The world is a mess. Everyone knows it. People are getting hurt. Power struggles prevail. But where is the strength? Where is the strong man who can do what is needed? We often associate strength with power, wealth, influence, and ability. But the truth is, there are far too many weak people, in leadership roles, who just so happen to possess all of those things. They are extremely dangerous. 

But I want to talk about you and me. What does it mean for us to grow in strength? How can we move away from weakness? I don't need to change what I have, or even what I know. I need to grow in who I am and why I am here. I need to become more like Jesus. Today's episode explores definitions for weak and strong, false assumptions as to how strength is proven, and ultimately turns us to Jesus and the Spirit to be made mighty, in their image.

- How does the world typically define strength?

- How does that differ from Jesus and the might that He had and has?

- Do things like money, influence and knowledge make me stronger than others?

- What is the power of character, inner strength, in changing the world around you?

- How can the Spirit lead you to become a strong person, and a great influence to others?

Strength is Christ

The Excel Still More podcast is designed to help Christians excel in their faith, their relationships, and really every part of their lives. If you are interested in growth in your faith, this is the show for you. If you want to see yourself reach greater heights, achieve powerful spiritual goals, and be a better servant of Christ, we are here to help. Each episode introduces a proven principle for achieving more. Then we show how the Word of God amplifies the idea. Finally, each episode will leave you with at least one practical project so you can put these tools into action today!Thanks for joining! Live your best life in Christ, and in whatever you do: Excel Still More!

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Self-Improvement

Have you ever seen one of those guys carrying a cross down the shoulder of the highway? Or standing holding one at a red light? If so, I have questions for you - lots of them? Primarily, what do you think about that?  Would you ever do that? Are you doing things like that in connection with the direct instructions of Jesus?

My attitude has changed a lot about people who do things like that. I carried a lot of negativity for a long time. Looking inwardly about that was quite revealing. But now, my attitude is different. But more importantly, what does living a public faith look like in the name of Jesus? Certainly it doesn't require cross carrying. Or does it?

- Have you ever carried a physical cross?

- If someone did that to draw attention to Christ, would you support it?

- If we wouldn't do it, what are our reasons? Who does that say more about?

- Are you willing to pick up your cross and follow Jesus today? (Matt. 16:24)

- If you believe in the cross of Christ... "what are you going to do about it?"


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

Holding the Cross

Okay, the photo for the episode was found after the episode was recorded. It just made me smile so I added it. We can often be a little more like Pinocchio than we should. But worst of all is when the person we are lying to is ourselves. This can be the hardest habit to break. 

This episode looks at 5 Passages and a Story from the New Testament about how to identify Self-Deception and how to overcome it. I will provide those below for your own personal study and followup:

I Corinthians 3:18-19 - Overestimation of my own Wisdom - Always Be Learning!

Galatians 6:3 - Over Confident in Spiritual Position - Always Be Humble!

James 1:22 - Being a Hearer Only - Do What's Right!

James 1:26 - Not Bridling the Tongue - Monitor Your Words!

I John 1:8 - Say We Have No Sin - Admit Your Mistakes!

Guess who faltered in most of these areas in a short period of time? PETER. He was a good man and went on to be a penitent man, a man of faith, and mighty for the Lord. But in a single day he let all these elements of Self Deception lead him to sin. Later Christ found him, redeemed him, and put him to work. He can do the same for us. But we also must learn to be humble, careful students. 

Avoiding Self Deception

What is the most important key to a healthy relationship? Specifically, between a man and a woman who profess that they love one another? You might say, "faith." Which is hard to argue with. I address that early in the episode. But even faith, if it cannot be shared well, honestly, and fully, will always be lacking. That's the thing about communication. Getting good at that makes anything and everything possible. And yet, if two people cannot talk, hear, share, or understand, what good is a common belief, even if it is belief in Christ and His will. 

As noted in the episode, being a Christian is the single best thing you can do for your life and the best contribution you can make to a healthy marriage. That means you possess the right kind of thinking and desires and humility and all kinds of good things. But what if you don't know how to give them to another? What if you don't know how to receive them from another? Communication. Is. Key.

- What is communication and how do verbal and non verbal elements affect it?

- Can I say the right words the wrong way?

- How does my face, eyes, and body factor into communication?

- How does communication change in your marriage when someone is wrong?

- Why is the best test of communication seen in times of testing and disagreement?


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

Communication is Key

Hey, "IT'S ME SEASON." Okay, actually it is not. But I did see that printed on a sweat shirt recently. What are your thoughts on that? It really struck me as an honest, but also very sad proclamation. Our culture is shifting so quickly and fully to individualistic thinking. It doesn't make me angry to see and hear this. It just makes me sad.

God has such a deeper and richer plan for your life. There is an incredibly amount of value, purpose, and JOY in seeing your identity as a product of Christ, and for Christ, and to be involved with others, to contribute to the benefit of WE over ME.

I also offer a little clarity from the "GO BE YOU" episode a few weeks back. Most didn't need it, but I'll seek to connect it to today's idea. God's plan is so good. And it's not spelled YOJ. Reverse and enjoy!

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

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

Sponsor Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

"It's Me Season"

I chose the image:  Paradoxes: Hard and Good - Not because it is true, but because of how often we see it as true. There can be this construct that opposes hard and seeks good, and even measures good, in terms of ease. It is very difficult to search my life history and see much correlation between Easy and Good. It is practically impossible to find that in Scripture. God is working for God in people's lives all throughout time. And I mean really, really good things. But in practically all of them, it was hard. People had to make tough choices and live through difficulties to get to good. Are you up for that?

Personally, I am Hard Averse. I'm always looking for the easy way and praying for a peaceful, chill, stress free life. But 1) that is not always possible. And 2) it is not always good for me. This year I'm learning that Hard is Hard. Okay, I knew that. But also that Hard is Good. There are great and needful results that demand a struggle to accomplish. I invite you to think about that in your own life today. 

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

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

Sponsor Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Strength is Christ

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