Excel Still More

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]

Matthew 28

This is the brightest moment in human history. Women approach the tomb early Sunday morning, and the stone is rolled away. An angel appears to them and says the most triumphant thing about Jesus: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” Jesus then appears to the women, and they are amazed and worship Him. He sends them to the disciples to report the news. At the same time, the guards report what happened, but they are paid to lie and say the body was stolen. That story spreads in their day, though Matthew exposes it in this letter. The eleven disciples go to Galilee to meet Him. They see Jesus and worship Him. Jesus tells them to proclaim His authority and to preach baptism and faithfulness.  

The four Gospels add different elements to Christ’s resurrection story. Matthew’s account focuses heavily on proof that Jesus is risen. The first report comes from a shining angel. Then Jesus Himself appears to the women. Any attempt to cover this up is false and hollow. He met with the apostles and told them exactly what to share with others. This means we can put full confidence in their teachings in the book of Acts and the epistles. Matthew’s testimony is substantiated by multiple witnesses. The tomb was empty and will always be empty. Jesus is risen and ruling. We must observe all He has commanded us, and He will be with us until the end of the age. 

Great Lord, with Your victorious and exalted Son, all glory be given to You and to Christ. Your Son defeated our greatest enemies: Satan, sin, and death. No grave could hold Him, no lies could diminish Him, and no force of darkness could stop Him. He is our King, and we love Him. Father, guide us and help us understand what that means. All authority over our lives belongs to Him. We seek to love Him, obey Him, and live in full confidence that He is with us. Help us develop a faith that will live in His honor today. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Why do you believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead? And how is your life different because your King defeated death?

-       The women saw Jesus and bowed down to worship Him. You would have done the same. How are you bowing before Him in your life? 

-       Will you allow Jesus to rule your life? Have you been baptized? If that is His command, will you submit to Him and obey His will today? 

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]

Matthew 27

Jesus is taken to Pilate, the Roman governor who sees no guilt in Him. Even Pilate’s wife has a dream about His innocence. But the Jewish crowd is insistent that Jesus be crucified. One criminal is to be released, and they choose to release a murderer, Barabbas, instead of Christ. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified between two criminals. When Judas sees all this taking place, he throws away the money he received and runs off to hang himself. After six hours of suffering, Jesus dies on the cross. At that moment the veil of the temple is ripped in two, and the earth quakes. A centurion remarks: “Truly this was the Son of God!” A rich man named Joseph asks for the body and buries Jesus in a new tomb. 

This is the darkest moment in human history. The Jewish people put to death the very Messiah for which they had been waiting. They were angry and adamant and said, “His blood shall be on us and our children!” He was their Creator, their Savior, and the entire purpose of their law, and their envy and pride had blinded them to the truth. In all of this, Jesus was silent before His murderers. He knew His blood had to be shed to bring about a new covenant and cleansing to the world. We must never let pride blind us to the worthiness of Jesus. And we must always be grateful He was willing to endure suffering and death for our redemption.

Gracious Lord, it is shameful the way Your Son was treated and put to death by sinful men. It is sorrowful to realize that we too are sinners, and because of our sins, He had to die. Please forgive us of sins against You and against our Savior. Help us to be thankful for His sacrifice and live to honor it. As the earth shook at His death, we know the earth will shake again at His return. May we not wait until then to proclaim Him as Your Son. We will do so now and forever.

Thought Questions: 

-       Have you ever felt despair like Judas, having sinned against Jesus? How is it vital to respond like Peter in those moments and not like Judas?

-       Why are envy and greed so powerful and dangerous? Are you willing to give Jesus total control of your life, or do you guard it jealously?

-       Joseph showed great courage in requesting the body of Jesus. Can you find a moment today to be the one who steps up on Jesus’ behalf?

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

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]

Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com   
Phone:  205-326-7364

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

We must obey the commandments of Jesus and the principles taught by Him and by His apostles and prophets. We answer to Him, and our salvation and hope is found IN HIM. It is not found anywhere else, not within us, not in men, churches, or movements. Therefore, none of those have the right to make the salvation rule for your life: only Jesus. Colossians 2 warns against Judaizing teachers, and gnostics, trying to implement sectarian and legalistic rules upon the people, teaching extreme conservatism as some form of holiness. But they had no right. Many decisions are yours to weigh, build a conscience around, and make. But, this freedom must be wielded with care. There are a couple of important laws that should govern you, even when you have the biblical right to do something, even when others cannot tell you not to. What are they? Let's dig in on one, the most vital one, today, and come back next week for the second. 

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]

Matthew 26

As the Jewish leaders plot to kill Jesus, events take place in Jerusalem between Christ and His followers. A woman anoints His head with oil for burial, though the apostles do not understand why. Judas responds by heading off to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus then gathers with the twelve at the Passover and institutes His memorial supper. He points out that He knows the betrayer. Afterward, Jesus goes to the garden to spend time in prayer and is then arrested and put before a corrupt Jewish council. At the same time, the chapter tracks Peter’s journey and faith crisis from dismissing that he would ever reject Jesus, to sleeping in the garden while Jesus prayed, to ultimately denying Jesus openly after His arrest.

It is valuable to focus on the three main characters. First, there is Jesus. He is preparing His disciples for what is coming. He is leaning upon God in prayer as death approaches. He is faithful in times of trial. Jesus is the great example for us all. Second, there is Judas. Beneath his weak faith are greed and self-focus. He shows these by trading Jesus for money, and eventually by betraying Christ to His face. He is the man we must not be. Thirdly, there is Peter. He battles pride and ignorance. But his heart is good, and he is crushed by his failure. Soon Christ will help him rebuild stronger than ever. He exemplifies hope, even after failure.  

Loving Father, thank You for submitting Your Son to death to give us restoration and life. It is difficult to see those closest to Jesus fail Him in unbelief. But it is powerful to witness Him give His life in hopes that His sacrifice and resurrection would fortify faith and change lives. Father may that be our story. We fail. And we call upon Your mercy. Help us to be like Peter in our failings: crushed and seeking Christ’s help to grow stronger. We will be humble and attentive this week to glorify Him for all He endured for us.  

Thought Questions: 

-       Jesus said the woman who anointed Him would always be remembered. Why? And how can you be more like her in your relationship with Jesus?

-       If greed was seeded in Judas’s heart, someone who traveled with Jesus, how vital is it to check your heart and address worldliness?

-       Peter was overconfident and underprepared. He remedied this after Christ was raised. How can you learn from him and be stronger in Christ?

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]

Matthew 25

Jesus tells three stories to drive home one crucial point: “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” Whether addressing Jerusalem’s destruction or the final day, this message is needful. Whenever Christ comes in judgment, we must be prepared. The first story is about ten virgins waiting to enter a wedding feast. The groom delays and the five who brought extra oil stay ready and enter in, while the five foolish virgins run out. The second parable describes three men given talents and time to develop them. The first two immediately gain more. The third man does nothing and is unprepared when the master returns. Lastly, Jesus describes the judgment day scene. Those who serve others are saved. And those who do not are lost.  

The kingdom of heaven includes a unique kind of people. While many would take enough oil to get into an important event, disciples over-prepare to make sure they can wait patiently for the Master. The world may have talents and do just enough to keep from losing them. But kingdom citizens want to use the time they have to cultivate the Father’s gifts and return to Him as much profit as possible. The world may serve those who serve them and most look out for themselves. But those preparing for Christ’s return will fill their lives with serving fellow believers and all people in any way they can! Jesus is showing us who He will save. We must listen carefully. 

Dear Lord, we are not worthy to be saved in the judgment. We are entirely dependent upon Your grace to be saved on the last day. But Father, we know You have called us to make a great effort to glorify You every day. Help us to get prepared and strive to stay ready. May we be driven to grow in our gifts and use the time we have to do more for You. And Father, make us servants of others. Help us remember that eternity will be decided by how we help those around us in need. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Spiritually speaking, what does it mean to have your lamp burning and extra oil with you? How do you stay that prepared to see Jesus?

-       What is a talent God has given you, and how are you presently developing it? What can you do immediately to help it grow for God?

-       If eternity is determined by how you help fellow disciples in their time of need, how much time and effort should you devote to them? 

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]

Matthew 24 

The temple in Jerusalem was the religious center of the Jewish faith. When Jesus walks out of it and states that it will be destroyed, this brings immediate questions from His disciples. He explains that the destruction is coming, but that there will be a lot of false claims and confusion about when and how it will happen. When He came in judgment on Jerusalem, which happened by Rome’s attack in 70 A.D., the believers knew to flee the city and escape desolation. It was important for Christians not to get distracted by false claims, and to stay ready to go. Jesus tells a parable about the difference between being prepared and being lazy. For them, it meant life and death. This will also be true in the final judgment on the last day. 

It is debated among believers how much of this chapter is about Jerusalem’s first-century destruction and how much of it points to the final day of Christ’s coming. Verse 34 serves as an important guide: “…this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” It is likely that all that comes before that verse pertains to judgment on Jerusalem and the need to be wise and prepared. But the later teachings: “Be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” stands as powerful instruction for us today. If we think it will not happen soon, we can lose focus and become negligent. Always be ready for Jesus!

Loving, gracious, patient Father, thank you for bearing with us in our struggles and our efforts to grow in faith. If you lacked mercy, we would have all been destroyed ages ago. We pray that Your love will produce in us the desire to be servants of You. May we build our diligent obedience to You and not be distracted by false ideas about You and Your coming. We know You alone know when the judgment day will be. Help us to build hearts of urgency, readiness, and daily expectation for the return of Your glorious Son. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Would you have believed Jesus if He said your city would soon be destroyed and you must be ready to leave? Do you carry that focus now?

-       Jesus expected Daniel’s prophecy to be dominant in the disciples’ minds. Is Christ’s 1st-century promise to return a factor in your mind?

-       How do you go about getting ready and staying ready to meet the Lord? Why is it important to always expect it could be today?

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]

Matthew 23

In the final week before Christ’s crucifixion, He tells His disciples about the dangers of the scribes and Pharisees. After three years of patiently teaching these men, it is time to tell the world about them. Jesus first tells disciples to observe what the scribes teach if it is from God. But Christ warns them not to do what the Pharisees do. They seek to be noticed by men and to have places of honor because they lack humility. Jesus calls them hypocrites repeatedly, speaking about their lack of mercy and the underlying desire of their hearts to serve themselves. He addresses them openly and directly as “serpents”! And yet, as Jesus looks at them and all of Jerusalem, He is sorrowful that they will not repent and be gathered to Him and saved. 

It is easy to read this chapter and think about other people. But it is wiser to use this list of the Pharisees’ failures as a test for our own lives. In Matthew 5, Jesus told His disciples their righteousness must exceed the Pharisees if they are to be in His kingdom. These men were self-righteous. Jesus calls us to be humble servants. They were hypocritical. Jesus asks us to live out our faith. They were legalistic. We must be led to obey from a God-like heart of mercy. They were superficial. We must be honest about what’s happening in our hearts. They became obstacles for others. We must live and speak to draw people to Christ. 

Dear Father, we call upon Your help today, to be honest with ourselves and willing to evaluate our motives. Jesus taught so diligently to soften the hearts of the Pharisees, and they fought Him at every turn. Glorious Lord, help us to listen and to learn. May we be humble servants. Empower us to live out our faith with integrity. Build in us compassion and mercy for others. Will You create opportunities for us to help people and show them the way to Jesus? Most of all, reveal to us how much Jesus loves and yearns to save everyone. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Will you do the hard thing today of looking for Pharisaical tendencies in your own life? How can this be incredibly healthy and needful?

-       How would you define “legalism”? Can you see how some focus so intensely on the letter of the law that they miss the love that encircles it?

-       What does it feel like to realize that Jesus is always yearning to gather you to Him, no matter what you have done? How will you respond?

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]

Matthew 22

Jesus presents the parable of the wedding feast. A king holds a banquet for his son. They invite many who are unwilling to come. Many excuses are given. The king sends armies to destroy them! He then invites people off the street until the room is filled. One man comes unprepared and is sent out. “For many will be called, but few chosen.” This indicates that the kingdom requires responsiveness and faithfulness. The rest of the chapter consists of Jewish leaders trying to trap Jesus and diminish His influence. They ask about paying taxes. They ask about marriage in heaven. They question Him about the greatest law. On every occasion, He answers with integrity and righteousness. Jesus then asks them a single question about David and the Psalms, and they cannot answer Him. 

Jesus’ question about David was a loaded one. They knew from prophecy the Messiah would be David’s son. And yet David refers to Him as Lord. How can that be? The answer is that Christ is eternal and divine. The Messiah is Jesus! We would do well to embrace that truth. Instead of questioning Him, we can learn from Him. His answers here about paying taxes, eternal life, and loving God first, are powerful truths in our lives. In the end, we must realize the Father is calling us all to the feast for His Son. We must choose to attend the feast, give proper homage to the Son, and be faithful to Him. The alternative is God’s wrath. 

God of limitless might, we know You will execute judgment on those who reject Your Son. You have called and invited and opened the door, and judgment is coming for all who make excuses. Lord God, help us to cast away all doubt and every temptation to turn from Your Son. Give us the wisdom to hear Him. His teachings on difficult topics like taxes and government, marriage and eternity, and loving You and others are exactly the beautiful truths You have provided for our good. Strengthen us to not just be the called, but the chosen. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Do you ever make excuses when called to obey God and honor His Son? Will you resolve to cast those aside and answer the invitations of God?

-       You may be tested by questions like the Jews did with Jesus. Are you prepared to be like Him and always answer with humility and integrity?

-       Do you believe Jesus when He said the greatest two commandments are to love God fully and love your neighbor? How do you show that?

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

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]

RECOVERY (What people in recovery look like.)
No current secrets; resolving problems; identifying fears and feelings; keeping commitments to meetings, prayer, family, church, people, goals, and self; being open; being honest; mak- ing eye contact; reaching out to others; increasing in relationships with God and others; accountability.

“F” = FORGET PRIORITIES (Denial; flight; a change in what’s important)
Secrets; bored; less time/energy for God, meetings, and church; avoiding support and ac- countability towards people; superficial conversations; sarcasm; isolating yourself; changes in goals; flirting; obsessed with relationships; breaking promises/commitments; neglecting family;

“A” = ANXIETY (Getting energy from emotions.)
Worry; using profanity; being fearful; being resentful; replaying old, negative thoughts; per- fectionism; judging others’ motives; making goals and lists you can’t complete; poor planning; mind reading; fantasy; masturbation; pornography; co-dependent rescuing; sleep problems; trouble concentrating; seeking/creating drama; gossip;

“S” = SPEEDING UP (Out-running depression.)
Super busy; workaholic; can’t relax; driving too fast; avoiding slowing down; feeling driven; in a hurry; can’t turn off thoughts; skipping meals; binge eating (usually at night); overspend- ing; can’t identify own feelings/needs; repetitive, negative thoughts; irritable; making excuses for ”having to do it all”; dramatic mood swings; lust;

“T” = TICKED-OFF (Getting high on anger; aggression.)
Procrastination causing crises in money, work, or relationships; sarcasm; black and white, all or nothing thinking; feeling alone; feeling that no one understands; overreacting; road rage; constant resentments; pushing others away; increased isolation; blaming; self pity; arguing; irrationality, can’t handle criticism; defensive;

“E” = EXHAUSTED (Out of gas; depression.)
Depressed; panicked; confused; hopeless; sleeping too much or too little; can’t cope; over- whelmed; crying for “no reason”; can’t think; forgetful; pessimistic; helpless; tired; numb; wanting to run; constant cravings for old coping behaviors; thinking of using drugs and alcohol; seeking out old unhealthy people and places; really isolated; people are angry with you; self-abuse; suicidal thoughts

“R” = RELAPSE

Returning to the place you swore you would never go again. Giving up; giving in; out of control; lost in your addiction; lying to yourself and others; feeling you just can’t manage without your coping behavior, at least for now. The result is usually shame, condemnation, guilt, and aloneness.

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]

Matthew 21

Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem before His death. He is honored and praised by many as He fulfills prophecy by riding in on a colt. Jesus goes into the temple and upsets the Jewish leaders by overturning the money tables and healing the lame and blind. The next day the leaders question Him, but they are silenced by His wisdom. He goes on to tell them two parables. The first is about two sons, one of whom said he would do good and then did not do it. This was an indictment of these chief priests and scribes. The second story is about vine growers who decide to kill the owner’s son to seize his inheritance. This is a prophecy of what the Jews are planning to do to God’s Son. 

The contrast in this chapter is striking. So many followers worship Jesus as He enters the city. He heals many in the temple and they rejoice in Him. They believe in Him, and they will enjoy life in His kingdom. At the same time, the men in the temple are disrespecting the Father and have a fervent hatred for the Son. They question Him and seek to accuse Him. This same Jesus invokes two very different reactions. Sadly, Jesus knows they will not repent. He tells parables and quotes Scripture to indicate that the kingdom will be removed from them. Christ would be a rock of foundation for some and would crush others. They made their choice. Have you? 

All powerful God, Creator, and Sustainer, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior and King. His message is strong and demanding. But Father, He is also the source of all grace and peace. So many in this world fight His teaching and seek to eliminate Him and seize their inheritance. Great God, may we forever forsake a life apart from Jesus. Help us to always stand upon the Rock and never be crushed by it. Father, will you lead us today to tell someone about the two paths of life and show them and teach them to choose Jesus?

 Thought Questions: 

-       If you were alive in Jesus’ day, would you have laid your coat on the road and praised Him as He entered? How can that spirit be shown today?

-       Jesus said His disciples could move mountains “if you have faith and do not doubt.” How can your prayer life show God you believe that?

-       How can you avoid a hard heart that sees the evidence but simply will not believe it? Has Jesus convinced you of His Lordship?