Beyond Ourselves

Firstborn From the Dead

03/25/2024

Some time ago I went to a funeral where we celebrated the life of a dear woman who went to be with the Lord. Why were we able to celebrate her life even though we were sad she was no longer with us? We could celebrate her life because we knew she was with Christ, who Colossians 1:18 describes as “the beginning, the Firstborn from the Dead.”

Firstborn from the Dead. How can Jesus be called that? Didn’t He resurrect people to life? Weren’t the graves opened and people rose when Jesus died on the cross and the veil in the temple was torn?

Yes, Jesus raised people from the dead and yes, the tombs were opened and people raised when He died. However, those who had been resurrected died again. Jesus is called the firstborn from the dead because He was the first to rise in a resurrection body, never to die again.

In Revelation 1:4-5, John also referred to Jesus as the firstborn of the dead. “Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

Later, in Revelation 1:12-20, John saw the resurrected Lord. He heard Jesus speak. As a result, John “fell at His feet like a dead man” so shocking it was to see Jesus in glory.

The Firstborn from the Dead is alive and well as you will be when you join Him in glory.

Lord Jesus, we praise You, the FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD and thank You that we, too, will be alive forever.

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Hell on Earth

03/24/2024

“Hell on earth” is a phrase people sometimes use to describe a horrible place or time they’re experiencing. No doubt the Jews felt that way in Nazi concentration camps. So can a spouse who is in an abusive marriage. Or an employee who has a relentless boss. Might a Christian feel that way when principalities of evil are rampant? Yes.

Ephesians 6:12 says Christians struggle against rulers, powers, world forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Too often, though, we may not recognize the forces at play in our lives. We go to church, read our Bible, and try to live a good Christian life. Then something horrible happens or perhaps is ongoing. All we see is what is visible to our eyes.

When the apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos for his faith, Jesus brought perspective and encouragement to him. Consider His words, “‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades,” Revelation 1:17-18.

What you are experiencing today may feel like hell on earth, but it is temporary. Jesus is the First and the Last. He has the keys of death and Hades and is locking Satan away. He has the last word. You will live eternally in glory with the LORD.

Lord Jesus, the FIRST AND THE LAST, You reign supreme and Your Word is the final word. Thank You for ending Satan’s reign on earth one day. Thank You for eternal, glorious life with You.

Would you like more grace and peace in your life? Peace with God? Peace with others? Watch Debbie’s teaching on 1 Peter 1 HERE or listen to it HERE

 

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Who Is the Father of Spirits?

03/23/2024

Father of Spirits. Are you familiar with this title of God? We don’t often hear it. More often in prayer groups we hear praises of God as the Way, Truth, and Life; of Him being Sovereign and Healer.

However, in Hebrews 12:9, the author uses the designation Father of Spirits. “We had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of Spirits and live?”

What is meant by Father of Spirits?

Although some commentators mention a possible reference to God’s creation of angels, far more agree it is a reference to God being the father – creator – of people’s souls. We find a similar reference in this regard in Numbers 16:22. “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” God of the spirits of all flesh is a reference to God’s creation of mankind.

There is a most important aspect to God being referred to as the Father of Spirits in Hebrews 12:9. The passage goes on to explain that as earthly fathers discipline their children, the Father of Spirits disciplines His children. Who are His children? Those who have been born again, (John 3:3) of the Holy Spirit; who are new creations. Galatians 6:15

The Father of Spirits gives us a new birth. He then assumes responsibility for disciplining us so we share in His holiness. (Hebrews 12:10) What a wonderful Father of Spirits we have!

FATHER OF SPIRITS, thank You for giving us a new birth with Your Spirit and disciplining us so we share Your holiness. We love You and pray we reflect well on You, our Father.

Would you like to grow in your faith? Discover the many resources on our website that can help you. In addition to our books and Bible studies, we offer several free resources, including podcasts, video teachings, listening guides, and more!

 

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You Look A Lot Like Our Heavenly Father

03/22/2024

Have you ever needed someone to extend mercy to you? You did something wrong, thoughtless, or perhaps careless. You felt bad and desired forgiveness. You asked to be forgiven. What if their heart was hardened and they said no? And how horrible it would be if our Heavenly Father refused to forgive us.

Quite the opposite, 2 Corinthians 1:3 tells us that God is the Father of Mercies. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the FATHER OF MERCIES and God of all comfort.”

Mercy flows from our Father. It’s His nature. He is the original transmitter of mercy. So when you go to a Christian sister or brother and ask forgiveness and they extend mercy, they are a reflection of their Father – the Father of Mercies.

The good news doesn’t stop with God being a transmitter of mercy and our Christian brothers and sisters being transmitters of mercy. The good news is we can be transmitters of mercy also, reflections of our Father.

In today’s culture, it can be easy sometimes for a person to be offended. They may hold grudges and not want to forgive or extend mercy. However, what a precious opportunity it is for believers to show mercy as our Heavenly Father does. Let’s make it a point to do this well.

FATHER of MERCIES, thank You for extending mercy to us. May we be quick to extend mercy to others and reflect well on You.

We’d love to have you join us for our April Bible study on the End Times! Click HERE for more information and to register.

If you’re not able to make the April study and would like to purchase the Bible study to do on your own, you can purchase it HERE. The study includes free accompanying videos and podcasts, which you can access HERE.

 

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The Source of Illumination

03/21/2024

Our nation and world are going through what some call a dark time.

What can believers do?

We can shine brightly with the love, hope, and truth of our Lord, whom James 1:17 describes as the Father of Lights.

The prince of darkness, Satan, wants us to stumble in the darkness. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

Commentary Charles Ryrie explains this reference to the Lord means “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.” 1

Rather than physically, intellectually, morally or spiritually stumble, we can pray with our heart, mind, soul, and spirit.

We can walk through our day in the light of the Father of Lights. We can spread His light to others. Will we?

FATHER OF LIGHTS, illumine our heart, mind, soul, and spirit with Your Light so we walk as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.

1 Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update (Chicago: Moody Press, 2008).

Want to learn more about living a victorious Christian life? Watch Debbie’s teaching on Acts 28 : The 7 Characteristics of People Who Are More than Conquerors

 

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What to Remember When You Suffer as a Christian

03/20/2024

Have you ever suffered for the cause of Christ? Perhaps you took a stand on the inerrancy of the Bible. Or maybe you held to the conviction that Jesus is the way, truth, and life; no one goes to the Father except through Him. John 14:6.

Someone may have distanced themself from you because you held to the Biblical definition of marriage as being between a man and woman.

What can you do when you suffer for the cause of Christ; when our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer being disowned by their family, being beaten, imprisoned, or die for their faith?

Peter, who suffered for his faith, writes that we are to entrust our souls to our faithful creator. “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right,”1 Peter 4:19.

Peter directs us to look at God’s character; that He is creator God and that He who created the world and us is faithful. We can trust Him, knowing that He will remain faithful and make all things right.

Consistent with what Peter writes is the vision John received and recorded in Revelation 19:11 regarding Christ’s return. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.”

Our Creator God is faithful and true and He will act faithfully on your behalf.

FAITHFUL LORD, we praise You that we can trust You and entrust our souls to You.

One of our key verses today is 1 Peter 4:19. To watch Debbie’s teaching on all of 1 Peter 4, click HERE. You can also check out her 1 Peter Bible study, “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural ChaosHERE. The study includes free accompanying videos and podcasts. You can access them by going to “Bible Studies” in the main menu or by clicking HERE.

 

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Exalted

03/19/2024

The news that singer-songwriter Taylor Swift surpassed Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most weeks atop the Billboard 200 Chart exalted her to new heights in 2023. Her exalted position is not guaranteed. Only the Lord God’s is, as He tells us in Psalm 46:10. “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

“The Lord is exalted in the earth and also above the heaven and earth,” Psalm 148:13.

The Lord is exalted above other gods. “For You are the Lord Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods,” Psalm 97:9

What about Jesus? Acts 5:31 tells us, “He is the One whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”

Although the Lord is highly exalted, Psalm 138:6 encourages us that “though the Lord is exalted, yet He regards the lowly.”

How amazing our exalted Lord is! What should be our response? Nehemiah 9:5 tells us. “Arise, bless the Lord your God forever and ever! O may Your glorious name be blessed and exalted above all blessing and praise!”

Our Lord is highly exalted above all yet regards the lowly. Will you humbly exalt and bless His glorious name; praising Him for regarding you?

EXALTED Lord, we praise You, bless Your glorious name, and thank You for regarding us.

Do you commute to work and want to listen to some encouraging teachings by Debbie while you drive? Let her podcasts on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify help you set your mind on Christ before you start your day!

 

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Where Can I Go From God’s Spirit?

03/18/2024

Have you ever wondered if there was some place you could go that would be away from God? Perhaps you felt shame over something you did and wanted to hide. Or, you may have just wondered if it was a possibility to get away from God. Perhaps you feared your actions had driven God away.

I learned the answer to those questions when I was in high school while doing my daily Bible reading. I came to Psalm 139:7-10 which assures us that there is no where we can go from God’s presence. The words were so beautiful, I picked up my guitar and wrote music to accompany the words. Meditate on them as you read Psalm 139:7-10.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.”

The psalmist words are beautiful, but they are more than that. They are true.

Jesus affirmed His continual presence with us in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Which of the verses in Psalm 139:7-10 touch your heart? What does it mean to you that God is everywhere and His hand will lead you?

Lord, we praise You that You are EVERYWHERE. Thank You that we are never apart from Your presence. We love You.

The Lord is always present and wants us to talk to Him through prayer. Learn to pray more purposefully through Debbie’s book, “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.”

 

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Comfort in Dire Moments

03/17/2024

During the peak of the 2021 Covid pandemic, someone shared with me the following regarding the dire conditions many faced.

“Make no mistake. When loved ones are removed from your home by ambulance because the virus has hit them hard, you are not going to be able to sit by their hospital bed and hold their hand. You are not going to be able to pop in at 7:00 pm during visiting hours. They are going to have no one other than exhausted and brave hospital staff to see them through days or weeks. During that time, they will be completely alone. Imagine that person is someone you love dearly. Because it is a reality for many.”

Disconcerting? Absolutely. Dire? Yes! What is our hope in dire times? Is there any hope? Yes, we who have placed our faith in Jesus have the assurance that in even the direst of times, our Eternal Father is with us. (Isaiah 9:6)

Bible scholar and commentator Charles Ryrie explains that Eternal Father means “Messiah is eternally a Father to His people, guarding, supplying, and caring for their needs.” 1 There could be no greater comfort in dire situations.

Do you have a relationship with the Eternal Father through Jesus Christ? If so, with whom might you share Him?

ETERNAL FATHER, in the best of times and in the direst of times, thank You for being with us. Embolden us to share the assurance we have in You with others.

1 Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update (Chicago: Moody Press, 2008).

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Are You Worried About Things Ending?

03/16/2024

Do you ever worry about the end? Our day comes to an end. Our weekend comes to an end. A job ends. Time with loved ones ends.

But there is One who has no beginning or end: God. He is everlasting as Moses points out in Psalm 90:2. “Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

Abraham believed in the everlasting God and called on Him. Genesis 21:33

Jeremiah 10:10 refers to God as Everlasting King. “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the Everlasting King.”

Psalm 145:13 assures us His kingdom is everlasting.

Habakuk 3:6 points out that in addition to God’s kingdom being everlasting, His ways are everlasting.

The prophet Isaiah personalizes the Everlasting God by calling Him “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6.

And Psalm 103:17 tells us God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.

Isaiah 26:4 tells us God is the Everlasting Rock and Jesus affirms we are to build our lives on Him, Matthew 7:24-27.

Deuteronomy 33:27 says we can rest in God’s Everlasting Arms.

If you ever feel a sense of loss or that everything dear to you is ending, remember that God is not going anywhere. He will be with you forever and be the same Everlasting Father that He has always been.

Lord, You are the EVERLASTING God and Father in whose Everlasting Arms we can rest and in whose Everlasting Love and Kingdom we can live. We rejoice in You.

Do you ever wonder if we’re in the end times? To learn more about the end times and end times prophesy, join us for End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do Bible study beginning April 3. More information and registration can be found HERE

If you’re not able to make the April study and would like to purchase the Bible study to do on your own, you can purchase it HERE. The study includes free accompanying videos and podcasts, which can be accessed HERE.

 

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