Excel Still More

Kris Emerson
Excel Still More

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!

  1. Romans 16 - Daily Bible Devotional

    1H AGO

    Romans 16 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 16   Paul’s letter to the Romans concludes with personal greetings, final instructions, and praise to God. He commends Phoebe, a servant of the church, encouraging the believers to support her. He greets numerous individuals by name, recognizing their contributions to the faith and partnership in the gospel. This list highlights the diversity of the early church, including men, women, Jews, and Gentiles, all united in Christ. Paul warns against those who cause division, urging believers to turn from them, careful to remain wise concerning what is good and innocent regarding evil. He expresses confidence in God’s ability to strengthen them as they engage in the “obedience of faith.” The letter concludes by praising God for His eternal plan revealed in the gospel, which brings salvation to all nations through Jesus Christ.    The individuals mentioned in this chapter exhibit qualities we should aim to emulate. They actively participate in God’s kingdom as servants, risk-takers, and diligent workers who serve God’s people and promote His mission. Christianity is not passive or self-centered; it encourages us to engage, serve, and work together to fulfill God’s will. Many of these individuals are described as being “in Christ” or “in the Lord,” emphasizing that their strength and effectiveness come from their relationship with Jesus. Living in connection with Him allows us to thrive with purpose and support others sacrificially. This relationship unites us in love, averting a divisive spirit rooted in deception and enabling us to live out the “obedience of faith” covered by God’s grace.   Holy Lord, we thank You for Your presence and for including us in Your work. Use us to fulfill Your will and help us see our time on earth as an opportunity to serve alongside fellow believers. Give us challenging tasks that bring glory to Your name and help us be reliable in the eyes of others. Draw us closer to Jesus so that we may find strength in His grace. Remove any pride or division from us and forgive sins of discord. You alone possess all grace and power. We trust You fully and commit to walking in obedience.   Thought Questions:   -       Phoebe is praised for her work, and Paul asks others to help her. Who is someone you can support in their work for God, and how can you help?   -       Sadly, self-willed dividers appeared in the church. Why does this still happen today? And how do you make sure you do not become like them?   -       Which comes first, obedience or faith? However you answer, why is your obedience only as valuable as your trust in the awesomeness of God?

    5 min
  2. Romans 15 - Daily Bible Devotional

    1D AGO

    Romans 15 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 15   Harmony among God’s people requires selflessness and patience, especially when dealing with those who may be weaker in faith. Believers are called to follow Christ’s example, who bore the world’s reproach for the sake of the weak. This mindset reflects God’s call for Christians to extend fellowship, love, and acceptance to one another, just as Christ has welcomed them despite their flaws. God’s desire is to fill His people with joy, peace, and hope together through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul begins to conclude his letter by discussing his mission to preach to the Gentiles and his plan to visit Rome after delivering contributions to the poor saints in Jerusalem. He urges believers to unite in prayer for his ministry and for success in spreading the gospel.   Christianity is a unique journey. In a world where people often pursue their own desires and show little patience for differing views, God’s people find opportunities for unity even among conflicting convictions. We take these moments to practice patience and make concessions when possible, assisting fellow believers in growing their faith. We are humbled by the awareness of Christ’s sacrifices made for our benefit. Together, we turn to Christ and His gospel to stand firm on the absolute truths that bind us. Our boasting is in God and His love, not in our own knowledge or perfect understanding. This nurtures joy and peace in our fellowship and inspires us to be mindful of each other’s physical and spiritual needs.    Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which provides us with hope, encouragement, and guidance. Help us to follow Christ’s example of selflessness by bearing with others in love and putting their needs above our own. Teach us to live in harmony with fellow believers, glorifying You with one voice. Fill us with joy and peace as we trust in You, so that we may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Strengthen us to support Your work of spreading the gospel through our prayers and acts of mercy as we share the goodness of Jesus with others.     Thought Questions:   -       What does it mean to “bear the weaknesses of those without strength”? How have you done that with regard to issues among fellow Christians?   -       Verse 14 says that Christians can “admonish one another.” What does that mean and how do you do that while also bearing with a brother?   -       Gentile Christians sent funds to help poor Jewish saints in Jerusalem. How should Christians today be active in helping needy brethren far away?

    5 min
  3. Romans 14 - Daily Bible Devotional

    2D AGO

    Romans 14 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 14   All Christians share a faith in Jesus and a commitment to obey His commands. However, believers hold differing convictions on various issues. In Corinth, some feel free to eat any foods, while others feel compelled not to. Some believe that certain days are sacred, while others do not. Paul urges the brethren not to judge or despise one another over such matters, reminding them that each person is ultimately accountable to God. They are encouraged to act in ways that promote peace and avoid causing others to stumble in their faith. Regarding their differences, Paul reminds them that the kingdom is about their common righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Consciences may differ on certain issues, but God’s people are patient and encourage one another as they grow.    God’s people prioritize love, unity, and peace within the body of Christ, even when we differ in personal convictions. There are areas where God has not clearly spoken, in which individuals hold strong beliefs, often shaped by their backgrounds. In times of disagreement, we must be careful not to judge others, recognizing that we all answer to the Lord for our convictions and how we treat one another. A major priority in our lives is to encourage fellow Christians and to avoid being a stumbling block to their faith. It is not our place to impose demands on others that violate their conscience. Fulfilling this responsibility may require personal sacrifice or concessions on our part for the benefit of others.   Merciful God, thank You for reminding us of the need for love and grace among our fellow believers. Help us avoid judging or despising those with different convictions, and grant us the patience to hear them, read scripture together, and continue learning. Create opportunities for us to cultivate peace where turmoil has previously reigned as we speak with grace, knowing our conduct will be judged by You. Strengthen our understanding of the difference between personal convictions and unalterable law. When we are unsure, grant us the wisdom to honor our conscience while also being mindful of the conscience of others.    Thought Questions:   -       Does every Christian hold the same convictions as you in all areas of faith? How is unity possible with such differences existing?   -       Can your judgment of, or negative regard for, a fellow believer be considered a sin before God? How do you guard against such a serious sin?   -       What are practical things you have been doing to “pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another”?

    5 min
  4. Romans 13 - Daily Bible Devotional

    5D AGO

    Romans 13 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 13   Identifying marks of a Christian include a proper attitude toward civil authorities, a passionate love for fellow believers, and a disciplined readiness for Christ’s return. Regarding authority, God’s people recognize that He establishes all governments, and submission to them is obedience to Him, so long as sin is not involved. Paying taxes and honoring leaders are hallmarks of a faithful life. Moreover, great honor and care are shown to fellow believers. Love does no harm to a neighbor, particularly those of the faith. This shared faith is connected to trust in Christ’s return. Therefore, God’s people live with urgency and awareness, setting aside deeds of darkness and donning the armor of light. In every aspect, they are diligent to serve Jesus and make no provision for the sins of the flesh.   Christianity is profoundly counter-cultural. Many worldly individuals resist the constraints of authority in favor of self-will. However, the children of God submit fully to the Father, even when it means obeying local governments, as we trust in God’s power to accomplish good through them. Our attitude toward the government reflects our faith. We show honor wherever God instructs, including to fellow Christians. Guided by God’s love, we embrace our brethren in all circumstances and extend Christ-like affection to everyone. We also resist worldly influences and honor God by managing our desires, attitudes, and impulses, being careful to deny the flesh daily. Each day brings believers one step closer to seeing Jesus, and this expectation affects every aspect of our lives.   Sovereign Father, thank You for establishing order through governing authorities and for the freedoms we enjoy in our country. Help us to cultivate holiness in our outlook and to submit to leadership with humility, integrity, and complete trust in You. Fill our hearts with hope and gratitude, and teach us to manifest those qualities in how we love one another. We pray for wisdom to live out Christ’s law of love, making moral, sober choices so that we are always prepared to meet our King. Forgive our sins of the flesh as we eliminate provisions for sin and choose holiness.   Thought Questions:   -       What is the right attitude toward governing authorities? What do we teach people about faith when we pay taxes and honor officials?     -       “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” Is there ever a good reason to mistreat someone? How important is our treatment of others to the Lord?    -       What does it mean to “make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust”? How do you apply this passage to things like “strife and jealousy”?

    5 min
  5. Romans 12 - Daily Bible Devotional

    6D AGO

    Romans 12 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 12   The mercies of the Lord fuel the spirit of believers. In God’s honor, Christians offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as a daily and ongoing act of worship. They refuse to conform to the patterns of this world but renew their minds, determined to show that the will of God is “good and acceptable and perfect.” This is not a lonely or selfish effort, as disciples recognize their role in the body of Christ. Each child of God has a function to fulfill in the fellowship of believers, exercising their gifts for the benefit of the group. Devotion to actions of love, encouragement, and hospitality shape their lives. Christians seek peace with all people and strive to overcome evil with good in every situation.    As members of the body of Christ, each of us submits our entire life, both spirit and body, to the Lord. This means finding ways to fulfill God’s will every day. The world encourages pride and self-centeredness, but God challenges us to be different and humbly committed to uplifting the body of believers. We must discover our gifts and use them, whether in service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, or mercy. God also calls for devotion, sacrificial contributions, and hospitality. We rejoice with the joyful and comfort the afflicted. The ungodly actions of others must not distract us from our work of peacemaking or from acts of kindness, as we overcome evil by doing God’s good will in this world.    Merciful God, thank You for redeeming us from condemnation and setting us apart as Your people. Help us understand the responsibility we bear as consecrated members of Your Son’s body. We will humbly acknowledge our gifts and use them for the betterment of Your people. We will reject evil and do what is good. Forgive us for our moments of selfishness and strengthen us to be devoted to one another, supporting each other through the ups and downs of this life. Teach us to remain peaceable in all situations, demonstrating that Your way is best in everything we do.   Thought Questions:   -       What does it mean to present your body as a living and holy sacrifice? How is this “your spiritual service of worship” to God?    -       What are the gifts or talents God has given you to be employed in helping fellow believers? In what way are you currently using them?   -       “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.” How do you respond when someone hurts you? Why should you seek peace and be kind whenever possible?

    5 min
  6. Romans 11 - Daily Bible Devotional

    JUL 2

    Romans 11 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 11   Has God rejected Israel? Absolutely not. Paul himself, a Jew redeemed in Christ, stands as proof of God’s faithfulness. A remnant chosen by grace remains, just as in Elijah’s time. Israel’s rejection of the gospel has paved the way for Gentiles to receive salvation, but this is part of God’s greater plan to ultimately restore Israel. Paul suggests that Israel may become jealous of God’s favor towards the Gentiles and turn back to Him. Meanwhile, Gentiles are warned against pride, being reminded that they are grafted into the tree of God’s people and must remain humble and faithful. If God did not spare the Israelites who turned away, He will also not spare Gentiles who stray. Yet His grace is accessible to all, and His wisdom and sovereignty deserve all glory.   Although many of God’s people turned away, it did not mean the entire nation was lost. In His grace, God knew there were faithful hearts among them and reached out with the gospel to redeem them. Even today, in a world where faith often falters, God sees the soft-hearted and pursues them with His saving message. This calls us to remain hopeful and steadfast, sharing the name of Jesus with others without discouragement. However, there is also a warning for those who have been saved: if we despise His kindness, we will be cut off, as Israel was in the past. God’s mercy and power demand our reverence, obedience, and unending praise as we glorify Him now and forever.   Benevolent God, thank You for Your faithfulness and mercy, even when we fall short. You have not abandoned Your people but continue to work Your perfect plan of redemption into our hearts. Help us to remain humble, recognizing that salvation is a gift of grace, not of works. Strengthen us to share the gospel with others, trusting that You are still lovingly pursuing the lost. Guard our hearts against pride and complacency, and help us honor Your kindness through faithful obedience. We praise You for Your wisdom, power, and mercy, and we glorify You as the Creator and Lord of all.    Thought Questions:   -       God saved a remnant among Israel by His grace. How does that give you hope that God will seek and find the tenderhearted on earth today?   -       God warns the Gentiles of becoming arrogant and being cut off. Is it possible for you to fall into this arrogance? How do you prevent it?   -       “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” What does this verse mean to you, and how does it shape your daily living?

    5 min
  7. Romans 10 - Daily Bible Devotional

    JUL 1

    Romans 10 - Daily Bible Devotional

    Send us a text 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 Romans 10   Many Jewish people possess zeal for God but lack knowledge. Unaware of His righteousness, they attempt to establish their own. Justification through law will always fail to render one righteous, “for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for everyone who believes.” This righteousness is found in the word of faith that has been proclaimed: that those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead will be saved. God requires a believing heart and open lips to profess the name of Jesus. Regardless of their background, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This salvation necessitates hearing the gospel of Christ and responding in faith. Unfortunately, prophecy foretold that many in Israel would not listen to the truth.   Christians should desire and pray for everyone's salvation. If we know individuals who are zealous for God but lack understanding of the gospel, we should be prepared to share the truth of Jesus with them. Salvation comes through faith and requires hearts that believe and mouths that confess. Be attentive to the opportunities God provides to confess Jesus by helping someone in your life grasp the truth about Him. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. However, the gospel reveals that such a call requires belief, confession of Jesus, repentance from sins, and submission to Christ through baptism. Many are not yet ready to obey, but we must continue to share God’s gracious plan.   Righteous Lord, thank You for making salvation accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise that everyone who calls on His name will be saved. Strengthen us to boldly confess Jesus as Lord and fully trust in His resurrection. Give us hearts for those who have not yet responded to the gospel and a passion to share Your word with them. Help us be faithful messengers, knowing that the faith within us and others comes from “the word of Christ.” Purge from within us any disobedience or obstinance that may prevent us from experiencing salvation in Your Son.   Thought Questions:   -       What does “confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead” mean in your life?   -       If “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ,” how does that direct how you grow closer to Christ and share Him with others?   -       “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Does this include elements like repentance and baptism? How do you know?

    5 min
4.9
out of 5
776 Ratings

About

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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