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!
Excel Still More
Matthew 18 - Daily Bible Devotional
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
Matthew 18
If the previous chapter called for greater faith, then today’s content serves as a potent way to develop it. The chapter opens with Jesus teaching humility to His disciples by having a child come sit on His knee. He instructs them to do whatever it takes to avoid causing such little ones to stumble. They are of tremendous value to God. Christ instructs disciples to go to great lengths to restore those who are caught in sin. Sinners should be disciplined if they continue in sin, but disciples will need forgiving hearts for restoration efforts to work. To help with this, Jesus tells a parable of a man forgiven nearly infinite debt, but who will not forgive his brother of much less. Judgment is swift upon such a one.
Growing in our trust in Jesus can be cultivated by embracing four words: humble, careful, useful, and merciful. Four sections in this chapter illuminate each one. To be like a child is to be dependent on Christ, leaning upon Him for all we need. Be humble. But we also must see our fellow believers as God’s children. God will respond dramatically if we hurt His little ones. Be careful. Sometimes disciples get caught in sin and need help seeing their way out. We are called to go to them. Be useful. This means limitless forgiveness and compassion for others, as we reflect on God’s patience in our lives. Be merciful. In these four ways, we honor our Savior.
Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your qualities that bring us great hope. You are humble, serving when You have the right to be served. You are careful, and patiently help us develop. You are useful, in that You never stop trying to draw us close and help us turn to You. And You are incredibly merciful and forgiving, restoring us every time we make a request. Thank You for Your incredible goodness. Today, will You help us and encourage us to demonstrate these same qualities toward others? May we do so to others to show gratitude to You.
Thought Questions:
- What does it mean for you to be “converted and become like children”? Why do you think the kingdom requires people like this?
- How do you balance the need to be careful with others with the command of Jesus to go show fault to a brother in sin? How can you do both?
- Why did the man seize his neighbor who owed him little, even though he had been forgiven so much? What do we learn from this?