datethewordtest

Tag: Excellence

  • Verse to DATE the Word on June 3 (6/3) is Daniel 6:3

    Verse to DATE the Word on June 3 (6/3) is Daniel 6:3

    “Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials
    and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king
    planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” – Daniel 6:3
    Dare to Distinguish yourself like Daniel 

    The life of Daniel is definitely one to learn from and yes, emulate. As a teenager, he purposed in his heart to live according to the commands of God.  We all should have Daniel 1:8 memorized and be applying the principle of establishing convictions. (In case you need a refresher, Daniel 1:8 says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”)  Not only was he guided by principles, but as challenges came, he prayed, praying fervently for God to give discernment and understanding.  He handled himself with great calmness in the face of crisis.  Another of my favorite verses about Daniel is Daniel 2:14.  With the executioner coming to kill him and the wise men of Babylon we read, “Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.”  One version says he spoke with “prudence and tact.”  In other words, he kept his head so he could keep his head!

    When we get to chapter 6 Daniel faces the challenge of a new administration.  Daniel 6 tells of the reign of Darius and how his administration would work.  As they looked for candidates to serve in the new administration Daniel “distinguished” himself above others BECAUSE there was an “EXCELLENT SPIRIT” within him.   This excellent spirit can be translated “that he had exceptional qualities” (NIV) or that he had an “extraordinary spirit.” (NASB)  The idea is that he did things REALLY WELL.   His work was thorough and it was covered with integrity.   The king and others could see decisions were being made with great discernment.  Daniel brought a lot to the room when he walked in and the king realized he needed a man like Daniel in a high position.  

    As we think about this description of Daniel I would like to point you to a verse in Proverbs.   It is Proverbs 22:29.  It says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

    Does your work STAND OUT?  Do you strive for EXCELLENCE?  I trust you are not like the lazy in whom you find their hardest work is coming up with excuses.  I believe we, as believers, should be known for excellence, not excuses. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on June 3 (6/3) is Daniel 6:3. It says, “Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”

    How are you as a believer distinguishing yourself?  Is it with EXCELLENCE?  Or is it with excuses?  Be known for excellence, not excuses.   Dare to be a DANIEL!

    Continue Strong with an excellent spirit,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 23 (3/23) is Colossians 3:23

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 23 (3/23) is Colossians 3:23

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 23 (3/23) is Colossians 3:23.
    Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” 
    Autograph your work with excellence!

    The Bible speaks of having a “strong work ethic.” Colossians 3:23 challenges one to see whatever you are doing to be done “as to the Lord.” In Colossians 3:17 we are to do everything we do “in the name of the Lord.”  In Colossians 3:17 we are to be representing the Lord with our work. Our work ethic should be consistent with who CHRIST is.  Now Paul adds that our work should be done “AS TO THE LORD.”  The idea is that we are to be looking for His approval.  Our mindset then should bring about a desire that no matter what we are doing we are to be doing our very best.  We want to hear from the Lord WELL DONE!

    Within the instructions to do whatever we are doing as to the Lord the Apostle Paul instructs us in how to do whatever we do so that it will be approved by the Lord.  He says, to “do it heartily.” Other  versions will say “work at it with all your heart,” or “do it enthusiastically,” or “work at it with enthusiasm,” or “do it wholeheartedly.” Interestingly the Greek word here is not one for the heart but is the word for the “soul.” The idea is that you put your soul into what you are doing. To do something for the Lord is to be filled with passion, with soul!  

    I have had many employees working for me and I have been blessed to have many who went the extra mile, giving to the various ministries excellence.  Occasionally I would have someone who needed some encouragement to do better.  I recall a time that I gave an employee an assignment and was looking forward to seeing what they would produce.  When they returned to my office and handed me their work, I reviewed it and was astonished.  It was clearly work done with little effort. Believing they could do much better work (and that the work was not to my standard) I asked the worker to sign their name to the work. With it being a poster that was to be posted in many locations and many people would be seeing it I quickly heard, “give me a little more time to work on this.”  An hour later I saw a very professional poster that was done with excellence!

    Autograph your work with excellence!

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 23 (3/23) is Colossians 3:23. It says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” 

    Are you putting your soul into “whatever” you are doing?  Are you making the most of the opportunities you are receiving? Are you truly doing your best?

    Continue Strong doing EVERYTHING YOU DO AS TO THE LORD!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD