Focus and pursue excellence

Yesterday I talked about recognizing God's purpose for your life. Today, it is keeping our focus sharp by pursuing excellence.

Keep in mind what Philippians 3: 13a-14 says: "...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Keeping our focus sharp -- pointed, in one direction, not scattered, continually abiding with Jesus, looking always to Him for answers sought, by being obedient to His instruction.

God is all excellence.

Job 37: 23 tells us God is excellent in power, judgment, abundance justice. He does not oppress.

Isaiah 28: 29 says God is excellent in guidance.

Daniel 5: 12 says when the Spirit of God abides in you, God's understanding, discernment, wisdom can be found

Philippians 1: 9-11 tells us to show love to overflowing, continually, being sincere, without offense, being filled with fruits of righteousness

Hebrews 11: 3 tells us about faith. Believing without a doubt that that which has happened (and will happen) occurred without seeing. "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins. Faith is believing He was, He is, He did, He forever will be.

2 Peter 1: 17 tells us God the Father is well pleased with His beloved Son. He is majestic, full of glory. Pursue God, pursue His son. There is no one without the other. You can not know God, abide with Him and be obedient to His teachings if you do not also know His beloved Son, Jesus.

Pursue - "reaching forward to those things which are ahead"; not faltering at the running gate, but giving 100 percent of our entire being, all of our energy - mental, emotional and physical, to reach forward, to serve God wherever we are.

In Job 13: 25, it says "... And will You pursue dry stubble?" Will you reach for the upward call of Christ, His prize that is offered you for eternity, eternal peace, or will you just seek for the moment something that has no eternal value?

I Corinthians 14: 1 says to "pursue love." I Corinthians 12:31 indicates love is "the best gifts ... a more excellent way." Loving another with no thought of receiving anything in return, as Christ did for us when He went to the cross in our place.

1 Timothy 6: 11 tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Among these are fruits of the spirit, which as listed in Galatians 5: 22-23 are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

1 Peter 3: 11 tells us to seek and pursue peace.

Do not focus on outside influences, not lusts of the flesh or temptation or greed, for when you do, the sword, danger, Satan shall pursue you. Be wary, beware. Satan is the enemy.

Keep your focus sharp by pursuing excellence. .... Pursue God the Father, Jesus the Son, abide with Him, focus on all He is, focus on Him alone, and the Lord will enable you to accomplish much for Him.