This document discusses the pursuit of excellence from a biblical perspective. It begins by summarizing a passage from Ellen White about God's ideal for humanity being higher than our highest thoughts and the goal being godliness. It then discusses that the pursuit of excellence is not about competition or being limited to certain tasks, but rather about doing our best work, walk, and worship as unto the Lord. The pursuit of excellence should lead us to know, love, and be more like Christ. A story is shared about violinist Paganini continuing to play even after strings on his violin broke to illustrate the power of attitude in pursuing excellence. The goal is for our pursuit of excellence to lead us to Jesus.
An overview of the story of the Bible and the subsequent history of the Church. I wrote this a while ago and would do it differently now, but it still has value.
An overview of the story of the Bible and the subsequent history of the Church. I wrote this a while ago and would do it differently now, but it still has value.
The Shunammite woman “perceived” that Elisha was a “holy man of God” (9) What characterizes a holy man or woman of God to you? Based on your list would you be considered a holy person? What needs to change in us for others to see “Christ in us”? What did the Shunammite woman do when she noticed her son was dead? (21-30) What lessons can you apply to your-self from her response? Why did she tell Gehazi “It is well” when he inquired of her son when, in fact, her son was dead? (26) Why did Gehazi “thrust her away” when she “caught Elisha by the feet”? (27) What was Elisha’s response? What is the significance of this event? Did the Shunammite woman complain to Elisha when her son died? Explain. (28) Why do you suppose Elisha sent Gehazi instead of going himself to her dead son? What is the significance of Elisha's instructions to Gehazi to “lay my staff on the face of the child? (29) Why didn’t this revive the boy? (31-32) How did Elisha raise the boy from the dead? (33-37)
This is the sermon PB preached last June 28, 2009. Here he talked about how to make the most of our small group experience. To hear the sermon go to the sermon page of our website. www.rlccphil.co.cc
Learn the Kingdom perspectives to usher you to your other side of your walk with God and to your other side in life because there is another side to everything. It is therefore of utmost importance to learn how to cross over to your other side. Cross over is not just a day on 31 December, Instead, it is what you do which certifies a cross over
The Shunammite woman “perceived” that Elisha was a “holy man of God” (9) What characterizes a holy man or woman of God to you? Based on your list would you be considered a holy person? What needs to change in us for others to see “Christ in us”? What did the Shunammite woman do when she noticed her son was dead? (21-30) What lessons can you apply to your-self from her response? Why did she tell Gehazi “It is well” when he inquired of her son when, in fact, her son was dead? (26) Why did Gehazi “thrust her away” when she “caught Elisha by the feet”? (27) What was Elisha’s response? What is the significance of this event? Did the Shunammite woman complain to Elisha when her son died? Explain. (28) Why do you suppose Elisha sent Gehazi instead of going himself to her dead son? What is the significance of Elisha's instructions to Gehazi to “lay my staff on the face of the child? (29) Why didn’t this revive the boy? (31-32) How did Elisha raise the boy from the dead? (33-37)
This is the sermon PB preached last June 28, 2009. Here he talked about how to make the most of our small group experience. To hear the sermon go to the sermon page of our website. www.rlccphil.co.cc
Learn the Kingdom perspectives to usher you to your other side of your walk with God and to your other side in life because there is another side to everything. It is therefore of utmost importance to learn how to cross over to your other side. Cross over is not just a day on 31 December, Instead, it is what you do which certifies a cross over
In one day, Worship-Centered Youth Ministry offers a fresh approach to post-modern youth ministry. Youth workers professional and volunteer come away challenged and refreshed. See www.bigpicturetraining.org.
A comparison between the OT Levitical priesthood and the NT priesthood of all believers. Get out your Bibles and let's study.
Also, there is an interesting study of the tabernacle included in this outline.
Does God's grace end at the cross? Was the offer of salvation all there is to God's goodness? May it never be. God continues watching over his people and pouring out blessings on them. The challenge for Christians today is to recognize those blessings--and to appreciate them.
The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people. As the disciples of Jesus after the terrible night of their anguish and disappointment were “glad when they saw the Lord,” so did those now rejoice who had looked in faith for His second coming. They had expected Him to appear in glory to give reward to His servants. As their hopes were disappointed, they had lost sight of Jesus, and with Mary at the sepulcher they cried: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” Now in the holy of holies they again beheld Him, their compassionate High Priest, soon to appear as their king and deliverer. Light from the sanctuary illumined the past, the present, and the future. They knew that God had led them by His unerring providence. Though, like the first disciples, they themselves had failed to understand the message which they bore, yet it had been in every respect correct. In proclaiming it they had fulfilled the purpose of God, and their labor had not been in vain in the Lord. Begotten “again unto a lively hope,” they rejoiced “with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” - CIHS 101.1
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
4. Ellen G. White, Education: 18.2
Higher than the highest human thought can reach
is God's ideal for His children. Godliness--
godlikeness--is the goal to be reached. Before the
student there is opened a path of continual
progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard
to attain, that includes everything good, and pure,
and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as
possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his
efforts will be directed to objects as much higher
than mere selfish and temporal interests as the
heavens are higher than the earth.
5. Our PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE must
never stop until we become Godly
and God-like.
6. 1. The PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE is not a Quest
for Superiority.
WHAT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IS NOT
• In The American Heritage Dictionary, excellence is
defined as “The state, quality, or condition of excelling;
superiority. The word excel is defined as, “to do or be
better than; surpass; to show superiority, surpass
others.
• This is NOT Biblical because it encourages
COMPETITION.
• We are not here to surpass and outdo each
other but to be like Christ.
7. “Success means being the best. Excellence
means being your best. Success, to many,
means being better than everyone else.
Excellence means being better tomorrow
than you were yesterday. Success means
exceeding the achievements of other
people. Excellence means matching your
practice with your potential.”
SUCCESS vs. EXCELLENCE
Brian Harbour , Rising Above the Crowd:
8. 2. The PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE is not Limited
to a Certain Task or Position
WHAT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IS NOT
• Everyone can be excellent in any given task at any level
or position.
• Ecclesiastes 9:10- “Whatever your hand finds to do,
verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity
or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where
you are going.”
• Whether we are CEO or president or just an intern, we
must do our best because in doing so we give glory ad
honor to God. 1 Corinthians 10:31/1 Corinthians 15:58
9. 1. PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR WORK
• Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that
from the Lord you will receive the reward of the
inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
• Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man who excels in his
work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand
before unknown men.”
• "Good enough never is." – Debbi Field, founder, Mrs.
Fields Cookies
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be steadfast, immovable, always abounding (excelling)
in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not
in vain in the Lord.”
10. 1. PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR WORK
• The following sign was posted in a farm
equipment repair shop: "We do three types of
jobs--Cheap, Quick, and Good. You can have
any two.
• A good, quick job won't be cheap.
• A good, cheap job won't be quick.
• A cheap, quick job won't be good."
(Reader's Digest, February 1994, p.127)
11. 2. PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR WALK
• 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NASB) “Finally then, brethren, we
request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you
received from us instruction as to how you ought to
walk and please God (just as you actually do walk),
that you excel still more.”
• God hates mediocrity. God told the Laodicean church
that their halfhearted, lukewarm lives disgusted Him.
(Revelation 3:15) He expects us to live lives that exalt
Him.
• Colossians 1:10 (NASB) “… walk in a manner worthy of
the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in
every good work and increasing in the knowledge of
God ;”
12. 2. PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR WORSHIP
• Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the
sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit
of our lips giving thanks to his name.
• In worship, excellence is offering the very best to God,
and striving to become better. It is taking that which
we have been given and, with hearts focused on the
one who gave everything, returning the gift to God as
an act of worship. It is not about being the best. It is
about offering our best.
13. THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IS A
PURSUIT TO KNOW CHRIST, TO LOVE HIM
MORE AND MORE AND TO BE LIKE HIM.
Through faith in Christ, every deficiency of
character may be supplied, every defilement
cleansed, every fault corrected, every
excellence developed.
—Education, 257.
15. There is a colorful illustration in the life of the great
violinist, Paganini, which shows the value and
power of attitude on the pursuit of excellence.
The colorful, nineteenth-century showman and
gifted violinist Nicolo Paganini was standing before
a packed house, playing through a difficult piece of
music. A full orchestra surrounded him with magnificent support.
Suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung gloriously down
from his instrument. Beads of perspiration popped out on his
forehead. He frowned but continued to play, improvising beautifully.
16. To the conductor’s surprise, a second string broke.
And shortly thereafter, a third. Now there were
three limp strings dangling from Paganini’s violin as
the master performer completed the difficult
composition on the one remaining string. The
audience jumped to its feet and in good Italian
fashion, filled the hall with shouts and screams,
“Bravo! Bravo!” As the applause died down, the violinist asked the
people to sit back down. Even though they knew there was no way
they could expect an encore, they quietly sank back into their seats.
He held the violin high for everyone to see. He nodded at the
conductor to begin the encore and then he turned back to the crowd,
and with a twinkle in his eye, he smiled and shouted, ‘Paganini…and
one string!’ After that he placed the single-stringed Stradivarius
beneath his chin and played the final piece on one string as the
audience (and the conductor) shook their heads in silent amazement.
‘Paganini…and one string!
17.
18. May your Pursuit of
Excellence LEAD you
to the MOST
EXCELLENT ONE, our
LORD JESUS CHRIST.
And may we all
become like Him
more and more each
day.