A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 (NLT) We are bombarded with a large amount of information that we need to filter and process each day. When it comes to making great decisions, a little meditation is vital. We can’t let ourselves become so rushed that we take no time to think about whether or not what we are doing is actually getting us anywhere. Sometimes it is wise to delay a decision. Delaying and procrastinating are very different. Delaying isn’t done out of carelessness or laziness; the decision is only put off long enough to be able to gather enough information, analyze the situation and use wisdom. We need to pause and …

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! Psalms 8:1 (NKJV) Whether you realize it or not, you are a leader. You influence those around you every day. Don’t underestimate your power to influence others, even if you are not a leader by title. You can develop the habit of excellence in every area of your life and influence others to do the same. Excellence is contagious. By committing to being an excellent parent and spouse, you can influence your family but you will need to make an intentional effort. We all tend to coast so it is necessary to make a daily choice to require excellence of ourselves. Excellence isn’t a …

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings. Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV) The habit of requiring excellence can gain you great influence. In studying this topic, I’ve found examples of excellent leaders all through the Old Testament. Daniel and three of his friends found themselves in a foreign land without title or position, yet Daniel 1:20 (NKJV) says, in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better. Daniel had an excellent spirit, which gained him great influence with people in high levels of authority (Daniel 5:12, NKJV). As another example, David gained a position of influence with King Saul by exhibiting excellence in playing the harp, in battle and …

Glorious and excellent are You…Psalms 76:4 (AMP) God doesn’t ask us to do things with excellence to earn acceptance but to become more like Him. God does everything with excellence. According to Psalm 76:4, it’s His nature. And this is what God says about you: you are the excellent, the noble, and the glorious, in whom is all my delight. (Psalm 16:3). What small steps can lead you to becoming more excellent? 1.Be correctable. Refuse to get offended when someone corrects you and you will become more excellent in all you do. 2. Sacrifice for the team. Excellence thrives alongside an attitude that says “Whatever job I’m given, I will do it well.” Don’t worry about being noticed; be focused on the good of the …

No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13 (NKJV) Have you ever felt like a boat drifting with the tide? One minute you seem to be heading in the right direction; the next your attention is pulled elsewhere. You have great intentions but something always seems to get in the way. You feel like you are always putting out fires. And it all seems to be out of your control. What if I told you that it doesn’t have to be that way? The answer lies with where you have placed your devotion. The word …