Excel Still More

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Mark's Gospel is powerfully and precisely written. It packs a ton of information into shorter spaces than the other Gospels.  (A great Gospel for ADHD sufferers!). Mark also uses the power of COMPARISON to make his points super strong. In Mark 2, he compares the Pharisees with Jesus by showing the questions they asked Him. We will look at those today, as well as the one question Jesus asked them to start chapter 3.

It is often said of the church, that there are Pharisees and we are sometimes Legalistic, too Judgmental, or Traditionalists to a fault. There may be truth to that at times, but if we can't be specific on what that looks like, we can't fix it. Some of us may just not have the heart to fix it... you know... like the Pharisees. But for those of us who do want to be more like Jesus and less like the Pharisees, we need some guidance. Today's episode may be a good place to start. Be prayer and give it a listen. 

- Why were the Pharisees so doubtful and unkind toward Jesus?

- How was His heart for people nearly nothing like their heart?

- Why was Jesus simple teaching of salvation in Him such a threat to them?

- Should mercy triumph over judgment and what does that look like?

- How can you be more like Jesus and less like the Pharisees?

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Let's go back - way, way back - to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. It is so fascinatingly placed! Before it is the Garden of Eden (God comes down to establish a covenant), then Sin, then The Flood. Right after it is God coming down to make a covenant with Abraham that would effect us all. That's a 500 year jump between Noah and Abraham, and all we get in between is Genesis 11. Most of that is genealogies. 

But there is this 9 verse event laid out. Somewhere between those two great men was an attempt by the people to build a large tower and make a name for themselves. God was not pleased and He scattered them. But what in the world is that story about? What is it designed to teach us? I think the answer to those questions is vital today.

Special thanks to Christianity Today magazine, and an article called "Babel's Invitation" by John Walton for the historical information behind this episode. I hope you find it useful in how you commune with God, on whose Terms, and for what Purpose. 

- What was the problem with the Tower of Babel and it's construction?

- If they were trying to get God to come down to them, what's wrong with that?

- Why are we so drawn to creating our own terms for communion with the Lord?

- If our relationship with God is transactional, how is that doomed to fail?

- Why is the end game to be God's Glory, and how can that be a challenge for us?

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So how have the last five years treated you? It has been unpredictable and wild for most of us. You might not have thought you had five years left - five years ago. But you did. And now you are here. How did it go? Did you have a vision, a plan, a path? Has it led you to wonderful and encouraging new places, new knowledge, new purpose?

Okay, that's enough looking back. Here's the real question - if you get another 60 months to live, what are you planning to do with it? How about if it was ALL you got? If you knew that 60 months was all the time you had left, would you change, start, or address things right now to improve the outcome?

Let's look back today at two previous episodes: "Seven Days Left" and "Bull Named Fumanchu" - both of which ask you to set parameters of time. And then let's move away from urgent prioritization and emotional dying phone calls, and let's stretch it out to five years and get to work building something amazing!

- (Ill 1) If we all had seven days left, how would you use them?

- (Ill 2) If you were dying, what would be important for you right now?

- (Ill 3) If you had 60 months left on this earth, how would you use it?

- How do definite time parameters help us determine our options?

- What can you do in the next few months to change the next five years?

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We all want faith without limits. We want faith that isn't affected by fear and doubt. We want to believe the best is possible and the promises of God are inevitable. We want to know Him and be known by Him and for that to control everything else. 

But how do we get it? One of the problems is believing we can get it. You and I are woefully limited. How exactly are we going to act our way to limitless greatness? We cannot. Our attention must turn toward God. Maybe we need to redefine faith. It is not the good things that we do. It is the realization of God behind all that we do. 

Today's podcast doesn't have the usual tips and strategies and practical applications. It calls you to God. It invites you to trust in a way where HE removed the limits. This isn't about you building limitless faith. It is about experiencing it in full saturation of belief in the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God!

- What is limitless faith to you?

- How would you go about achieving it?

- Why are we learning on our own power to do what only God can do?

- Why do we define faith by works when it should be defined by trust?

- What can you build, travel to, or do if God is the power behind your life?

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I referenced Pat Geslinger's book, The Juggling Act. Here's a link. It's terrific. 

If someone told you they were feeling distant from Christ, what would you tell them to do? That's not a particularly tough questions is it? We would tell them they need quality time with Jesus. They need to set aside time to read, to think and to pray. They need to talk about Him and discuss Him well with others. There are no shortcuts, but it also isn't some Mt. Everest event either. It is daily, intentional time invested in building love for the Lord and realizing His love for you.

Okay, what about the same question with regard to marriage? A couple comes to you and says they feel distant and strained. How would you recommend they work on that? The point of today's podcast is that the formula is the same! Daily, purposeful, optimistic time for sharing and making the other person feel important. 

In both cases, we sometimes falter. We get busy or burdened or distracted. Cell phones tend to be a common culprit. So let's work through some of that today and start Prioritizing Quality Time. 

- What is quality time?

- Why does it fade so often with the Lord when life gets busy?

- How was quality time a huge part of the early years with the Lord?

- How was quality time a huge part of the early years with your mate?

- Why does it fade so often with your mate when life gets busy?

- Are you ready to call in some help, toss the phone, and fall back in love again?

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

Help me do a solid for a friend and check out my friend Joseph's podcast:
Under Review Podcast (website)
Under Review Apple (for iPhone users)

Relationships live out the story of God's grace in the world around you. The way we treat others, any others, and all others, ought to be a direct extension of the way God has interacted with and loved you. This episode explores how universal that is suppose to be. Not just some relationships, but all of them. Because this isn't about who the other person is, this is about who God is to you. 

The Scripture asks us to focus in on 3 unique relationship categories. In fact, beautiful letters on grace and faith ultimately point us to proving this through interactions. Here are some Bible passages for each category we referenced in the episode.

among the World:
Romans 12:17-21; 13:1-10
Ephesians 5:6-14; 6:5-9
Colossians 3:22-4:6
I Peter 2:11-25; 4:1-6

with Christians:
James 2:14-18
Romans 12:3-12; 14:10-12; 15:1-7
Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16, 31-32; 5:15-21
Colossians 3:8-17
I Peter 2:4-10; 3:8-10; 4:7-10

in your Family:
Ephesians 5:1-2, 22-30; 6:1-4
Colossians 3:15-17, 18-21
I Peter 3:1-4, 7-12

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Up top, let me give you a link to Jacob Hudgin's book "The School of Christ"

This is it. This is the most important thing I have to share with you - maybe all year. Many of us have to reprogram our brains when it comes to the comparison of God's Grace with anything of myself: faith or works. His goodness is the beginning of all things and sustains all things. There is no scenario where my power, or your ability, is strong enough to hold us up. And God's grace is not the result of a great works effort. Too many believe this and it has cost people their faith. People give up because they think they are good enough. Well, they aren't good enough. But salvation isn't founded on our effort - it is, in every possible way, the outgrowth of God's grace!

When we get this sequence right everything changes. This sequence: from Grace to Faith to Life is God's plan for those who are not yet Christians. And it is the same plan for saving those who are. It sources everything in Him. And our lives become a reaction, a gratitude outcome, founded on His goodness. Will you explore this freeing and gracious journey with me?

- How would you compare the saving power of God's grace with your faith?

- How would you compare the saving power of God's grace with your works?

- Do you believe we start with our faith and works and then get God's help?

- Or maybe we start with good works, which leads to faith, then grace?

- Are you ready to give your mind to exploring His power to source great faith?

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Let's keep digging in on this flashpoint idea. Firstly, let me share with you a little more about how emotional experiences of all types and spiritual experiences collide. There is a powerful sense in which the two, in the heart of a believer, are not separable. Finding God in all emotion and reaction and change - that is crucial to transformation.

Secondly, let's talk about your body and health. I don't want to give you a workout routine, but I don't want to explore why you feel like your body is worth the effort. What is the reason for losing weight? What is the purpose for having better health? Once again, none of this can exist with strength if it is not considered in the light of the Father. A physical flashpoint IS a spiritual flashpoint when approached rightly. This can mean tremendous heart and soul effects from even something simple like intermittent fasting. I'll share my story on that today.

- What is the relationship between emotional and spiritual flashpoint?

- What aspects of your life include God?

- How many areas of your life should be viewed with God in mind?

- How are physical eureka moments actually subsets of spiritual awakening?

- What are the benefits of placing God in the middle of your diet and health?

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If you would like to read Stephen Arterburn's book "Flash Points" you can find it here. Note:  As a caveat, I am not aware of his doctrinal views nor whole sale support all of the content. But it's got some powerful and encouraging ideas.

I hope to address different flash points in upcoming episodes. Things like Financial, Physical, Career and Lifestyle. There are many areas of life where a flame of desire is ignited within you. Something good. Something holy. Something God intends for you, for your good and others. How many of those things do we douse water on and continue our standard operation? Far too many.

What if we searched our souls for a flame? What if we weren't scared to see what can happen if we fanned it, prayed about it, and took on the risks included within it? There is simply no telling what might be possible if what is within you is allowed to do what it has the power to do. Especially if God placed it there for His glory!

- What would pursue from within you if you gave yourself permission?

- How has fear of failure or change kept you from your potential?

- What is a "FlashPoint" and how do you identify it?

- What if Moses would have let his fear keep him from freeing his people?

- How can deeper trust in God's presence help you fan flames in your soul?

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

Today it is my pleasure to read Psalm 107 for you in the New Living Translation. (I'll explain why). Four times the text says "LORD, help!" - These represent four situations in life where people get discouraged. So often our hope and faith flourish in blessings, but when trials come, we falter. This can often prove that our joy is based more on ourselves and our circumstances, than the enduring goodness of God.

Let's investigate different trials you might face this year. Some of this may be raging in your life right. Crying for the help of the Lord, in full faith, is about accessing wisdom and glory and power infinitely greater than your own and stronger than all your problems.  May we be a people of constant praise! May we tell the world - family, brethren and neighbor - that we cried to God and He answered with deliverance!

- Why is internal faith work so important to external life goals?

- What good is people, plans and a good attitude without trust in God?

- Do we cry "LORD, Help" in times of trial that are not our fault?

- Do we cry "LORD, Help" in times of trial that are absolutely our fault?

- What does God do with the storm, when we cry for His help amidst it?