August 2025
In Philippians 1:3-11, the Apostle Paul says, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship (partnership) in the Gospel from the first day until now. Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Even as it is meet (necessary) for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Paul says here that he is thankful for the partnership he has with his fellow believers. But he also encourages them of the future that must be fulfilled. He also prays that “they approve all things that are excellent.” The word “excellent” is the Greek word “diaphero (dee-af-er’-o)” which means to surpass, be better, to differ from, be of more value, superior quality, outstanding ability or worth. Approving all things that are excellent is fundamental to being a successful Christian and for being a great example for those around you.
In Daniel 5:11-14, the Bible says, “There is a man in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar your father, the king, I say, your father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.” Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spoke and said unto Daniel, “Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?” “I have even heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in you.”
The Bible tells us that Daniel possessed an “excellent spirit” in addition to knowledge, understanding, insight and judgment. As children of God, that same “excellent spirit” should dominate and control our lives. Real, True Christians cannot afford mediocrity, because it’s detrimental to the work of God.
Then in Daniel 1:3-8, “And the king spoke unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes. Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel as well as the other Hebrews was selected, due to certain qualities they possessed. These qualities Daniel possessed contributed to an “excellent spirit” in Daniel. Also, the qualities Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego possessed, placed them in a position to be trained, so they could serve the king. And the other thing, the Bible tells us that Daniel was a man of purpose or determination! In order to serve the Lord effectively the way He desires to be served, it is of imperative necessity we possess certain qualities. The “spirit of excellence” is nurtured through being a man or woman of purpose and determination! There are three characteristics of the spirit of excellence.
- Loyalty, Devoted Attachment and Faithfulness. In First Samuel 24:6-10, David was loyal to Lord, and His Word concerning the Lord’s anointed.
- Dignity, Worthiness, Nobility (a display of very high character and great ideals—keeping a calm spirit in a serious manner. In First Peter 2:9, As children of God, the Most High, the Almighty, the Creator of Everything, you and I are royalty!
- Honor, High Esteem; Great Respect; Excellent Reputation; Good Name; having a strong feeling and conviction for uprightness, justice, and integrity. In Luke 12:42-48, Jesus said that to whom much is given much will be required. As believers, we must be willing to accept the fact that we have been entrusted with much. Because we have been entrusted with what belongs to God, therefore much will be required of us!
In closing, I want to encourage you to stay in the Word every day, make you daily confession, pray in the spirit for our nation, our leaders, and all who are in authority, pray for the peace of Jerusalem; and remember “God loves you; we love you and JESUS IS LORD!”
In the Service of Our King,
Darrell G. Harrelson