HABITS – Starting Good Ones January 9 - 10 , 2021 Pastor David Brett “ It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. ” Daniel 6:1 - 4 (NIV) Ø His success breeds jealousy. Ø His op ponents dig for weaknesses. Ø His only weakness is His God. Daniel had some “ keystone ” habits • Keystone habit = empowers and supports other habits. 1. Wake up with enough time to peacefully carry out your morning routine. 2. Foster a morning routine that include s prayer, meditation, and contemplating God’s Word. 3. Sleep at least eight hours a night. 4. Eliminate soda and drink at least eight, eight - ounce glasses of water each day. 5. Eat at least one meal together with your family or close friends each day. 6. Attend a local church weekly and participate by giving and serving there. 7. Exercise at least three days a week for at least 20 minutes. 8. Declare some truths about yourself every day. 9. If you’re married, hold hands with your spouse every day. 10. Verbally encourage at least one person every day. What are some of your keystone habits? _____ ________ ________ ___________________________________ _ _ ______ ___________ What is a new habit you need to start this year? ________________ _______________________________________________________ “ Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got do wn on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. ” Daniel 6:10 (NIV) How to Create a New Habit: CUE à Response or REWARD à _ HABIT 1. Make you r cue obvious 2. Make it easy Examples: v After I make coffee — Read one chapter in Bible. v After I put my kids to bed — 30 second plank. v After I brush teeth — Journal one sentence. v After I journal one sentence — Hold hand with spouse and thank God for one thing. Never underestimate how God can do something big through one small habit. “ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the L ORD rejoices to see the work begin .” Zechariah 4:10 I’m not successful when I hit my goal somewhere in the future! I’m successful when I’ve honored God with my day.