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Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Title Sponsor: Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 Sorry for the late drop on today's episode. I forgot to load it upon completion last week. This was a sermon a week ago. If you enjoy it and want much more biblical depth, particularly on the back end, you can watch it here.  Please consider how you would interact with Jesus if He came to your home and made this dramatic request of you. Consider how differently you would respond if you a) had to do it on your own, or b) Jesus went with you. Money is the secondary point of this study. The primary point is the power of a present, active, daily relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Title Sponsor: Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 Sometimes the Bible gets in the way! Today I intended to talk about prayer, but the morning reading in Daniel 6 was just too good! I hope you enjoy the visit to an old story. Have you thought of the four different character types before? And how do they become shadows of Jesus and the grave? Most crucially for today, are you ready to be more like Daniel and Jesus? Do you recognize the quiet, but crucially strong presence of God? Is your trust in Him over the authorities, while also trying to show Christ to the authorities? And do you know how to handle jealous, arrogant people? If these questions intrigue you - please enjoy todays' study. 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Title Sponsor: Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 [email protected] Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon What would you do with exactly 10 years left? Are there non-negotiable things you would need to set right? Are there people you would prioritize investment in? How would you alter your day or week to make the most of your time? God has challenged us from Psalm 90, back in the days of Moses, to number our days. What if there was an exact number: 3,650? This exercise is about precision, not fear. It is about making sure each day we have left serves something bigger than itself, and that we leave this world with benefits existing for those who continue on.  Come along on this journey today. You may need a pencil and paper. We need clarity on what matters. You may need to be ready to try some new things, though likely they will feel familiar in terms of value. And you may need some scissors. Because you can't build on the good without cutting out distractions.  Many people plan to make the most of their last 10 years, only to find they have only months remaining. Don't wait for that moment. Act now. And maybe the Lord will give you much more time if He sees how prayerfully and faithfully and beautifully you are living!

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Thank you for your support and grace as we endeavor to study this difficult topic: the balance between acceptance and judgment. We didn't address it enough in the episodes, but please be prayerful. Pray for God's help to make sound judgment. Pray for the awareness of your bias, your personality, and the areas where you need to grow. Pray for discipline, for you and for others.  Note - this topic is addressed for fully in a sermon on the Lindale church of Christ Youtube under the same name.  Five Fellowship Tests: Faith Test - Jesus is the Son of God Obedience Test - We must obey His will Fruit Test - we must produce the fruit of the Spirit Love Test - we must love brethren as family in Him Perseverance Test - we must never quit or turn back. If we have that in common, we are brothers and sisters. We will have many disagreements and different convictions on specific things - things not directly addressed or commanded in Scripture.  The Warning: Don't Judge Your Brother: Matthew 7:1-4 Luke 6:37 Romans 14:4, 10-12 JAMES 4:11-12

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Title Sponsor: Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 [email protected] Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon TODAY'S EPISODE "Would you rather stand with someone in judgment Jesus stands against, or stand against someone Jesus stands with?" (The answer is neither: Prov. 17:15. But which way do you lean, cater, or find the most comfortable direction to err? Your personality may have more to do with your answer than you think.) Book recommendation: "Invitation to a Journey." Four Personality Categories: Two Sides for Each. Extravert vs. Introvert Extroverts are energized by people and activity, talk things out, and process externally. But it can be overly so, to the discomfort of others. And the introvert in them will not have healthy private contemplation time. Introverts prefer solitude and reflection, think more before speaking, and prefer smaller circles of friends. This can be good, but it can also lead to an inability to be social and share the Gospel. And the extravert within them will be unleashed in unhealthy, random ways.  Sensing vs. Intuition Sensing people like focusing on concrete ideas, facts and details. They deal with present realities and notice specifics. But too much of this can lead to missing the forest for the trees, and their intuitive side will seize on odd, abstract ideas. Intuitive people are open to possibilities, focus on meaning or the future, are imaginative, and make connections. But too much of this misses things right in front of their faces. And their sensing side may not know how to handle reality.  Thinking vs. Feeling Thinkers are analyzers and look for consistency. They decide based o reason and principles. This is all good. But they can also be without compassion or awareness of others. They have a feeling side, but it may stay suppressed and leak out in harmful or sinful ways. Feelers love people and love deeply. They feel for others and enjoy helping and entering into trouble to uplift. But they can do so without thinking and cause damage. Also, their brains want to reason, but because they are not explored, they are incapable of reaching foolish, illogical conclusions. Judging vs. Perceiving Judgers can be good. They like plans and closure, decisiveness and firm lines. But they lack adaptability, and often the ability to admit when they are wrong or don't know something. They have a perceptive, exploratory side, but if it is undisciplined, they may become unsure in biased or unsound situations.  Perceivers are open and adaptable. They admit when they don't know things, nor do they think all things are black and white. This is good, until it prevents them from seeing clearly drawn lines and conclusions that need to be reached. They have a judgment side, but it isn't trained, and they randomly pass odd and cruel judgments out of nowhere. 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 8 Reasons God Won’t Hear or Answer Prayer: 1)        Unconfessed Sin (Ps. 66:18) 2)        You Don’t Actually Pray (James 4:2) 3)        Doubt that God will Act (James 1:5-8) 4)        Wrong Motives (James 4:3) 5)        Unforgiveness to Others (Mark 11:25-26) 6)        Ignoring Hurting People (Proverbs 21:13) 7)        Being a Bad Husband (I Peter 3:7) 8)        He’s Got Something Better Planned! (II Cor. 12:7-10) When you pray, recognize the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-28). “Pray in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18 – Utilize your relationship with the Spirit! He’s in the house. Tear down the paper wall between you and welcome Him. 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 FAQ 1) What is the strong drink condemned in the OT? 2) Was the oinos in the time of Jesus fermented? 3) How does modern day alcohol compare to NT times? 4) Does "addicted to much wine" allow for some wine? 5) What exactly constitutes the sin of drunkenness? 6) Is it sinful to drink if it causes a believer to stumble? 7) Is it sinful to drink if it confuses an unbeliever? 8) Does the bible permit alcohol drinking of any kind? Why my family chooses abstinence: - Drunkenness is Sinfulness - Sobriety is Non-Negotiable - Alcohol is Dangerous - Our Culture is Unconcerned - The World is Watching - The Believer is a Priority

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 10 Proverbs Starter Chain on "WORDS": Proverbs 10:19; 12:18-19, 25; 13:3; 15:1,4; 16:24; 17:27-28; 18:21; 21:23 1) Words Dictate Outcomes: They Produce Life and Death (Prov. 18:21; 12:18; 11:9) 2) Tone Carries Weight: Softness Settles / Harshness Ignites (Prov. 15:1; 16:24) 3) Restraint is Spiritual Strength: Silence is often wisdom (Prov. 10:19; 13:3; 21:23) 4) Timely Words are Priceless: Craftsmanship matters (Eph. 4:29; Prov. 18:4; 25:11) 5) Your Words Reveal Your Heart: Words tell others who you are (Matt. 12:34-37; 15:18; Luke 6:45)

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 Desensitization Positive Portrayal Media Moral Reframing Reframing the Opposition (This has been powerful with homosexuality, as documented in the book: "After the Ball: How America will Conquer its Fear & Hatred of Gays in the 90's." But it has also proven powerful with all forms of immorality, profanity, abortion, materialism, and false religion.  The masses have been conditioned to accept what is false.) Ephesians 4 and 5 can help: 4:17-22 - Corruption 4:23-31 - Renewal in Christ 5:1-6 - Live in Christ morally 5:7-14 - Be the light that exposes sin 5:15-21 - Use your time well and with God's people.  But we must also put Christ back in Christianity: Desensitization: Stay sensitive about sin Stay sensitive about how Jesus feels about sin Positive Portrayal: Recognize good qualities in sinful people. But keep the focus on submission to Christ, not just on being good. Media: Be at the feet of Jesus and in the place of many other things. Be at work producing for God. Don't just be a consumer. Moral Reframing: What you call or label something is completely irrelevant Avoid cultural categories: evaluate everything biblically  Reframing Opposition: Stay calm when miscategorized (expect it). Center every issue on Jesus Christ. 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Sermon Link - YouTube - Mission and Marriage [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 What is the Mission for Your Life? (Here's Mine) 1. Discipline myself for God's work. 2. Influence my family to love and serve God. 3. Encourage and strengthen fellow believers. 4. Reflect Christ's light into a dark and dying world. 5. Worship God faithfully on Sunday and every day.  EVERYTHING in my life answers to this mission. Including Marriage.  Adam was given work to do, then a HELPER to accomplish the mission, not to distract from it or as a reprieve or separate life. Build your marriage as a tool to best accomplish the reason for which God has made you.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 The Miserable Middle is a place of uncertainty, of fickle joy, as the result of too much closeness and assimilation with the world. If we, even in part, live according to the world, then we are susceptible to the doubt and fear within it. Without full, complete, wholehearted commitment to Christ, any joy we build will be temporary, shallow, and within the confines of our own power. But God offers so much more! In Christ, entirely in Christ, there is eternal, deep, and founded in the power of the almighty God! How do we get there? Here are some things that can help. 1) Pray for God's Help - and Believe He Will Provide It.  2) Identify your Mission - Why God Saved You.  3) Build your life around Time With God. 4) Remove what Dulls your Spiritual Appetite. 5) Tie Every Role in Your Life to Your Mission. 6) Surround Yourself with People who are ALL IN.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 "Success is a peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable." The Success Pyramid: Foundation: Work Ethic, Enthusiasm, Relationships Next Level: Self-Control/Mastery, Intentional Growth/Teachability, Focused Effort Almost There: Poise, Confidence, Competitive Endurance The Top: Clear Conscience, Inner Peace, Faithful Finish! You have to lay the proper foundation to get to the top. But oh, how sweet it is!

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 1) Master what you can control - your mind, your choices, your discipline. 2) Live your philosophy quietly - embody truth, don't perform it. 3) Be charitable toward people - don't judge, don't take revenge. 4) Accept hardship as training - no complaining, use it 5) Live urgently and humbly - you will die, make today matter. These ideas have shaped people's lives for centuries. All are valuable and can have directional impacts on your life. However, each one needs more Jesus! Don't we all, and don't all things, just need a little more Jesus? Well, maybe a lot. Let's take these ancient truths for self-improvement and add to them divine concepts of the Messiah, and then they can truly become The Supreme Five!

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Link to the Watchman Nee book. [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 The believer rests in Christ. Not just one day, but today. We are seated with Him in a place of protection, help, and assurance. He is with us always, even right now, and with Him comes omnipotence and glory. We are saved, secured, and safe. It is only from this seat that we can truly walk. And I don't mean just get up and start walking. I mean that what is true spiritually remains true: you are seated with Christ, even as you walk. The walk reflects the relationship. It is not an effort to validate what Christ did or to pay Him back. It is not a debt owed. It is a life of hope in Him. The devil will attack. He will try to ruin our confidence. But he is a loser. He has lost. We are on Mount Zion; he is in the valley of despair. We have the high ground in Jesus Christ, and the power of Christ to hold that ground. Sequence is crucial. You cannot stand if you are not seated, nor walk. Begin with Christ, pray about what is true, find joy in who you are in Him and who He is for you. And walk with life and stand with strength—His strength. 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! [email protected] Excel Still More Journal - Amazon New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional! Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon Sponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/ https://tylercain.floify.com/ Phone: 813-380-8487 Notes on a recent sermon: Romans 8 and the Holy Spirit  5 Amazing Sources of Confidence: - No Condmenation in Jesus (8:1-2) - Holy Spirit within us (8:9-11; I Cor. 3:16; 6:18-20) - Adopted by the Father (8:15-17) - Justified and Glorified (8:18, 28-30) - In Christ's Amazing Love (8:35-39 At the same time, we are called to be faithful: - Walk by the Spirit, not flesh (8:4-5) - Death to deeds of the body (8:12-13) - Live in God without fear (8:15-16) - Endure suffering with hope (8:18, 23-25) - Conform to Christ's image (8:17, 29) HOW do I stay confident in Christ when I fall so woefully short of these goals? Here are a few things we know that help: 1) Grace creates a relationship: obedience chooses to live in it. 2) Faithfulness is about Lordship; no sinless perfection. 3) Struggle is expected in the Christian, not condemned. 4) God Gives His HOLY SPIRIT to Help Us in our Walk! That last one is HUGE. Here are 8 things Romans 8 teaches that the Holy Spirit is doing. You do not have to explain them. But you must BELIEVE. And pray for these things.  - He Sets Us Free (8:1-2) - He Dwells In Us (8:11) - He Gives Life to our Mortal Bodies (8:11) - He Helps us Defeat Sin (8:13) - The Spirit Leads us (8:14) - He Testifies with us (8:16) - He Helps our weaknesses (8:26) - The Spirit Interceded in prayer (8:26)