Daily Devotional By Archbishop Foley Beach

Should You Be Anxious or Afraid?

MESSAGE SUMMARY: If the Lord is my helper and confident, why should I be afraid? What can man do to me? For this confidence, we must know who Jesus is – both in our heart and in our mind. He is the Son of God – God in the flesh. As Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.". Therefore, I don’t have to worry about troubling circumstances in my life because I know that He is with me; and He will guide me no matter how dark my life seems. Jesus is the light that shines in darkness.  As Jesus tells us in Luke 12:4-5, when we have anxiety and fear in our lives, is this anxiety derivative of the right kind of fear: “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!”. When we are faced with life’s tragedies and the anxieties that result from just living our lives, Jesus can turn those situations and our fears into ways and results that we cannot fathom or understand; but we can certainly appreciate – why not give God a chance to walk with you in all your life situations -- good and bad? Ultimately, the Psalmist got it right in Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.".

 

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. I will not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (including me). (From Romans 1:16).

 

THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “The Interior Life -- Part 1: Maintaining the Inner Person", at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

 

WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S VIDEO: “The Interior Life – The Power of the Will (Red Bank Chapel; Chattanooga, TN),  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/`

 

DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

 

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:4-9; Mathew 6:25-34; Psalm 23:1-6; Psalms 87:1-7.

Are You Living Your Life Above its Capacity?

MESSAGE SUMMARY: Most of us are living our lives “above our capacity for fullness” – at a level with no space or extra. Therefore, we bring on chaos in our lives producing feelings of being overwhelmed by events; exhausted on an emotional level and physically debilitated. Spirituality, we become wimps. Paul, in Ephesians 4:15-16, tells us about how God has equipped the followers of Jesus: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.". When we don’t live our lives with the fullness that God as provided us, we are wounding the cause of Jesus; and we are hurting ourselves.

 

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Heartlessness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit’s fruit of Kindness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f).

 

THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON. You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Prayer for America”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

 

WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S VIDEO – “The Promise of Belief” (St. Thomas Anglican Church, Athens GA),  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/`

 

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): ): Ephesians 4:13-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 3:10-16; Psalms 28:1-9.

God Is the Solution for Our Uncertainty in Our Institutions

Message Summary: Are our governmental leaders leading us off the cliff, or have they already led us of the cliff? The related uncertainty in our government, economic system, cultural institutions, and in our interactions with others have brought fear, anger and hostility to millions of Americans. As Christians, we can look to John 14:1 in which Jesus tells us: "Let not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.". In times like these, we can be reminded of where our loyalties are and where our loyalties should be. Also, in times of uncertainty, our intimacy with God can be deepened -- God is still on the throne of the Universe.

 

Today’s Affirmation: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Inadequacy. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Abundance. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

                       

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Facing Difficult Circumstances”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

 

Website Link to the Video – “The Promise of Belief (St. Thomas Anglican Church, Athens GA):  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/`

 

Scripture Reference (ESV): Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 14:1-7.

A Solution for Uncertainty in Our Government, Leaders, and Our Economy

Message Summary: Are our leaders leading us off the cliff, or have they already led us of the cliff? The related uncertainty in our economic and governance systems have brought fear, anger, hostility, and polarization to millions of Americans and our country. As Christians, we can look to John 14:1 in which Jesus tells us: "Let not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.". In times like these, we can be reminded of where our loyalties are and where our loyalties should be. Also, in these times of uncertainty, our intimacy with God can be deepened -- God is still on the throne of the Universe.        

Today’s Affirmation: I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ,  I will seek God’s perspective on my situation. For I know that in all things God  works together for good to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (From Romans 8:28).

Website Link to the Video – “Pentecost – The Day of the Holy Spirit; the Promise Fulfilled” (All Saints Anglican Church; Peachtree City, GA):  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Being Born of the Spirit”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

Scripture Reference (ESV): Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 139:1-24.

Giving Thanks to God for Walking with Us Through Hard Times

Message Summary: Some of us and some of our acquaintances have gone through horrendous circumstances. Therefore, we ask, given these circumstances, how can we rejoice in the Lord? David tells us, in Psalm 30:4, to: “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”. Paul instructs us for continuous thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.". To fulfill God’s exhortation “to rejoice always”, we can rejoice “always” if we keep our eyes on Jesus.

Today’s Affirmation: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Inconsistencies. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit’s fruit of Faithfulness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f).

Website Link to the Video – “Pentecost – The Day of the Holy Spirit; the Promise Fulfilled” (All Saints Anglican Church; Peachtree City, GA):  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Being Born of the Spirit”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

Scripture Reference (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Psalms 95:1-11; 2 Corinthians 11:23-30; Psalms 138:1-8.

If You Are Anxious About Something, Ask God

Message Summary: From Philippians 4:6, Paul tells us: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”. What are you anxious about? If you are in Christ, Jesus tells us to present our request to the Lord. In Matthew 6:6-8, Jesus instructs His followers how to come to God in prayer: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.". If we are in Christ we can talk to God and present our requests to Him as if He knows nothing about our situation. We must ask God through our regular prayer life and our personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe. What are you anxious about? In Matthew 6:34, Jesus assures His followers that “anxiety” is counterproductive: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”.

Today’s Affirmation: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I want to know Him better. (Philippians 3:10). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:14).

 Website Link to the Video – “Pentecost – The Day of the Holy Spirit; the Promise Fulfilled” (All Saints Anglican Church; Peachtree City, GA):  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Being Born of the Spirit”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

Scripture Reference (ESV): Matthew 6:31-34; Philippians 4:5-7; Matthew 6:6-8; Psalms 136:1-26.

God Is Involved in Our Lives, Including the Elections

Message Summary:  A we enter this political period leading to the November elections, don’t be anxious with the election. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:31: “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”. The next years may hurt our pride, wallets, and/or our freedom. However, we should not let the election hinder our resolve to continue in our fearless faith in the truth; our constant hope in the future; and our radical love for our neighbors. God has a plan; and regardless of how things look from our eyes, we must remain faithful to His purpose. Now is the time to draw near to Jesus and to advance His Kingdom. Our gaze must remain on Jesus if we want to walk on the water during the storm. God is the king of kings and the sovereign God of the Universe. As Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 4:17 when God told Nebuchadnezzar: “to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”. God is always involved in our elections, and He gives the offices “to whom he will”, even if the election produces “the lowliest of men {or women}”. Sometimes we receive the elected officials we need, and sometimes we receive the elected officials that we deserve.

Today’s Affirmation: Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Loneliness. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Presence. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Being Born of the Spirit”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

Website Link to the Video – “Pentecost – The Day of the Holy Spirit; the Promise Fulfilled” (All Saints Anglican Church; Peachtree City, GA):  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/

 Scripture Reference (ESV): Matthew 6:31; Philippians 4:5-7; Daniel 4:17; Psalms 134:1-3.

Stay in God’s Will for You Even in Difficult Times

Message Summary:  Many of us are living in difficult times with the possibility of losing everything. Don’t give up on the will of God no matter your difficulties or your life situation. As Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 regarding God’s will for our lives: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”. One of God’s character attributes is that God does not change. In 1 John 2:17, the Apostle John points out that God’s will for us does not change; and our discernment of His will should be our life-focus: “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”. God is faithful. God’s provision for your needs may not look like what you expected, but He will provide for your needs. Strive to seek God’s will for your life and strive to live in His will.

Today’s Affirmation: Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Hatred. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Love. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “The Five Needs of Mothers”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

Website Link to the Video – “The Upper Room – Part 2: The Promise of Forgiveness (Christ Cathedral, Kampala Uganda)”:  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/

Scripture Reference (ESV): 1 John 2:15-17; Mark 3:32-35; Hebrews 6:17-20; Psalms 118:1-29.

Our Intimacy with God Should Be Deepened in Times of Uncertainty with Our Government, Leaders, and Economy

Message Summary: Are our governmental leaders leading us off the cliff, or have they already led us of the cliff? The related uncertainty in our economic system has brought fear, anger and hostility to millions of Americans. As Christians, we can look to John14 in which Jesus tells us "Let not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.". In times like these, we can be reminded of where are loyalties are or where our loyalties should be. Also, in times of uncertainty, our intimacy with God can be deepened -- God is still on the throne of the Universe.

Today’s Affirmation: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD’S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21).

This Sunday’s Sermon: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Life in the Spirit – Part 1: Baptized with the Holy Spirit”, at our Website: www.AWordFromTheLord.org/listen/.

Website Link to the Video – “The Upper Room – Part 2: The Promise of Forgiveness (Christ Cathedral, Kampala Uganda)”:  https://www.lightsource.com/ministry/a-word-from-the-lord/.

Scripture Reference (ESV): John 14:1; Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 6:25-34; Isaiah 35:

Our Problems Are Not Too Big for God

Sunday Sermon Note: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Sunday Sermon at our Website www.AWordFromTheLord.org; then click on “Teachings” and “Weekly Sermons: Current”.

Message Summary: God is faithful – our financial issues, our debt, our health issues, and our sins are not too big for God. God is faithful, and He is trustworthy. Why not take all those things in our lives that are creating anxiety to God? Our God is a faithful God.

Today’s Affirmation: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Self-centeredness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit’s fruit of Love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f).

Scripture Reference (ESV): Mathew. 6:25-33; Mathew. 10:19-20; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Psalm 9:9-10.