Cultivating Excellence I

 STRENGTH FOR MY DAYS 

A Daily Devotional by Bishop David

Cultivating Excellence I

Friday, 11 October

 

Sing unto the LORD, for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Isaiah 12:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Isaiah 12:2-6 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. 5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

 

MORE LESSON: Psalm 8:1-9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

 

Man originated from God who personifies excellence; therefore man must be excellent. Excellence is defined as a consistent pursuit of quality; it is repeated competence to gain credibility. Excellence is the space between average and exceptional. It is the ability to exceed expectations, to consistently deliver superior quality. Excellence is standing out. It is gradual result of always striving to do better; it is not an act but a habit.

Excellence involves improving continuously; pursuing a better tomorrow, being an insatiable learner and constantly growing. It involves creativity in problem solving and adding value to where you are. The excellence mindset is a lens that magnifies your potential; fuels your determination; and propels you to consistently strive for the best. It is a belief that greatness is not accidental but comes by deliberate choices and commitment to continuous improvement. The core of the excellence mindset is a positive attitude which sees challenges as opportunities, setbacks as temporary and success as achievable.

God is excellent and wants us to be as He is. God's superiority is unmatched and His character is perfect. God's word is supreme and everything He does is flawless. Psalm 150:2 says, Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. God never lies (Numbers 23:23); He never breaks promises (Psalm 89:34) and His wisdom is boundless. God is excellent in working as Isaiah 28:29 declares, This also comes forth from the LORD of hosts; which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. Job 37:23 also says, Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power; and in judgment; and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. Who do I resemble if I refuse to be excellent? The cry of every heart this morning should be. Lord, make me excellent like You! He will answer because He wants us to be as He is.

 

Prayer/Action

* Praise God for His excellent greatness, sing songs to extol His excellence.

* Ask that the spirit of excellence take control of your life.

* Ask God for grace for excellent acts.

 

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: This new month must speak favour, victory and celebrations for me, in the excellent name of Jesus.

 

TODAY’S FASTING FOCUS: Favour, victory celebration; Esther 2:17; Psalm 103:13