Beyond Ourselves Podcast

Have you ever been lost? Perhaps you took a wrong turn in the road and didn’t know how to get to your desired destination. As bad as that is, what’s worse is to be spiritually lost, which is how Jesus describes us prior to our salvation.  We were so lost that there was no one who could help us except Jesus. In Luke 19:10, Jesus describes Himself as the Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost – us and every human being.  Jesus left heaven’s glory to come come and do what no one else could do. Through the virgin birth of Mary by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was born, the Son of Man, to seek and to save our lost souls so we could be reunited with our Heavenly Father. What good news. Is there someone we need to go looking for as Jesus did, someone with whom we can share the good news?

All praise to You, Lord Jesus, Son of God, SON of MAN.  Thank You for seeking us and saving us.  Rouse us to do as You did and seek out the lost in order to bring them to You. 

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Are you reading each Beyond Ourselves – 365 DAY of PRAISE? Are you as amazed as I am at not only the ways the Father, Son, and Spirit are revealed; but also through whom the revelations are made? Case in point: The high priest asked Jesus if He was the Son of the Blessed One. But the one who unquestioningly acknowledged Jesus as  SON of the MOST HIGH GOD was a demon. Luke 8:28-39 records the demon’s encounter with Jesus.  “Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, ‘What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.’” Let’s think about this. 1. God’s holy Word records both Jesus and a demon in the same encounter. Jesus is real. The demon is real. We must acknowledge or deny the reality of both. 2. The man was the object of both Jesus and the demon’s interest.  Every soul is the object of Christ’s and Satan’s interest. 3. The demon recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God – above all other gods.  Many today do not. 4.  The demon fearfully acknowledged the reality of torment. Again, many do not. No doubt, you’re as burdened as I am that many do not know Christ as Son of the Most High God and they ignore the reality of hell. I’m praying about doing a weekly Facebook Live on how we can more fervently share with unbelievers why we believe in Jesus and how they can be saved. If you’d like me to keep you updated, email me at debbie@debbietaylorwilliams.com.

Lord Jesus, forgive us, SON of the MOST HIGH GOD, for failing to do as You commissioned us – to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; for calling those who are destined to torment to turn to the light and glory of Your grace. Impassion us to return to our purpose – to glorify You and be Your witnesses.  

Our Heavenly Father has a goal: to cleanse us of sin.  Malachi 3:3 explains that He sits as a SMELTER, or a refiner, watching over us as the heat of daily life, trials, and sufferings cause our impurities to rise.  What happens when our sin glaringly rises in our lives? We have the opportunity to confess them.  God’s goal is for us to be increasingly purified so we better reflect Him. Are things heating up in your life? If so, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is closely watching over you. He hears your prayers and confessions. And, has anyone told you? You are reflecting Him more every day.

Lord, thank You, SMELTER of our mind, spirit, and soul. Purify us so we reflect Your image. 

“He will sit as a SMELTER and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3

Sides. Children learn the concept of “sides” at a young age. They’re on this side or that side of the field depending on their team.  They learn about historical battles and what each side stood for.  The Bible tells us that there are spiritual sides. God is on one side and the devil is on the other. They’re battling over human souls. Ephesians 6:16 tells us how to extinguish the devil’s flaming arrows. But, we’re not in this battle alone. Our Heavenly Father is the Captain of our side, and He doesn’t use just any arrow to win the war against Satan.  Isaiah 49:2 tells us that Jesus is a  Select Arrow, sent from God’s quiver. He is the One who destroys the works of the devil and saves souls. Take courage. You may be in a skirmish, but if you’re a follower of Christ, you’re on the right side.

Lord Jesus, God’s SELECT ARROW, thank You for coming to earth to destroy the works of the devil and take us to Your side. We love and praise You!

“He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver,” Isaiah 49:2.

Prayers of My Heart – where I daily record God’s character traits to focus on His majesty and reign in my life and in the world.

Have you ever been separated from someone and you desperately wanted to be with them? Whether the separation is due to death, divorce, disease, or distance, the pain of not being able to be with or even get in touch with a loved one is indescribable. “Indescribable.” That’s the word people often use when attempting to explain their loss, suffering, and sadness. Jesus understands such depth of emotion. He loves us and created us to live in union with Him. Indescribable love drove Him to leave heaven’s glory and come to earth to seek and to save us. Jesus, separated from sinners, crossed the chasm between heaven’s glory and earth. He offers His outstretched hand to save us for eternity and to save us daily. How tightly are we holding to Him?

A few days ago I had a reality check. Was the woman in the mirror really me?  What about you? Have you ever had a reality check about yourself, but rather than do something to correct a bad habit you continued in it? Is there help available to those of us who want to change?  Yes. In Luke 24:49 Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit who would clothe His followers with power from on high. Talk about power dressing that affects not only us but our relationship with God and others. God knew we needed supernatural power to live out our faith. If you’ve not liked something you’ve seen about yourself lately, read Galatians 5:13-26, a great spiritual mirror. Then, pray to God to fill you with power from on high to walk out your faith. Find more tips in The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World and The Plan A Mom in a Plan B World.

LISTEN

“The Son of Man has come to SEEK and to SAVE  that which was lost, ” Luke 19:10.

Has anyone ever sacrificed something for you? Have they sacrificed sleep so you could sleep? Have they sacrificed advancing so you could? Have they sacrificed their plans so you could do yours? Sacrifice. Sometimes we sacrifice but do so begrudgingly. But Ephesians 5:2 tells us Jesus willingly SACRIFICED His life for us. He thought of us, not Himself. Hill Country Ministries is dedicated to telling others of Jesus’s great love and sacrifice. One way we have done this is by taking our P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference to every state. Christians are inspired and equipped to pray more purposefully and live more passionately for Christ. Seekers are given the opportunity to respond in faith to Christ. Thank you for your prayers as we seek how to reach the last 2 states – Oregon and Maine – during the Covid pandemic.

Do you sometimes wonder what our world will be like in the future? Revelation 1:5 tells us. “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the RULER of the KINGS of the EARTH…” Yes, one day Christ will rule the earth. Can you imagine what bliss that will be? Naysayers will be no where to be found. Lying. What’s that?  Shooting sprees. What are you talking about?  Yes, one day, the supreme RULER whose reign has no end and who reigns with justice and with mercy will rule the kings of the earth. If you’re a citizen of Christ’s kingdom, that’s a joyful thought when you put your head on your pillow tonight.