act of love.  He still loves us and wants us to carry His message to the world by what we say and how we live.  Jesus is the central object of Christianity.  He is the reason for our faith.  Let us live is well and tell others while there is still time

 

THANKS MOM

     A little boy one time on TV said thank you mommy.  We should be thankful for mothers.  They do a great job and also are the backbone of the home.  The internet is full of great stories of mothers who are incredible.  So is the Bible.  Moses’ mother hid him from the decree of Pharoah.  Samuel’s mother dedicated him to the Lord.  Mary the mother of Jesus was a great woman of faith and had the privilege of raising the savior. 

     A mother has the role of correcting children when necessary.  Instruct in the practical living and in the things of the Lord.  Mothers are to show they children how to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. 

     Mothers set the example in honoring their husbands.  Leading in the home.  To be not gossips but speak good things to others.  To teach, train, nurture, control, and love.  In the same way husbands are to stay with their wives until death.  Love their wives, honor them and protect them. 

Mothers are female parents who nurture, care for, and raise children, representing a foundational role in families and societies across the world.  Thank you for who you are and what you have done.  

THE PROPER ATTITUDE

 

Sept 25 – The Proper Attitude - Isaiah 58:13-19

 

     The nation of Judah had forgotten the importance of the Sabbath, so Isaiah reminds them.  Don’t break the sabbath by what you do.  The Sabbath is a delight and the Lord’s Day is honorable.  It is not for us to do as we please.  It is honored by not doing as one pleases or speaking idle words.  It is a time of rest, reflection, and worship.  It is a time for worship, the word, and prayer.  It is a time for corporate fellowship and coming together to hear God’s word. 

      When you have the right attitude and lifestyle on the Lord’s Day then you will find your joy in the Lord which is His strength.  You will triumph on the heights.  You will feast and enjoy your inheritance.  The Lord ha spoken and to not fulfill this promise would go against his character, nature, and essence.

QUOTES FOR SEPT 24, 2025

 

Apostle Paul

 

     The Apostle Paul from time to time vindicated his ministry.  Paul says that his ministry is God given because of the Damascus Road experience.  Some said Paul learned the message from the church leaders in Jerusalem but Paul states in Galatians that his mission was God given. 

     There was traditionalist in the church who question his ministry.  He had received his call from Jesus Christ, and a fellow name Ananias confirmed it.  Paul also points out that a mark of true Christian is the lifestyle that follows.  Paul said before his conversion he was persecuting the church now he advances the message and the cause.  Paul had been the top of his class and a hater of the early church.  Paul also reveals that salvation has always been in the mind of God for mankind.  That is why Jesus Christ came because we could not save ourselves. 

     Paul in Galatians says that he was formed to be an apostle even though he did not know it.  Paul was called by grace and grace alone and that the church in Galatia were fruits of his call.  Paul when he was called did not consult other apostles but went into Arabia to get further revelation.  He only went to Jerusalem three years later to meet with the apostles.  He only spent fifteen days with them

     Paul went to Syria and Cilicia, but he was unknown and any reputation he had was as a persecutor.  As Paul preached people began to appreciate what he had to say and eventually he got some recognition, but then dramatic persecution followed and he then was sent back to Tarsus for 10 years.  It was only when Barnabus came to get him did he get a second chance. 

     Paul was a man who was given a second chance and an opportunity to rebuild his life we can do the same if we fail and fall.  It is never over.  Also remember that you personal testimony is tied to what he did not just what you say.  We are called to be light and salt that is done by how we live.