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
Luke 14 - 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
Luke 14
Jesus dines with a leading Pharisee and sees a lame man there. Jesus heals him on the Sabbath, instructing the Pharisees to be humble and merciful. To help them, Jesus tells the story of a man who takes the best seat at a wedding feast and is asked to move down. Yet, the one at the foot of the table is moved up. Humility will be exalted. Jesus tells His host he should be inviting the poor and lame to his table. Such will be repaid in the resurrection. Jesus tells another story about people making excuses not to come to dinner, prompting the master to reject them. Christ’s kingdom demands selflessness, service, love, and extreme cost. Jesus challenges them to calculate that cost, lest they fall short of His kingdom.
The Pharisees were watching Jesus closely in hopes of finding fault in Him. They failed to see His love and compassion for the hurting. They failed to see the value of taking the lower seat and serving others. Therefore, they did not invite the poor and lame to their tables. They, and others, made endless excuses and asked for endless signs instead of submitting to Jesus as their King. The Kingdom demands all of a person, their heart, mind, and soul. It means loving Christ and the ministry more than anything and anyone. We need to hear this clearly and calculate the cost. Many fall away because they were never totally committed. Discipleship to Christ is all or nothing.
Merciful God, please help us grow in compassion for others. Place people in our paths who are poor or lame or hurting. Lead us to develop selfless spirits that will be more like Jesus and help people who are in need. We will open our hearts, lives, and homes to be of service to others. Father, discipleship is a life-long challenge. Please forgive our failings and help us grow. May we never make excuses and always be willing to do better. Father, we have calculated the cost; we choose Jesus over all others, and we give our lives to You.
- Has pride ever affected the way you see Jesus and His teachings? How do you reestablish humility and selfless love for others?
- Why is it more Christ-like to invite the poor and hurting to your home over people with means or people who can also serve you?
- What is the cost of discipleship in your life? What sacrifices are being made? Who must take a backseat so you can honor Jesus?