Excel Still More

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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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Philippians 4

Paul encourages the believers to stand firm in the Lord and to live in unity, urging two individuals to reconcile and work together in harmony. He reminds them to rejoice always, be gentle, and not be anxious about anything, but instead present their requests to God with thanksgiving. As they do this, God's peace will guard their hearts and minds. They are urged to fix their thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Paul thanks them for their support and generosity, acknowledging that their care for him reflects their partnership in the gospel. He assures them that God will supply all their needs according to His riches. Paul closes with praise to God and sends greetings, encouraging them to remain strong in grace and unity.

We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith and seek unity in our relationships. When we feel overwhelmed or anxious, we are reminded to pray to God, bringing our requests with hearts full of gratitude. As we do, His peace—far beyond our understanding—will guard our hearts and minds. We are also called to focus our thoughts on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy, shaping our mindset to reflect Christ. As we practice contentment and trust in God’s provision, we learn that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from Christ within us. We are reminded to live generously, support one another, and rest in the promise that God will supply all we need according to His riches.

Loving Father, thank You for being our source of peace and strength. When we feel anxious or overwhelmed, remind us to come to You in prayer with thankful hearts. Fill us with the peace that surpasses all understanding and guard our minds from fear. Help us to fix our thoughts on what is true, pure, and worthy of praise. Teach us to be content in every circumstance, knowing that Christ strengthens us beyond measure. May we live generously and trust that You will provide all we need. Let our lives reflect Your joy, grace, and love in the name of Jesus.

Thought Questions:

Disharmony among believers is the enemy of peace. How can you show kindness to others to restore greater peace in your fellowship?

What place does prayer have in your daily life? How is your attitude going into prayer a massive part of how profitable it will be?

Do activities after prayer matter? Why is it essential to follow prayer with focus on important things and generous service to 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]

Philippians 3

Believers are urged to rejoice in the Lord and be cautious of those who rely on rituals like circumcision, putting confidence in the flesh. Though he once had many reasons to boast—his heritage, zeal, and obedience to the law—Paul now sees all of it as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Disciples are encouraged to pursue a righteousness that comes through faith, not through works of the Law. Paul tells them he has not reached perfection but is pressing to know Christ fully. He challenges them to forget what lies behind and strain toward what is ahead. Their true citizenship is in heaven, and they should live as those eagerly waiting for Christ, who will transform their bodies into His likeness by His great power. 

Our value does not come from our achievements, status, or past actions, but from knowing Christ. Like Paul, we must let go of anything we once considered gain and see it as loss compared to the joy of walking with Jesus. We are called to stop striving for righteousness purely through our efforts and instead flourish in the righteousness that comes by faith. As we grow, we should not dwell on the past, whether failures or successes, but press forward purposefully. Our eyes should be set on the eternal prize, not on temporary things. We are citizens of heaven, and our lives should reflect that identity. We must pursue Christ with humility and a heart eager for His return.

Glorious Lord, help us understand that our salvation is found in You, not in our accomplishments or perfection. Lead us to surrender to Christ, live faithfully to Him, and glorify Him as our source of righteousness. Please give us the strength to let go of any part of our past that did not prioritize Jesus. Guide us to look ahead to a life that pursues the calling voice of our Savior, following the examples of faithful men and women throughout the ages. Fill our hearts with a yearning for heaven and great anticipation for new and eternal spiritual bodies. 

Thought Questions:

Regarding religious accomplishments, what are some things you may put confidence in instead of Christ? Why is this a mistake?

What are you willing to leave behind to prioritize “knowing Christ Jesus”? Why must some things be “counted as loss” to be faithful?

How often do you think about heaven and the change to come? How does this hope help you keep your mind off carnal, earthly things? 

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

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

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Excel Still More Journal - Instructional Video

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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

Here is a list of Bible passages we included in today's episode on forgiveness:

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12)

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12)

"When you stand to pray, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions" (Mark 11:25)

"Be kind...forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32)

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34)

"Lord, do nto hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60)

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]

Philippians 2

God’s people are urged to live in unity, humility, and love, putting others above themselves. Paul calls believers to imitate Christ, who, though fully God, humbled Himself by taking on human form and becoming obedient to death on a cross. Because of this humility, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Every knee will bow one day, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Paul encourages them to seek their salvation with reverence, knowing God is working in them. He urges believers to shine like lights in a dark world by living without complaining or arguing. Paul also commends Timothy and Epaphroditus as faithful examples of service and selflessness, encouraging the church to honor those who live sacrificially for the sake of Christ.

Christians must live with humility, as Christ did. We are challenged to put the needs of others above our own and to approach life with a servant’s heart. When we let go of selfish ambition, we reflect the heart, character, and sacrifice of Jesus and promote unity within our community. We are reminded that obedience and a positive attitude are crucial to following God and that the Father exalts those who live and love like Jesus. As we live out our faith, we are called to shine in a dark world through our attitudes, words, and love. Let us strive to serve faithfully, encourage one another, and support those who devote their lives to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Gracious God, thank You for the example of Christ’s humility and love. Help us to follow His example by putting others before ourselves and serving with joyful hearts, especially among Your people. Shape our attitudes to reflect Christ’s mindset: free from pride and full of mercy. Work in us to will and to act according to Your good purpose. May we shine like lights in this world, living with integrity, compassion, and unity. Give us strength to obey even when it’s hard and help us to do everything without grumbling or disputing. Transform our hearts to look more like Jesus.

Thought Questions:

How do you go above and beyond to maintain love and unity among fellow believers? How important is unity to the Father?

In what ways must you embody the same attitude as Jesus when He came to earth? What does humility look like in your daily life?

We are called to be lights in this world, “holding fast the word of life.” What does that mean, and why is it important to prioritize it?

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]

Philippians 1

The Apostle Paul writes from prison with joy and gratitude, thanking his fellow believers for their faithful partnership in sharing the message of Christ. He is confident that the good work God started in them will continue until completion. Despite his chains, Paul rejoices because his situation is helping spread the gospel. Even though some preach Christ with wrong motives, he is glad that Christ is being proclaimed. He shares his personal struggle, wanting to depart and be with Christ, yet knowing it is more helpful to remain and encourage others. He declares that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul urges believers to live worthy of the gospel, to stand united in faith, and to remain courageous and unwavering, even when they suffer for following Jesus.

We are encouraged to live with a Christ-centered purpose, no matter our circumstances. We are reminded that God is always at work, shaping us into who He has called us to be. Even in seasons of hardship or waiting, we can find joy knowing our struggles can advance His message. We are not alone. We are part of something bigger, united with others in faith. Our lives should reflect Christ in words and actions, showing boldness, love, and humility. When we face challenges, we can stand firm, knowing that suffering for our faith is not a setback but a sign of our commitment. Together, we press forward, trusting that God will finish what He started in us for His glory.

Kind Father, thank You for beginning a good work in us and for the promise that You will complete it. Help us live lives that reflect Christ in every situation, whether in comfort or in struggle. Teach us to see challenges as opportunities to glorify You and encourage others in their faith. Fill us with boldness to stand firm in unity, striving together for the faith of the gospel, with a shared joy that our circumstances cannot shake. May our love grow in knowledge and discernment, so we can live pure and blameless lives, fearless through our confidence in You.

Thought Questions:

Why was Paul able to be joyful even in prison? What produces enduring joy in you through the great challenges and struggles of life?

Paul’s circumstances helped people hear the gospel. In what specific ways is God at work in your life to help people hear about Jesus?

God’s people are stronger together. How are you actively helping fellow believers stand firm in one spirit and strive together for the faith?

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Ephesians 6

Relationships continue to be featured in this letter. Children must obey and honor their parents, receiving God’s blessing if they do. Parents are called to raise their children with discipline and instruction in the Lord. Servants and masters are reminded to treat each other with respect, knowing that God is the ultimate Master. Christians must wear the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word. Paul emphasizes the power of prayer, encouraging constant communication with God. He concludes with a call to boldness in sharing the gospel, reminding believers to stand firm and trust in God’s strength.

We are called to obey God, honoring those in authority, and treating others with respect and integrity. In our daily lives, we must recognize that we are in a spiritual battle and cannot rely on our own strength. We need to put on the full armor of God daily, standing firm in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. God’s Word is our weapon, and prayer should be our constant connection to Him. When challenges arise, we must remember that our strength comes from God, not ourselves. By staying rooted in Him, we can resist temptation and boldly share the gospel with those around us. Walking in His power enables us to live faithfully and confidently in every aspect of our lives.

Glorious God, strengthen us to stand firm in Your power and to demonstrate Your will in our family and all relationships. Clothe us in Your armor so we may resist the enemy’s attacks. Fill us with truth, righteousness, and peace, and increase our faith to extinguish every doubt and temptation. Protect our minds with the assurance of salvation and equip us with Your Word to fight spiritual battles. Teach us to pray constantly, always seeking Your guidance daily. Help us to be bold in sharing the gospel and to walk in obedience and integrity. Prepare us to be used by You.

Thought Questions:

-       This chapter features authority constructs: parent/child and master/slave. Why is it vital to be Christ-like on both sides of these relationships?

-       How do you put on the full armor of God? What are your habits? More importantly, how does Christ’s strength help you when you do this?

-       “Pray at all times in the Spirit” (v18). What does it mean to pray in connection with the Holy Spirit, and how does He help you in your prayers?

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

Ephesians 5

Believers are encouraged to imitate God by walking in love, just as Christ sacrificially loved and gave Himself for them. He warns against immorality, impurity, greed, and corrupt speech, reminding them that those who live in such ways have no inheritance in God’s kingdom. Instead, they should live as children of light, producing goodness, righteousness, and truth. He calls them to be wise, making the most of their time and avoiding foolishness. Rather than being filled with worldly influences, they should be filled with the Spirit, worshiping God with gratitude. Paul also addresses relationships, instructing husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church and wives to submit to their husbands with respect. Marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for His church, demonstrating unity, sacrifice, and deep devotion.

Imitating Jesus involves loving people. We demonstrate that love through how we treat others, as well as by helping holiness fill their lives. This is why we must not associate with immorality in body or speech. As children of light, we must bring the hope and holiness of Jesus into the world to expose sin and repel darkness. This entails walking wisely every day. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit and share His wonderful qualities among Christians and in all our relationships. Marriage is an incredible structure to demonstrate our allegiance to our Lord. Husbands should love as Christ loves the church. Wives should submit as the church does to Christ. Jesus must be honored in our homes.

Precious Lord, help us to love others in the likeness of Christ’s sacrificial love for us. Guide us to live as children of light, reflecting Your goodness, righteousness, and truth. Keep us from impurity, greed, and anything that draws us away from You. Teach us to use our time wisely, seeking to share Your wisdom in all we do. Fill us with Your Spirit, so our hearts overflow with worship and gratitude. Strengthen our relationships, teaching us to love, respect, and serve one another as Christ loves the church. May our lives and marriages glorify You in every way.

Thought Questions:

-       What is your responsibility among the darkness of this world? How do you shine the light of the gospel to others with both courage and love? 

-       How do you “be careful how you walk”? What are some daily things you think and do to ensure you use your time wisely for God?

-       What should marriage show people about Jesus? How is marriage just as much an evangelism tool as it is a blessing from our Lord?

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

Ephesians 4

Paul urges believers to live in unity, maturity, and holiness as members of Christ’s body. He calls them to walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love, striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father who is over all, through all, and in all. Christ has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the church for ministry and spiritual growth. Followers of Christ must mature in faith, avoiding false teachings and growing into Him, the head of the church. They should cast off their old sinful ways and embrace a new life of righteousness. Paul encourages honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and speaking words that uplift others, reflecting God’s love in all our relationships. 

Are you walking in a manner worthy of God's calling? The most observable proof is in how we treat one another. We share a common faith and life in Christ, and we must exhibit gentleness, patience, love, and enduring tolerance towards each other. We cannot be in fellowship with God while being at odds with fellow believers. The apostles and prophets of Jesus’s time taught about Him to help us refute false doctrine and speak the truth in love, building each other up. While people in the world may have hardened hearts, God’s people possess soft, compassionate spirits. We must be honest, charitable, mindful of our words, free of bitterness, and abundantly forgiving, in honor of the mercy of our King.

Heavenly Father, implore us to walk in a manner that brings honor to Your name. Help us understand that attitudes and actions among Christians are central to being unique and united in this divided world. Grant us the humility to continue learning about Jesus, so we can refute errors concerning Him, and so that we might know how to encourage and support fellow members of the body of Christ. Soften our hearts. Deepen our compassion and love for one another. We commit to being honest, helpful, and generous among believers and all of humanity, as Jesus is with us.

Thought Questions:

-       Are you a uniting, patient, peaceable presence among the people of God? How important to God is your Christ-like light among Christians?

-       What unique gifts has God given you to use among His people? How are you presently cultivating and exercising those gifts?

-       How mindful are you of your words, especially during contentious times? What makes Christians different than the world in their speech?

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

^ FREE - Click this link and send me at least the word JOURNAL and I'll get it to you.

Excel Still More Journal - Instructional Video

Excel Still More Journal - 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

20 Years! Who can project their vision that far? But if God gives you that time, what do you want life to look like in 20 years? Have a great time today imagining the best possible scenario. Okay, now how do we accomplish this? What is the secret to achieving incredible goals and enjoying them with health, purpose, and longevity? 

The secret is daily habits, but that needs some discussion. What you choose and how you implement them will make all the difference. And you must start by accepting that short-term hard work leads to long-term success! So many are interested in quick wins and the easiest ways to get there. But the next morning, the truth is revealed: this approach gets us nowhere. Let's take a cue from NBA superstar Chris Paul, embrace the hard, have a vision, and keep stacking days.

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

Ephesians 3

Paul reveals the mystery of God’s plan—to unite both Jews and Gentiles as one in Christ. This truth, once hidden, is now made known through the gospel, allowing all believers to share in God’s promises. Paul describes his calling to preach this message, emphasizing that his mission is not by his own strength but by God’s grace. He highlights how God’s wisdom is displayed through the church, which reveals His eternal purpose. He then prays for believers to be strengthened by the Spirit, to be rooted in love, and to grasp the immeasurable love of Christ. He concludes with praise, declaring that God can do far more than we ask or imagine through His power at work in us, bringing glory to Him in all generations, forever and ever. 

We are part of God’s incredible plan, united in Christ and granted access to His promises through the gospel. This truth should humble and inspire us to live with purpose, knowing that we have been chosen to reveal God’s wisdom and love to the world. Like Paul, we depend on God’s grace and strength, not our own abilities, to fulfill His mission. We should pray for spiritual strength, seeking to be rooted in Christ’s love and to comprehend its immeasurable depth. As we grow in faith, we trust that God is working beyond what we can see or imagine. Our lives should reflect His glory, demonstrating His love and power to those around us, bringing glory to Him in His church. 

Glorious God, thank You for revealing the great mystery of the ages through Your beloved Son—that anyone from anywhere can be saved through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We live in the unfathomable riches of our Savior, and we pray that this leads to confidence and boldness in our faith. Please grant us strength and power through Your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts for Your Son to dwell within us. Root us in His love and help us grow and bear fruit for You, demonstrating His glory as we live victoriously as His protected church. 

Thought Questions:

-       If God’s great mystery invites all people to come together in Christ, should that also be part of your mission? Whom should you share Jesus with?

-       God’s wisdom is shown to everyone through the church. When people see us as Christ’s church, what should we reveal about God?

-       Are you rooted and grounded in the love of Christ? How is that shown in how you treat others, especially those in the Lord’s church?