April 30, 2020 CAC Living Water Devotional :- THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Read previous CAC Living Water Devotionals here
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER {Jan ~ June, 2020}
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Thursday, April 30, 2020
TOPIC: THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Read Daniel 1:1-9
[1]In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.[2]And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.[3]And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;[4]Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.[5]And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.[6]Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:[7]Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.[8]But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.[9]Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
MEMORISE: Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation (Daniel 5:12)
EXPOSITION
Excellence is a complex subject that has comprehensive meanings. It is the quality of being outstanding. It means extremely good. It is to do a common thing in an uncommon way, i.e. doing common things uncommonly well. It is doing things with distinction, meritoriously, with an aura of fineness and brilliance, and is the opposite of mediocrity. It is to put the uncommon effort into the common task, making it large by doing it in a great way. You may not be able to do big or great things, but no matter what you do, do it in a great way. This is what is called Excellence. The tone of Proverbs 22:29, for instance, connotes the desire of God for excellence among His people.
For Christians, achieving excellence starts with possessing an excellent spirit. An excellent spirit is an extraordinary spirit, an exceptional and unusual ability to do things to the best God so desires for us (Dan. 5:12; 6:3). According to Numbers 14:24, excellent spirit is that spirit positively different from others who most likely celebrate mediocrity or complacency. People with excellent spirit hold to a higher moral standard of living than the people of the world (Psa. 119:99-100).
It is the Holy Spirit who empowers one to do what ordinary people cannot do (Jn. 6:63; Acts 1:8-9). With Him, it is easy for you to achieve excellence. In addition, you must strive to be filled with Him constantly (Eph. 5:18). Above all, there are prerequisites to living a life of excellence, including, discovering your purpose for living, having a clearly defined vision, understanding and maximizing your potentials; being hard working and resolute, going the extra mile, making the most of every opportunity, and being willing to do things positively and differently.
PRAYER POINTS
1. As you gave it to Daniel, Lord, give me an excellent spirit.
2. Lord, strengthen me to take the necessary hard steps to achieve excellence in life.
3. Pray for our students in higher institutions of learning, that God should help them to pursue academic excellence with all diligence.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: 1 Samuel 17 – 18 & Romans 5
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!