Daily Devotional By Archbishop Foley Beach

Joseph Experiences a Profound Exploration of Human Love and Divine Purpose as He Grapples with His Role in the Greatest Story Ever Told

Joseph Experiences a Profound Exploration of Human Love and Divine Purpose as He Grapples with His Role in the Greatest Story Ever Told

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this profound exploration of love and divine purpose, we're invited to witness the inner struggle of Joseph as he grapples with his role in the greatest story ever told. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of trust, obedience, and the transformative power of God's love. We're reminded that sometimes our greatest callings come wrapped in uncertainty, much like Joseph's middle-of-the-night revelations.

The episode challenges us to consider: How often do we tremble at the magnitude of God's plans for our lives? It encourages us to embrace the 'desert rain' of divine love, even when it defies our expectations. As we reflect on Joseph's journey, we're prompted to examine our own willingness to step into roles that God has prepared for us, even when they seem beyond our capabilities.

This message resonates deeply with anyone facing life-changing decisions or unexpected responsibilities, reminding us that with God's guidance, we can rise to extraordinary callings.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, God is working His will in my life. (Philippians 2:13). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV) 1) Joseph and Mary's situation: Matthew 1:18-25 - The story of Joseph considering divorcing Mary quietly and the angel's message to him; 2) Jesus as the Son of God and Son of David: Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David."; 3) The virgin birth prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."; 4) God's guidance through dreams: Matthew 1:20 - "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream..."; 5) Joseph's role as Jesus' earthly father: Luke 2:41-52 - The story of Jesus in the temple, where Joseph is referred to as His father; 6) The concept of adoption in God's plan: Ephesians 1:5 - "He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."; 7) Jesus as Emmanuel (God with us): Matthew 1:23 - "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"); 8) God's overflowing love: 1 John 4:8 - "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."; and 9) The theme of obedience to God's commands: John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commands.".

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S SERMON VIDEO: www.AWFTL.org/watch

DONATE TO AWFTL

 

AWFTL Advent Devotional Schedule

A Word From The Lord ministry, with Dr. Foley Beach, has partnered with Poor Bishop Hooper to walk us through the season of Advent using their original music and animated art.

1. 12/01/24 & 12/2/24: In this first episode "Foreword", we begin with God's Creation of the World. However, sin comes into the world necessitating the need for "A Means of Grace and the Hope for Glory", the Christ.
2. 12/4/24 & 12/7/24: In this episode “Hope”, the Holy Spirit’s notifies the aging but unbelieving Priest, Zechariah, that his barren wife Elizebeth will give birth to John the Baptizer, who will prepare the way for God’s Grace for undeserved Salvation, through birth of His Son.
3. 12/7/24 & 12/8/24: In this episode “Peace”, the Virgin Mary is notified by an Angel that God, through the Holy Spirit, will bless her with the birth of The Christ, the promised Mesiah; and He will be named Jesus.
4. 12/11/24 & 12/14/24: In this episode “Joy”, Elizabeth is visited by her cousin, Mary as they share both the joy of their unanticipated pregnancies and the assume blessing of God’s favor for them and the World, the Incarnate Jesus
5. 12/15/24 & 12/18/24: The episode, “Love”, depicts the struggles that Joseph is facing from both his love and duty to an, as yet, unmarried but pregnant Mary. Also, Joseph is coming to grips with burden and responsibility of his early-life fatherhood for Jesus, who is Father God, in a human presence, as God’s Son.
6. 12/19/24 & 12/21/24 & 12/22/24: The final episode brings it all together in Jesus’ genealogy from Adam to The Christ – proving that Advent and Christmas are a great deal more than what the commercialization of Christmas often implies. We end our Advent journey with “The First Born”  - The Christ!

Today’s Political and Religious Climates Harden Hearts of Many “Believers” Who Turn Away from God - Jesus Followers Are to and Can Help Those with Hardening Hearts

Today’s Political and Religious Climates Harden Hearts of Many “Believers” Who Turn Away from God - Jesus Followers Are to and Can Help Those with Hardening Hearts

MESSAGE SUMMARY: No matter the hardness of a person’s heart, who has walked away from God, they will respond to your initiatives that are based on your love and trust. However, so many of us Christians are so focused on doing their religious or spiritual things and keeping to their “busy” schedules that they do not have time to love and care for the needs of other – physical and/or spiritual. Is there anything you can do for someone with a calloused heart or who has walked away from God because they were not discipled? Yes, you must start by praying for them – asking God to move in their lives; asking God to intervene in their life situations; asking God to break up the hardness of their heart. Also, you must build a better personal relationship, with this person, through your trust and caring love. In Mathew 18:12-13, Jesus presents God’s perspective regarding the pursuit of even one person that has walked away: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."

 

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Father, to you I acknowledge that I don’t want to go the way of powerlessness and humility. Like Peter, I want to know what you are doing with those around me. I love you. Help me to trust you with this day, with tomorrow, and with my whole life. In Jesus’ name, amen.        Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 92). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Acts 1:8; Romans 2:15-16; Psalms 47:1-9.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Why We Do Christmas”,

at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

Jesus Followers Must Carve Out Quiet Times to Listen for the Holy Spirit Who Speaks to Us in His “still small voice”

Jesus Followers Must Carve Out Quiet Times to Listen for the Holy Spirit Who Speaks to Us in His “still small voice”

MESSAGE SUMMARY: God will speak to you, but you must learn to listen for Him. Learning to listen for and to God requires focused and "in-tune" listening in combination with a filter for all the in-life clutter that your lifestyles and culture create. As Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, followers of Jesus must listen and hear the Word from the Lord: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.". You are going all the time with stimuli from many different sources – how can God speak or be heard, in a still small voice, through all your noise? To hear and listen for God, "lengthy times in silence and solitude" with the Lord are needed. Times of quiet prayer with God permits the noise and clutter get taken away. Again, in Psalm 141:1, the Psalmist admonishes us to call upon the Lord and to listen for God’s Word: “LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!".

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Abba Father, I admit that I am often afraid and embarrassed to openly tell you all that is going on inside me — even though I know you know it all anyway. Teach me what boldness in prayer looks like as I draw near your throne of grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 112). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, 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).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Exodus 19:5; Daniel 9:9-14; John 10:2-16; Psalms 106a:1-12

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Why We Do Christmas”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

We Are Invited to Reflect on Joseph's Extraordinary Journey, As We Contemplate His Struggles Along with His Love and Joy

We Are Invited to Reflect on Joseph's Extraordinary Journey, As We Contemplate His Struggles Along with His Love and Joy

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this profound exploration of love and divine purpose, we're invited to reflect on Joseph's extraordinary journey. As we contemplate his struggles with an unexpected pregnancy and the weight of raising the Son of God, we're reminded of how God often works in mysterious ways. The story challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems overwhelming or contrary to societal norms. Just as Joseph was called to 'adopt the one who will adopt the world,' we too are asked to embrace our unique roles in God's grand design. This narrative encourages us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize the beautiful symphony God is composing in our lives. It's a powerful reminder that our perceived limitations or fears don't define us; instead, it's our willingness to say 'yes' to God's calling that shapes our destiny.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, God is working His will in my life. (Philippians 2:13). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV) 1) Joseph and Mary's situation: Matthew 1:18-25 - The story of Joseph considering divorcing Mary quietly and the angel's message to him; 2) Jesus as the Son of God and Son of David: Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David."; 3) The virgin birth prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."; 4) God's guidance through dreams: Matthew 1:20 - "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream..."; 5) Joseph's role as Jesus' earthly father: Luke 2:41-52 - The story of Jesus in the temple, where Joseph is referred to as His father; 6) The concept of adoption in God's plan: Ephesians 1:5 - "He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."; 7) Jesus as Emmanuel (God with us): Matthew 1:23 - "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us"); 8) God's overflowing love: 1 John 4:8 - "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."; and 9) The theme of obedience to God's commands: John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commands.".

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S SERMON VIDEO: www.AWFTL.org/watch

DONATE TO AWFTL

AWFTL Advent Devotional Schedule

A Word From The Lord ministry, with Dr. Foley Beach, has partnered with Poor Bishop Hooper to walk us through the season of Advent using their original music and animated art.

1. 12/01/24 & 12/2/24: In this first episode "Foreword", we begin with God's Creation of the World. However, sin comes into the world necessitating the need for "A Means of Grace and the Hope for Glory", the Christ.
2. 12/4/24 & 12/7/24: In this episode “Hope”, the Holy Spirit’s notifies the aging but unbelieving Priest, Zechariah, that his barren wife Elizebeth will give birth to John the Baptizer, who will prepare the way for God’s Grace for undeserved Salvation, through birth of His Son.
3. 12/7/24 & 12/8/24: In this episode “Peace”, the Virgin Mary is notified by an Angel that God, through the Holy Spirit, will bless her with the birth of The Christ, the promised Mesiah; and He will be named Jesus.
4. 12/11/24 & 12/14/24: In this episode “Joy”, Elizabeth is visited by her cousin, Mary as they share both the joy of their unanticipated pregnancies and the assume blessing of God’s favor for them and the World, the Incarnate Jesus
5. 12/15/24 & 12/18/24: The episode, “Love”, depicts the struggles that Joseph is facing from both his love and duty to an, as yet, unmarried but pregnant Mary. Also, Joseph is coming to grips with burden and responsibility of his early-life fatherhood for Jesus, who is Father God, in a human presence, as God’s Son.
6. 12/19/24 & 12/21/24 & 12/22/24: The final episode brings it all together in Jesus’ genealogy from Adam to The Christ – proving that Advent and Christmas are a great deal more than what the commercialization of Christmas often implies. We end our Advent journey with “The First Born”  - The Christ!

Mary's Visitation with Elizabeth Encourages Us To Be Open To the Holy Spirit, Even When It Defies Expectations

Mary's Visitation with Elizabeth Encourages Us To Be Open To the Holy Spirit, Even When It Defies Expectations

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this powerful meditation on the Visitation, we're invited to witness the profound joy and spiritual significance of Mary's encounter with Elizabeth. This beautiful moment, recounted in Luke's Gospel, reminds us of the extraordinary ways God works in our lives. As we reflect on these two women's unanticipated pregnancies, we're challenged to recognize God's favor in unexpected places. Their shared excitement speaks to the transformative power of faith and the joy that comes from embracing God's plan. How might we, like Mary and Elizabeth, respond with joy and wonder to God's surprising interventions in our lives? This reflection encourages us to be open to the Holy Spirit's movement, even when it defies our expectations.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, God is working His will in my life. (Philippians 2:13). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV1) Luke 1:39-45 - This passage describes Mary's visit to Elizabeth and their joyful interaction, which is the main focus of the sermon; 2) Luke 1:41-42 - "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'" This relates to the sermon's mention of Elizabeth feeling the baby turn and recognizing Mary's blessedness; 3) Luke 1:43 - "But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" This verse aligns with the sermon's reference to Elizabeth recognizing Mary as "the mother of my Lord."; 4) Luke 1:15 - This verse, while not directly mentioned, relates to John the Baptist (Elizabeth's son) being filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth, which is alluded to in the sermon; 5) Matthew 1:18 or Luke 1:35 - These verses describe Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit, which is hinted at in the sermon's mention of "the holy spirit that I've never known."; and 6) Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat) - While not directly quoted, Mary's song of praise aligns with the joyful tone and themes of blessing in the sermon.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S SERMON VIDEO: www.AWFTL.org/watch

DONATE TO AWFTL

 

AWFTL Advent Devotional Schedule

A Word From The Lord ministry, with Dr. Foley Beach, has partnered with Poor Bishop Hooper to walk us through the season of Advent using their original music and animated art.

1. 12/01/24 & 12/2/24: In this first episode "Foreword", we begin with God's Creation of the World. However, sin comes into the world necessitating the need for "A Means of Grace and the Hope for Glory", the Christ.
2. 12/4/24 & 12/7/24: In this episode “Hope”, the Holy Spirit’s notifies the aging but unbelieving Priest, Zechariah, that his barren wife Elizebeth will give birth to John the Baptizer, who will prepare the way for God’s Grace for undeserved Salvation, through birth of His Son.
3. 12/7/24 & 12/8/24: In this episode “Peace”, the Virgin Mary is notified by an Angel that God, through the Holy Spirit, will bless her with the birth of The Christ, the promised Mesiah; and He will be named Jesus.
4. 12/11/24 & 12/14/24: In this episode “Joy”, Elizabeth is visited by her cousin, Mary as they share both the joy of their unanticipated pregnancies and the assume blessing of God’s favor for them and the World, the Incarnate Jesus
5. 12/15/24 & 12/18/24: The episode, “Love”, depicts the struggles that Joseph is facing from both his love and duty to an, as yet, unmarried but pregnant Mary. Also, Joseph is coming to grips with burden and responsibility of his early-life fatherhood for Jesus, who is Father God, in a human presence, as God’s Son.
6. 12/19/24 & 12/21/24 & 12/22/24: The final episode brings it all together in Jesus’ genealogy from Adam to The Christ – proving that Advent and Christmas are a great deal more than what the commercialization of Christmas often implies. We end our Advent journey with “The First Born”  - The Christ!

Jesus Followers’ Personal Relationship with Jesus Comes from Humility as Sinners Through Seeking God’s Mercy in Prayer

Jesus Followers’ Personal Relationship with Jesus Comes from Humility as Sinners Through Seeking God’s Mercy in Prayer

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We do not deserve it; but we able to come to God, in a Personal Relationship with Him, because of His Mercy. We are all sinners. As Paul tells us in Romans 9:18: “So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.". With God’s Justice without His Mercy and His resulting Grace, you would face only eternal death as Justice for your sins. We can never enter God’s presence for prayer when we are in our pride with our focus on ourselves. Also, Paul reminds us, in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, that, in your Salvation through God’s Grace, Jesus makes us “boast” only in the Grace provided us by God: “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”. We can only enter God’s presence when we humble ourselves in Jesus. Humility and penitence before God invite His presence – here I am, Lord; just as I am; have mercy on me a sinner.

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 18:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Isaiah 19:22; Psalms 44a:1-13.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “A Day Is Coming – Part 2 at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

Jesus Follower’s Greatest Witness for the Gospel of Jesus, in a Hurting World, is for Others to See Jesus in Them

Jesus Follower’s Greatest Witness for the Gospel of Jesus, in a Hurting World, is for Others to See Jesus in Them

MESSAGE SUMMARY: You need to live the Christian life in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. To achieve God’s desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let Him work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.

 

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Lust. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Perfect Provision. “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).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5.

WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “A Day Is Coming – Part 2”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

Mary's Visitation with Elizabeth Encourages Us To Be Open To the Holy Spirit, Even When It Defies Expectations

Mary's Visitation with Elizabeth Encourages Us To Be Open To the Holy Spirit, Even When It Defies Expectations

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this powerful meditation on the Visitation, we're invited to witness the profound joy and spiritual significance of Mary's encounter with Elizabeth. This beautiful moment, recounted in Luke's Gospel, reminds us of the extraordinary ways God works in our lives. As we reflect on these two women's unanticipated pregnancies, we're challenged to recognize God's favor in unexpected places. Their shared excitement speaks to the transformative power of faith and the joy that comes from embracing God's plan. How might we, like Mary and Elizabeth, respond with joy and wonder to God's surprising interventions in our lives? This reflection encourages us to be open to the Holy Spirit's movement, even when it defies our expectations.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, God is working His will in my life. (Philippians 2:13). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV1) Luke 1:39-45 - This passage describes Mary's visit to Elizabeth and their joyful interaction, which is the main focus of the sermon; 2) Luke 1:41-42 - "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'" This relates to the sermon's mention of Elizabeth feeling the baby turn and recognizing Mary's blessedness; 3) Luke 1:43 - "But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" This verse aligns with the sermon's reference to Elizabeth recognizing Mary as "the mother of my Lord."; 4) Luke 1:15 - This verse, while not directly mentioned, relates to John the Baptist (Elizabeth's son) being filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth, which is alluded to in the sermon; 5) Matthew 1:18 or Luke 1:35 - These verses describe Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit, which is hinted at in the sermon's mention of "the holy spirit that I've never known."; and 6) Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat) - While not directly quoted, Mary's song of praise aligns with the joyful tone and themes of blessing in the sermon.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S SERMON VIDEO: www.AWFTL.org/watch

DONATE TO AWFTL

 

AWFTL Advent Devotional Schedule

A Word From The Lord ministry, with Dr. Foley Beach, has partnered with Poor Bishop Hooper to walk us through the season of Advent using their original music and animated art.

1. 12/01/24 & 12/2/24: In this first episode "Foreword", we begin with God's Creation of the World. However, sin comes into the world necessitating the need for "A Means of Grace and the Hope for Glory", the Christ.
2. 12/4/24 & 12/7/24: In this episode “Hope”, the Holy Spirit’s notifies the aging but unbelieving Priest, Zechariah, that his barren wife Elizebeth will give birth to John the Baptizer, who will prepare the way for God’s Grace for undeserved Salvation, through birth of His Son.
3. 12/7/24 & 12/8/24: In this episode “Peace”, the Virgin Mary is notified by an Angel that God, through the Holy Spirit, will bless her with the birth of The Christ, the promised Mesiah; and He will be named Jesus.
4. 12/11/24 & 12/14/24: In this episode “Joy”, Elizabeth is visited by her cousin, Mary as they share both the joy of their unanticipated pregnancies and the assume blessing of God’s favor for them and the World, the Incarnate Jesus
5. 12/15/24 & 12/18/24: The episode, “Love”, depicts the struggles that Joseph is facing from both his love and duty to an, as yet, unmarried but pregnant Mary. Also, Joseph is coming to grips with burden and responsibility of his early-life fatherhood for Jesus, who is Father God, in a human presence, as God’s Son.
6. 12/19/24 & 12/21/24 & 12/22/24: The final episode brings it all together in Jesus’ genealogy from Adam to The Christ – proving that Advent and Christmas are a great deal more than what the commercialization of Christmas often implies. We end our Advent journey with “The First Born”  - The Christ!

Jesus Followers Can Influence and Lead a Return to God by Our People, Churches, and Nation Through the “Five Exhortations”

Jesus Followers Can Influence and Lead a Return to God by Our People, Churches, and Nation Through the “Five Exhortations”

MESSAGE SUMMARY: In the Bible, you can find five exhortations, from the God, that are right on point for our times of uncertainty in America: 1) Do not fear; 2) Continue to tithe; 3) Get out of debt; 4) Help our brothers and sisters in need; and 5) Pray. The people in Malachi’s day were withholding what was God’s, and they were paying a price. But even in those conditions of the nation’s sin and faithlessness, God said to the nation, in Malachi 3:7, “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’.”. God does not change – God today is the same faithful Creator of the Universe as He was in the time of Malachi. Return to God, both as individuals and as a nation; and see how God will bless us!

 

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Forgive me, Father, for at times treating you as if you were my personal assistant or secretary. Your ways are unsearchable and beyond understanding. Help me to put my trust in you and not in my circumstances. In your presence, I am silenced. In Jesus’ name, amen.          Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 87). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Malachi 2:1-17; Malachi 3:7; Malachi 3:16-18; Psalms 41:1-13.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “A Day Is Coming – Part 2”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

The Holy Spirit, God’s Personal Relationship Presence, Is Our Life’s Ultimate Counselor and Helper – the Creator of the Universe

The Holy Spirit, God’s Personal Relationship Presence, Is Our Life’s Ultimate Counselor and Helper – the Creator of the Universe

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Your relationship with God is a continuous and not a one-time event; therefore, followers of Jesus are to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit, as we are told in Acts 2:3-4: “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.". We should ask the Lord to fill us with the Holy Spirit every day. You need the continuous refreshing of the Holy Spirit because YOU are a broken vessel – you sin; you get tired; you work hard; you act stupid; and you rebel against God. Be filled with the Holy Spirit now – filled in this moment of the present. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in our lives in a personal relationship, provides us with the ultimate counselor and helper in our life – the Creator of the Universe. Do you ask the Holy Spirit to fill you every day to experience the continuous power of God’s gift?

 

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, I relate to Peter’s headstrong nature, and to his struggle to understand what you were telling him. It is difficult for me to understand how you are running the universe and my place in it. Transform my stubborn will, O Lord. Teach me to wait on you. Help me to trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 95). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, because 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).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 5:21; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Peter 4:1-6; Psalms 31b:13-24.

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