Excel Still More

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Answer The Door Dec 28, 2020

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How many of us were raised in churches where nearly zero priority was given to the poor? I understand the importance of using the treasury for authorized things, but what about Christians using their own money and time to help the poor in the community? I confess, I was not raised with much of that, nor was it present in the early years of my preaching.
We. Can. Do. Better. In fact, as you'll hear more in next week's episode "The Math Problem," we must. And just as importantly, God is putting people in our lives, strangers, who need our help. It becomes easy to write them off as insignificant or deceptive, but so many times they most certainly are not.
I want to tell you a story today. I want you to hear about Lorenzo and Heather. May it have the kind of affect on you, and your local church, that it has had on me and my friends in Christ.
- Is it important for Christians to help the poor in the world?
- Should preachers "Answer The Door" when people come by looking for help?
- How can an altered "church culture" be the be the key to better things?
- Does it sometimes take money and time investments to open the door to the Gospel?
- Are you ready to renovate your saving and giving to be more hospitable in 2021?

Fill My Cup Dec 21, 2020

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Have you emptied yourself of self-will? Have you asked the big questions in times of conflict or trouble: Who is this about? Is the really about me? If so, I pray you have seen how quickly and beautifully God's Spirit fills the void you create when you remove yourself!
We can now go back to this remarkable text and look at 7 beautiful things God will fill us with if we remove self-focused things like lust, controversies, and fighting. See if you can find the seven things that come after the word "Righteousness."
II Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
- What happens when I remove the self-life from my vessel?
- Is it miraculous how quickly God can fill you with His Spirit?
- What habits do I use daily to keep the will of God flowing into me?
- What are the 7 great things of God in II Timothy 2?
- What should I be praying to help this process?

Emptying The Cup Dec 14, 2020

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O Fill My Cup, and let it overflow. Let it overflow with Love!
Next week, we will talk about how God will fill our vessel with His power. But first, we need to make sure the inside of the cup is clean. If I have my own self-will is in the center of my heart, and God has to fit around that, He cannot fill me as I ought to be.
Like the snowman in the coffee mug, it shows up where there should be more coffee. In the same way, I show up, my carnal desires, when it should just be more of God! So let's prepare ourselves for God. Let's talk about things that need to be removed to give Him rule in us.
- How are we vessels for God?
- Can we be filled with God and His Spirit?
- Why is it important we empty ourselves out first?
- What are three particular things that must be removed?
- What can God do with you if you empty yourself for Him?

Surrender and Fight Dec 07, 2020

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This episode is for anyone who knows the right thing to do, but is struggling to do it. You know, with full conviction, what the Bible says, but emotions run high, temptation comes on strong, and you falter. If you have become frustrated with this demeaning and disheartening cycle, this episode is for you. You can win. With Christ you can win. But two things are required. And I mean REQUIRED. One of them will help, but not for long without them both. Come and hear the power of combining Surrender and Fight.
- Why do we sometimes behave like Peter: convicted by not consistent?
- What is Surrender and how do we accomplish it in our prayer lives?
- Will God fight for us? If I ask Him to fill my heart, will He direct my steps?
- How do I fight more valiantly when emotions are trying to burst out of me?
- How important is the combination of surrendering to God and fighting in the moment?

The Social Dilemma Nov 30, 2020

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The Social Dilemma is a documentary on Netflix that explains the monetization of social media and the internet. If the product is free for you to use, then you are the product. Billions of dollars is paid by advertisers to social media sites, and the product they deliver to them... is you. Your time, your eyes, your mind, your life.
There is a great warning, a massive dilemma, associated with the internet. On the one hand, there are a great many positives. But on the other side of the screen is a computer whose job is to addict and capture you, to sell you to the highest bidder.
Sadly, many of us have become powerless to resist. Perhaps, as discussed in the episode, artificial intelligence is now able to "Overwhelm Human Weakness." Maybe the phone is so strong that I can't resist it. No matter how much I want to control my moral weaknesses, technology is too strong to resist.
You might say, "But won't God help me overcome?" Great question. Tune in today to hear more about how that works, and what we can do to find much more success in our walk.
- What is The Social Dilemma?"
- Why is social media free? How is money made?
- How will an understanding of the purpose of social media open my eyes to the dangers?
- What would God have us do in order to keep technology from controlling our lives?
- What are the benefits you and I will enjoy if we get a better control on digital habits?

What Is Truth? Nov 23, 2020

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What a fantastic question! "What is Truth?" You will find that a lot of people don't ask it anymore. They think they know the truth already, like the Pharisees. There are others like Pilate, who ask the question, but don't put in the work to answer it. They end up with a lot of uncertainly. And then there are those like Peter who do ask and answer but aren't strong enough to apply it when the time is right. We can learn from all of these people. And we must learn from Jesus in John 18. How we ask, answer and apply will shape or reshape our lives!
- Why did the Pharisees not listen to Jesus?
- Why did Pilate not sit down and learn from Jesus?
- What kept Peter from standing up to the crowds before the rooster crowed?
- How is TRUTH and our ATTITUDE towards it the answer to all these questions?
- How many things in your life would change if you approached Truth the right way?

Alright Alright Alright Nov 16, 2020

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Matthew McConaughey is a big celebrity around these parts. He graduated about an hour from here and lives in Austin. He is known for three words: "Alright, Alright, Alright." He is also known for a demeanor and attitude that is laid back and positive.
However, in his new book "Greenlights," he reveals that there are some things that are non negotiable in his family. There are three things that are not alright. He was raised not to say three things, and he now is raising his three kids the same way. While McConaughey may not be a man of the Word, these three decisions align very well with the Word of God!
- How important are words in your life of faith?
- If we use extreme language in our home, how will that affect our kids?
- What power does "I love you" have over "I hate you"?
- What power does "I can" over "I can't"?
- What power does the truth have over lies?

Five Thousand Times Nov 09, 2020

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Tony Robbins once spoke of success in these terms: success is not doing 5,000 things, it is doing the few right things 5,000 times. He is speaking of the power of daily habits over time. It reminds us that every decision you make is an investment in your future, IF you repeat those good decisions day after day. There are no shortcuts to success. But it doesn't have to be momentous, expensive, grand gestures. In fact, those represent doing a thing. We can do better. We want to become someone better. This is found in a few daily choices, repeated five thousand times.
To help with this, here are the "5 R's" we discussed in the podcast, listed here in question form:
- Recognition - Have you identified who you want to become and what can get you there?
- Resolve - Are you emotionally invested in putting aside excuses and getting this change moving?
- Routine - What is a daily or weekly layout of actions that can incrementally move you to the person you want to become
- Repetition - Are you ready to see the power of compound interest? Don't let days pass without doing these simple things, making them habit.
- Repentance - You will suffer setbacks, we all do. Are you ready to apologize to yourself, to God, to others, and then get up the next morning and get back to it?

A Rising Tide Nov 02, 2020

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The Excel Still More podcast is heavily invested in self improvement. We want these episodes to help you be disciplined, make great decisions, and reap incredible benefit. But let's be clear, none of this works if I am only concerned with myself and my growth. A much more rewarding goal is to help others around you grow. What if you could make changes that are designed to create an environment for change? As a result, not only do you grow, but you make it possible from every member of you family to grow with you?
- How does the rising tide life all boats?
- Should you focus more on that tide or on your own boat?
- What happens when people invest in environments that are better for all?
- Why is focus on just myself a big miss when it comes to Christianity?
- How can you make change possible for your family, your church, your friends, along with yourself?

Meet The Person Oct 26, 2020

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The blame game only leads to loses. Everyone wishes some things in their life was different. Maybe for you it is many things. And while it might be easy to blame others for the circumstances, and express how change can't happen because of things outside yourself... it won't help. In fact, that attitude will only hold you back.
Today I want you to meet the person responsible for your life. This person is powerful, especially when they are walking by faith in Christ and doing things that please God. This person is why you are where you are, and this person can march you to another place, a better place, if you seek it.
- Who is to blame for the successes and failures in my life?
- Why is it so easy to cast blame onto others for our situation?
- What good does that do?
- How can we become more lucky? Blessed? Get the better bounces in life?
- Is it "Graduation Day" for you? Is this the day you acknowledge what most will not?

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