Pause: A Month of Gratitude in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Prompt

“If anything is excellent.”

What does it mean to think about whatever is excellent?

Chances are, if you mention the word “excellent” to a member of my generation, they’re eventually going to say it drawn out and with a Southern California accent, thanks to the movie Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

But “excellent” is much more than an overused ‘80s buzzword. And it’s much more than just high levels of achievement.

When someone is excellent, they’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty. They’ve brought to the table an attitude that the bare minimum is not enough. They’re all in.

This is the attitude of gratitude Jesus brought to us. There is no middle ground with Christ. You have to be all in. You have to go the extra mile. You have to take up your cross and be excellent to one another.

Prod

Identify an area of your life where you are already excellent. How can you take that attitude into another area of your life today?

Praise

Listen to “All Things New” by Hillsong United

Pray

Jesus, thank you for demonstrating all-in, flat-out, sacrificial excellence for me. I know you’d never ask me to do something that you haven’t already given me the strength to do, so help me be excellent for you today. I want to serve you with EXCELLENCE! Amen.