Daniel 1:17-29

God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

Lord,

I pray that we can be like these men. Help us to pursue excellence and not settle for being mediocre. I pray that we have the heart and the dilligence to excel for the purpose of making you look good. I confess any complacency we have and I ask that you replace that complacency with a passion and a fire for excellence.