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)
YouTube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

II Peter 1

Peter begins by reminding believers that they have received a precious faith through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He assures them that God has provided everything necessary for life and godliness through knowing the Lord. Because of this, Peter urges them to grow in character by cultivating their faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities enable believers to live effective and fruitful lives. He encourages them to confirm their calling by practicing these virtues. Peter explains that he will continue to remind them of these truths for as long as he lives. He insists that the message of Jesus is not a myth but is grounded in eyewitness accounts and the Holy Spirit’s work, which shines like a light in a dark world.

We have everything we need to live a godly life through our knowledge of Jesus, given by His apostles and prophets. This inspires us to grow each day in our faith. We are not meant to remain unchanged. We are called to enhance our faith with crucial character traits that mirror our Savior. These qualities support us in staying strong, effective, and focused in our walk with Christ. As we develop in these areas, we affirm that our faith is genuine and vibrant. We are reminded that our faith is not founded on myths but on the true and powerful testimony of Jesus. We cling firmly to the Spirit’s revelation, allowing it to guide us like a light in the darkness.

Benevolent Father, thank You for providing us with everything we need for life and godliness through Your Son. Help us grow in our faith daily by pursuing the qualities of Jesus and the Spirit’s fruit in their honor. Strengthen us when we are weak and guide us when we feel lost. Help us hold firmly to the truth of Your Word, attentive to the inspired words of the prophets. Keep us from being unfruitful, and lead us to live lives that reflect Your light. May our hearts remain anchored in the promises You have given, full of purpose and hope.

Thought Questions:

-       What are the “precious and magnificent promises” that draw you to engage in a fervent and ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ?

-       How do you increase in qualities like moral excellence, knowledge, and self-control? Why is it important to be growing in them?

-       What makes men like Peter dependable writers for the cause of Christ? How do you prioritize attentively engaging with the word daily?

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 Peter 5

Peter encourages the elders among the believers to shepherd God’s flock willingly, not for personal gain but with eagerness and humility. They are to lead by example, knowing that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory that will never fade. All believers are urged to clothe themselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Peter calls them to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them. He warns them to be alert and of sober mind, as the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. They are to resist him, firm in faith. God will restore, strengthen, and establish them after they have suffered for a little while.

We are directed to live humbly, placing others above ourselves and trusting that God will lift us up in His perfect timing. As we serve in our roles, whether as church leaders or members, we must feature willing and eager hearts, not for recognition, but to honor Christ. We cast our worries on God because He genuinely cares for us. We remain alert and watchful, knowing that the enemy seeks to discourage and destroy. Yet we do not fear because our faith stands firm in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Even in suffering, we hold on to His promise to always be with us. We find comfort in knowing that God loves us and will guide us safely to eternal glory.

Gracious God, thank You for establishing our faithful Shepherd, who loves us so deeply. Help us walk in humility and trust in Your timing for all things. Be with our leaders, who shepherd voluntarily, not seeking their own gain, but bringing honor to Your name. Remind us to cast all our burdens on You, knowing You care for every detail of our lives. Keep us alert and strong in faith when the enemy tries to instill fear or doubt. Strengthen us through every trial and help us keep our eyes set on the return of Jesus and the glory to come. 

Thought Questions:

-       What is God’s exhortation to the elders of local churches? How can you help them do their work well in the Chief Shepherd’s honor?

-       What does it mean to “clothe yourself with humility”? Why is a humble spirit so crucial to fighting the efforts of Satan?

-       Is it possible to face suffering as a result of resisting the devil? What has God promised you after you have suffered a little while?

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

Isaiah 27:9; 30:22; 64:1-4

God is serious about idolatry. Are we as serious about idols in our lives?

Here is a list of three in the New Testament that are always sinful:

- Trust in powers that are not God

- Personal greed and materialism

- Sexual immorality of all versions

And here is a list of things that aren't sin by themselves, but can become idols:

- Family and Relationships

- Work, Status, and Reputation

- Matters of Personal Liberty

Whatever challenges you, ask yourself these questions:

1) How does your view of these sins change when you see them as idolatry before the Lord"

2) What would it look like for any one of these to become an idol in your life?

3) How far are you willing to go to choose God over these things and a lukewarm life? 

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]

I Peter 4

Peter urges believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, who suffered in the flesh. Those who endure suffering are finished with sin and should live the remainder of their lives according to God’s will, not driven by human desires. He reminds them that they have already spent enough time in the past indulging in sin, and although others may be taken aback by their new lifestyle, they must remain steadfast in their obedience. They are challenged to love one another sincerely, practice hospitality without complaint, and utilize their gifts to serve as diligent stewards of God’s grace. He encourages them not to be astonished by trials but to rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings. They are blessed when insulted for His name and should continue to glorify God while doing good.

Christ calls us to live with a mindset that prioritizes obedience over comfort. We choose to turn from sin and follow God's will, even when it leads to suffering. Although others may question our choices, we remain steadfast in our purity. Genuine love for one another becomes our priority, covering many sins and fostering a strong community. We are encouraged to be hospitable without complaint and to use our unique gifts to serve others with joy and care. When hardship arises, we do not view it as meaningless. Instead, we rejoice in sharing in Christ's sufferings, knowing He is with us. Through every trial, we continue to do what is good, trusting that God sees, strengthens, and sustains us.

Glorious Lord, help us live for Your will rather than our desires. Grant us the strength to flee from immorality and idolatry, even when it leads to mistreatment by others. Fill our hearts with deep love and support for one another and teach us to serve with joy and humility. May we offer hospitality with a willing spirit and use our gifts to bring You glory. When trials come, help us rejoice in sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Let us not be ashamed, but praise You in all things. Keep us faithful and steadfast as we do what is good.

Thought Questions:

-       Explain why the time already passed is sufficient for sinful living. Why will you now live the rest of your life in the likeness of Jesus?

-       Why does the world often malign Christians for their lifestyle? Why is it essential to have a fervent relationship with believers?

-       Are you surprised when people in the world revile you for your faith? How do you prepare yourself to suffer courageously in Jesus’ name?

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 Peter 3

Peter encourages wives to submit to their husbands through respectful and pure behavior, focusing on inner beauty rather than outward appearance. He urges husbands to treat their wives with understanding and honor, recognizing them as partners in God’s gift of life. Together, believers are called to live in unity, showing compassion, humility, and love. Instead of returning evil for evil, they are to bless others, reflecting the character of Christ. Peter reminds them to guard their speech, turn away from evil, and pursue peace. Even when they suffer for doing good, they are blessed. In those moments, they must be ready to explain their hope with gentleness and respect. Just as Christ suffered to bring us to God, believers must submit in baptism and take up His cause with courage. 

We are challenged to live with honor in every aspect of life, starting with our closest relationships. As husbands and wives, we must treat each other with respect, humility, and understanding, knowing that our prayers are heard when we walk in unity and love properly. We are called to be like-minded, compassionate, and gentle, refusing to repay evil for evil. Instead, we bless others, understanding that we were called to inherit a blessing. When we suffer for doing good, we need not fear. We set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts and prepare to provide an answer for our hope. We look to Jesus, who suffered once for sins. We are baptized for salvation, and are committed to following Him. 

Loving Father, thank You for teaching us to live with compassion and peace. Help us treat others gracefully, especially in our marriages and closest relationships. Teach us to respond to insults with kindness and to turn away from evil in both word and deed. Fill our hearts with courage so we may share the hope we have in Christ with gentleness and respect. When we face suffering for doing what is right, remind us of Jesus, who gave Himself to bring us near to You. May we follow our conversion with a life full of service to You in good conscience.

Thought Questions:

How should wives behave to lead their husbands closer to Christ? And why should husbands strive to treat their wives with honor?

What qualities and choices can you bring to all relationships to strengthen them? What if the other person does something unkind to you?

Why does making a defense concerning Christ include both His death for sins once for all, and the need for a person to be baptized?

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 Peter 2

Peter urges believers to eliminate all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Like newborn infants, they should crave pure spiritual milk so they may grow in their salvation. He describes believers as living stones being constructed into a spiritual house, with Jesus as the chosen and precious cornerstone. Those who believe in Him will never be put to shame, while those who reject Him will stumble. Peter reminds believers that they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession. They are called to declare His praises and live honorable lives among nonbelievers. He encourages submission to authority and urges servants to endure suffering for doing good. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of patient endurance and sacrificial love. By His wounds, we are healed. 

We are taught to live differently because we belong to God. As His chosen people, we must rid our lives of harmful attitudes and actions and yearn for the truth of His Word. We are being built together as a spiritual house, with Jesus as our cornerstone. When we trust in Him, we stand firm. Even when the world rejects us, we know we are valuable to God. We are called to reflect His light through our choices so that others may see His goodness. We must live honorably, respect those in authority, and show patience even when treated unfairly. Christ suffered for doing good, and we are to follow His example of love, humility, and trust in God’s justice.

Almighty God, thank You for challenging us to grow in respect to salvation. Help us live as Your chosen people, holy and set apart for Your purpose. Teach us to lay aside all sin and to hunger for the truth of Your Word. Thank You for establishing us as Your own, grounded in Jesus Christ, our cornerstone. Give us strength to live honorably and bring Your glory in every situation. When we face injustice, help us respond with patience and trust in Your perfect justice. May we follow the example of Christ, who suffered for us and showed boundless love.

Thought Questions:

Why is it crucial to put away malice and envy in order to be nourished by the word and to taste of the kindness of the Lord?

As part of the temple of God, a member of His chosen people, what are your responsibilities in that special role and family? 

Why must you keep your behavior excellent among non-believers? When that is hard, how does Jesus’s life and choices inspire you?

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 Peter 1

Peter writes to believers scattered across the regions, reminding them of their living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He praises God for granting an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and reserved in heaven. Trials and suffering are depicted as means to refine faith, which is more precious than gold. Peter emphasizes that salvation has been foretold by the prophets and revealed through Christ. He urges believers to live holy lives, fully setting their hope on the grace to come. As obedient children, they are called to be distinct from the world and to live in reverent fear, knowing they were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Peter reminds them that the will of God endures forever and that they have been born again through the living Word. 

We are reminded in this passage that our hope is not rooted in anything temporary but in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of this, we can face trials with confidence, knowing that God uses them to strengthen and refine our faith. We are called to live holy and obedient lives, setting ourselves apart from the world and keeping our eyes on the eternal inheritance that awaits us. As we reflect on the cost of our redemption, we are inspired to live in reverent awe of God. We have been born again through His living and enduring Word, and we now have a purpose to live differently. Each day, we strive to reflect His holiness in our thoughts and actions.

Gracious Lord, thank You for a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We praise You for the inheritance that is kept in heaven for us, pure and everlasting. Help us remain strong through trials, knowing that our faith is being refined and made more precious than gold. Teach us to live holy lives, set apart for Your glory. May we walk in reverent fear, always remembering the great price You paid for our redemption. Let Your Word grow in our hearts and guide our steps daily. Strengthen us to live in obedience and to love one another sincerely.

Thought Questions:

What has God’s mercy and power accomplished for you? Specifically, what is the promised “inheritance”, and how does it guide your life?

How do you “prepare your mind for action, keep sober in spirit, and fix your hope completely” on Christ’s return on a daily basis?

Why is the love of brethren such a central part of living the Word and honoring the sacrifice of Jesus? How do you do this when it is difficult?

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]

James 5

A strong warning is given to the wealthy who acquire riches through injustice and selfishness. Their fortunes will diminish, and the cries of those they have wronged have reached the ears of the Lord. Believers are called to be patient in suffering, waiting for the Lord with the same diligence as a farmer awaiting rain. They are reminded of Job's endurance and the Lord's compassion. Integrity matters. Thus, complaining against one another is discouraged, and individuals are encouraged to let their yes be yes and their no be no. Prayer is emphasized as a powerful tool in every situation, whether in suffering, joy, or sickness. Those who stray from the truth should be gently guided back, for turning a sinner from error saves a soul and brings great spiritual restoration.

Christians must remain patient during difficult times, trusting that God sees how others mistreat us and that He will act on our behalf. It is easy to complain or lose heart, but we are called to endure with faith. Like Job, we can hold on even when we do not comprehend everything. We are also encouraged to pray in every season. God invites us to communicate with Him throughout every stage and circumstance of our lives. Our prayers are significant. Furthermore, we have a duty to one another. When someone begins to drift from the truth, we are called to respond with love and care. God uses our words and actions to help others return and to bring healing and hope.

Loving Father, You see every burden we carry and every moment we wait. Grant us patience when life feels long and heavy. Help us to trust that You are working, even when we cannot see it. Teach us to pray with honesty and faith, knowing that You hear us and care for every need. Show us how to care for those who are hurting and reach out to those who are wandering. May our words bring healing and our actions reflect Your compassion. Let our lives be full of faith, endurance, and love as we walk closely with You each day.

Thought Questions:

Life is often unfair, and sometimes the powerful oppress the weak. How do you stay patient and controlled when others treat you poorly?

How vital is communal prayer to you? Have you had elders pray over you? Why should you ask faithful people to pray with you and for you?

What is your responsibility if a fellow believer is caught in sin? How do you determine the best way to approach and help them repent and turn to God?

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

Check out Jed Yancey's "The 44" Podcast. Here is the Apple Link:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-44/id1633292693

Check out InLight Media!  It's just so great! Consider supporting. Two links.

https://inlightmedia.org/

InLight - Giving Opportunity

Letting Down Your Nets:

1) Setting the Scene - Jesus in Everyday Life

2) The Command - "Lay Down Your Nets"

3) The Reluctant Response - "But because You say so..."

4) The Result - Abundance!

5) The Reaction - "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man."

6) The Redirection - "From now on you will be fishers of men."

7) The Response - "They left everything and followed Him."

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]

James 4

Conflicts and quarrels often arise from inner desires that are not submitted to God. People want things but do not ask God or ask with selfish motives. None of this pleases the Father. Friendship with the world also opposes God because it leads the heart away from Him. Yet, God continues to offer His grace. He calls people to humility, urging them to submit to Him, resist the devil, and draw near. Cleansed hands and purified hearts are part of true repentance. Speaking evil against others and judging them is discouraged, for only God is the true lawgiver and judge. People are reminded not to boast about tomorrow since life is uncertain. Instead, they should seek God’s will and do what is right, knowing that obedience brings honor to Him.

We often find ourselves in conflict because we pursue our own desires instead of seeking God. We desire things for selfish reasons and forget to ask with humble hearts. When we choose worldly values over God’s ways, we create a distance between ourselves and Him. Yet, He offers grace for those who see their need for Him.  But we must take seriously our sin and approach him with absolute humility. We are instructed to purify our hearts and turn from pride. We must not speak against others or judge them harshly. Our lives are short, and we do not control tomorrow. Rather than boasting, we should seek God’s will and act on what we know is right, honoring Him in everything.

Holy God, You see our hearts and know our desires. Help us lay down selfish ambition and seek Your will above our own. Teach us to be humble, to draw near to You, and to trust that You will lift us up at the right time. Cleanse our hearts of pride and guide our steps away from envy and strife. Remind us that life is short and each day is a gift from You. May we speak with grace, live with purpose, and live within your divine will. Let our plans be shaped by Your wisdom and directed by Your hand.

Thought Questions:

How are lust, envy, and poor motives most often tied to self-centeredness? What helps you think selflessly and focus on God and holy things?

What will God do if you submit to Him, draw near to Him, and be humble before Him? How would you advise someone to start doing this?

“Do not speak against one another, brethren.” Is God serious about that? How should we treat each other if life is short and days are uncertain?