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When we read about great godly men in the Bible, we often see them as special, and with character qualities that only they could possess. Christians too easily discredit themselves from being able to have those qualities. Godly character qualities do not have to be unique to great Bible characters only. They can be formed by the Holy Spirit in you! We see that Daniel carried what God called, “an excellent spirit.” In Daniel 6:3 NKJV we read, “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.”
Daniel’s godly character qualities resulted in him being called by God—one with an “excellent spirit.” That is attainable by each one of us. As a matter of fact, it’s God’s desire for that to happen!
These three attitudes continuously working together will produce a fertile ground in your heart for the Holy Spirit to work heart transformation that produces an “excellent spirit.”
Let’s make the connection between Daniel’s excellent spirit and God’s Word, humility, and prayer. Daniel 6:10 NLT says,“But when Daniel learned that the law (an evil law that said you could only pray to King Darius) had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”
Daniel loved and lived by the Word of God. Daniel 9:4 (NLT) says, “I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.” Daniels love for God’s word taught him there was only one God to learn of, worship, and pray to! His knowledge of the Word of God created that attitude and obedience in his life. Because of this, he knew he could not bow and pray to King Darius.
Friends Parish Men of Excellence meet once a month to encourage each other, discuss any issues and plan events that will help us learn and develop as Men of Excellence.
In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and mediums in his entire kingdom.
-- Daniel 1:20
Birthed from the Virtues we learn from the life of a woman described the book of Proverbs chapter 31, our Women’s ministry is called Virtuous women. It was written by King Solomon based on the advice his mother gave him describing the kind of woman she hoped her son would find..
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10
The passage of Proverbs 31 was written a long time ago. When you read about how she “holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers” it might come across as not being relevant to your life in the 21st century, but it does and here’s how…
A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15)
A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. But first and foremost she is the bride of Christ. You do not need an earthly husband to be a virtuous woman! (Proverbs 31: 11- 12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28, 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 5, Genesis 2: 18)
A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18: 16)
A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)
A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)
A Virtuous Woman spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)
A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)
A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)
A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. Sheworks diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )
A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10, Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)
This may all seem an impossible standard however God’s Word is useful for instruction, correction, and reproof. I believe that God’s Word is still relevant today.
We strive everyday to be better as women and its so good to have astandard in the Word of God rather than spending time comparing ourselves with one another, which of course God frowns upon (2 Cor. 10:12)
Friends Parish Virtuous Women meet once a month to encourage each other, discuss any issues and plan events that will help us learn and develop as Men of Excellence.
Under 10s, we partner with parents to launch the next generation into a lifelong journey with Jesus that impacts the world! This begins with our weekend services where our fully screened staff and volunteers guide your children in fun and interactive spaces to connect with others and learn about God’s love every week.
Our Children’s church services run at the same time as the adult services. With programs for all ages, each child is taught in an age-appropriate, loving environment. Check-In opens 15 minutes prior to Wednesday service at 6:30pm, and Sunday services at 9am and 11am.
We ensure that all of our ministry areas We provide an environment where children and parents can make connections and know that they belong to our church community.
We want generations to be there for each other. Grandfathers and fathers being there for sons and Grandmothers and Mothers for the younger women – even if there is not a biological connection. Young people need advice and wisdom, old men and women need helps, middle aged men and women need both!
Our Seniors ministry, also known as our “Elders” in many forms but the more each person puts in, the more blessing will flow out to the people, their sisters brothers in Christ and the wider community providing wisdom and advice to older but newer Christians. The point is being there for each other and building each other up.
All elders in the church need to recognise their responsibility to support, encourage, honour and care for each other as Christ loves the church. We are really grateful we are able to support the church financially.
All Elders in church must know people outside the church they would love to see saved. A life with Christ is the best life any man can have. We need to provide those opportunities through worship, prayer, food and activities.
If we all start to get these three things right then we will start to get our responsibilities to God, each other and the wider community right as well.
Friends Parish Elders meet once a month to encourage each other, discuss any issues and plan events that will help us learn and develop as Men of Excellence.
