Excel Still More

Latest Episodes:

Mark 5 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

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: emersonk78@me.com
Mark 5

Three miracles of Jesus are documented in this chapter. Each is given significant detail. The first is Jesus casting demons out of a man and into a herd of swine. The man is in torment and the demons are many, but they are subject to the authority of Christ. They even ask permission from Jesus to be cast into the pigs. The second miracle is with a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years. Amid a massive crowd, she pushes through and touches His coat and is immediately healed. Jesus praises her faith. The final miracle is raising a synagogue official’s daughter from the dead! Jesus tells the man, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” Peter, James, and John are allowed to witness this incredible miracle!

Each of these stories tells us something about Jesus’ authority. Casting out the demons shows that Jesus controls all the spiritual realms. The demons knew He was “the Son of the Most High God,” and they were powerless against Him. The woman’s healing demonstrates Jesus’ power over the human body, as He heals her in an instant. The raising of Jairus’s daughter proves Jesus can bring life after death. All of this is designed to increase our faith. He controls the demons and casts them away from us. He can heal and protect and help us and our bodies. And not even death can separate us from the power of Jesus, who commands our souls to come and go wherever He chooses.

Great God of glory, we believe in the authority and power of Your Son Jesus Christ. We believe He controls the spiritual world beyond our sight. We know He has power over our bodies and lives. And we live with the assurance that He has the keys to death and hades and will give us life again after physical death. He has proven His ability in the miracles of His ministry and His resurrection from the dead. Please empower us to remember and share these eternal truths. Help us to surrender our lives to His authority.

Thought Questions:

- The man with the demon needed Jesus. You may be overcome by struggles you cannot bear alone. How should you approach Jesus about those?

- The woman was desperate when she reached for Jesus’ cloak. Have you ever felt like that? And what does it look like to reach out for Him?

- The people laughed when Jesus said He would raise the girl. Do you believe Jesus will raise you? How does that affect your daily life?

Mark 4 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

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

Jesus addresses His followers. He shares the parable of the sower and the seed. The seed is spread in all directions. It falls on four surfaces: the road, rocky ground, among the thorns, and into the good soil. The seed fails to grow in the first three soils but prospers in the good soil. Jesus later explains the soils represent different hearts. Only one of the four would befit the kingdom. Jesus adds two more parables that teach that growth is possible in swift and powerful ways: the overnight sprout and the large mustard plant. An event at sea tests the personal spiritual growth of the disciples. A great storm comes up and their faith falters. Jesus expects them to grow in faith and eliminate the fear that holds them back.

Jesus uses parables to challenge the hearer. If we have a heart for Him, these stories transform our lives. If we are not seeking truth, they have little impact. The parable of the sower reinforced Jesus’ teaching: “Many will be called, but few will be chosen.” Some will not listen. Some will hear and then be overcome with fear. Some will hear but let worry and greed rule their lives. The seed, the word of God, is perfect and powerful and can completely transform us. But we must open our hearts, put aside all else, and receive His word deep within us. Even then, faith will be tested by the elements, by storms, and by trials. We must trust in Jesus.

Dear Father, Your grace and love for mankind are abundantly clear in the coming of Jesus. Thank You for sharing the life-giving word with all the world. It is sad to think how many reject Your word or let fear and temptation rob it from their hearts. Please soften hearts in this world and use us to share the life-changing gospel. And Father, please help the truth to sink more deeply into us as well. May we bear fruit for you, face our fears, and stand strong with trust in Jesus during the trials and temptations of life.

Thought Questions:

- What will you do today because you are striving to be the good soil? How do you keep from becoming like the rocky or thorny soil?

- Do you believe change can happen in your heart and life? Do you believe that God can do big things through you if you let Him?

- Are you prepared for your faith to be tested? How will you trust in Jesus when things get scary, hard, or temptation rages around you?

Wisdom with Liberties (Pt. 2) Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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: emersonk78@me.com
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

FIVE QUESTIONS from the end of the episode:

"The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provisions for the flesh in regard to its lusts" Romans 13:12-14.

1) Will this promote or encourage drinking, unholy behavior, or compromising circumstances?

2) Will this open the door to, or make more accessible, sexual sin, fornication, or adultery?

3) Will this place immodestly, indecent movements, or questionable contact right in front of me?

4) Will this become an unnecessary situation where I may send a confusing message about living for Jesus?

5) Will this be something I feel safe about, but that I openly admit would be dangerous for others?

Mark 3 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Christ’s early ministry continues as the Pharisees resume their accusations. Jesus heals a lame man in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He points out the anger residing in the hearts of the Jewish leaders. They respond by conspiring against Him. Jesus withdraws to the sea and casts out many unclean spirits. Unlike the scribes, the demons proclaim, “You are the Son of God!” Before returning to Capernaum, Jesus chooses His twelve apostles. They return to the city where the scribes are waiting once again. They argue that Jesus casts out demons by the power of the devil! This is how deluded and hateful the unbelieving heart can get. He warns them that the Holy Spirit is the power behind the miracles and that blasphemy against Him would be eternal sin.

The Pharisees lacked mercy, even as Jesus demonstrated so much grace around them. A man had his hand restored in the synagogue. Many were healed of infirmities and had evil spirits driven away from them. How wonderful must that have been? The twelve were chosen and would soon have the power to proclaim Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. That must have been amazing. The scribes, however, rejected the Spirit and put their souls at eternal risk. The chapter ends with Jesus calling all who do the will of God His family. We can be helped and protected in His family. May we never harden our hearts and miss out on these blessings in Christ!

Great God of heaven, You are worthy of all praise and adoration. Your Son has all power and wisdom and glory, on earth and in heaven. Strengthen us to trust Him and love Him more each day. May we never limit what He can do or question His authority. Guide us to believe in His Holy Spirit and to never blaspheme against the Spirit, the Son, or You. Jesus chose His family of faith even over His blood family. Please hold us close within that family and give us that same love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thought Questions:

- The Jews had no compassion for people, lame or otherwise. Is there a risk that your beliefs could lead to a lack of love and attention for others?

- Do you have to understand everything about the Holy Spirit to trust in His power? How do you keep from blasphemy against the Spirit?

- What does it mean for you to be in the family of God? How should that inspire obedience to the Father and time with your brothers and sisters?

Mark 2 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

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

This chapter strings together events that seem unrelated, but they all have something in common: Jewish accusers. Jesus heals the paralytic who is lowered down to Him through a roof by his friends. The scribes quickly accuse Jesus of blasphemy for forgiving the lame man’s sins. Following this, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. A dinner is held at Matthew’s house and many sinners are invited to see Jesus. The Pharisees stand outside and accuse Jesus of ungodly behavior. After a brief conversation with John the Baptist’s disciples, Jesus and His disciples pass through a grainfield. The disciples eat from the field, and the Pharisees show up and accuse them of violating the Law. Jesus silences them with these words: “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Amid the Pharisees’ fault-finding mission is a series of beautiful moments with Jesus. The lame man had friends willing to work to get him to Jesus, resulting in Jesus rewarding their faith with forgiveness of sins. Matthew is called to Christ and organizes a dinner so that others may know Him. Jesus is willing and says, “I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” This is a time of celebration, as He points out to John’s followers. We live in a time like this, amplified by the resurrection of Jesus. He heals and forgives and seeks to save sinners. Surround yourself with friends who pull you nearer to Him. And be that friend for someone else.

Omnipotent Father, no one can stand against You or Your Son. The Pharisees failed every time to discredit Him, as unbelievers do today. Lord God, soften their hearts to know the Savior. We pray to hear Him through all the noise and understand that all help and healing are found when we are closer to Him. Help us be wise in choosing people in our lives who help us draw near to Jesus. And Father, create opportunities for us to bring others to Him. Use us bountifully during this time of feasting and joy in Jesus.

Thought Questions:

- The Pharisees asked, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” A great question. Do you understand that Jesus is God and can forgive your sins?

- If Jesus came to call sinners, even those cast aside by others, did Jesus come to call you? Who else do you know who needs to hear that?

- The Jews thought they controlled the Sabbath. But Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. Is Jesus also the Lord over your daily life and worship?

Mark 1 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four and packs lots of information in each chapter. For instance, this opening chapter begins with John the Baptist preaching and Jesus coming to him to be baptized. Immediately following this, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. The text moves to Jesus selecting His first four followers: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. The rest of the chapter documents miracles and Jesus’ works in Galilee: casting out a demon, healing Peter’s mother-in-law, moved by compassion to heal a leper, as well as references to other miraculous works. Mark is interested in getting to Jesus’ ministry quickly and spending a great deal of time there. The word “immediately” is used throughout, as the stories move at a rapid pace.

The key to applying fuller chapters is to find the theme or thread. In today’s reading, the words about Jesus tie the events together. John the Baptist said, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I…” The Father said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” Even the demon said, “I know who You are – the Holy One of God!” God, men, and even demons know who Jesus is. Do we? Following this testimony, more proofs are seen in His miracles. Jesus, filled with compassion, heals a leper who pleads for help. Though instructed to stay quiet, the leper demonstrates thankfulness by sharing the glory of Jesus with everyone. We should do the same!

Kind Father, who spoke for ages about the coming of Your Son, praise be to You for sending Him to be our Healer and Savior. He came to live in the flesh, subjected Himself to Your will, refused the devil’s temptations, and devoted His life to teaching and helping others. Help us to love Him as He deserves to be loved. May we see His miracles and know who He is and what He can do. Like the leper pleading for help, may Jesus see us and be moved with compassion to make us clean and new in Him.

Thought Questions:

- If John the Baptist, God from heaven, and even demons confessed the name of Jesus, should you be doing so openly and boldly?

- The disciples “immediately” left their nets to follow Jesus. That word connotes urgency. In what ways should your faith involve urgency?

- The leper, once healed, was told not to speak of Jesus, but he too proclaimed Him openly. What has Jesus done for you that must be shared?

Matthew 28 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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

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?

Matthew 27 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

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

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?

Wisdom with Liberties (Pt. 1) Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

Matthew 26 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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?

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected