Excel Still More

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If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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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

Here is our primary text for today's episode:

I Corinthians 6:9-20 (With Parenthesis around Quotes)

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. "Every other sin a person commits is outside the body", but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

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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Matthew 11

John the Baptist is in prison at this point in Jesus’ ministry. John sends his disciples to inquire of Jesus. This is part of John’s initial intention of giving all glory and attention to the One who would come and who would be greater than him. Jesus says wonderful things about him and his ministry but powerfully adds that those who are least in the kingdom of heaven are greater than John. Sadly, many have not believed so as to realize that immense blessing. Jesus openly rebukes those who have denied the evidence, noting that many nations of old would have repented by now with such powerful proof. This saddens Jesus. He desires to call all unto Him, to lighten their heavy burdens and provide rest for their souls.

“Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” This is a powerful question. They are asking Jesus if He is the Messiah of prophecy and John’s teachings: the Savior of the world. Jesus did not simply answer yes. He spoke of His miracles and message. He had proven Himself to all who would look to Him. Many had hard hearts and would not submit, even though they had every reason to believe. Please do not let your fear, pride, and burdens keep you from repenting and turning to Jesus. Even if you are a Christian, keep renewing your gaze toward Him. He deserves and demands to lead your life. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. 

Oh wonderful God of glory, all praise to You for sending Your Son to lift our burdens. Thank You for all the incredible things He did and said during His ministry, so we can know for certain how able He is to be a Savior and Helper to us. Give us the humility to come to Him. Help us to embrace the yoke openly and earnestly that He desires to place upon us. May we learn from Him how to be loving, gentle, and humble, so that the goodness of Jesus’ yoke can be shown to others. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Can you explain what Jesus meant when He stated that those who are least in the kingdom of heaven are greater than even John the Baptist?

-       Why do so many try to push their way into Christ’s kingdom without repentance? Why is repentance so crucial to belonging to Him?

-       With all the struggles we face, how would you explain to someone that Jesus has given you rest and lightened your load in this 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)
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Matthew 10

Jesus summons the twelve apostles and gives them the power to work miracles. He sends them out to the Jewish people to preach the coming kingdom of Christ. This becomes an early lesson to the disciples that some will openly embrace the gospel, but many will not. He notes that they are like sheep sent out amidst the wolves. But even under persecution, they are told “Do not worry” for the Holy Spirit of God is with them. If Jesus was rejected by some, so too will they be rejected. Do not fear what man can do to you. Only fear God who sees and knows all. The Gospel will unite some in joy, but it will also be a sword of division for others, even in one’s own household. 

The most uttered instruction in Scripture is this: “Do not be afraid.” Twice it is spoken of in today’s read. The call to discipleship is not one of ease. If it was, Christians would not be tempted to fear. The disciples were given the most wonderful tools: the approval of Jesus, power from heaven, and the Holy Spirit. They were then challenged to use those tools to herald the coming kingdom in this world. That mission would draw negativity and persecution. And so it will be for you and me. Being on a mission means sharing the Light of Christ in this dark world. This can lead to trouble. Even so, we must boldly take up our cross and follow Jesus.  

All-knowing God and Father, give us the faith and wisdom today to know You are with us. Help us to live courageously in faith, accepting that not all will embrace the light of Christ. But Father, may we never fear rejection or persecution, knowing these are moments where we demonstrate that Your Son rules our lives. I pray that You are the only One we fear. Please present opportunities for us to reach seeking hearts and use us to show them that there is no joy in life as complete as taking up our cross and following Jesus. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Is the Gospel so great, and your fear and love of God so absolute, that you will stand for what is right no matter how others react?

-       With Christ ruling and the Spirit within us, what does it look like to be fearless in telling others about the Gospel and God’s Power?

-       How can you start with your family? If taking up your cross and following Jesus is for every day and everywhere, how does that look in your home?

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)
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Matthew 9

This chapter furthers Matthew’s mission of demonstrating the glory of Christ through miracles. Like the previous chapter, he lists quite a few of them: Jesus heals the paralytic, He heals the woman with 12 years of blood flow, He raises a young lady from the dead, heals two blind men, and casts out demons! The purpose of these miracles is to demonstrate some wonderful things about Jesus. First, He is compassionate. He feels for people and seeks to help them. Second, He has the power to cleanse souls of sin! The physical miracles prove His miraculous power to do all things. Third, this chapter continues to prove that there are no limits to Jesus’ authority. He controls the body and soul, life and death, and the physical and spiritual realm.

Jesus is the most wonderful gift the world has ever known. But some religious leaders refused to accept Him. They question His ability to forgive sins. They question why He dined with sinners. They even attribute His healing power to demons! They were jealous and selfish and refused to trust in Jesus and give Him the control He deserved. May you and I never let our limited knowledge and understanding foster such doubt. Contrary to these men, a desperate woman was healed, and another was raised from death by simple, trusting faith in Jesus as God’s Son. Christ acts in our lives because of our faith. May we be less like the Pharisees and more like those humble, blessed believers!

Heavenly Father, God of compassion, thank You for sending Your Son to show the world the perfect combination of power and mercy. Thank You for His willingness to feel compassion for those hurting spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Help us to see how beautifully Christ demonstrates His authority to heal and help and comfort those who fully put their trust in Him. May we be those people today, in prayer and faithfulness to Him. Lord, the harvest is plentiful. There are so many struggling and in need of Jesus. Give us the humility, selflessness, and boldness to share His name openly with others. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Has Jesus proven to you that He has the power and willingness to forgive your sins? If so, how will you approach Him in prayer today?

-       How can we sometimes be like the Pharisees in how we see others, misunderstanding how desperately Jesus wants everyone to be saved? 

-       Do you have compassion for the hurting? If this Christ-like quality is in you, what can you do today to spread the love of Jesus to another?

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 8

Matthew’s gospel has a purposeful structure to build out the authority of Jesus. Chapters 1-4 tell the story of Jesus in prophecy. Chapters 5-7 are filled with Jesus’ life-changing teachings. Now, in chapters 8-9, the focus is placed squarely on miracles. In today’s short chapter, we are gifted the following stories: the healing of the leper, the healing of the Centurion’s servant, the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, the calming of the sea of Galilee, and the demons cast into the swine. This list forms a dynamic way of showing the power of Jesus over all things. Upon closer examination, it shows He can heal the body, He has authority over space and time, He overpowers the spiritual forces of darkness, and even the natural world obeys His mighty will.

Where can we go to escape the jurisdiction of Jesus? And why would we even try? These stories give us tremendous confidence in how Christ can benefit our lives. As a man was burdened with decay through leprosy, so are we with physical sickness and spiritual death. Jesus, filled with compassion, promises to heal us of spiritual disease, and often helps with our physical needs! Jesus casting out demons reminds us that He is mightier than Satan and his workers. Without Christ’s power and presence, we would be helpless in the spiritual warfare beyond our sight as well as the daily storms of life. Jesus alone has the might to protect us. May we put our faith and trust in Him. 

Oh Great God of majesty, may we take a moment today and be in awe of Your limitless power over all things. Thank you for demonstrating Your might through Jesus Christ. The natural world, the spiritual world, the human body, and the soul, are all subject to the glory and ability of Jesus. May our faith never limit the display of His power. Father, the storms of life often distract us. Help us to never give in to fear, but to turn to our Savior and call upon His presence to calm the storm and hold us close. 

Thought Questions: 

-       What will happen if you approach Jesus with your sins like the leper in today’s chapter? How does Jesus respond to such humility?

-       How far does the authority of Jesus reach? Is there any request you can make in faith that will be too much for Jesus? Go for it!

-       If Jesus controls the storms and the demons, two things outside of you and beyond your control, how should that affect how you pray 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 7

Jesus concludes His timeless sermon by challenging disciples to think properly about judgment. Judging others sometimes drifts into God’s side of things. And many times people are judging from a place of deception about themselves. In other words, they do not see things clearly, and their judgment is clouded. Jesus tells His disciples to examine themselves and pray fervently for God to help them, to give them clarity, and to make them who they need to be. Perhaps from that place, one can weigh the deeds of another. Few are willing to be so humble. And few will be saved. Many will be like the false prophets in their motives. But not Jesus’ disciples. They will hear Christ and seek to obey Him and be like Him in all they do. 

Passing judgment on others is a temptation we all face. Sometimes it is done in sincerity and with their best interest at heart. But all too often it may say more about our shortcomings as the one judging. Always be humble. Always start by looking to yourself and follow that closely with a prayer to God. Ask God for clarity, wisdom, and help to love others by doing what is right toward them. Determine what to do to others by what you would have them do to you. In the end, look for proper fruit in yourself and them. Hear Jesus and do God’s will, and you will be on a solid foundation in every situation, in both calm and storm. 

Holy heavenly Father, all praise to You for your kindness and patience in how you judge Your servants. Thank You for always being near us, for hearing our prayers, and for giving us good gifts. Dear Lord, empower us to bear good fruit in Your honor. We know this means doing Your will and being more like Jesus. We ask for help in doing that, especially when it comes to treating others with patience and mercy. In every season, in sunshine or storm, we will put our trust in You and stand upon the foundation of Your Son.    

Thought Questions: 

-       What does “do not judge” mean to you? Are you careful to treat people the same way you would have them treat you?

-       Are you turning to God in prayer to ask for wisdom before addressing others? Can we bear good fruit without God’s daily and personal help?

-       Will you act on the will of Jesus today? What is one thing from the sermon on the mount that you can stand upon to face life’s daily storms?

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

Days, Week, Years - These are the best metrics for progress. Living in day tight increments are the building blocks for a better life. Daily routines and habits that help with incremental change can become impactful and measurable in a year's time. So years are awesome time frames for seeing what is possible and whether something should become a life habit. But there needs to be a cyclical flow throughout, a cadence to keep things moving. The seven day week is perfect for the job. Starting on a day of worship and fellowship and rest, flowing through the grind of the work week, and ending with a wild card day to catch up or relax... embracing the layout of the week has become a powerful change agent for me. Let's explore how to make the weeks for you instead of just slipping by.

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

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 6

As the sermon on the mount continues, Jesus explains that righteousness is not just about what we do, but also why we do it. To illustrate, Jesus uses three examples: giving, praying, and fasting. Charity is a staple in the disciple’s life, but it must be for God and others, not ourselves. Prayer is a powerful testimony of faith, but it must be about fellowship with God, not the praise of others. Fasting is about focusing on God, not impressing others. This is all about treasure in heaven with God, not this earth. Jesus’ disciples are not worried about the things of this life because they live for heaven. They trust in God, live for Him, and know that He will take care of them if they seek Him above all else.

Jesus touches on sensitive topics in this chapter: giving to the poor, praying faithfully, and fasting from things to give attention to God. These are all challenges in our busy lives. How can we grow in them? Start from a place of love for God and others, and then be thankful for these outlets of praise. Carry that heart into the area of money and worry as well. These have choked out the word in many lives. We cannot serve God and money. We cannot live in anxiety and be courageous in Christ. Put His kingdom first, pray continually, and allow the Spirit to mold you, practicing righteousness from the heart, one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow.

Righteous God, teach us to yearn to serve You daily. Help us to give to others as You bountifully give to us. Humble us to pray privately, grateful that You listen. Strengthen us to fast from earthly things, so we can show You are first in our lives. May we live to store up eternal treasures. Thank you for Christ’s spiritual victory, so we know that life is more than money and possessions and that there is no reason to worry over earthly things. We will seek You first and cast aside worry and fear in Jesus’ name. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Why do you do righteous things? From charity work to prayer to fasting, how should that be centrally about God and your love for Him?

-       How does “the Lord’s Prayer” place you in the right state of mind to take on the day in faith? What piece of it means the most to you today?

-       Are God’s people different when it comes to the allure of wealth and the worries of an uncertain world? How? What sustains us in all of that?

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 5

Early in Jesus’ ministry, He sits on a mountainside and gathers His disciples. In perhaps the most powerful sermon of all time, He explains to them the qualities of kingdom citizens. His kingdom would include people who lived differently from the world. Those differences would be seeded in the heart. To show this, Jesus begins with what we call “the Beatitudes.” Qualities like humility, gentleness, and internal hunger for righteousness would define His people. Such hearts would explode into lives of great light for Christ, become salt upon the earth, and show righteousness that far surpasses the Jewish leaders of their day. Faithfulness would be as much about what you feel toward others as how you end up treating them, even enemies! Jesus is teaching that faithfulness begins with love. 

The sermon on the mount is incredibly valuable for believers. We must think and feel differently than this world, especially in the face of trials. We live so that Christ’s light shines through us, beginning deep within our hearts. We do not murder, but we also do not gossip. We do not commit adultery, but we also do not lust in our hearts. We do not retaliate, but we also seek to serve others. In many ways, the disciples of Jesus were counterculture, and continue to be today. Our first step of faith in God is to deny self. God loves all men and seeks to save them, and we should feel the same and be workers in His Son’s kingdom.   

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to come to this earth and show us Your character and heart. As Jesus taught us of His nature, we pray to take on His heart as our own. Lord, help us to be humble, to be gentle, to be pure in heart, and peacemakers. Give us opportunities to shine, even if that requires us to walk by faith in places of darkness. Give us the desire to do good to others out of love for You and for them, even our enemies. Please perfect us in Your love.   

Thought Questions: 

-       How important are the beatitudes in setting the stage for you to shine and make a difference? Which one will you focus on today?

-       Are you ready to accept that you are the reflection of Christ’s light in this world? How will your choices today bring glory to Him?

-       How are disciples to be more righteous than Pharisees? Will you determine today to check your heart and do things for the right reasons?

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 4

It is difficult to imagine forty days without food. It is God’s plan for the Holy Spirit to lead Jesus into the wilderness to fast for that length of time. The devil takes the opportunity to try and stop Jesus’ redemptive ministry by tempting Him using three basic tactics: the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Each time Jesus refuses to listen and uses Scripture to refute him. Following this, an angel comes and comforts Jesus. Jesus then travels to Galilee to begin His ministry. He begins with this powerful sentence: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus gathers up His first four apostles: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. He then goes about healing people and preaching “the gospel of the kingdom.”

Satan is not particularly creative. When he tempted Jesus with stones to bread, with the world’s glory, and with leaping from the temple, it was no different than the temptations Adam and Eve faced in the garden. He appeals to fleshly desires, distracted eyes, and a sense of importance. Adam failed. Jesus succeeded. In the footsteps of Jesus, with Scripture in our hearts and hands, we also can face temptation and stand with God. The result will be like Jesus: God will strengthen us, upholding our efforts, drawing us to people of faith who will walk with us, and opening opportunities to use our proven faith to share the gospel of the kingdom more boldly with others. 

Great God of glory, thank you for sending Your Son to show us what it means to fully trust in You. Help us face our times in the wilderness with the same resolve to honor You in all circumstances. Will You give us the clarity we need to see through the devil’s tactics? We pray for comfort and support from those who have faced Satan and stood firm. We also pray to be those traveling companions for others, as we share in our common mission of telling others what is possible through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Thought Questions: 

-       Will you be aware today of Satan’s three tools: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life? How will awareness help?

-       How is facing temptation strengthened by quoting God’s word? How will you use Scripture to refute the devil’s work today?

-       Why is it vital to get to work for Christ immediately following temptation? What mission will you stay focused on today no matter what?