Excel Still More

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Today's podcast has some associated notes and verse references. 

I'll add them here.

The Destruction of Jerusalem

- Roman Siege Led by Titus (70AD - after four year revolt)

- Fall of the Second Temple (Destruction of Religious Center)

- Massive Loss of Lives (1 Million dead / 100k captured)

- Political and Religious Fall (Jewish life and faith dismantled)

Preparing for Judgment (Luke 21 - Jerusalem and the Last Day)

- Do Not Be Captivated By Wealth (Lu. 21:1-6; II Pet 3:10-13; I Tim. 6:17-19)

- Prepare for Intense Opportunities (Lu. 21:13-19; I Pet. 3:14-22; 4:12-19)

- Abandon what God will Judge (Lu. 21:20-24; I Jn. 2:15-17; I Pet. 4:1-6)

- Guard Your Heart Every Single Day (Lu. 21:34-36; I Thes. 5:1-11; Phil. 4:4-9)

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

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)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

I Thessalonians 4

Believers are urged to continue living lives that please God, remaining active and always seeking to excel still more! Paul emphasizes the importance of living in a way that reflects their calling, especially regarding purity, warning them to avoid sexual immorality and to honor God with their bodies. He encourages them to love one another even more and to lead peaceful, hardworking lives so that their daily behavior will earn the respect of outsiders. He then offers comfort about those who have died, assuring the Thessalonians that believers who have fallen asleep in Christ will be raised when Jesus returns. Paul reminds them to grieve with hope, for when Christ comes again, all believers—both living and dead—will be gathered to Him forever. This is a tremendous source of comfort. 

We must ask ourselves if we are truly growing in holiness and love. We cannot be content with remaining where we are spiritually; we are called to move forward, striving to honor God in every part of our lives. We must fight against temptation and refuse to let the world draw us into sexual immorality and greed. Our love for others must extend beyond comfort, reaching into genuine acts of service, kindness, and self-sacrifice. We are also called to live quietly, work with purpose, and build respect through our daily choices. As we wait for Christ’s return, we must live intentionally, so that our faith and eternal hope are not just beliefs, but what we openly display to the world.

Worthy Lord, thank You for calling us to live lives that are pleasing to You. Help us to walk in holiness, guarding our hearts and bodies from sin and honoring You in our daily choices. Teach us to love one another more deeply, showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Strengthen us to live quietly, work faithfully, and reflect Your goodness in all we do. When we grieve, remind us of our hope in Jesus’ return and the promise of eternal life with You. Shape our lives to be a witness to the world and keep our hearts longing for Christ’s coming.

Thought Questions:

What does it mean to possess your vessel, your body, with honor? Why is it essential to flee immorality and pursue purity in all things?

Is a life well-lived if someone loves others, serves Jesus, works hard, and pursues a quiet life? Why do people often seek so much more?

Why do Christians not grieve as the world does when faithful family or friends die? Will you also give this kind of peace to your loved ones?

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)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

I Thessalonians 3

Paul shares his deep concern for the believers in Thessalonica. Unable to endure the uncertainty any longer, he sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage their faith, especially as they face trials. Paul reminds them that suffering is part of following Christ and that he had warned them about upcoming hardships. When Timothy returns with good news about their strong faith and love, Paul is filled with joy and thanksgiving. Their perseverance comforts him in his own struggles. Paul earnestly prays for the chance to see them again and help strengthen their faith even more. He asks God to make their love overflow for one another and for all people, and to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before Christ at His coming, who will return with all His saints in glory.

Christians are reminded that we are called to strengthen and encourage one another in faith, especially during times of trial and mistreatment. We are not meant to face hardships alone; God has placed us in a community to build each other up. Like Paul, we should care deeply about the spiritual growth of others, praying faithfully for them. When we hear of others standing strong in their faith, it should fill us with joy and inspire us to persevere as well. We must also ask God to increase our love for one another and for all people. As we wait for Christ’s return, we should seek to live holy lives, letting God establish our hearts in steadfast faith and sincere love.

Marvelous God, we thank You for the faith You have planted in our yearning hearts and the strength You provide through every trial in life. Help us encourage one another and be a source of hope to those who are struggling. Grow our love for each other and for all people, just as You have loved us. We will strive to focus our hearts on holiness and keep ourselves blameless as we wait for the return of Jesus. Fill us with joy in seeing faith grow in others, and teach us to pray with persistence and trust. 

Thought Questions:

Who in your life encourages you to live by faith and is always a spiritual support for you? How can you show gratitude to them for their help?

Temptation is especially strong in times of stress and trial. What do you do in those times to draw close to God and reject the lures of the devil?

Christians are called to “increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people.” How are you reaching new and higher levels of love?

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]

I Thessalonians 2

Paul reflects on his time with the church, reminding and reassuring them that his visit was not in vain. He emphasizes that he and his companions preached the gospel with boldness, despite suffering and opposition. Their motives were pure, seeking to please God rather than people. Paul describes their approach as gentle, likening it to a nurturing mother, and later, to a father encouraging his children to walk in a manner worthy of God. He praises the Thessalonians for receiving the message not as human words, but as God's true Word, which was at work in them. Paul also acknowledges their suffering for their faith and expresses his deep longing to see them again, affirming that they are his joy and crown before the Lord, both now and upon Christ’s return.

In the likeness of Jesus and Paul, we are called to share the gospel with courage, sincerity, and love. We must seek to please God rather than seek approval from people, trusting Him with the results. Like Paul, we should care for others gently and encourage one another to live lives worthy of God's calling. As we face challenges or rejection for our faith, we can find strength knowing that God's Word is at work within us. We are not alone; we are part of a family of believers who are our joy and crown and Christian family. Let us stay faithful, speak boldly, and love deeply, knowing that everything we do for Christ matters both now and in eternity.

Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with the message of the gospel. Help us to share Your truth boldly, with pure hearts that seek only to please You. Teach us to love others gently, like a nurturing parent, and to encourage one another to walk in a manner worthy of Your calling. Strengthen us when we face opposition, reminding us that Your Word is alive and working within us. Fill us with courage, humility, and deep compassion for those You place in our lives. May we find joy in serving You and bringing glory to Your name every day.

Thought Questions:

Paul and others, like Jesus, were persecuted for sharing the gospel. What mistreatment must you face to be a sharer of the good news?

Paul taught truth in a way that honored God and showed affection for people. Why must you follow this example when trying to affect others?

Who, in Christ, is your “hope or joy or crown of exultation”? Who have you converted or strengthened that brings special joy to 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]

I Thessalonians 1

The apostle Paul expresses deep gratitude for the believers in Thessalonica, praising their faith, love, and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ. He reminds them that the gospel came to them not only in words but also in power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. The Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and of the Lord, receiving the message with joy even amidst suffering. Their faith quickly became an example to believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. News of their transformation spread widely as they turned from idols to serve the living and true God and now eagerly wait for Jesus, who rescues them from coming wrath. This chapter celebrates a church whose authentic faith and endurance shine as a powerful testimony to others.

We must embrace lives that reflect genuine faith, active love, and unwavering hope. We are reminded that the gospel should not just be something we hear, but something that transforms us through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we follow Christ, even in times of hardship, we can be examples to those around us. Like the Thessalonians, we are called to turn away from anything that competes with God’s place in our lives and to serve Him wholeheartedly. Our faith story has the power to encourage others, spreading hope far beyond what we can see. Each day, we live with joyful expectation, knowing that Jesus is coming again to renew us and rescue us from the wrath to come. 

Almighty Lord, we thank You for the faith, love, and hope You cultivate within us through Jesus Christ. Help us receive Your Word with full conviction and joy, even in difficult times. May we become true imitators of Christ, shining as examples of Your grace to everyone around us. Turn our hearts away from anything that leads us away from You, and teach us to serve You with passion and sincerity. Strengthen us to remain faithful as we wait for Jesus, our Deliverer. Let our lives declare Your goodness, and may Your Spirit work powerfully through us each day.

Thought Questions:

In what practical, daily ways are you growing in your “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”?

What does it mean to be an imitator of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and the Lord? In what ways are you striving to become more like them?

Jesus is raised and returning. How are you preparing for His return? What are some idols you must turn from in order to be ready for Jesus? 

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]

Colossians 4

Paul gives final instructions to believers, urging them to devote themselves to prayer while remaining watchful and thankful. He asks for prayers that God would open doors for him to clearly proclaim the message of Christ, even while he is imprisoned. Paul also encourages believers to be wise in how they interact with outsiders, making the most of every opportunity and speaking with grace, even when in a position of authority like a master over a slave. He then lists several companions who are assisting him, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and others, and sends greetings to various churches and individuals. Paul reminds the Colossians to fulfill the ministries God has given them. He closes the letter with a personal touch, asking them to remember his chains and offering grace to all. 

Christians are called to be a people of prayer, persistence, and gratitude. We should continually seek God's guidance, praying not only for our needs but also for open doors to share the gospel with others. In every conversation, we are challenged to be wise and gracious, making the most of each opportunity to reflect Christ. We must remember that our words and actions can either draw people toward Jesus or push them away. Like Paul’s companions, we are part of a larger mission, encouraging and supporting one another in faith. As we live out our ministries, we should remain alert, faithful, and bold, trusting that God will use our lives to spread His love and grace in the world.

Gracious God, thank You for the gift of prayer and the privilege of seeking Your help. Draw us to be devoted in prayer: honest, thankful, and full of faith. Open doors for us to speak the mystery of Christ with clarity and courage. Teach us to walk in wisdom toward others and to let our conversations be filled with grace, seasoned with truth. Strengthen us to encourage one another and to remain faithful to Your mission for us. May we reflect Christ in our words, actions, and attitudes. Use us to bring Your hope and light into every place we go.

Thought Questions:

What motivates you to be careful how you speak to unbelievers? How might your words be a testimony to the goodness of Christ?

How is your prayer life? Why must you bring thankfulness into prayer and direct attention toward praying for other workers in the kingdom?

Who are some people you know who encourage you because of their active faith and labor for the Lord? Will you pray for them today?

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Thank you for spending time with me today. Update: Charlie Kirk has died. At the time of recording, he had just been shot and the outcome was unclear. There is so much evil in this world, all of it the work of Satan and the opposite of Christ. Please remember to love—love the innocent, love the ignorant, and love the sinner, all sinners. 

We will examine stories of violence today, calling for justice. But do not let hate or bitterness take root in your heart. Love your enemy and love them as Jesus does, just as Jesus loves you.

If you'd like more information about that major story in this episode - the article by Yassir Eric — email me, and I will do my best to get it to you ([email protected]).

Also, if you're interested in the Free Digital Journal and haven't received it, reach out via email, and I will send it to you. 

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

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]

Colossians 3

Believers must set their hearts and minds on heavenly things, not earthly desires. Having died to their old lives and been raised with Christ, they are called to cast off sinful behaviors like immorality, anger, and slander. Instead, they should clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Forgiveness is key, just as Jesus forgave them. Above all virtues, love binds everything together in perfect unity. Paul emphasizes letting Christ’s peace rule in their hearts and encourages believers to be thankful. The message of Christ should dwell richly among them, expressed through teaching, wisdom, and songs of praise. In all they do, they are to act in the name of the Lord Jesus. Lastly, Paul addresses family dynamics, encouraging wives, husbands, and children to embody Christ's presence within the home.

If we are raised in Christ, we must flee old habits that no longer define us in Him, like sexual sin or bitterness toward others. In our daily lives, we should actively choose purity of heart, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it is hard. When tensions rise at home, work, or with friends, we must remember to let Christ’s peace guide our responses. Love must be the foundation of everything we do, being featured in our family. In every situation, whether speaking, working, or serving, we are called to do it all in Jesus’ name with thankfulness. True transformation is about growing into the image of Christ—reflecting His character and honoring Him in every relationship, every decision, and every moment.  

Loving Father, thank You for raising us to new life in Christ. Help us to set our hearts on things above and to let go of anything that pulls us away from You. Clothe us with character traits that emulate Christ. Empower us to forgive as You have forgiven us, and let Your peace rule in our hearts. May love guide all we do, and may the message of Christ dwell richly within us, especially in our marriage and homes. Whatever we say or do today, let it be in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to You always. 

Thought Questions:

What helps you keep seeking things above and set your mind on heavenly things? How is this more than morning prayer and bible study?

In what way is love the perfect bond of unity? What helps you show patience, compassion, and forgiveness for those who wrong you?

“It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Why is this mindset vital in the home, with marriages and relationships between parents and children?

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]

Colossians 2

Believers must remain rooted in Christ and not be misled by deceptive philosophies or empty traditions based on human ideas. Paul reminds the church that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ, and they have been made complete through Him. He emphasizes that believers were once dead in sin but have been made alive with Christ, who forgave all sins and canceled the record of debt by nailing it to the cross. Paul warns against being judged by rules about food, festivals, or Sabbath days, as these are only shadows of the reality found in Jesus. He encourages the church not to let anyone disqualify them through false humility or worship of angels but to hold fast to Christ, the Head, from whom the whole body grows through God’s power.

Christ Himself contains all the treasures of wisdom and power, and we must walk in a relationship with Him. We must not be misled by arguments or traditions that sound wise but are not rooted in the truth of Jesus. Christ is the fullness of God, and because we belong to Him, we already have everything we need. We were once spiritually dead, but through His death and resurrection, we have been made alive and fully forgiven. The record of our sins has been erased, nailed to the cross. We must not follow man’s rules or rituals to earn God's favor. Instead, we hold tightly to Christ, who gives us life and helps us grow as one body united in Him.

Glorious Lord, Your Son is sufficient. He is strong enough, wise enough, and glorious enough to save and protect us eternally. Help us to faithfully walk with Him and serve Him daily with overflowing gratitude. Father, protect us from the deceptions of the world: human reasoning, traditions of men, and those who seek to be our rulers and judges. We will celebrate our freedom in Christ, having been raised up with Him through baptism, and now walking as forgiven, redeemed followers of our King. Guide us to make decisions based on the Head, not on anything or anyone else. 

Thought Questions:

How do you stay connected to “Christ Himself” and avoid being affected by “persuasive arguments” that twist the word of God?

What did Jesus do for you when you were “buried with Him in baptism”? Now alive in Him, does anyone else have the right to be your judge?

Some religions teach restrictions not found in the Bible. Why is even conservatism not beneficial if it is not according to the teachings of Jesus?

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]

Colossians 1

The Apostle Paul begins this powerful letter by expressing gratitude for the Colossians' faith in Jesus Christ and their love for all the saints, rooted in the hope of heaven as expressed in the gospel. He prays for their spiritual growth, urging them to live lives worthy of the Lord. The chapter highlights Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the head of the church. Through Him, all things were created and reconciled by His blood on the cross. Paul reminds them of their former alienation but celebrates their reconciliation through Jesus. He explains his role as a servant of the gospel, laboring to present everyone mature in the Lord, whose mystery has now been revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

As recipients of God’s grace, we proclaim the greatness of Jesus and our calling to live in a way that honors Him. We have been rescued from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ, who is the image of the invisible God and the one through whom all things were created. Because of this, we live with gratitude and purpose. We do not walk aimlessly, but walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work. His power strengthens us, and we endure with patience and joy. We were once alienated, but now we are reconciled through Christ’s sacrifice. We press on in faith, grounded and firm in the hope of the gospel, trusting in Christ’s supremacy and love.

Benevolent God, thank You for the hope of heaven made available to us through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to increase in our faithfulness to You and our love for others as a demonstration of our gratitude. Challenge us to grow in knowledge concerning Your glory and the power of Jesus Christ in our lives. He is the means through which You rescued us, our Creator and Redeemer. May Jesus take first place in everything. We will continue in the faith and hope of the gospel and ask for boldness to share the completeness found in Christ with everyone we can.

Thought Questions:

Faith and love are inspired by hope in God. What is hope? What are the things you hope for in the Lord that keep you faithful to Him? 

What are some amazing qualities of Jesus listed in this chapter? What does it look like for Him to take first place in everything in your life?

How has Jesus “reconciled you in His fleshly body through death” (vs. 22)? What does He expect from you because of His sacrifice?