Beyond the Building

75. Special Guest Jonathan Gonzalez - “I Am More Than My Scars”

Jonathan Gonzalez joins Debbie and Laura today with an absolutely powerful testimony of how a lost young man cries out to an unknown God from the midst of a tragic car accident and discovers not only his identity but his purpose for living as he is introduced to the One who literally spared his life. Jonathangonzalez.net is the best way to connect with him if you would like to learn more about his speaking ministry.

74. Gratitude:Stop what’s Stopping You!

As we enter November, our hearts are reminded to have an attitude of gratitude. While we often look for ways to express gratitude, it’s equally important to recognize what is keeping us from living with a heart of gratitude. This week, Debbie and Laura share four roadblocks to maintaining a grateful heart and discuss ways we can avoid them.

73. Unmasking His Presence - The Road To Emmaus

There were two men who found themselves walking along a road to Emmaus with the resurrected Jesus...but failed to recognize His presence there with them. As a believer, filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, how is it that we often find ourselves failing to recognize that He truly walks through life with us? Join Debbie and Laura as they conclude this series with our final teaching, Unmasking His Presence.

72. Unmasked- Seeing Jesus Clearly (Mary Magdalene)

Making the decision to follow Jesus is the beginning of a wonderful journey! In that moment we see Him as our Deliverer, the One Who sets us free from what has kept us bound. As we continue to follow Jesus, we begin to realize that seeing Him as Deliverer is only the beginning. Following Jesus is a lifelong journey of knowing Him in new and deeper ways. Every step we take with Him removes another mask from our eyes, allowing us to see Him more clearly.

71. Unmasked-Seeing the Hidden in Your Story (Esther)

Have you ever wondered where God is in your story? Maybe you have questioned His plan or wondered if He really has a purpose for you. Esther’s story shows us that while the answers to these questions may seem to be hidden in your story, God is over it all and will reveal Himself, His plans and His purpose in His time. Your part is to trust in Him.

70. Unmasked: Drop The Mask (Mephibosheth)

Have you ever felt like you have been dropped: wounded by someone else’s carelessness or meanness? Mephibosheth grew up with a hidden identity, having two lame feet as a result of having been dropped. He was called before the king, the mask was dropped and he found that there was a place at the kings’ table...just for him.

69. Hold Onto the Promise

An 11 year struggle with infertility led Dawn and her husband down a hard and painful path. For years she wanted to be pregnant, asking God for the desire of her heart. It wasn’t until she came to the understanding that the first step in receiving the desires of our heart is to align our desires with His. This realization started a miracle story that will encourage your heart and strengthen your faith.

68. Hold Onto Your Call

Christine Robinson joins Debbie and Laura in a powerful story about how 20 years ago, the Lord placed a call on her life to create a network of connecting local churches and those bringing children into their homes in the foster system. Sometimes the span of time between when God calls you, and when He says...GO...is longer than you imagine it should be. God used those 20 years in Christine’s life to prepare and mature her for significant ministry.

67. Hold Onto Life

While relocating from India to the United States, God put a specific word on Merina’s heart. He was bringing her to a new country for a specific purpose. Many years later, Merina would come to realize that call and step into her God-given purpose. Ministering to women with unplanned pregnancies, Merina’s call speaks life and encourages us to pursue our call, speaking life to the hurting around us, as well.

66. Hold Onto the Vision

So often life does not turn out as we expected and it is very easy to lose sight of the vision that God had given to us. Laura Matera, a director with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), joins Laura and Debbie with a powerful testimony about how God strengthened her to hold onto the vision the Lord had given to her and her husband Joe. She shared about life’s unexpected turn with the passing of her husband, leaving to raise three young girls...and how He enabled her to pick up the torch to continue to build a powerful ministry among surfers and skaters within FCA.