Be Excellent ~ Fix your Eyes on Jesus

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Fix your Eyes on Jesus ~ Hebrews 12: 1-3

New International Version translation
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him {after death} he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

The Message translation
"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.
And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. 
That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Wow.

We are constantly aware of what the world thinks. I'm not sure why, but we place so much value in what the world and others think about us.  We get our feelings hurt when we are criticized.
We even don't know how to respond when we are complimented.  

Why do we need so much from each other and the world? 

When we focus our eyes on JESUS, on the favor God has for us, His affirmation and love for us will become the affirmation of our self-esteem.  We have value and worth because He made us.
He Loves Us.  He Died for Us.  He Rose again for us.  He is preparing a place in Heaven for us.
His favor for us is a shield.

How do we learn to enjoy God's favor?  By fixing our eyes on Jesus 
L.P.S.S.L.H.
1) Learn to enjoy your everyday blessings (write them down)
2) Praise God for Leading you and give Him thanks (write them down)
3) Seek God in Prayer ~ specifically ask God for His favor! To bless your plans
4) Study His Word bring confidence in Scripture (write each verse 7 times)
5) Live Righteously ~ earnestly seek God's favor. W hat are you doing now that is not good? 
6) Cultivate a humble heart: Read 1 Peter 5:5-7. and journal.

BE Excellent by Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus 

Prayer: Dear God and Jesus, help me to live in your favor and Be Excellent by fixing my eyes and life upon you.  Help me to enjoy everyday blessings...thank you for them!  Help me to live righteously and humbly, casting my cares upon you.  This is not hard . . and the rewards are SO GOOD.  
Remember me,O Lord, with the favor You have toward your people. Psalm 106:4
Amen.
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Author:  Sandi Hanscom
Reference:  Dr. David Jeremiah


"40-Days of Excellence" Journal
CHALLENGE
We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus.  Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge.  You want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life:  social media, limited news time, etc.).  Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Here is What To Do
1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days.
2)  Get a Journal and entitle it:  "40 Days of Excellence"
3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts from February 15 on).  
There is a lot - just do what you can.  Focus on Thee Goal and Thee Prize.
4)  Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life.

We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do.
BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in ​Jesus, Others and Yourself
JOY!!

Please Note:  If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at!  
​No stress.  No worries.  We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. 
xo Christie and Sandi
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