Cultivate with Kelly Minter AccessMore

We’re back in the book of Ezra, walking with the exiles who answered the call to return to Jerusalem. For most of them, staying would have been easier. Just like the Jews in the Old Testament it’s easy to stay in our comfort zones, forgetting the privilege of sacrificing for God's call on our lives. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the high call of studying and obeying God’s word, living a life worthy of our call, and giving our all for Christ. And we’ll remember that nothing can be accomplished without the grace of God in our lives. 
Episode Points
You can only obey what you know, and you can only teach what you’ve obeyed. 
God’s call on your life will require sacrifice. But it’s worth it! 
Since we’re called to handle holy things, we must live holy lives.
Your calling can only be accomplished by God’s grace. 
Scripture References
Ezra 7:1-6, 10 
Ezra 7:13, 27-28 
Ezra 8:15 
Ezra 8:28-29 
Ezra 9:8-9

It’s all too easy to hang on to the old when God is doing a new thing. In today’s episode, we’re looking at the exiles’ return to Jerusalem to rebuild God’s temple. Some had hoped God would help them rebuild what they had before. What the people didn’t understand is that God was doing a new thing.
Like the exiles, sometimes we look around at what’s broken-down or overgrown in our lives, and we can’t imagine that God wants (and is able) to do something new. Today’s episode will encourage you to embrace “the day of small things,” to get going with what God wants you to do even if things aren’t “just right,” and to remember that just because we face opposition, it doesn’t mean God’s call on our lives has ceased.

Today we’re talking about the power—and challenge—of forgiveness, and why it’s so essential. Unforgiveness causes division in our relationships, is a strategy of the enemy, and disrupts our intimacy with Christ. On the positive side, Jesus empowers us to forgive, desires that we’re free from bitterness and anger, and loves reconciliation. Also, He is able to bring about justice.
If forgiveness is essential, why is it so hard? In this episode, we’ll examine three reasons that make it challenging, as well as several benefits. Ultimately we’ll discover that forgiving others isn’t only a gift to the person who hurt us, but it’s one of God’s gifts to us.

Today we’re looking at the liberating healing of Jesus, and how that healing can sometimes be disruptive. Be encouraged, if the healing Jesus is bringing you is uncomfortable or even painful, you’re on the right path. If we’re honest, we often want His healing, but we want it on our terms. In this episode, we’ll confront the ways our unhealthy habits keep us from the good work He wants to do in our lives.
Are we willing to abandon our own plans and comforts so that He can fully lead and have authority in our lives? Will we offer up all areas of our lives so that we can most experience His abundant life? We’re going to challenge ourselves to answer these difficult questions and find true freedom in giving it all over to Jesus, the One who is worth our all. I hope this episode will encourage you to surrender more fully to Him.

Today we’re looking at the significance of the cross and what it means for us. What specifically did the cross accomplish? Why was it necessary? And what hope does it offer for the present? We’re going to dive in deep (get ready for some big words!) as we talk about how Jesus acted as our substitute, not only taking our sin upon Himself on the cross, but wiping it out completely. And by doing so, freely bringing us into relationship with Himself. You’ll be blessed by this closer look at Jesus’s death on the cross and His love for you.

I just returned from the Amazon jungle, where I spent a week with jungle pastors who serve along the Amazon river. I’ll talk about some of the lessons I learned from them in today’s episode. And how they helped me better understand Paul’s encouragement to run our race for the ultimate prize. 
Their encouragement to us will help us step out of our comfort zones and into the boat with Jesus (something the people on the Amazon River do literally). I hope today’s episode encourages you to run the race that Jesus has for you. He will lead you if you’re willing to follow Him.
Episode Points
1. If we’re reaping spiritually, we should be giving generously.
2. We will only live spiritually disciplined lives if our prize is in focus.
3. “Following Jesus was worth it then, it’s worth it now, it’s worth it all.” Pastor Gioval
Kelly’s first devotional book is available now! 'The Blessed Life' is for anyone willing to take a thoughtful, 90-day journey through the mind, heart, and work of Jesus. Check it out here.
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 9:9-12
1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
Quote Kelly Mentioned: “In context, the overall argument has to do with putting others before self in order to maximize one’s effectiveness for the gospel, which requires rigorous self-discipline.” Mark Taylor, New American Commentary, 1 Cor. 
How Do We Cultivate This in Our Lives?
Take some time to reflect on these questions after you read the passage and listen to the podcast:
What are some areas in your life God may be asking you to make sacrifices? 
How can you support those who are impacting your spiritual walk? 
Are you living for the ultimate prize or focusing on more temporal rewards? 
Stuff We Think You’ll Like
In this episode, Kelly reads Day 59, “The New and Greater Moses,” from her brand new book, The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional Through the Teachings and Miracles of Jesus. Order yours here.
Kelly’s most recent Bible study release on the book of Ruth called: Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy.