Discover How to BE EXCELLENT in Your Faith (Part 1)

WORLDLY VIEW
We probably all have our own standards of what it means to be "excellent" and let's be honest.  
Let’s all start with what the world defines "excellence" as:
Definition of EXCELLENT:  
Internet Definition:   
"the quality of being outstanding or extremely good."
The American Heritage Dictionary: 
“The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority.”
Synonyms: 
excel, surpass, exceed, transcend, outdo, going beyond a limit or standard;
superior performance, quality, or degree.

This Wednesday launches the beginning of the 40 Days before Easter, or, in the anticipation of the death of Friend Jesus and His miraculous Resurrection.  The Catholic church calls it Ash Wednesday --  tradition has shown that they attend church and receive ashes marking their foreheads with a cross, symbolizing Jesus death and resurrection.  The Catholic church, as well as others, tend to “give up” tempting items (e.g. a popular example seen in the wonderul movie "Chocolat" is sweets) as a sign of sacrifice, in light of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice of giving His life up for us. Doesn't seem to quite equate, but it's a reminder when we are tempted, to focus on Jesus and everything He stands for.  Instead of “giving up” something, we ask you to join us in the Challenge below -
on a journey not of what you can't have, but on
what you CAN HAVE walking with Friend Jesus. 

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BIBLICAL VIEW
What does it look like to BE an EXCELLENT Christian:  

My imperfect human nature feels this is an intimidating topic to write on, but in my discovery, at least, I can provide some rich, "excellent" characteristics to strive for directly from the Bible. Excellent Christian character has at least nine values to personally work on (Galatians 5:22-23).   Express your love to the Lord your God with all our heart, soul and strength; impress the commandments (Deuteronomy, Chapter 5) on your heart, impress them on your children; talk about them within your home and outside of your home; impress them as symbols upon yourselves   (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40).   Do not boast (Ephesians 2:8) or think of yourself better than another, instead, think of others better than you.  BE joyful and wise during temptations (James 1:1-8).   BE perserverence under trials (James 1:12).  BE accepting of your gifts from your Heavenly Father (James 1:16-18).  BE careful in your speech (James 1:19-27; James 5:12). Hold the poor in high regard and BE love to others (James 2:1-3).  BE discerning with your tongue (James 3). BE wise (James 3:13-18).   BE humble (James 4:1-10).  BE Godly, not worldly  (James 4:11-12).  BE patient in suffering (James 4:7-11). BE prayerful in your faith (James 5:13-20).  BE a giver (Acts 20:35).  Spiritual maturity is a quest for character for which there will be little progress without the pursuit of excellence.

As Paul tells the Corinthians: 
“Just as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
[ 2 Corinthians 8:7 ]

Without pursuing excellence, life will remain bland, very vanilla, lukewarm at best (see Rev 3:15-17).  Don’t settle for following God halfway.  Let the journey to follow Christ fire up your faith and get you into the action of BEcoming EXCELLENT in your FAITH and to BE like Christ.
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40-Day Journal
Challenge
These next 40 days, instead of “giving something up” and focusing on what you can’t have, we ask you to join us on a journey to learn what you CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the books of
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule everyday.
2) Get a Journal and entitle it:  "40 Days to Excellence".  
3)  Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the scripture mentioned above -- there is a lot, do what you can ;).   
4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life.  

There will be other blog posts this month with more to journal on Excellence.  Don't expect to do this in one day - it will be an amazing journaling experience.  Take your time with it, absorb what you're learning and jot down your thoughts and prayer requests.  It's not about quantity, it's about quality of your meditation on the Scriptures and what they are telling you and where you feel you can learn and grow.  God is excited to hear from you! 

I promise you, it will be one of the most enriching studies you can do.  
BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will
discover EXCELLENCE in Friend Jesus and in yourself as a Christian.
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INVITATION
We would love to walk you through this study with your Bible Study Group.
To schedule a Bible Study, email us at:  
[email protected]

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Dear Heavenly Father,
I thought I was a good Christian, but know I can strive to become an excellent Christian. 
Help me study your loving characteristics as seen through the Scriptures and through
walking with my Friend Jesus through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and especially  John. 
I am excited to learn more and live this life in and through Your Eyes, excelling in all I do.
In God's Name,
  Amen.
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References
Life Applications Study Bible
YouVersion Bible app
The American Heritage Dictionary
​The Internet - Google Search
https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-11-pursuit-excellence
Written by:   Christie Lynch