Excellence 4

Here are a few thoughts on the excellencies of the Lord. It is interesting to note that there are 7 categories where He is spoken of as excellent, and then we see that He calls us His excellent "ones." The Church is the final grand expression of our excellent King:

Job 37:23 - He is excellent in power

Ps. 150:2 - He is excellent in greatness

Is. 28:29 - He is excellent in guidance

Ps. 8:9 - His name is excellent in all the earth

Heb. 1:4 - His name is more excellent than the angels’ names

Is. 12:5 - He has done excellent things

2Pet. 1:17 - He speaks out of excellent glory

 

Ps. 16:3

He has made us His excellent ones!

Excellence 3

Paul closes his thoughts to the Philippians with this call to meditate on eight things. It is the NLT (New Living Testament) and NIV, which translate the word “virtue” as “excellent:”

Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. NKJV

Phil. 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. NLT

Each of these 8 qualities will build excellence into our character:

• True
• Honorable (Noble)
• Just (Right)
• Pure
• Lovely
• Admirable (Good Report)
• Excellent (Virtuous)
• Praiseworthy

The Lord is Good!

The Lord has hidden secrets of His love and greatness in all of creation. These sweet creatures have so much to teach us about His kindness:

Ps. 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety   

Prov. 12:18 ...the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Ps. 61:4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;

I will trust in the shelter of Your wings

Prov. 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 

Ps. 148:7 Praise the Lord form the earth,

You great sea creatures and all the depths.

Ps. 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Prov. 27:17 As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend

Prov. 16:28 A perverse man sows strife,

and a whisperer separates the best of friends

Ps. 146:9 The Lord watches over those who are in a strange land;

He gives help to the widow and to the child that has no father.

Ps. 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, 

Both now and forever

Ps. 68:19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!

For each day he carries us in His arms

God's Magnificent Voice

Have you ever wondered about the voice of God? Think about these things and tune your ear to hear His wonderful voice - especially in the House of the Lord this Sunday:

2Sam. 22:14 - Praise Him when you hear the thunder of His voice

1Ki. 19:12 - Praise Him when you hear His still, small voice

Job 37:2-4 - Praise Him when you hear His majestic voice

Ps. 47:5 - Praise Him when you hear the shout of His voice

Ps. 68:33 - Praise Him when you hear His mighty voice

Ps. 29:3 - Praise Him when His voice is over the waters

Ps. 29:4 - Praise Him when His voice is powerful

Ps. 29:5 - Praise Him when His voice breaks the cedars

Ps. 29:7 - Praise Him when His voice divides the flames

Ps. 29:8 - Praise Him when His voice shakes the wilderness

Ps. 29:9 - Praise Him when His voice makes the deer give birth

Ps. 29:9 - Praise Him when His voice strips the forests bare

Ps. 46:6 - Praise Him when His voice melts the earth

Is. 42:13 - Praise Him when His voice cries out like a warrior

Jer. 10:13 - Praise Him when His voice fills the heavens with water

Jer. 25:30 - Praise Him when His voice is a roar

Hos. 11:10 - Praise Him when His voice is like a roaring lion

Rev. 1:10 - Praise Him when His voice is like a trumpet

Rev. 1:15 - Praise Him when His voice is like many waters