BE Excellent in Your Faith - What is Thee Goal?

As Edwin Bliss (internationally recognized expert on time management who lectures and is a business consultant - wrote books: “Getting Things Done” , “The ABC’s of Time Management”) once said, 

“The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy.  The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.”  As finite human beings, none of us ever arrive, as they say, and there will always be room for growth and improvement.” (see Phil 3:12-14)  While this reality should never promote negligence or apathy or slothfulness, and while we should seek to grow, mature, and do our best, understanding this reality should help us all relax and rejoice in the Lord.”
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Paul tells the Philippians: 
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the
fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection form the dead.”
[ Philippians 3:10-11 ]


Pressing Toward the Goal
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers [and Sisters], I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  
[ Philippians 3:12-14 ]
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Ask yourself and journal the answers to these questions:

Q:  What is The Goal?  A: Paul says that his goal is to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him.  We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal - knowing Christ.  With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians.  What is holding you back?
Q:  What is my goal of this 40-Day Journal Challenge?
Q:  Have I schedule time for the ultimate business client, Jesus, this week?
Q: Paul gave up everything to know Christ and his resurrection power.  We too have access to this knowledge and this power, but we may have to make sacrifices to enjoy it fully.  What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ?  A crowded schedule in order to set aside a few minutes each day for prayer and Bible study?  Your friend’s approval?  Some of your plans or pleasures?  Whatever it is, knowing Christ is more than worth the sacrifice.
Q:  Am I representing Jesus and His Characteristics in my home? with my friends? in my workplace?  on the sports field?  on the freeway?  in the grocery store?
Q: What Fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:23) can I apply better to my home life?  to my work life?
Q:  Am I pressing on toward the Goal to win the prize?
Q:  What is the prize?
Q:  How do my employees view me as their shepherd?
Q:  How can I improve and help others around me grow and mature in their role at work? 
Q: How can I help my employees discover Excellence of Jesus in their roles at work?
Q:  Am I relaxed and rejoicing in the Lord?

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"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 God, Friend Jesus and in yourself as a Christian.

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

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PRAYER

Dear Jesus,
This is exciting to start the journey on discovering Excellence in You.  Help me to organize my schedule around You.  I am dedicating myself to you over the next 40 days.  I will settle my mind, breathe deeper and slower and absorb the words from Scripture.  I understand you have chosen certain people to represent you well, like Paul.  Therefore I will read, listen and meditate on those Words.  Keep me focused on Thee Goal of knowing You better.  Guide me to the ultimate prize -- being in heaven with You!  And, lead me as I lead my co-workers in Christ-like behaviors, choices, and actions.  Help me to press on forward, and not look back.  Everyday, I look forward to our time together, journaling and meditating on your wise, peaceful ways.  Help me to be more like You in this world and to love on others as You and Thee Heavenly Father love on us.
In Your Loving and Most Excellent Name,
Jesus,
Amen.

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INVITATION

We would love to walk you through this study with your Bible Study Group.  
To schedule a virtual or Southern California Bible Study, email us at:
[email protected]

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References
1) Life Applications Study Bible (& Notes)
2) YouVersion Bible app
3) Edwin Bliss -- bible.org/seriespage/mark-11-pursuit-excellence p. 3 of 20
4) Blog written by:  Christie Lynch