In the last devotional, we looked at Daniel and the excellent spirit that marked his life—an inner strength so evident that even pagan kings recognized it. We saw how God shaped Daniel through His Word, humility, prayer, and faith in God’s covenant. But for some readers, that kind of life can feel inspiring and intimidating at the same time. You may be thinking, That’s powerful… but I’m new to faith. Or I feel spiritually undeveloped. Where do I even begin building something like that in my own life?
That’s an honest question—and a necessary one. Because excellence of spirit doesn’t start with maturity; it starts with direction. God never asks young believers to live like seasoned ones overnight. He simply invites us to begin walking with Him, one faithful step at a time.
The good news is this: God never asks us to become mature overnight. He simply asks us to begin. And the first place to begin is with His Word—not by trying to read large portions of Scripture, but by allowing even small portions to shape how we think and live.
Psalm 119:105 (NLT) — “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Another practical starting point is learning humility and dependence on God in everyday life.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT) — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
Prayer doesn’t have to be long or polished to be powerful. Begin with consistency, not complexity.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) — “Never stop praying.”
Faith grows as it is practiced, not as it is perfected.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) — “For we live by believing and not by seeing.”
Excellence is formed in repeated, often unnoticed choices.
Luke 16:10 (NLT) — “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”
An excellent spirit doesn’t begin with perfection. It begins with direction.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT) “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Dear Lord, Thank You for meeting us exactly where we are. Teach us how to take simple, faithful steps toward You. Shape our hearts through Your Word, guide us through prayer, and grow our faith day by day. Help us build an excellent spirit that honors You—not through perfection, but through obedience and trust.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
