Debbie Taylor Williams

Many non-believers today, especially those in the entertainment industry, have no qualms about openly mocking God and Christians. Although witnessing such actions may feel disheartening and grieve our spirits, it should come as no surprise to believers. The Bible warns that there will be mockers and scoffers in the last days (Jude 1:18; 2 Peter 3:3). In 2 Peter 3:4, the Bible also forewarned that scoffers will challenge the truth of Christ’s return by saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” 

Second Peter 3:9 goes on to declare that “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 

Christ can choose to return at any time, but His desire is for all to come to repentance. He wishes for none to perish, but for all to have eternal life by believing in Him (John 3:16). What might seem like a delay in Jesus’ return is actually an incredible display of mercy and patience towards those who don’t believe, and even those who openly mock God. 

Here’s something to keep in mind, though… “the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). Although the Lord is patient with the lost, He will come. Just as Christ’s first coming was prophesied and fulfilled, we can rest assured that the prophecies about His second coming will be fulfilled as well. 

Lord, we thank You that You are patient, NOT WISHING FOR ANY TO PERISH. Although You are merciful and long-suffering, we never want to take that for granted. We know that Your Word is true and that You will soon return. Help us to live each day in light of that promise.

We can’t take material possessions with us when we pass into eternity. The only thing that will go with us is other people. Store up treasures in heaven by helping us spread the Word and love of Jesus. Here are some ways you can help. 

• Invite a friend to one of our in-person Bible studies.
• Tell others about our free online Bible studies.
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• Subscribe to Debbie’s YouTube channel and “like” her video teachings.
• Follow Debbie on Facebook and Instagram.
• Join our prayer team.
• Give to Hill Country Ministries. 

Jesus told a parable in Luke 19:11-22 portraying Himself as a nobleman who went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for Himself and then returns. 

Before He departed, He gave minas (wages) to His servants so they could carry on His business while He was away. 

Two of the servants took seriously what He entrusted them to do. 

When the nobleman returned, he honored them and entrusted more to them. But he called the servant who didn’t do anything with the mina He had given him, “worthless” (Luke 19:22).

Let’s break this down. 

Jesus is the nobleman. At salvation, He entrusts a spiritual gift to every believer so we can do His work on earth while He is in heaven. We are either faithfully doing the good works He’s prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10) or we’re being unfaithful to Him. 

What has Jesus called you to do? How faithfully are you doing His work while He is away?

Jesus Christ, heaven’s NOBLEMAN, stir my heart to serve You faithfully and fully.

Discover the joy of praying more purposefully and living passionately for Christ as He equips you to do His work on earth. Get a copy of Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion HERE. The book can be used as a personal study or a 10-week group study.

Jesus told His disciples He was going to die and ascend to His Father in heaven, but that He would not leave them as orphans (John 14:16-18). 

Jesus explained that He would send a Helper to them and that the Helper would not only be with them, but also in them. 

Did you catch that? “In” them? 

You can’t get any closer to someone than to be in them. 

That is God’s gift to believers. Christ’s Holy Spirit is in you. Not far away. Near. In. 

Still not convinced? Read what Psalm 145:18 says: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

God is in you, believer. Near as near can be to you. Call on God in sincerity and truth. 

Lord, You are NEAR, not far removed from me. You are so near, You are in me through Your indwelling Holy Spirit. Thank You that I can call on You in sincerity and truth. 

In Debbie’s teaching on John 14, she discussed Jesus’ promise of sending a Helper (the Holy Spirit) to not only be with His disciples, but also dwell in them. To watch a clip from Debbie’s teaching on this subject, click HERE. 

“Why?” That was the question Millennials asked me at a conference where I was speaking. Why this… Why that… “I guess that’s why we’re called the Y Generation,” a 29-year-old explained. “We want to know why.”

Millennials, the “Y Generation,” are those born during the 1980s and early 1990s. They’re the children of Baby Boomers. Those in Generation Y aren’t prone to accept pat answers. In other words, just because a preacher, teacher, or parent says something, that doesn’t necessarily make it true.

So how do we answer their question, “Why believe in and follow Jesus?” For this reason: Jesus demonstrated that He was more than just a man. People witnessed His resurrection from the dead three days after He had been crucified by skilled executioners. Jesus was who He proclaimed to be—the way, truth, and life. Peter, a witness of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and ascension into heaven spells it out, “there is no other name under heaven that has been given by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). That’s why. There is no other name by which we are saved. Confidently, boldly, and gladly speak the truth out loud to the “Y Generation” and everyone else.

Jesus, NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES, I praise You, Lord and Savior. You are the answer, and I love You. 

Our key verse today is Acts 4:12. To watch all of Debbie’s teaching on Acts 4, click HERE. To listen to her teaching, click HERE.

How big is God to you? 

How often do you recognize God moving and working in powerful ways in your life? 

How often does something good come your way, and you pass it off, thinking, “That’s nice.” 

Or, do you bow your heart in humble gratefulness and thank the Most High for what He has done?

In other words, from God’s perspective, are you mindful of His presence and power in your life? Are you grateful or ungrateful?

David is an example to us of someone who was mindful of God’s presence and power. He not only was mindful, he expressed his awe and gratitude to God.  

For instance, one time after David cried to God in his distress, God responded through what others might call favorable circumstances. But David’s response was, “The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice” (2 Samuel 22:14).

David recognized and worshiped God as “Most High.” Do we? 

Lord, MOST HIGH, give me eyes to see You working in my life and the lives of others. Give me a heart of praise to You, Most High God.

If you enjoyed this content and want to watch video teachings by Debbie, consider subscribing to her YouTube channel. Go HERE and click the subscribe button to be notified of new teachings.

Do you need a miracle; something extraordinary in your life? What do we mean when we use the word miracle? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency; just as rising from the grave.” Another definition is “a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences;” such as, “it was a miracle that more people hadn’t been killed or injured.” Perhaps it’s that last definition we use most often. “It’ll be a miracle if I can manage everything going on in my life.” Or, “It’ll be a miracle if our marriage makes it.” Let me ask again, “Are you in need of a miracle?” If so, your best hope for experiencing one is to go to Jesus. Why? 

Galatians 3:5 describes Jesus as the Miracle Worker. “So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or hearing with faith?”

As we consider Jesus, the Miracle Worker, it’s important to consider the combination of “miracle” and “worker,” as well as faith. Our miracle isn’t going to happen with the twitch of our nose. Jesus’s miracles involved power (Luke 8:46), often a person taking part in faith (John 5:8-9), and often occurred as the person acted in obedience (John 9:6-7). 

Rather than demand, “God, do this now,” we’re to thank Him for what He’s already done and obediently take the next step He shows us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being involved in my life. You’re the MIRACLE WORKER who can help others and me. Open my ears and eyes to Your instructions so I faithfully follow Your leading.

Jesus, the Miracle Worker, demonstrated His healing power in John 5 when he told a man who had been ill for 38 years to pick up his pallet, walk, and sin no more. Watch Debbie’s teaching on John 5 HERE or listen to it HERE.

Did you watch the cartoon “Mighty Mouse” when you were a child?  Do you remember the chorus, “Here I come to save the day! That means that Mighty Mouse is on the way!”  

When I was young, I was confident Mighty Mouse would save the day no matter the dire situation. 

Growing older doesn’t mean we no longer need someone to save us and our day. We do. We need someone to save us from sin. We need someone to save us from fear. We need someone to save us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Unlike a cartoon character, the One on whom we call is real. 

Joshua 22:22 proclaims, “The Mighty One, God, the Lord, the Mighty One, God, the Lord!” God is the Mighty One. He can save you and He alone. Call on Him. 

Commit Psalm 119:147 to heart, “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.”

Heavenly Father, help me be mindful that You are the MIGHTY ONE who saves no matter the dire situation. Help me confidently wait for Your words to guide me through each situation. 

Do you have a friend or family member you would like to introduce to Jesus? Share this link with them: “Meet Jesus…Experience His Grace.”

Have you ever explored a black cave with only a dim flashlight? Some time ago, I had the opportunity to walk two miles in a black cave. Did I say opportunity? It was only because I knew my time in the cave was temporary. Had I thought I couldn’t return to the outdoors and light I would have gone mad. Is that what hell is? Trapped in what Colossians 1:13 describes as a “domain of darkness”? 

Jesus Christ is Light. The beauty of heaven reflects His nature. Close your eyes and picture an eternity of despairing people screaming for release from Satan’s dark domain. Now open them and praise Jesus, whom Malachi refers to as “the messenger of the covenant”—”‘The Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming, says the Lord of armies” (Malachi 3:1).

Having been in the cave has made me mindful of how important it is to live a celebratory life. Why? There are people who don’t know Jesus, the messenger of the covenant, and that He can save them from the black torment of eternal damnation. 

We have the opportunity to celebrate our present-day and eternity. We have reason to celebrate Christ’s Light in our hearts.  Are we a bright or dim reflection of Christ to the unsaved?

Lord Jesus Christ, MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, thank You for transferring me from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Light! Help me be mindful and joyful about my freedom and take every opportunity to shine brightly and point others to You.

Jesus is referred to as the Light several times in the Gospel of John. To learn more about Jesus as the true Light of the world, watch or listen to Debbie’s teachings on the book of John HERE and HERE. Free listening guides are also included!

Quick question: Have you ever been ungrateful? Have you ever needed a loan? Have you ever been wrongly judged? Have you ever crossed the line or done something really bad? 

That was more than one question, wasn’t it? But they all point to topics that Jesus addressed prior to His statement in Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 

That’s something to think about, isn’t it? 

Our Heavenly Father is merciful to us. 

Now He says that we’re to show mercy to others. That’s a good reminder for me. Is it for you? Why not record a list of ways God has shown mercy to you? Then thank Him for each one and consider how you might show mercy to someone.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being MERCIFUL to me each and every day. Fill me with Your Spirit of mercy towards others.

Would you like an organized way to record you prayers and praises? Grab a copy of the Prayers of My Heart prayer journal.

How many movies have you watched that portray love as a warm and fuzzy emotion? We’ve probably all seen those sappy movies that depict how a couple “fell in love” after knowing each other for a few days, or even a few minutes. This is often what the world thinks of when they hear the word “love,” but the Bible speaks of a different type of love. 

First John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” In this verse, John is writing to believers. He is exhorting them to love one another. The love spoken of in this passage is agapē, a self-giving love that is not selfish, but sacrificial. God demonstrated this kind of love by giving His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus demonstrated this type of love by willingly sacrificing His life. 

You see, love is not based on feelings like so many in our world are accustomed to believing. True love, like the kind spoken of in the Bible, is unselfish and giving. It puts others first. 

How can we demonstrate this type of love? First, it’s important to recognize that we can’t give what we don’t have. Our ability to love in the way the Bible speaks comes from having a relationship with God, the source of love. As believers and recipients of Christ’s love, we are called to allow His love to transform us and to willingly extend that love to others. 

Lord, I thank you that You are LOVE. That is the very essence of who You are. As a recipient of Your love, help me extend Your love to others. Help me love the body of believers as You have called me to do. 

Some of our key verses today are from John 15. Want to dive deeper? Watch Debbie’s full teaching on John 15 by clicking HERE.