BE Excellent

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day."  John 6:40

Look Up~ Look to the Son! To receive eternal life, you must make a sincere commitment to believe in Jesus. That's it. Truly. Jesus has promised this to all that believe in Him. Excellence in Jesus is simply believing that Jesus is who he claims to be... and embarking on that life with YOUR Creator. This is the will of God for your life. This is who you are designed to BE.

“Faith in Christ is simply and truly described as coming to him. It is not an acrobatic feat; it is simply a coming to Christ. It is not an exercise of profound mental faculties; it is coming to Christ. A child comes to his mother, a blind man comes to his home, even an animal comes to his master. Coming is a very simple action indeed; it seems to have only two things about it, one is, to come away from something, and the other is, to come to something.” (Spurgeon)

Everyone who sees the Son~ Look to the sun...and accept the Son to receive eternal life. 

Prayer: Dear Lord~ I want to receive eternal life and build my life upon YOUR Kingdom Excellence. Excellence in Jesus is believing in you.  Today I declare that you are Christ, the Son of the living God, my creator. Please accept me into your family and allow me to embark on the life of belief that is satisfying to God's will.  This is the will of God for my life. This is who I am designed to BE.  Thank you!  Amen."
​

BE Excellent ~ Shine!
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:4-5

Jesus is a reflection of light: eminent, conspicuous, and distinguished. To be conspicuously evident or clear that Jesus is alive in and with you, SHINE like Jesus!

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Who is “Him” in this verse? (the Word)
What was in Him? (the life)
What does John say was the “light of men?” (the life)
Do you remember when God said, ‘Let there be Light’? (in the beginning, at creation)
Do you think this is the light He was talking about?  Consider the light IN the world and the light OF the world. Consider if Jesus is IN us, then we are HIS living light...the light of the Son of man.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
When is it dark outside? (at night)
But are there any things that light up the night sky? (the moon and stars)
But “in the beginning” God’s world was completely dark.  There was no sun, no moon, no stars.  
What does this verse tell us shined in the darkness?  (the light)
What was this light? (the Word)
Who is the Word? (Jesus! Jesus lit up the darkness!)
We reflect Jesus' light by Shining!

​I encourage you when learning about a concept or idea to also jot down the opposite.  By doing so, you will gain even more insight of the value of the attribute.  
This will help you to BE Excellent.  
​What is the opposite of excellent?  (Look it up)
To BE Excellent = Light = SHINE!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, my days are full.   On the days I start with you, my days are centered in your excellence.  As I reflect on your excellence and blessing and creation, make me more like you.  I am your reflection to the world.  Let me shine! Help me shine and help others out of the darkness.  I don't want to be dim or lack value.  Fill me with your Glory and Shinyness.
Amen

Author: Sandi Hanscom 
References:  The Bible
"Simple Home Blessings" online 

​"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)
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

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.
​

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
————————————--

Do Yourself a Favor ~ BE Excellent in Faith and Favor

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man.  Luke 2:52

​We are so quick to criticize and condemn. We are often so hard on ourselves and others, our society. DIVINE favor means God is smiling down on us in His infinite grace. He is smiling down on you.

Do yourself and others a favor and learn what the Bible says about the favor of the Lord.  It occurs overs 100 times, most often in the Old Testament, as it is expressing the attitude of God towards His people.  Favor comes from the Latin root words "good will, inclination, kindness."

So, if we look favorably on a subject, it means we are in agreement.  We vote in favor of something.  We are a fan of a certain sports team.  We have a favorite brand of clothing.    A "fan"= 

The favor of God implies His gracious, loving regard for us.  God is OUR "fan" - Jesus roots for us! He is our friend.  He is on our side, enthusiastic for our welfare and wellbeing. In the Bible, the word favor is related to the concept of grace ~ 'the unmerited favor of God toward mankind."

Do yourself and favor and be like Jesus, by growing in the wisdom and stature of Jesus, BE Excellent, to stay in favor with God and Man.  How?  

1). Desire the favor of the Lord on your life, asking God daily to refresh you!
2). Desire the favor of the Lord on other's lives. 
3).  Dig into the Bible to read and reflect on the verses in the Bible about God's favor. 

Back in 1872, a preacher named James D. Demarest preached a sermon from Psalm 106:4 (look it up!) for which he said:
"God never had anting else but favor (for His people);  He loved them from everlasting;  his heart, his affections were eternally fixed upon them... And when God's favor is revealed, it melts the heart into humility, love and gratitude. He (David) did not merely want a man's favor and man's help and deliverance, but he wanted something connected with God, something that comes immediately from him.  HE WANTED GOD'S FAVOR."

The favor of God means the companionship of God.  Take a moment to consider as you read this....the Lord is beside you, right there, encouraging you with the truth of Scripture, aware of what the next moment holds.  Jesus is going before you, coming behind you, hovering around you, even to the end of the world.  Faith is BELIEVING!  Believe in God's favor and SEEK it now and always.

"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
————————————--

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.
————————————--

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]

References
1) Dr. David Jeremiah ~ Finding Favor with God
 2) Author:  Sandi Hanscom 
​

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.”
​
-----------------------------------

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 ]
-----------------------------------

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?

--------------------------

"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

————————————--

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.

————————————--

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]

————————————--


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