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    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:
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    Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]


    Matthew 3

    The last chapter of the Old Testament, Malachi 4, concludes by announcing that God will send “Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.” Matthew reveals this man to be John the Baptist. He is Jesus’ cousin, and he lays the foundation for the teachings of Jesus. His message includes vital kingdom elements: repentance of sins, baptism in water, the Holy Spirit, and the fire of judgment. Some who come to him want the ceremonial washing but are unwilling to repent or accept the whole gospel message. John is laying the crucial groundwork for that complete gospel. Jesus, the greater One, would come after him. This begins with John baptizing Jesus as the Spirit descends upon Him and the Father speaks in approval of His “beloved Son.”

    Our God wants everyone to be saved in Christ. Therefore, He is clear and concise when it comes to how to be saved. John the Baptist’s teachings help us see that. Forgiveness of sins was available to anyone who turned from sin with repentant hearts, was baptized in water, and devoted their life to obeying the will of God and His Spirit, with a healthy fear of eternal fire. All of that can be stated in a simple and life-changing way: follow Jesus. He came to do what was right and honor His Father. He was baptized in water “to fulfill all righteousness.” He then lived in the Spirit, full of grace and on a mission for God. In Him, so can we!

    Wonderful Father, You are above us and greater than us in every possible way. And yet, You have communicated Your will to us so simply and powerfully. Thank You for sending John the Baptist to pave the way for our Savior. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our example, our Teacher, and our victorious King. Help us to be open to the whole gospel in a way that surpasses the Pharisees. Encourage us to live out the teachings of Jesus and to follow His example in all that we do.

    Thought Questions:

    - Does the word “repent” carry the same importance in your life as it did to Jesus and John? How do you demonstrate that?

    - Is baptism as important to you as it was to Jesus and John? Beyond initial obedience, how do you demonstrate baptism’s importance?

    - Are you living by faith in the Godhead? How do you show love and honor for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

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    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:
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    Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

    Matthew 2

    Matthew documents the events immediately following Jesus’ birth. From the worshipping magi to the conniving Herod to the angel sending the family to Egypt, everything culminates in the murderous rampage of the king killing all the young boys in Bethlehem. Following Herod’s death, an angel directs Jesus’ family back to Nazareth. The significance of this chapter is found in the prophecies. Micah states a Ruler will come from Bethlehem. Hosea tells of God’s Son coming from Egypt. Jeremiah teaches there will be weeping at the loss of children. An unnamed prophet predicts that the Messiah will be called a Nazarene. Matthew is aligning the story of Jesus with the prophets of old. This would carry tremendous weight for the Jew and should demonstrate God’s design and control to us as well.

    God controls how things come together for the good of His will and His people. Before Jesus was born, God knew all things. He used prophets to confirm His power to us. Life was not easy for those whom God chose to be a part of this incredible story. Circumstances were hard for Joseph and Mary, and certainly for families who lost their children to Herod’s wrath. But God was working on something beautiful and eternal. You are eternally blessed as the result of so much suffering and loss. God allowed this to save and bless you. Be thankful for those who labored in faith to bring about our Lord’s victory and stand prepared to struggle in His honor.

    Compassionate Father, thank You for the word of the prophets, confirming our faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the examples of sacrifice throughout the life of Jesus that have graciously invited us into the redemptive story with Him. Will you give us the wisdom to see how much you endured to establish spiritual life and hope? Help us to be grateful for Your willingness to keep working on us, even amid the efforts of evil men. And may we return thanks by being worshipful and obedient like the magi in the days of Jesus’ birth.

    Thought Questions:

    - How does it strengthen your faith to see the story of Christ being revealed through Old Testament prophecies? What do they prove?

    - What do you learn about faithfulness from the hardships of Joseph and Mary? What should you expect in your life of devotion to God?

    - How can you see God’s power and goodness when babies were allowed to die at Herod’s hand? How does it cast your eyes more toward eternity?

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    Thank you for your support through six full seasons of the ESM podcast! We are excited to give season seven a go. Thank you for listening. We start by figuring out how we grade years. What does it take to have a best year ever? How would you evaluate the best one you've ever had? I hope to convince you that the ingredients are in place for this one to outshine them all, regardless of outside circumstances. But you'll need to be doing the daily things, the truly important things, to see the most profound difference. Let's explore that together!

    If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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    Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487


  • Send us a text

    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:
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    Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

    Matthew 1

    The book of Matthew opens with the lineage of Jesus through his earthly father Joseph. Tying Jesus back to King David, the tribe of Judah, and Abraham, is a powerful opening point for the Jewish reader. This means that Jesus is the One spoken of in the great promises God made to these mighty men of faith. Jesus is the Messiah for which they were waiting! If you are looking to get more out of this genealogy, take a pencil and box in the names you recognize. There are some great men and women of faith listed here. Following this, Matthew continues to confirm Jesus as the Savior from the prophets, by citing Isaiah and telling the story of Jesus being born of a virgin, just as the Hebrew Scripture taught.

    God planned to send Christ to become “God with us” from the foundation of the world. He chose to carry this out through the nation of Israel. God was incredibly patient for 2000 years, dating back to the days of Abraham. Repeatedly, He promised that all would be blessed, a Ruler would be established, and His Son would be the Savior of His people. We are enjoying the fulfillment and substance of that promise. From the moment a virgin gave birth to a child, the world was changed. We are blessed as a result of that change. Praise be to God for waiting patiently, enduring lovingly, and sending His Son to save us.

    Great Father of Abraham, Judah, and David, we direct all praise and honor to Your mighty name. Thank you for working through the patriarchs, families, and kings to bring about “the Messiah” with His spiritual and eternal blessings. Thank you for Mary and Joseph’s faith and for the wonderful moment when Your divine Son entered this world on our behalf. Please give us the humility to be grateful and the faith to live out the intent of Christ’s coming. Show us what it means to be set apart as holy people: redeemed, purchased, and ruled by Your beloved Son.

    Thought Questions:

    - How can you draw faith-building value from a study of genealogies? What does it mean that Matthew links well-known biblical figures together?

    - Why is the virgin prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 the right place to start building a case for Christ? How is the uniqueness of this miracle still potent today?

    - What will be different about your day because you know God patiently and meticulously planned out the coming of Christ for your benefit?

  • Send us a text

    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: [email protected]

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    How to keep a disagreement from becoming an argument:
    1) Welcome the disagreement
    2) Distrust you first instinctive impression
    3) Control your temper
    4) Listen first
    5) Look for areas of agreement
    6) Be honest
    7) Think over your opponents ideas carefully
    8) Thank your opponent sincerely for their interest
    9) Postpone action to give both sides time to think it through

    Three Bonus Ideas that are sure to help:
    - Begin in a friendly way
    - Never say, "you are wrong"
    - Appeal to nobler motives

  • Send us a text

    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: [email protected]

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Today's story is founding II Chronicles 20. I recommend you give that short chapter a read. Jehoshaphat and Judah teach us a great deal about how God responds to faith. But faith is more than just a word. It includes initial turning to God, casting our eyes upon Him, and obeying His will. What it does not require is our own strength to prove ourselves to Him. On the contrary, time and time again, God proves Himself to His people. He is our amazing God, worthy of worship and adoration. He fights our battles. He often just asks us to show up and be prepared. But we must keep the faith until the end. Let's explore that journey together.

  • Send us a text

    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: [email protected]

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Authority is a funny thing. The best leaders are honest about their struggles and challenges. They are great listeners, especially in the process of making decisions. And they are excellent examples to those under their charge in key areas like humility, integrity, and care for others.

    However, not all leaders do such a great job. They are pretty good at giving instruction, and expecting all of the things from the previous paragraph. But we need to do better. Husbands, fathers, this one is for you. It would be easy to tell our kids to take instruction well and be challenged to do their best. But do you take instruction well? Do you need the encouragement to refocus and do your best? Follow along today and see if there is more value in those things than meets the eye.

  • Send us a text

    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: [email protected]

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    What's it going to be? What is that one thing it is time to change? You don't have to know the how at the moment. You simply need to visualize a better version of you one year from today. Then you must decide, now, that today starts a 12 month, unstoppable journey. The rest will work itself out!

    Does a year sound like a long time? We both know it is not. Years fly by! If we aren't intentional about them they glob together and blur by. But if you can take a year and address something whole heartedly... something incredible is going to happen. Let's talk about what that will look like for you!

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    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
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    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Recap of Carnegie Part 1:
    - Don't Criticize, Condemn, or Complain.
    - Give Honest and Sincere Appreciation.
    - Arouse in the Other Person an Eager Want.

    To dig more deeply into these, here are 6 Ways to make People Like you
    1) Be Genuinely Interested in Other People
    2) Smile
    3) Learn People's Names
    4) Be a Good Listener
    5) Talk in Terms of Other's Interests
    6) Make the Other Person Feel Important

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    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: [email protected]

    We read through John 1 as our sample text today. Here is that content:

    Recap:
    John’s gospel starts “in the beginning.” Jesus was the Word in heaven who made all things. After creation, He becomes the Light from heaven to illuminate our hearts. Jesus is the grace of God revealed to bring the Father’s favor. He is the Lamb of God who would die to “take away the sins of the world.” He is the Christ prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift man has ever been given. John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, saying he has seen the Spirit fall on Him and that Jesus will be the One who baptizes others in the Holy Spirit. Jesus then begins his public ministry by calling into service four men from Galilee: Peter, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael.

    Application:
    Most scholars contend that John’s Letter is the last inspired Gospel. He brings a different perspective and unique details to Christ’s ministry. The central point of his letter is belief. We must believe Jesus is the Creator. We must embrace Him as God’s Light and grace, and as the sacrificial Lamb sent to save us from our sins. The evidence from John the Baptist, the Old Testament prophets, and the Holy Spirit falling on Him testify to Christ’s identity. We must see Him as Nathanael did: with amazement and humility. Starting with simple trusting faith, Jesus takes Nathanael on an incredible journey and shows him many wonderful things. He will do likewise in our lives if we choose to follow Him.

    Prayer:
    Glorious Father, we praise Your Name for Your beautiful grace. Thank You for taking all the blessings You seek to give us and placing them in Your Son. If we will pursue Him, loving and obeying Him, we will be forgiven and saved forever. Great God, we ask you to take us on a journey like the four men who followed Jesus. Overwhelm us with Christ’s glory. Then take us places we have never been, show us things we cannot imagine, and use us
    in ways we never thought possible. Lord, we believe. Show us ” how to follow Jesus.

    Thought Questions:
    Is Jesus your Creator? Is He God’s greatest gift to bring grace and hope into your life? Why are those questions important?

    John the Baptist was a great prophet, but he always redirected glory to Jesus. How do you direct all glory to Christ?

    If Jesus showed up today and said, “Follow Me”, would you go? How is He already calling you to do that in your life?

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    Our Brand New ESM Daily Bible Devotional has been released!
    Daily Devotional on Amazon (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
    The ESM 3 Month Journal, also on Amazon

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
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    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Well, it just doesn't get much better than this. In fact, outside of Scripture, I think this 1936 book by Dale Carnegie is the most helpful thing someone could read to improve their life. Our lives are composed of relationships. When those relationships are healthy, there is love and peace and things are amazing. When our relationships are damaged, we feel it deeply and in every aspect of life.

    Over the next several weeks, I hope to present several episodes from this great book. Today we start with three opening ideas that set the tone. They ask you to consider your attitude, your mindset, and how you see people. When this becomes more Christ-like and humble, a whole bunch of good outcomes become possible. Follow along with me as we look at criticism, compliments, and seeing things from the perspective of others.

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    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
    Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding Publishers
    Video to describe the ESM Journal.

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Here are the 8 Essentials to Strengthening Your Faith:
    1) Join God's Team (understanding you are a part of a group)
    2) Acknowledge God's Power (He is almighty and always with you)
    3) Embrace Spiritual Training (This takes worth and it is so worth it!)
    4) Communicate with God (Start your day with God, stay close with Him)

    5) Study God's Playbook (Read to learn, to understand, to follow the plan)
    6) Team Up with Others (Be a walker with warriors, watchmen and workmen)
    7) Know Your Role (Be specific. What is your role right now among Christians?)
    8) Share with Others (Nothing will help grow faster than preparing to teach)

    Remember: Engage, Equip, and Engage.
    This is for students, to help them get strong and to be leaders today.
    This is for parents, trying to engage their kids in the world of Jesus.
    This is for adults, who can sometimes lose their passion for the plan of God.

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    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
    Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding Publishers
    Video to describe the ESM Journal.

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Here is some information on "The Core: 8 Essentials to Strengthening Your Faith"

    Three Objectives regarding the Truth of Jesus Christ:
    1) Engage - Get young people, and all people, thinking about spiritual things. Let's challenge our spiritual health and get involved in forming a direction.
    2) Equip - We need to get into how to do better. What do we need to know, plan, and refine in order to be able to get closer to Christ and spread Truth.
    3) Engage - The mission isn't just to be saved. The mission is to share the salvation of Jesus Christ with others! How do engage younger believers in this work?

    In this episode we begin with four Crucial Steps to building a stronger faith core within our young people, and within us all.
    1 - Join God's Team (what is the team element of faith?)
    2 - Acknowledge God's Power (is He mighty to save and help you?)
    3 - Embrace Spiritual Training (how specifically are you getting stronger?)
    4 - Communicate with God (take all we learn today to God in prayer, honestly)

  • Send us a text

    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
    Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding Publishers
    Video to describe the ESM Journal.

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Hilltops of Glory

    Verse 1: Onward rejoicing I tread life’s way, Higher I’m climbing each passing day; Hilltops of Glory now rise in view, where all shall be made new.

    Verse 2: Way down in Egypt mid burning sand, Moses has started for Canaan’s land; Never turn backward always ascend on to the journey’s end.

    Verse 3: Footsteps of Jesus before us lead, We tread life’s journey, His warnings heed; Evil allurements cannot prevail, I’m on the upward trail.

    Chorus: Hilltops of glory I now can see. O brother won’t you come go with me? Safe on the mountain I soon shall stand Hilltops of glory land.

    What keeps people from the faithful trail?
    - Lack of Understanding
    - Fear of Loss/Failure
    - Perceived Shortage of Resources

    And what habits benefit people in their walk with God?
    - Start Early
    - Be Consistent
    - Don't Panic!

  • Send us a text

    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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    Video to describe the ESM Journal.

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Shia LaBeouf has had a troubled past. He is still not aware of the fullness of God's saving grace in Christ. But he is on a journey that started with a dramatic turn. This turn is needed in the lives of many, even among our own fellowship. In some ways, abandoning my managerial skills to give God control, is something I need to renew and commit to as well. Maybe we can encourage one another.

    Here is the section from his interview:

    My opinion about God before my world had crumbled was – art, love and God – they all mean the same thing, they are synonymous.

    And I had also been told my whole life, your life is your life, you have to make with it what you can, you know. You’ve got to be a good guy, and then you got to get married, then you have to get a house and you have to get a job, and be good at your job – and like – your life is your life. And things will work out if you put the effort in, and I always really felt that.

    And it made it hard to believe in God, because it felt like my managerial skills are what are going to amount to a fulfilled existence. When all of my designs failed, when all of my plans went out the window, when my life had led to serious infliction of pain and damage to other people – I threw up my hands like – my plans are garbage and I don’t want to be here anymore.

    Pain made me willing to go about this in a different way than I had previously. The news that had come out is that I had been abusive to women, and I’ve been shooting dogs, and I’ve been willingly giving women STDs and like – it’s disgusting, it’s depraved. I felt deep shame, deep guilt, shame like I had never experienced before. The kind of shame where you forget how to breathe.

    It was seeing other people who had sinned beyond anything I could even conceptualize also being found in Christ that made me feel like, okay well, that gives me hope. I started hearing experiences, of other depraved people who had found their way in this. The Gospel gave me this invite to just let go. I came from the school of – God helps those who help themselves. That’s not what I found. God comes to those who ask, that’s what I have experienced.

  • Send us a text

    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    I'd like to include the excerpts from the Q and A session by Dan Martell. He was asked, "What do you think about cutting out all distractions like social media, video games, and sugar? He responded, "Awesome question. Whatever you are not willing to give up is going to be the thing that slows you down from achieving your dreams. If that list is really long, it is improbable that you will ever achieve anything important." He went on to say, "People ask me: 'Dan, what did you do to become successful?'" "It's not what I did, it's what I don't do. I don't drink. I don't eat sugar. I don't sleep in... So if you just get rid of all of those vices that hold you back, that's what CREATES THE SPACE for you to become more."


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    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
    Excel Still More Journal at the Spiritbuilding Publishers
    Video to describe the ESM Journal.

    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    For today's notes, let me share with you the four points with Bible passages:

    What is God's Grace?
    "Grace, Mercy and Peace" (I Tim. 1:2; II Tim. 1:2)

    Grace Greater than All My Sin
    "grace... more than abundant" (I Tim. 1:12-17)

    Granted in Jesus Christ from all Eternity
    "who abolished death and brought life and immortality through the gospel..." (II Tim. 8-12)

    With You Always
    "Grace be with you." (I Tim. 6:21; II Tim. 4:22)

  • Send us a text

    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    Idolatry is warned against throughout all of Scripture. As Christians, we see it all around us amongst unbelievers. It often looks like the pursuit of sinful behavior to bring fulfillment that can only be found in God. But among Christians, it can look a little different. Today we examine three different version of idolatry among believers.

    For you and me, we have to beware of replacing God with three things: blessings, alternate pathways, and ourselves on His throne of judgment. The first one shows up when we need things and people in our lives, even those from God, more than God Himself. The second one is when God supposedly comes first, but His teachings and ways are placed with alternate paths that fit us better. And the third... oh the third, is when more mature Christians elevate themselves to taking on God's role of judge over others. If our conclusions about others are demanded from God, then that demand is the idol, replacing even God Himself.

    I invite you today to some self examination on what it looks like to put God first in all things, and to flee from all forms of idolatry.

  • Send us a text

    Click link for ESM Journal Page:
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    Sponsors:
    Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
    Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
    Phone: 205-326-7364

    Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
    Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
    https://tylercain.floify.com/
    Phone: 813-380-8487

    I am blessed to be around a great number of highly impressive, faithful men. Glenn Hyde is one of those people, and today it is my please to share a story he told me recently. This week we are building upon this idea of drawing close to people who can help and listening to their stories and perspective.

    Recently, Glenn met with a group of men and talked about the history of our church here in Lindale. He spoke of the progress he has perceived in broken down fences and constructed bridges. It was uplifting to hear. I'm wonderful if there are walls in your life where bridges should be. I hope this story will be as much of a help to you as it was to me. Jesus, the Carpenter, is ready to do some building, but he's in the bridge business.

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    Jim Spratlin was a great man. I don't mean that in a - say something nice because he has passed - sort of way. I mean I can specifically detail for you areas in his life where he impressed me greatly, specially his faith, marriage and relationship with his kids. I was drawn to him. And I have been changed by him. I needed him.

    Do you have people in your life who impress you? I'm talking about people who are where you want to be, who are simply better at something important than you are? How do you approach them? Or do you keep your distance? The way we interact with impressive people says a lot about who we are, and a whole lot about what will happen in you future. Come explore that with me today.