We had a guest speaker this past Sunday so I’m going to take this opportunity to put a message together from what I’ve gathered from conversations with Pastor recently. The following is a quote from a leadership meeting.
“The answer to a rebirth of missional evangelism will not be found in a system or the perfecting of a system, but rather in the perfecting of an excellent spirit within each of our church leaders. I gave the example of the difference between Sampson and Daniel. All the talent, gifting, strength, even perfect rearing by parents of Sampson into his Nazarite calling didn’t ensure Sampson’s real impact on a nation. He didn’t possess an excellent spirit. But on the other hand, Daniel did not possess all those same attributes and/or advantages, and yet he did have a major impact on his world. Why? Because he had an excellent spirit.” Pastor Bobby
How do we cultivate an excellent spirit?
WE MOVE
Excellence of spirit isn’t performance or perfection! Perfectionism is a trap that is rooted in fear. It looks at the past, and see’s only difficultly. It looks at the future, and see’s only impossibilities. Excellence says, I’ve made mistakes and faced failure, but greatness or excellence can only be discovered in the face of adversity. It’s part of the journey, but it’s not where I remain. I was born with destiny in mind, and I’ve been given what is required to accomplish that which the Lord has set before me. There is a prize that I must run toward. He is our prize. God is waiting for you to move forward into your future- for it glorious! The better days are not behind you, but rather you are in the PRIME of your life at this very moment!
CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK
Before you go there physically you have to go there with the way you think!
“Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.”
Philippians 4:8 TPT
Do you remember this saying, if you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you always got? Well, the same is true with your thoughts. If you think what you’ve always thought then the results remain the same. Think something NEW! Just because you’ve always thought one way doesn’t mean it’s necessarily correct. Recently, in my devotional time I began evaluating the fruit of my thought life with Galatians 5:22-23. I asked myself this question, Are my thoughts producing good fruit in my life? I would encourage you to do the same and be daring enough to think NEW! Think in FAITH! There is more that God has in store for you.
As you commit to GO then you will begin to grow!
QUESTIONS:
1. Read Daniel’s story and discuss the excellence of spirit that makes him stand out.
2. Many times we look for better systems to get better results in our life, but often systems only last for a little while. Why?
3. Do you think you have a spirit of excellence? Is it stronger in certain areas and weaker in other areas? Why?
4. What do think you can begin doing today to help you cultivate a spirit of excellence?
5. How do you guard a spirit of excellence? Daniel guarded the spirit of excellence in his life by becoming a man of prayer.
