on the Cornerstone

otC 281 The Dragnet

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:52:37 -0600

Remembering

I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. Psalm 77:11

13th Anniversary
Celebrating God's Faithfulness

History

Real courage is applying God’s faithfulness in the past to our dreams of the future, these will determine our decisions for the present.

And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise. Hebrews 11:39

Vision

The Dragnet

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:47-50

Your Sphere of Influence

Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt & Light
Matthew 28:18-20 – Missions Mandate
Identify Your "Oikos" <NT Greek>
- a person's extended household
- your network of relationships
Defining and recognizing your relational network - your sphere of influence

"What or who was responsible for your coming to Christ and the Church"?

The percentage of responses have been:
A special need 1-2%
Walk in 2-3%
Pastor 5-6%
Visitation 1-2%
Sunday School 4-5%
Evangelistic Crusade 0.5%
Church Program 2-3%
A friend or a relative 75-90%
{The Church Growth Institute survey asking over 14,000 people}

Go Forth, go forth,
into the ripened fields,
for they are white
unto harvest.

The time, the time,
for reaping is at hand,
for the souls of men
to be gathered in.

What was sown in tears
shall now be reaped in joy,
the Word of the Lord
shall not return void.

Cast out your nets
all ye fishers of men,
in the power of the Spirit
revival begins!

otC 280 Stewarding Life - Part 5

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:50:02 -0600

Stewarding Life - Part 5
Who then is the faithful steward?
Luke 12:35-48

Jesus’ parable is a warning!

To be ready and faithful
He is serious about stewardship
“To whom much is given, much is required”
We have received the gift of life, the promise of eternal life and the hope of abundant life.

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth I Peter 1:17 NASB

A steward is one that utilizes and manages all the resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of God’s creation.

Christ died to be our Savior and lives to be our Lord.

Lordship is defined in four words:

Admit - sin and need of a Savior
Submit - forsake sin and submit your life to God
Commit - yourself and your way to the Lord each day
Transmit - share His love and goodness with others

Thus speaketh Christ our Lord to us:
You call Me master and obey Me not.
You call Me light and see Me not.
You call Me the Way and walk Me not.
You call Me life and live Me not.
You call Me wise and follow Me not.
You call Me fair and love Me not.
You call Me rich and ask Me not.
You call Me eternal and seek Me not.
If I condemn thee, blame Me not.
Old engraving on a cathedral in Labeck, Germany

II Timothy 1:6-14

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. II Corinthians 3:17-18

otC 279 Stewarding Life - Part 4

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:48:28 -0600

Stewarding Life - Part 4
The 10/30 Window
Reaching the next generation

Stewarding the Body

Steward - One to whose care or honor anything has been instructed
- An overseer
- “The Boss’ Money”

Stewarding – It’s not yours!

You were bought at a price – 1 Corinthians 6:20
This speaks to every area of your life
- Money and possessions
- Relationships
- Your very life!

Many areas to steward the body

The Mind (Phil 4:8)
The Eyes (Psalms 101:3)
The Mouth (James 3:1-12)

All things are lawful (1 Corinthians 6:12)

We operate under a covenant of grace
Things that are not expressly forbidden
Church was taking forgiveness as a free ride
- What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! – Romans 6:1

All things are not profitable (NASB)

Exercising our Christian liberty should be done within the framework of stewarding what is not ours
Real life issues can often seem unclear through scripture
- Smoking and Alcohol
- Types of movies to watch
- When to start dating
- What jobs to hold
Decisions should be made both regarding the profit for us AND others
Beware, lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak – 1 Cor. 8:9

I will not be dominated by any

God is the only one to whom we should cede control in our lives
Anything that attempts to usurp control in our lives is attempting to usurp control from God
- “Whoever is thus subjected is not a freeman, but a servant of sin” (People’s New Testament – B.W. Johnson)
This includes things that may be harmless (in moderation) and acceptable
- Food
- Entertainment (TV & Movies, video games, sports, etc)
- Jobs
- Finances
- Friendship

Food for the stomach (1 Corinthians 6:13)

Self-Indulgence was accepted in their minds because food was made for the stomach.
- When things are pleasurable and appropriate, it is often difficult to steward our bodies
“If I am in danger of my belly and appetite, I will abstain” (Matthew Henry)
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit – Prov. 25:16
And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite – Prov. 23:2
Self-indulgence will lead to more than just problems with the physical – Phil. 3:18-19
Hebrews 12:16-17

The body is not for immorality

Sexual immorality = fornication
- Any sexual activity outside of marriage
- “Porneia”, where “pornography” finds its root
  - I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery – Mat. 5:29
Though the body is not for this purpose, your body will always war against your spirit
- The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another – Gal. 5:17
Attempting to use Christian liberty, the Corinthian church had attempted to correlate the stomach’s need for food with the body’s natural desire for sex
The stomach, and the food that feeds it, are temporal commodities, though created for each other
The body of the redeemed, though temporal on earth, will live forever with God and is NOT created for sexual immorality
As a steward of this body, we are to be in God’s service in ALL that we do

God raised up the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:14)

“It is an honor done to the body that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead: and it will be an honor to our bodies that they will be raised.” – Matthew Henry
Colossians 3:1
- We were buried with Christ and as with Christ, have been resurrected into a new life

Your body is a members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15)

We are all part of Christ’s body, his Holy Temple, the dwelling place of His Holy Spirit
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
- Ephesians 1:22

Joined with a Harlot? (1 Corinthians 6:15 - 17)

It is impossible to ignore the spiritual implications of the joining of two flesh
- Genesis 2:24
Beyond this issue, God’s Spirit is dwelling in you in ALL you do…you are His!

Flee! (1 Corinthians 6:18)

This is not a suggestion, but a command
There is nothing to allow “a little”, this is a command to flee all
- I will set nothing wicked before my eyes – Psalms 101:3
- The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 39
This is a philosophy to be practiced in ALL areas of stewarding our lives and bodies
- I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave – 1 Cor. 9:27 (NIV)
- Matthew 18:8-9

Immorality against your own body

Proverbs 6:30-35

You were bought at a price! (1 Corinthians 6:20)

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us – Ps. 103:12
It is the Holy Spirit alone, dwelling in us, that enables us to resist the flesh, which will forever war against the Spirit.

otC 278 Stewarding Life - Part 3

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:42:48 -0600

Stewarding Life - Part 3
The Treasure

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 5:43-48

“so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven?
“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth I Peter 1:17

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Our Motivation To Steward Life

Biblical Prosperity
- Lot’s Loss
- Genesis 13:1-6 ~ Blessed!
- Genesis 13:10-11 ~ Greed
  - Not stewarding, but greedily fending for himself
- Genesis 14 ~ Collateral damage
- Genesis 19 ~ Deliverance

Covetousness is denounced by Jesus

Stewardship is expected
Luke 12:13-21
Matthew 25:14-30
- The Parable of the Talents
- “Two dynamics that define and drive the modern American, affluence and personal peace, cash and comfort!” --- Francis Schaffer

Treasure

II Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves”
II Timothy 1:14 “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”

otC 277 Stewarding Life - Part 2

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:07:51 -0600

Stewarding Life - Part 2
Rushing Through Life

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. I Corinthians 4:1

And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth I Peter 1:17

Life Happens! – Stewarding Life Doesn’t

Proverbs 29:18a "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained"
Success: is knowing God's will and being right in the center of it.
Rushing through life
- Stop and Hear the Music
Caught in the monotony
- Like the geometrid caterpillar

Prayer of Jabez
Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. I Chronicles 4:10

otC 276 Stewarding Life

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:08:19 -0600

Stewarding Life
The Gift of Life

Faith Begins

Faith begins where the will of God is known.
Daniel 11:32b “the people who know their God will be strong and do exploits.”

But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 NASB

God’s Great Gift

Life
Eternal Life
Abundant Life

Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Roman 5:1-5

Goodbye Old ~ Hello New

otC 275 The Christmas Story - Part 3

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:59:19 -0600

The Christmas Story - Part 3
Isaiah 9:6-7
God's Purpose

God’s Plan
- Restoration – God’s Lamb
God’s Process
- Redemption – God’s Blood
God’s Purpose
- Rejoicing – God’s Rest

Isn't The Christmas Story Just A Fairy Tail?

The Centrality of Christ
Micah 5:2

A child born to us, a son given to us
Jesus is the Alpha & the Omega
The Beginning and the End
He is the creator and the new creation
- a new heavens and a new earth
Our world is coming to and end!
- And the end is a person!
In the Incarnation:
- To provide the promise
- To fulfill the prophecy
- To completes the old testament types
- To identify with God's image bearers
- To judge sin and its carriers
In the Resurrection:
- This is God's intervening plan of salvation
- This justifies Jesus' life and death
- This begins the restoration of all things
At His Return:
- We have closure – completion of the Age
- Mankind will be found in the Face of God (Great White Throne Judgment)
  - Daniel 5:25-29

Jesus

To His holy seed:
- He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah
- He is the root and offspring of David
- He is the Jewish Yeshua ha Mashiach
To His holy church:
- He is the Holy and True
- He is the Faithful and True
- He is the Faithful and True Witness
- He is the living One
- He was dead and now is alive!
- He is the One Who holds the keys of death and Hades
To the world:

He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
He is the bright and morning star

To the universe:
- He is the First and the Last,the Alpha and the Omega
- He is the beginning and the End
- He is the Ruler of God's creation

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. II Corinthians 4:6-9

otC 274 The Christmas Story - Part 2

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:56:25 -0600

The Christmas Story - Part 2
Luke 2:1-20
God’s Process

God’s Plan
- Restoration – God’s Lamb
God’s Process
- Redemption – God’s Blood
God’s Purpose
- Rejoicing – God’s Rest

Why Did He Choose To Come So Quietly?
Man’s free will

The fool has said in his heart, There is no God Psalm 53:1

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Hedonism ~ The philosophy of self-centered pleasure-seeking
“lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” II Timothy 3:4

How Can I Experience Joy This Christmas?

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! II Corinthians 9:15

God is all about process – Do not be afraid!
Joy is all about trusting God – His Gift is for you!

otC 273 The Christmas Story

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:42:20 -0600

The Christmas Story
Matthew 1:18-25

God's Plan
- Restoration – God's Lamb
God's Process
- Redemption – God's Blood
God's Purpose
- Rejoicing – God's Rest

The Story Begins

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15

The "War of the Seeds"
Revelation 12:1-10, 17

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:22-23

otC 272 The Blessing of Unity

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:21:32 -0600

The Blessing of Unity
Psalm 133

Partnering With Purpose
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

The Power of Partnership

Partnership Principles
- You can earn and enjoy more when you work with a partner.
- You can recover more quickly from trouble when you work with a partner.
- You can experience comfort when you need it when you work with a partner.
- You can be stronger when you work with a partner.
Partnership multiplies the potential of the ministry
- It is better to have one person working with you, than three working for you!
- James 3:13 – 4:1 – Source of Quarrels
- “What is causing so much disharmony among the nations is the fact that some want to beat the big drum, few are willing to face the music, and none want to play second fiddle.” ---Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State
Partnership makes difficult tasks easy
- “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” ---Mother Teresa
- Boys on the railroad tracks, linking arms, balancing both.
Partnership Solves Problems, Everybody wins
True Partnership Means Both Giving & Receiving
- Partnership is the ability to work together toward a common vision.
- The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organized objectives
- It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results …
- Simply put, it is less “me” and more “we.”

4 Stages of Partnership - John Maxwell

The Friendship Stage - chemistry
- This is about intimacy, drawing close relationally
The Formation Stage - contribution

This is about identification, recognizing uniqueness

The Functioning Stage - cooperation

This is about industry, working together

The Fruitfulness Stage - construction
- This is about innovation, seeing results from partnerships

Serve One Another
We are “Blessed To Be A Blessing”

otC 271 Other People - Part 3

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:38:32 -0600

Other People - Part 3
Accept One Another

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Everyone you meet can result in fellowship or evangelism!

Instructions To Those Who Minister
I Timothy 6:1-2
“teach and preach these principals.”

To regard other human beings as worthy of honor for God’s sake.
To give respect, as brethren, especially to another believer.
To serve with greater zeal for a greater blessing!

I Timothy 6:3-7
James 3:13-18
I Timothy 6:6

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence I Peter 3:15

For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:17-18

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. Psalm 113:7-8

And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10

otC 270 Other People - Part 2

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:10:19 -0600

Other People - Part 2
Accept One Another

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Disciples

We must learn to love people and use things, not love things and use people.
Everyone you meet will result in either evangelism or fellowship!

Just Married

Life is full of troubles and most of them are man-maid.
Love is blind, but marriage restores its sight.
What does God say about marriage?
“Relatives?”

Mutual Respect

Ephesians 5:21-33
Marriage is holy, a sacred covenant instituted by God
Marriage is a COVENANT
- a sacrificial promise
- dependent on the Power of the Holy Spirit

Marriage

If you are a married male, then you have been created by God to love and lead your wife, and to provide for and protect your family.

If you are a married female, then you have been created by God to nurture your children and to support your husband.

Success in marriage is more than finding the right person: it is being the right person. -- Robert Browning (1812–1889)

Marriage halves our grief's, doubles our joys, and quadruples our expenses.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. Psalm 113:7-8

And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10

otC 269 Other People

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:15:27 -0600

Other People
Accept One Another

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Collective Nouns

herd of cattle
flock of chickens
school of fish
gaggle of geese
pride of lions
murder of crows
piteousness of doves
parliament of owls
congress of baboons

Beware!

Envy is a painful and resentful awareness of another’s advantage joined with the desire to possess the same advantage of position or possession.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6

Psalm 8 Outline

Vss 1-2 – The Glory of God
Vss 3-8 – The Glory of Man
Vs 9 – Refrain of verse 1

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. Psalm 113:7-8

And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10

otC 268 Living Straight In A Crooked World - Part 6

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:34:44 -0500

Living Straight In A Crooked World - Part 6

From Dysfunction To Life

Genesis 34:1-5
Genesis 49:1-2
Living Straight in a Crooked World
We must be ‘intentional’ parents, and/or disciple makers
Parenting does not ‘just happen’, nor will things just “come out all right”

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

Building up our families
Strengthening our marriages
Clarifying our relational values
Responding to a hurting world

Resources - Books

"Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours"
"The New Birth Order Book"
Both by Dr. Kevin Leman

A Legacy of Spiritual Vitality for the Next Generation

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesus 6:1-4

7 Principles of Reality Discipline

Establish a healthy authority over your children.
Hold your children accountable for their actions
Let reality be the teacher.
Use action more than words.
Stick to your guns, but don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
Relationships come before rules
Live by your values.

Two ‘Musts”:

Unconditional love
- God’s love for us is unconditional
- A desire to love as unconditionally as possible
Discipline
- We must be willing to take time to practice it.

otC 267 Living Straight In A Crooked World - Part 5

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:14:49 -0500

Living Straight In A Crooked World - Part 5
Genesis 34:1-5

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

Building up our families
Strengthening our marriages
Clarifying our relational values
Responding to a hurting world

Resources - Books

“One Home At A Time” by Dennis Rainy
“Parenting – The Early Years” by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott
“Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours” by Dr. Kevin Leman

A Legacy of Spiritual Vitality for the Next Generation

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

“Children are the living messages we send to a time that we will not see.”
--- Sociologist Neil Postman

3 Seeds in the Old Testament

God gave us His word to help us survive in a hostile world.
- Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.”
God blesses those who honor and obey His Word
- Joshua 1:7-8
- Psalm 119:2 “How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.”
God established the family as His primary way of passing on the truth of His Word from one generation to the next.
- Psalm 78:5-8
- The family is the foundation for Godly seed, the demonstration of Divine agreement, and is sealed by blood covenant!

Parenting With A Purpose

""Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. "And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7

A High and Holy Calling

Proverbs 29:18a “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained”
Are we raising our children;
- to be obedient to God in every area of life?
- to develop a strong godly character?
- to be able to make the tough choices to maintain purity?
- to withstand the destructive pressures of peer influence?
- to one day raise their own children with the same vision?

Top 10 Parental Proverbs

10. You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut up.

9. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your children.

8. Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like clearing the driveway before it has stopped snowing.

7. There is only one pretty child in the world and every mother has it.

6. Mothers of teens know why animals eat their young.

5. I asked Mom if I was a gifted child. She said they certainly wouldn't have paid for me.

4. Children are natural mimics, who act like their parents despite every effort to teach them good manners.

3. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.

2. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

1. We child proofed our home 3 years ago and they're still getting in!

Traits Worth Considering

Giving the Praise They Crave: Are You an Affirming Parent?
- Realistically praise what your child does, and show him that you notice, love, and value him.
Counting To Ten – Again: Are You a Patient Parent?
- When frustrated, stay calm and cool and try to see the world from your child’s viewpoint.
Hearing What They Don’t Say: Are You an Attentive Parent?
- Listen for the feelings, values and fears your child does not overtly express and find gentle and meaningful ways to let her know you understand.
Seeing a Picture of Their Future: Are You a Visionary Parent?
- Treat your child’s dreams seriously and foster a future that will help her actualize what she aspires to do and be.
Building a Better Bond: Are You a Connected Parent?
- Create bonding experiences by intentionally fostering activities you both enjoy together.
Commemorating Milestones: Are You a Celebratory Parent?
- Communicate a powerful message of love to your child by planning festivities to commemorate developmental signposts worth remembering.
Keeping Your Word: Are You an Authentic Parent?
- Use everyday occurrences to “walk your talk” and show your child that you are deserving of his trust.
Creating the Safest Place on Earth: Are You a Comforting Parent?
- Instill deep emotional security in your child by maintaining a non-anxious presence and reassuring him that you are always available to talk.
Instilling Wisdom: Are You an Insightful Parent?
- Become an “emotional coach” for your child by accepting negative emotions as a fact of life and using them as opportunities to teach life lessons.
Practicing the Presence of God: Are You an Prayerful Parent?
- Use opportune times to talk to God together with your child and discuss ways you can pray for each other.

“The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.”
--- Alden Nolan