Excel Still More

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Excel Still More Journal - Amazon

Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Note: Today we covered four stories

Creation / Flood/ Red Sea / Naaman

Newness / Cleansing / Freedom / Restoration

But they were all temporary. 

IN Christ we are forever His, so long as we live by faith in Him!

Lyrics from Left It in the River:

I had burdens on my shoulders all my life
I tried and tried to leave 'em all behind
But freedom's one thing I could never find (Mmm-mmm)

I said a prayer from the banks of a river
God met me there, showing me something better

Mmm-mmm
My life was changed
When I stepped into the water
Ain't seen my chains
Since I gave 'em to the Father
Hallelujah, I've been delivered
Where is my guilt?
Where is my shame?
I left it in the river, (river), oh
I left it in the river, (river), oh

Now, there's nothing that can take this joy I've found
He raised me up and I ain't coming down
He washed me clean and now there ain't no doubt
He turned it all around

My life was changed
When I stepped into the water
Ain't seen my chains
Since I gave 'em to the Father
Hallelujah, I've been delivered
Where is my guilt?
Where is my shame?
I left it in the river, (river), oh
I left it in the river, (river), oh-oh

I said a prayer from the banks of a river
God met me there showing me something better
I left my wrongs at the bottom of the river
I said so long, said goodbye forever

My life was changed
When I stepped into the water
Ain't seen my chains
Since I gave 'em to the Father
Hallelujah, I've been delivered
Where is my guilt?
Where is my shame?
I left it in the river, (river), oh
I left it in the river, (river), oh
I left it in the river, (river), oh
I left it in the river, (river), oh
I left it in the river

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 7

Melchizedek appears as both a king and a priest, without any record of beginning or end, pointing to a priesthood that is eternal. He received a tenth from Abraham, showing that his role was greater than fleshly descendants who would come later. Since the old system could not bring lasting perfection, a new kind of priest was needed—one not based on ancestry but on the power of a life that cannot end. Jesus fills this role perfectly. His priesthood never changes, and He brings a better hope, opening the way to God. He is not limited by death like the others. He is able to save completely, always living to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him. His priesthood is perfect, permanent, and full of power.

We have a priest in Jesus who will never step down, never be replaced, and never stop caring for us. He is not limited by time or weakness. He lives forever, so we are never alone. We do not have to depend on broken systems or our efforts to reach God. Jesus is our way. He intercedes for us constantly, even when we fail. That gives us hope and confidence. We can come to God boldly, knowing Jesus understands and stands with us. We are called to trust Him fully, not only in moments of strength but also in times of struggle. His priesthood gives us lasting peace because He is always present, always willing, and always able to save.

Kind Lord, thank You for giving us Jesus, our eternal high priest. He never changes, never leaves, and never stops interceding for us. When we feel unworthy or distant, He stands in the gap and draws us near. His life is perfect, His power is unending, and His love is sure. We come to You with confidence, not because we are strong, but because He is faithful. Help us to trust in His priesthood and lean on His constant presence. Teach us to rest in the hope He brings and to walk with assurance, knowing we are held in His grace.

Thought Questions:

What is the significance of Melchizedek and Abraham in this chapter? If Abraham honored him, how much more so should you honor Jesus?

What does it mean to say that Jesus is your high priest? How does Jesus serve as an intercessor between you and the Father?

How is Jesus a better high priest than all who served God under the old law? What does it mean to say He is “made perfect forever”?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 6

Believers must grow beyond the basics of faith and pursue spiritual maturity. They are warned about the danger of falling away after receiving the truth. Those who abandon it are pictured as crucifying again the Son of God and are likened to worthless ground that drinks in the rain but produces only thorns and is cursed. Still, there is confidence of better things for those who continue in faithfulness. God is just and will not forget the work done in His name. Diligence and endurance are encouraged, imitating those who through faith and patience inherit what was promised. God’s promises are certain, confirmed with an oath, giving believers strong encouragement. This hope is a secure and steady anchor for the soul, reaching beyond this life where the Savior has gone.

We are encouraged to move forward in spiritual maturity, rather than remain in the early stages of faith. God calls us to a deepening commitment, characterized by perseverance, exploration, and love in action. We must take seriously the warning against falling away and instead be intentional and passionate about anchoring our hope in God. He sees our service and remembers our work, and His patience is just in assuring that our labor is not in vain. Our hope is not uncertain; it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and the certainty of His promises. As we imitate those who patiently trusted God and received the promises, we live confidently and faithfully, fueled by enduring hope through Jesus Christ.

Faithful Father, we thank You for challenging us to grow beyond the foundational principles of Christianity. We accept that challenge and ask for Your assistance. Please strengthen us so that we refuse to drift or become complacent. When trials tempt us to retreat, anchor our hearts in the hope founded in Jesus. Remind us that You are just and never forget the acts of love we perform in Your name. Guard us from unbelief; nourish our lives so they may yield the fruit of righteousness, not thorns. Keep us steadfast in Your unchanging oath and promise until our Savior returns. 

Thought Questions:

How do you continue to grow faith? What tools or approaches to scripture help you understand and apply God’s will more effectively?

Is it possible for someone whom God has saved to fall away? How do you diligently connect to God in a way that prevents this outcome?

What promises has God made to you that help you stay faithful in times of trouble? What has Jesus done that has instilled unshakable hope?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 5

God has always chosen those who serve as priests to represent His people, offering sacrifices and prayers with compassion because they understand human weakness. God selected Jesus to fulfill this role on behalf of Christians. Although He is the Son, He learned obedience through suffering and became the perfect source of eternal salvation for those who follow Him. His priesthood is unique, connected to a higher order that reflects God's eternal plan. However, many who follow Him remain immature in their faith, still needing basic teachings rather than growing into a deeper understanding. Spiritual maturity does not occur accidentally; it comes through training, effort, and a heart that seeks wisdom. God desires His people to grow strong in faith, capable of discerning right from wrong and living in faithful obedience.

Jesus profoundly understands our experiences in this life. He was chosen by God to be our high priest. He is neither distant nor distracted, but someone who truly comprehends our struggles. He felt pain, cried out in prayer, and learned obedience through true suffering. This makes Him the perfect one to bring us to God and guide us to salvation. We are not meant to remain stagnant in the basics of faith; we must grow, even when it is hard. We need to lean into God’s word, allow it to shape us, and learn to discern right from wrong. Jesus walked this path first, and now He helps us in walking it too as we learn and teach the truth.

Majestic God, thank You for giving us Jesus, our perfect high priest who understands our weakness. He did not run from suffering but faced it with obedience, showing us how to trust You even when it hurts. Help us to follow His example with humble hearts. Grow us in faith so that we do not remain in the same place but continue moving toward maturity. Teach us through Your word and train our hearts to discern what is right. We need Your strength and wisdom to become teachers of truth. Thank You for being patient with us as we grow. 

Thought Questions:

What makes Jesus a wonderful high priest? What did He learn from His life on earth that makes Him a sympathetic priest on your behalf?

Why do some people stop learning and even regress in their knowledge of the truth? How do you ensure that you keep growing every day?

What are the results of a healthy relationship with God’s word? As you learn good from evil, how might God be calling you to teach others?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 4

Fear can be healthy for Christians if it fosters concern about falling short of God’s promised rest. Israel had great assurances of rest but lost them due to a lack of faith, which led to disobedience and punishment from God. Their example remains powerful for believers, as a promised rest continues for the people of God. Disciples must diligently enter that rest by paying consistent attention to God’s word. The word is living and active, penetrating the heart and revealing what does not belong. God sees all, even the depths of the heart. Fortunately, Jesus is a constant source of help on the path to rest, serving as a sympathetic high priest, so that the faithful can confidently approach the throne of grace for assistance in times of need. 

We must take God’s promise of rest seriously, not with a sense of anxiety, but with a deep awareness that we might miss it if we stop trusting Him. Like Israel, we know His voice and power, but we must still choose faith every day. It is easy to drift or harden our hearts when life feels overwhelming. That is why we must stay grounded in His word, allowing it to shape us and reveal what needs to change. Nothing is hidden from God, not even our secret doubts or fears. But we are not alone: Jesus knows our weaknesses. He invites us to come near, to find mercy, to find grace, and to keep walking with Him toward true rest.

Worthy Lord, we come with humble hearts, thankful for the promise of heavenly rest that You freely offer to those who trust in You. We confess that at times we get distracted and allow things into our hearts that do not belong. Please cleanse our sins and make us holy and righteous in Your sight. Help us develop the discipline to be in Your word every day, knowing it is sufficient to touch our hearts and minds and direct us in Your ways. Please continue to bless us with the protection of Jesus, and give us grace in difficult times.  

Thought Questions:

Is it possible for someone saved by God to turn from Him in unbelief and lose heaven? How do you make sure that does not happen to you?

How does daily Bible reading help you remain diligent in entering heaven’s rest? What can God accomplish in your life with an open bible?

What is the benefit of having Jesus as your sympathetic high priest? How does He assist you in confidently drawing near to the throne of grace?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 3

Holy brethren should focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of their confession. He is compared to Moses, who was faithful in God’s house; yet Jesus deserves greater honor because He is the Son over God’s house, not merely a servant within it. Christians must not harden their hearts, like the Israelites who rebelled during their time in the wilderness. Due to their unbelief, they were unable to enter God’s rest. The writer urges believers to encourage one another daily and to remain confident in their faith. Holding firmly to Christ until the end is evidence that they belong to Him. Faithfulness and obedience are essential for continuing in God’s promises, and all who fail to hold fast to these principles will be subject to the wrath of God.

Our walk with God requires constant attention and encouragement. We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. When doubt or discouragement creeps in, we need one another to speak truth and remind each other of God’s faithfulness. Our hearts can easily grow hard if we stop listening to His voice. We must be careful not to let unbelief take root. Jesus is the glorious ruler over God’s house, and we are His people if we stay committed and confident. Each day presents a chance to trust Him more. Let us lean into our faith, stay connected with our spiritual family, and encourage one another to remain faithful and obedient as we move toward the heavenly rest God has promised.

Kind Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be our Apostle and High Priest. We acknowledge His authority, as He is worthy of all glory and honor. He is faithful as a Son over Your house, and we take great comfort in living within His dwelling. Please help us remain confident, soft-hearted, and filled with hope in all circumstances. Israel failed to trust You and missed out on Your promised rest. Learning from their mistakes, we pray for wisdom to support one another and to encourage each other to hold fast to Your assurances firmly until the end of time. 

Thought Questions:

What did Jesus do that makes Him worthy of more honor and glory than even Moses? How do you give Him the honor He so richly deserves?

Why did Israel have to drift along in the wilderness for forty years? How do you protect your heart from the hardness and faithlessness of Israel?

Do God’s people need each other to help against unbelief and poor choices? In what ways do you prioritize interaction with fellow believers?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Excel Still More Journal - Amazon

Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

If life allows you 90 years, what percentage are you through your life? Have you thought about what God is planning for the upcoming stages of life? It can be said that a person lives three lives: Birth to 30, 30-60, and 60-Death. Which of those sets are you in? The first has lots of exploring and beginning. The middle has lots of cultivating and growing. But what is God's purpose for the last? 

According to Scripture, God did some of His most powerful work, for Himself, and in the lives of others, in that third stage of life: Caleb, Noah, Abraham, and Moses testify to that. Are you ready to do your most impactful and helping work in this most vital stage of life?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 2

Believers are encouraged to pay close attention to the message of salvation spoken by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him. They are cautioned against drifting away from the truth and neglecting such a great salvation. God testified to this message through signs, wonders, miracles, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The chapter explains that God did not subject the world to come to angels but to Jesus, who was made for a little while lower than the angels. Through His suffering and death, He brought many to glory. Jesus became a human to defeat the power of death and to assist those who are tempted. Because He suffered, He is able to sympathize with our struggles and offer help as our merciful and faithful High Priest.

Eternal salvation from God through Christ is incredible and must not be taken for granted. We have this saving truth from Jesus Himself and have seen the evidence of God’s power confirming it. We cannot afford to drift or become careless in our faith. Jesus became like us, experiencing pain, fear, and death so that He could truly help us. Because He understands our struggles, we do not face them alone. We are not just saved from sin; we are brought into a family where Jesus unashamedly calls us His brothers and sisters. Having been sanctified to God through Him, let us give our allegiance to our elder brother Jesus, who is always present to comfort, strengthen, and guide us.

Benevolent God, thank You for sending Your Son to share in our humanity and walk among us. You did not leave us in our weakness but provided a Savior who knows our pain and understands our struggles. Because of His suffering and death, we are set free from fear and given hope that does not fade. When we feel uncertain or weary, remind us that You and Your Son are near and care deeply. Help us listen closely to Your Word and remain faithful to Your glorious Son. We trust in Jesus Christ, our faithful high priest and brother. 

Thought Questions:

What makes the gospel of Jesus “so great a salvation” to you? Has it been proven, and what happens if you neglect it after so much testimony?

Why did Jesus need to come to earth and suffer in the flesh for us? If He endured such to sanctify you, how should you be showing gratitude?

If you are a child of God and Jesus is your brother, how does that affect your hope and confidence as you seek to live the rest of your life in faith?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Hebrews 1

Jesus is the supreme Son of God. In the past, God spoke through prophets, but now He has spoken through His Son, the heir of all things and the creator of the universe. Jesus reflects the glory of God and represents His exact nature. He sustains all things by His power and has made purification for sins. After doing so, He sat at the right hand of the majesty in heaven. This chapter explains that Jesus is superior to angels, receiving a greater name and position. God never addressed an angel as His Son, nor told any angel to sit at His right hand. Angels are servants of God and His people, while the Son reigns in glory over all. This establishes the divine authority and eternal kingship of Jesus Christ.

Our Savior is not just a messenger or a prophet; He is the very Son of God, the exact imprint of the Father’s nature. As we go through life, we find strength in knowing that the One who upholds the universe by His word is also holding us. When we feel uncertain, we remember that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, reigning with power and love. We are not following empty tradition; we are following the risen and exalted Son. Let us listen closely to Him, trust in His authority, and live with the confidence that He is greater than any challenge and helps us through His power and the angels sent to minister to us.

Almighty Lord, we come before You in awe of who Jesus is. He is more than a teacher and prophet; He is Your Son, radiant with Your glory and speaking with divine authority. Thank You for sending Him to cleanse us from sin and to sit at Your right hand in power as our protector and king. We feel humbled knowing He holds everything together yet still cares for each of us. Help us to see Him clearly, to listen when He speaks, and to walk in the confidence that He is above all. May our lives exhibit trust in Him.

Thought Questions:

What does it mean to say that God “has spoken to us in His Son”? What qualities of Jesus make Him worthy to be heard, trusted, and obeyed?

Why does Hebrews 1 cite so many Old Testament passages? How does this show that God’s plan for His Son was intended for centuries?

Angels are “ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.” What does that mean in your life?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Philemon

In the letter to Philemon, Paul writes on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a believer while Paul is in prison. Paul appeals to Philemon not as an apostle demanding obedience, but as a brother in Christ urging love. He asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother. Paul offers to repay any debt Onesimus owes, reminding Philemon of the spiritual debt he owes Paul. The letter models Christian forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transforming power of the gospel in relationships. Paul expresses confidence that Philemon will do even more than he asks, showing trust in his character and receiving encouragement from his actions. The letter ends with greetings from fellow believers and a blessing of grace to Philemon.

Philemon challenges us to see people through the lens of the gospel. We are not defined by our past roles, failures, or status. In Christ, we are family. We must forgive as we have been forgiven. Reconciliation is not always easy, but it reflects the heart of God. We are reminded that love must lead our decisions, even when justice feels complicated. Paul models how to be a helpful advocate between others. We are invited to do the same: to stand in the gap for others, to restore relationships, and to live out the unity we claim to believe. This short letter challenges us that the gospel changes how we see others and how we respond in moments of conflict.

Forgiving Father, we thank You for the astounding grace that restores and the abiding love that reconciles. Teach us to see others not by their past, but by their place in Your family. Please help us to forgive as we have been forgiven. When conflict arises, help us develop the humility to seek peace and the courage to extend grace. Show us how to love beyond obligation, and to act with compassion even when it is difficult. Let the gospel shape our relationships and heal what is broken. May our words and actions reflect the mercy You have shown us.

Thought Questions:

Are there any relationships in your life where God calls you to pursue reconciliation rather than remain divided? How should you proceed?

Why is a mediator sometimes valuable in relationship rebuilding? Who could be useful in helping you mend a strained relationship in your life? 

How must the gospel and God's grace shape how you see others, especially those who are fellow followers of Jesus Christ?