Beyond Ourselves Podcast
So What’s Jesus Up to?
Around Easter, Christians focus on the weeks prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. On Resurrection morning, we celebrate that death couldn’t keep Jesus in the grave. But, where is Jesus now and what is He doing?
Hebrews 6:20 tells us where Jesus is. “Jesus has entered as a forerunner [in heaven] for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Jesus is in heaven and He’s praying for us. How do we know He’s in heaven? He told His disciples before His crucifixion that He had come down from heaven to earth and He was returning to heaven. People also saw Jesus rise from the earth and ascend through the clouds into heaven. Angels assured those watching Jesus ascend that what they saw was real.
Yes, it’s true. If an airplane can defy gravity and ascend beyond our sight into the clouds, we need not question if Christ ascended into heaven.
All is well, friends. Christ, our forerunner, has gone ahead of us to heaven. He made it safely there. We will, too, where we’ll be united with loved ones and the Lord forever.
Lord Jesus, FORERUNNER, thank You for safely seeing believers into heaven’s glory.
Want to learn more about Jesus’ ascension into heaven? Debbie spoke about it in her teaching on Acts 1. Watch by clicking HERE.
If You’re Disappointed
Are you disappointed? If so, in what or whom? A person? Yourself? A job? God understands disappointment. Many things can cause us to feel let down. Sometimes our disappointment is because we have unrealistic expectations of others, which I address in my book, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World. Other times, our disappointments are valid.
First Peter 2:6 is encouraging because God wants us to know that there’s something He has provided that will never disappoint us: our faith in Jesus. Peter records, “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious cornerstone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
Not be disappointed. Read those words again. There is a person— Jesus Christ—who does not disappoint. He has a place He is preparing for us that will not disappoint. He has a day He is preparing that will not disappoint. He has eternity with Him that will not disappoint.
If you are dealing with disappointment today, do a quick check-up. On what have you set your expectations? If your answer is the amount of money you want to make, a certain house, the perfect spouse, children, friendships, or job, then you may find yourself dealing with disappointment at some point. If, on the other hand, your expectations are set on Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, you will not be disappointed.
Lord Jesus, You are the precious CORNERSTONE upon whom I can build my life and not be disappointed. Thank you.
Are you facing disappointment or struggling with unmet expectations? Get a copy of The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World to discover how to take charge of your thoughts and let God reignite your hopes and dreams.
Help in Irrational Times
Do you ever feel like we are living in irrational times, that things are upside down? It’s not the first time. Think about Christ. He was pronounced not guilty, then crucified. How irrational was that? But Colossians 2:15 tells us Jesus triumphed over the irrational. He disarmed the rulers and authorities. He made a public display of them. And Christ is still triumphant even though we may not see it at certain times.
“When He (Jesus) had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15).
Jesus will right what is wrong. He will turn what is upside down right side up. That’s good news on a national and world level. It’s also good news for us personally. Christ, who triumphed over the grave, is able to triumph over the irrational in our lives. Christ is the triumphant Lord. What do you need His help with today? He’s listening.
Lord, You are TRIUMPHANT over death, rulers, and authorities. You are triumphant over the irrational in our lives. Help us live holy lives that reflect our confidence in You.
Would you like some resources to help you triumph? Check out these books that can be read individually or used as group Bible studies: The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World and Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.
Help is On the Way
“Help is on the way.” It’s all I could think to say as I grabbed my purse and headed to my car. She needed to hear those words. She needed to know that help was on the way…the kind of tangible help that is needed when we’re at our wit’s end and we don’t know how much more we can take.
And so, God wants us to know that He is our help. Psalm 46:1 assures us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Could you use some help from God today? Perhaps you need wisdom about a decision. James 1:5 says ask God for it. He is your help.
Could you use something “good” in your life? If so, James 1:17 reminds us that every “good” thing is from above. God is your help.
Are you anxious and long for peace? God is your help. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that you can pray and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
You may be in a situation where you are despairing. Psalm 43:5 tells us once again that God is our help. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Yes, God is our help. Unlike my friend who had to wait for me to arrive in order to help her, we can experience the Lord’s present help no matter our situation. We need only call on Him. Will you call on Him today?
Lord, we praise You, our present HELP and help of our countenance.
Today is the National Day of Prayer. Would you like to learn how to pray more purposefully and live more passionately for Christ? Grab a copy of Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.
It’s True – Nobody’s Perfect
Have you ever defended your bad behavior by saying, “Nobody’s perfect“? Or has someone ever said to you, “Nobody’s perfect” in defense of something they’ve done wrong? It’s a common response because it’s true. Nobody is perfect except Jesus. However, and this is big, our imperfections aren’t excuses to stay as we are. Rather they’re signals for areas where we need to look to Jesus for His example and empowerment to change.
For instance, during the Sermon on the Mount after Jesus’ teachings on anger, lust, enemies, retaliation and more, Jesus doesn’t say, “Heh everyone, give yourself a break. Nobody’s perfect.” Instead, He says, “Your Heavenly Father is perfect. You’re to be perfect,” Matthew 5:48.
Rather than Jesus letting us off the hook, He sees the potential for us to be transformed into His likeness through the provision of His Holy Spirit.
It requires we be intentional about knowing Christ’s teachings, being filled with His Spirit and power, and confessing and repenting when we sin. So while it is true that nobody is perfect, it is not an excuse. The believer’s hope and joy is knowing we are being perfected and will one day be perfect as our Lord is perfect.
Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus, You are PERFECT. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who transforms us into Your image as we walk by the Holy Spirit.
Would you like to learn more about walking by the Holy Spirit? Listen to these free podcast teachings: “Listen UP! 31 Points Every Christian Should Know About the Holy Spirit.”
God of All the Earth
Are you familiar with the concept of “one world government”? What do you think about it? Would it work? Who would rule it?
Philosopher Dante Alighieri supported it. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes opposed it on the basis that humans are innately morally corrupt. Attempts by the League of Nations and United Nations to maintain international peace and security have failed.
Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of this world” in John 14:30 and Satan maintained he was when he offered the world to Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9. One only needs to look around at the violence in our world to see what Satan’s rule looks like.
So where do we stand? Has God forgotten us? No. Isaiah 54:5 assures us, “For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the Lord of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of All the Earth.” This prophetic assurance to the nation of Israel extends to believers who have been grafted into the vine of Christ.
Although Satan has temporary rule of the earth, his reign is term limited. (See Revelation 20.) In addition, all who turn from Satan to Jesus are immediately born into a new kingdom, Christ’s kingdom, of love, peace, and joy. His reign begins with the believer’s salvation.
When Christ, God of All the Earth, returns, He will establish the utopia for which our soul yearns. Have you entered into His kingdom by rejecting Satan’s rule and confessing Jesus as Lord and King? Are you telling others about the two gods and their kingdoms; warning and telling them the good news?
GOD of ALL the EARTH, we can’t wait for You to come and reign over the world. Thank You for giving us a glimpse of Your peace through the Holy Spirit’s reign in our hearts.
Want to learn more about the end times, Bible prophecy, and Christ’s return? Watch or listen to Debbie’s teachings on the end times HERE. You can also purchase a copy of the End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do Bible Study HERE.
God Himself Will…for You
Do you sometimes wish you were stronger in your convictions and more consistent in your walk with Christ? Do you ever wonder how God could love and forgive you? The answer to our questions is summed up in one word: grace.
First Peter 5:10 explains: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
The God of All Grace, who gave His Son to die for our sins, the God of All Grace who ransomed us, the God of All Grace who transferred us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son, that same God of all Grace will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. Praise Him! He hasn’t saved and forgotten us. Rather, “God Himself will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” Personalize that grace-filled promise and say it out loud:
God Himself will perfect me, confirm me, strengthen me, and establish me. The God of all grace has forgiven my sin through Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Glory in the grace God has extended to you. Celebrate Christ’s resurrection – proof that God, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will by grace, complete what He began in us. Praise the God of all grace.
GOD of all GRACE, I love and praise you. Thank You for calling me to eternal glory in Christ. Jesus, thank You for sacrificing Your life so I can live eternally in Your glorious presence. Thank You, GOD OF ALL GRACE, for perfecting, confirming, strengthening, and establishing me in Christ Jesus. I love You!
Would you like to experience more grace and peace? Check out Debbie’s Bible study, “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos” by clicking HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by clicking HERE.
Unwrap It!
Gifts! Who doesn’t like to receive a gift?
Presents wrapped with brightly colored paper and bows.
A gift tag with your name on it.
Someone holding a gift and offering, “Take it. I bought it for you.”
As difficult as it may be for us to understand, this is what God the Father and Christ offer us – the gift of salvation. It can only be received, not earned or bought.
Romans 6:23 explains, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Yes, in spite of our sin, the Lord offers us the “free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Did it cost Him? Yes. It cost our Heavenly Father His only begotten Son’s life. It cost Jesus pain, humiliation, suffering, and death.
When we open God’s gift of eternal life the first thing we see is forgiveness, which gives us such joy and freedom. Then we see the gift of His Holy Spirit and are overwhelmed.
Included in the gift of eternal life is heaven, eternity, glory, peace, joy, and so much more!
Each day we realize there’s more of God’s gift to unwrap. The Gift Giver smiles as our eyes light up in joyful praise.
Lord God, thank You for being GIVING and for the incredible GIFT of eternal life. We love and praise You.
Our mission at Hill Country Ministries is to spread the Word and love of Jesus. We want others to know Christ and receive the gift of eternal life. Help us by sharing 365 Days of Praise using the social media icons, below, or by forwarding to a friend through email. You can also help by subscribing to Debbie’s YouTube channel. Having more subscribers allows us to reach more viewers.
Could You Use Some Gentleness to Pass to Others?
When you think of Jesus, do you think of Him as being gentle?
In Matthew 11:29, it’s one of the ways He describes Himself. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
What does Christ mean when He says He is gentle? The Greek word for gentle is defined as mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness. I once heard it defined as “power under control.”
Although I don’t fully understand this great combination of attributes, I see them in my husband. Keith has great strength of character, yet he stoops down to pick a tiny flower amidst a field of grass in order to gently hand it to me on our walks.
Christ, while holding infinite power, has a gentle heart toward us.
Jesus tells us to walk closely with Him and learn from Him.
Who in your circle of friends or family needs to see Christ’s gentleness in you? To the degree we walk closely to Christ we’ll be able to walk in gentleness with others.
Lord Jesus, You are strong yet GENTLE. Help us walk by Your Spirit and show gentleness to others as You do with us.
God has so many wonderful attributes that we can praise Him for! The Prayers of My Heart prayer journal is a great way to record your praises and prayers. Grab a copy HERE while it’s on sale!
The Gift of A Comforter
One blanket. Two blankets. Three blankets. Four. Keith and I sat in front of the fire trying to get warm. The winter storm had brought a temperature of 3 degrees that felt like minus 11. If only we had power and water. We had neither.
The winter storm continued, and our driveway was too icy to get down. If you’ve lived in an area affected by winter storms, you know how devastating the cold can be, especially if you run out of wood, which happened to us. We couldn’t complain, though. We had a comforter. A comforter that we had once taken for granted, we now deeply appreciated.
So, too, our spiritual Comforter, who 2 Corinthians 1:3 describes as the God of All Comfort, is a blessing when we are experiencing life’s storms. Yes, when a person’s crisp tongue chills us to the core or the howling wind of despair blows through our heart, the God of all Comfort comforts us like none other. Why?
The Greek word for comfort means “to call to one’s side, speak to in the way of exhortation, console, teach.” God gives believers the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit. Our Comforter is an abiding presence who will never wear out, never become threadbare, and never leave us. The more we blanket our lives with His teachings, the more we’ll know the warmth of His abiding presence. 1
Heavenly Father, You are the GOD of ALL COMFORT. Please comfort those who are suffering. Give them Your wisdom. Strengthen them as only You can.
1 Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, page 67. Copyright Howard Publishing 2006, Debbie Taylor Williams, Monroe, LA