Excel Still More

Today we look at Jesus and His disciples. Jesus is perfect. Disciples are not. How is that supposed to work? In fact, in Mark 9, there are at least 5 shortcomings of the disciples. They are not Pharisees. Their hearts are good. But their walk was imperfect. Let's look at that list and appreciate how gracious and kind Jesus is! But there is also a call to growth. He is patient but He also has expectations. I hope you can look at this list today and pick some things you want to grow in out of gratitude to Jesus. Asserting instead of Listening with Patience (Mark 9:1-8)Failing instead of Succeeding through Faith (9:14-29)Missing instead of Understanding His Plan (9:9-11, 30-32)Disputing instead of Serving with Humility (9:33-37)Opposing instead of Receiving in Fellowship (9:38-41)May we be a people who grow through this to greater faith:Listening with PatienceSucceeding through FaithUnderstanding His WillHumbly ServingReceiving in Fellowship

Today we are comparing the Pharisees (along with some Priests and Rich folks) to true Disciples (even an outside looking in Gentile woman). The Gospels, and Jesus Himself, demand that we come face to face with the difference and choose who we want to be.  In today's episode we look at several stories I'll note and reference here:Pharisees and Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:30-37The Widow's Mites - Luke 21:1-4Simon and the Sinful Woman - Luke 7:36-50Pharisee and the Gentile Woman - Mark 7:1-30As you read and hear about these stories, ask yourself:- Do I approach Christ and worship more like the Pharisee or the tax man?- Am I more like the Priest or the Samaritan when I see people in need?- Do I submit all of my goods to God's cause or just out of my surplus?- Would I wash Jesus feet with my tear and hair or sit proudly at the table?- Do we set aside love of others for our views or let love for all reign?

Mark's Gospel is powerfully and precisely written. It packs a ton of information into shorter spaces than the other Gospels.  (A great Gospel for ADHD sufferers!). Mark also uses the power of COMPARISON to make his points super strong. In Mark 2, he compares the Pharisees with Jesus by showing the questions they asked Him. We will look at those today, as well as the one question Jesus asked them to start chapter 3.It is often said of the church, that there are Pharisees and we are sometimes Legalistic, too Judgmental, or Traditionalists to a fault. There may be truth to that at times, but if we can't be specific on what that looks like, we can't fix it. Some of us may just not have the heart to fix it... you know... like the Pharisees. But for those of us who do want to be more like Jesus and less like the Pharisees, we need some guidance. Today's episode may be a good place to start. Be prayer and give it a listen. - Why were the Pharisees so doubtful and unkind toward Jesus?- How was His heart for people nearly nothing like their heart?- Why was Jesus simple teaching of salvation in Him such a threat to them?- Should mercy triumph over judgment and what does that look like?- How can you be more like Jesus and less like the Pharisees?

Let's go back - way, way back - to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. It is so fascinatingly placed! Before it is the Garden of Eden (God comes down to establish a covenant), then Sin, then The Flood. Right after it is God coming down to make a covenant with Abraham that would effect us all. That's a 500 year jump between Noah and Abraham, and all we get in between is Genesis 11. Most of that is genealogies. But there is this 9 verse event laid out. Somewhere between those two great men was an attempt by the people to build a large tower and make a name for themselves. God was not pleased and He scattered them. But what in the world is that story about? What is it designed to teach us? I think the answer to those questions is vital today.Special thanks to Christianity Today magazine, and an article called "Babel's Invitation" by John Walton for the historical information behind this episode. I hope you find it useful in how you commune with God, on whose Terms, and for what Purpose. - What was the problem with the Tower of Babel and it's construction?- If they were trying to get God to come down to them, what's wrong with that?- Why are we so drawn to creating our own terms for communion with the Lord?- If our relationship with God is transactional, how is that doomed to fail?- Why is the end game to be God's Glory, and how can that be a challenge for us?

So how have the last five years treated you? It has been unpredictable and wild for most of us. You might not have thought you had five years left - five years ago. But you did. And now you are here. How did it go? Did you have a vision, a plan, a path? Has it led you to wonderful and encouraging new places, new knowledge, new purpose?Okay, that's enough looking back. Here's the real question - if you get another 60 months to live, what are you planning to do with it? How about if it was ALL you got? If you knew that 60 months was all the time you had left, would you change, start, or address things right now to improve the outcome?Let's look back today at two previous episodes: "Seven Days Left" and "Bull Named Fumanchu" - both of which ask you to set parameters of time. And then let's move away from urgent prioritization and emotional dying phone calls, and let's stretch it out to five years and get to work building something amazing!- (Ill 1) If we all had seven days left, how would you use them?- (Ill 2) If you were dying, what would be important for you right now?- (Ill 3) If you had 60 months left on this earth, how would you use it?- How do definite time parameters help us determine our options?- What can you do in the next few months to change the next five years?

We all want faith without limits. We want faith that isn't affected by fear and doubt. We want to believe the best is possible and the promises of God are inevitable. We want to know Him and be known by Him and for that to control everything else. But how do we get it? One of the problems is believing we can get it. You and I are woefully limited. How exactly are we going to act our way to limitless greatness? We cannot. Our attention must turn toward God. Maybe we need to redefine faith. It is not the good things that we do. It is the realization of God behind all that we do. Today's podcast doesn't have the usual tips and strategies and practical applications. It calls you to God. It invites you to trust in a way where HE removed the limits. This isn't about you building limitless faith. It is about experiencing it in full saturation of belief in the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God!- What is limitless faith to you?- How would you go about achieving it?- Why are we learning on our own power to do what only God can do?- Why do we define faith by works when it should be defined by trust?- What can you build, travel to, or do if God is the power behind your life?

I referenced Pat Geslinger's book, The Juggling Act. Here's a link. It's terrific. If someone told you they were feeling distant from Christ, what would you tell them to do? That's not a particularly tough questions is it? We would tell them they need quality time with Jesus. They need to set aside time to read, to think and to pray. They need to talk about Him and discuss Him well with others. There are no shortcuts, but it also isn't some Mt. Everest event either. It is daily, intentional time invested in building love for the Lord and realizing His love for you.Okay, what about the same question with regard to marriage? A couple comes to you and says they feel distant and strained. How would you recommend they work on that? The point of today's podcast is that the formula is the same! Daily, purposeful, optimistic time for sharing and making the other person feel important. In both cases, we sometimes falter. We get busy or burdened or distracted. Cell phones tend to be a common culprit. So let's work through some of that today and start Prioritizing Quality Time. - What is quality time?- Why does it fade so often with the Lord when life gets busy?- How was quality time a huge part of the early years with the Lord?- How was quality time a huge part of the early years with your mate?- Why does it fade so often with your mate when life gets busy?- Are you ready to call in some help, toss the phone, and fall back in love again?

Help me do a solid for a friend and check out my friend Joseph's podcast:Under Review Podcast (website)Under Review Apple (for iPhone users)Relationships live out the story of God's grace in the world around you. The way we treat others, any others, and all others, ought to be a direct extension of the way God has interacted with and loved you. This episode explores how universal that is suppose to be. Not just some relationships, but all of them. Because this isn't about who the other person is, this is about who God is to you. The Scripture asks us to focus in on 3 unique relationship categories. In fact, beautiful letters on grace and faith ultimately point us to proving this through interactions. Here are some Bible passages for each category we referenced in the episode.among the World:Romans 12:17-21; 13:1-10Ephesians 5:6-14; 6:5-9Colossians 3:22-4:6I Peter 2:11-25; 4:1-6with Christians:James 2:14-18Romans 12:3-12; 14:10-12; 15:1-7Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16, 31-32; 5:15-21Colossians 3:8-17I Peter 2:4-10; 3:8-10; 4:7-10in your Family:Ephesians 5:1-2, 22-30; 6:1-4Colossians 3:15-17, 18-21I Peter 3:1-4, 7-12

Up top, let me give you a link to Jacob Hudgin's book "The School of Christ"This is it. This is the most important thing I have to share with you - maybe all year. Many of us have to reprogram our brains when it comes to the comparison of God's Grace with anything of myself: faith or works. His goodness is the beginning of all things and sustains all things. There is no scenario where my power, or your ability, is strong enough to hold us up. And God's grace is not the result of a great works effort. Too many believe this and it has cost people their faith. People give up because they think they are good enough. Well, they aren't good enough. But salvation isn't founded on our effort - it is, in every possible way, the outgrowth of God's grace!When we get this sequence right everything changes. This sequence: from Grace to Faith to Life is God's plan for those who are not yet Christians. And it is the same plan for saving those who are. It sources everything in Him. And our lives become a reaction, a gratitude outcome, founded on His goodness. Will you explore this freeing and gracious journey with me?- How would you compare the saving power of God's grace with your faith?- How would you compare the saving power of God's grace with your works?- Do you believe we start with our faith and works and then get God's help?- Or maybe we start with good works, which leads to faith, then grace?- Are you ready to give your mind to exploring His power to source great faith?

Let's keep digging in on this flashpoint idea. Firstly, let me share with you a little more about how emotional experiences of all types and spiritual experiences collide. There is a powerful sense in which the two, in the heart of a believer, are not separable. Finding God in all emotion and reaction and change - that is crucial to transformation.Secondly, let's talk about your body and health. I don't want to give you a workout routine, but I don't want to explore why you feel like your body is worth the effort. What is the reason for losing weight? What is the purpose for having better health? Once again, none of this can exist with strength if it is not considered in the light of the Father. A physical flashpoint IS a spiritual flashpoint when approached rightly. This can mean tremendous heart and soul effects from even something simple like intermittent fasting. I'll share my story on that today.- What is the relationship between emotional and spiritual flashpoint?- What aspects of your life include God?- How many areas of your life should be viewed with God in mind?- How are physical eureka moments actually subsets of spiritual awakening?- What are the benefits of placing God in the middle of your diet and health?

If you would like to read Stephen Arterburn's book "Flash Points" you can find it here. Note:  As a caveat, I am not aware of his doctrinal views nor whole sale support all of the content. But it's got some powerful and encouraging ideas.I hope to address different flash points in upcoming episodes. Things like Financial, Physical, Career and Lifestyle. There are many areas of life where a flame of desire is ignited within you. Something good. Something holy. Something God intends for you, for your good and others. How many of those things do we douse water on and continue our standard operation? Far too many.What if we searched our souls for a flame? What if we weren't scared to see what can happen if we fanned it, prayed about it, and took on the risks included within it? There is simply no telling what might be possible if what is within you is allowed to do what it has the power to do. Especially if God placed it there for His glory!- What would pursue from within you if you gave yourself permission?- How has fear of failure or change kept you from your potential?- What is a "FlashPoint" and how do you identify it?- What if Moses would have let his fear keep him from freeing his people?- How can deeper trust in God's presence help you fan flames in your soul?

Today it is my pleasure to read Psalm 107 for you in the New Living Translation. (I'll explain why). Four times the text says "LORD, help!" - These represent four situations in life where people get discouraged. So often our hope and faith flourish in blessings, but when trials come, we falter. This can often prove that our joy is based more on ourselves and our circumstances, than the enduring goodness of God.Let's investigate different trials you might face this year. Some of this may be raging in your life right. Crying for the help of the Lord, in full faith, is about accessing wisdom and glory and power infinitely greater than your own and stronger than all your problems.  May we be a people of constant praise! May we tell the world - family, brethren and neighbor - that we cried to God and He answered with deliverance!- Why is internal faith work so important to external life goals?- What good is people, plans and a good attitude without trust in God?- Do we cry "LORD, Help" in times of trial that are not our fault?- Do we cry "LORD, Help" in times of trial that are absolutely our fault?- What does God do with the storm, when we cry for His help amidst it?

Happy New Year! And welcome to season 5 of the ESM podcast!Have you ever piloted an aircraft? It's quite a thrill. But properly using the instruments is crucial to success. By success I mean: landing the plane instead of crashing it! One of those instruments is called an Attitude Indicator. It shows you where you are relative to the horizon in front of you. Proper alignment is very important as those two things interact at the airport. If your attitude is poor, you can blame the earth, but you are the one who needs to make adjustments for your good and others. When it comes to interacting with people, places and things, the way you preset your attitude will almost always tell the story. You and I might argue that others need to change - and that may be correct. But consider Jesus. He was right. We were wrong. But what did He do? He showed humility and adjusted His position to fit what we needed and what glorified God. Let's explore what that looks like in your life and mine.- How should my attitude be like Jesus?- What does it mean to adjust my approach to fit the situation?- Why is "grumbling" and "disputing" a no-go in the life of a Christian?- How important is it to adjust attitude BEFORE interactions begin?- What do you do when a flock of birds fly in right before you land the plane?

The topic of God's Grace is beautifully complicated. It is simply too great to fully understand while we live here in the limitations of the flesh. But giving up on understanding grace can lead to big mistakes. Maybe we believe God covers everything not matter how we live. That's not right. But neither is the other side of the spectrum, where we look at our lives as a series of works we must accomplish to eventually get the grace. This is equally as foolish. David Osteen and I take different angles on the topic of grace, but we are in ultimate agreement in how it motivates us to live great and faithful lives. In this interview, you get to hear our independent answers to some straight forward questions about God's grace. Kenny Embry hosts the Balancing the Christian Life podcast. If you enjoy this interview style, go check out his podcast. He has conducted some truly incredible interviews on needful topics. - How would you explain grace without using "unmerited favor"?- Why is grace such a controversial topic?- How would you explain grace to your 12 year old kids?- Why is a lack of grace just as dangerous as focusing on it too much?- How is it liberating to know you are saved by God and His grace?

I hope you are excited for a productive and incredible 2023. This starts with a proper planning. And great planning includes evaluating the people in your life. Today's episode takes us back to one of our earliest episodes: "Your Inner Circle." We need to evaluate the people who are healthy to have close to you, because you are going to need them to build a team who can help you reach your goals. We also want to go back a couple of years to the idea of "Building Your Ladders." There is a tried and true strategy for using the calendar year as a 12 step program for building a ladder and reaching a new level. Take full advantage of the January fresh start and prepare for that first rung!Lastly, in this episode, let's get some really great ideas from Simon Sinek. He did an interview recently concerning how to build a great team. There has to be support when you falter. There has to be trust and people who throw you a party when you fail (in a great way). His instruction at the end will be important in setting up the kind of support that will make 2023 fail safe, so long as God allows!

"How do we raise faithful kids?" I have asked that many times and been asked that many times. We often answer with environmental factors. We need to raise them in a Christian home. We need to surround them with Christian people. We need to give them a daily serving of the Word of God. All of these are great. They are major factors, but they do not determine the salvation of yourself, nor your children.There have been people with all of those aids who did not love God. And there have been people with none of those benefits who became humble servants of the King? Why is that? What is truly at play?  To help with that, I want to tell you the story of king Josiah. He had a heart like David's heart and it made ALL the difference. I hope this episode brings about better questions between parents and teens. I hope it helps you dig in with questions for yourself. Questions about what you believe, how you feel about God, and how must you know that God loves you. In a believing heart all things are possible. But without such a heart, no other factor will save us.- Why is a spiritual environment so important in raising faithful kids?- Why doesn't that always work? And why do people in the world come to Christ?- How does the heart of a person and the choices of their heart factor in?- Can you make someone have a tender heart? How can it be developed?- What kind of an environment will you build if you have a tender heart for God?

I really hope you enjoy this investigation of the Gestalt Effect. The triangle image for the episode is a practical example of how the eye fills in the details. I first came upon this while reading an excellent book on modesty. I'll share a link for that book:Secret Keeper by Dannah GreshThe word Gestalt simply means seeing things as a whole, as a full picture. The mind takes in pieces of information and instantly tries to fill in something common and make a judgment. Different principles dictate this almost instantaneous action. We will look at Continuation and Closure. How does this information affect the clothes we choose to wear? Are we ready to take ownership of our impressions on others? To move that forward, what about our speech? When we share just a word or a short message, do we understand how others hear it? A word spoken can be a full paragraph in the ear of the hearer. A moment of tone can convey a tidal wave of emotion. Let's dig in some on why minding our words is as important as our dress.- What is the Gestalt Effect and how is it always in play?- What is the power of an impression and how can we own that power?- How does dress and modesty relate to the Gestalt Theory?- How does spoken words - sarcasm and tone - carry more weight than we think it does?- Can we take advantage of Gestalt to use a little input to make people's day a lot better?

Israel was baptized through the Red Sea. They sang a song of victory and rejoiced in the grace of God. But... most of those celebrating that day did not make it home to the promised land. Why not? Pride. They began to feel entitled, and that caused them to turn attention from God to themselves. Part of our episode today will investigate the  mistakes of Israel in I Corinthians 10. How can we be less like them, more dependent on God, and beautifully humble? We will also list 8 things from Kevin Deyoung's book, Crazy Busy. These words, all starting with the letter P (its a Letter P day!) represent more subtle ways that pride sneaks into our lives. Having sought humility in these things, you and I will be better positioned, at the foot of God's throne, to be more useful to Him."A Manifestation of the Many Manifestations of Pride" (pg 35-38)- People Pleasing- Pats on the Back- Performance Evaluation- Proving Myself- Possessions- Prestige- Pity- PostingOoh, I see some of my own pride in that list. But what does our year look like if we know where we need to be humble? If we ask the question: "is this about me? And if it was about God and others, how different would it look?" May the Lord, who has blessed us in His grace and Spirit and Son, use us well and give us a life of gratitude, thankfulness, and service.

Crazy Busy BookLet's turn our attention back to planning through the end of the year and preparing for an amazing 2023. Part of this is spacing out your goals to avoid being "crazy busy." That is not a compliment. Crazy busy people make unneeded sacrifices and end up not enjoying the journey nor the destination. Let's examine how to be more like Jesus. Part of that is knowing your limitations, finding humility, and being ready to be what God wants you to be.7 Thoughts from Crazy Busy:  Calming the Crazy Man Inside (pg. 47-50)1) I am not the Christ2) There is Good News3) Care is not the same as Do4) I can always Pray Right Now5) We have different Gifts and different Callings6) Remember the Church7) Jesus didn't do it allCan you lay out a few things that represent your most crucial priority?What matters most and can you attach actions and growth to those things?Be prepared to have a "posteriority" list. Things that belong at the bottom.

"Denominational" Baptism. "Church of Christ" Baptism. We come up with lots of adjectives before the word baptism that are not found in Scripture. This often leads us away from the simple truth of the Gospel. It leads to labeling, party system, and sectarianism. The temptation to implement our judgments on a person's baptism is strong among God's people. We want to know who baptized them. We want to know who the teacher was. What church they were in. And other factors to decide if they are like us. All of those are factors. But be careful. Anyone, anywhere, anytime, can read the Scripture and obey it, without asking your permission or using your local church's baptistry. We want to know: have you submitted to God in the One Baptism:- Full Immersion in Water - John 3:23. Acts 8:35-39- To Follow and Obey Jesus - Matthew 3:15; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20- For the Forgiveness of Sins - Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16- Uniting with Christ's Power - Romans 6:3-7- To be Added by God to the Body - Acts 2:47- To Begin a New Walk in Faith - Acts 2:31-47How much did they know beyond this?- Some say a whole bunch - Acts 2:40- But Scripture argues differently - see Acts 8 and Acts 16- But what about the Baptizer?- And what about the Teacher?- Or the Church they came from?- How will our Church handle that?Let's dig in - cutting through sectarian and denominational thinking and getting back to the Word and the simple connection between and Individual - the Gospel - and God.