Daily Devotional By Archbishop Foley Beach

Malachi 4 Tells Us God Takes Care of His Own and that Those Who Wait Upon Him and “fear my {God’s} name” Will Not Be Disappointed

Malachi 4 Tells Us God Takes Care of His Own and that Those Who Wait Upon Him and “fear my {God’s} name” Will Not Be Disappointed

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Isaiah, in Isaiah 64:3,8, says that God is the awesome God who created everything: “When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence . . . But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”. In Isaiah 65:11-13, Isaiah expresses God’s disappointment in being snubbed by His chosen people, the Jews. However, Isaiah expresses how pleased God is with being welcomed by the Gentiles {my servants}: “’But you who forsake the LORD, who forget my holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in.’ Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame.’". Malachi tells us, in Malachi 4:1-3, that God will punish evildoers while sparing those who fear His name: “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts.". God takes care of His own, and those who fear the Lord and who wait upon the Lord will not be disappointed.

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, help me to be still and to wait patiently for you in silence. In Jesus’ name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 125). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  From 2 Timothy 1:12

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Isaiah 64:3-10; Deuteronomy 28:58; Nehemiah 4:1-11; Malachi 4:1-6; Psalms 66b:11-20.

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 Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us ” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

As a Jesus Follower, You Live in a World of Hurting People; and You Have their Answer - Are You Sharing the Answer with Others?

As a Jesus Follower, You Live in a World of Hurting People; and You Have their Answer - Are You Sharing the Answer with Others?

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Even though we are followers of Jesus, we live in a world of hurting people; but we have the answer to their pain. God has blessed us so that we might be a blessing to others, and He has healed us so that we might provide God's healing powers to others. He has saved us so that we might be His ambassadors. While we have the answer, we keep the answer to ourselves in the way we live and by not speaking about Jesus to others. Before Jesus Ascension, He instructed us, in Matthew 28:16-20, that we must “Go” and tell others about the answer, which the Gospel provides, by “making Disciples”: “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”. Therefore, you must communicate the Answer of Jesus and the Gospel to others through both your “talk” and the way that you “walk” in your life. Walk the walk and talk the talk to share Jesus with others.

 

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, I acknowledge that I prefer to ignore and deny my pain and loss. I struggle with seeing how resurrection life can come out of death. Grant me the courage to pay attention to what you are doing, and to wait on you — even when everything in me wants to run away. In Jesus’ name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 114). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 28:16-20; John 1:1-18; Matthew 16:15-19; Psalms 66a:1-10

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 Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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

This Christmas, Dr. Beach Reminds Us of the Profound Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith - God Entering the World as a Baby; Even in Today’s World of Personal Struggles and Global Conflicts

This Christmas, Dr. Beach Reminds Us of the Profound Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith - God Entering the World as a Baby; Even in Today’s World of Personal Struggles and Global Conflicts

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

As we gather to celebrate Christmas, we're reminded of the profound mystery at the heart of our faith: God entering the world as a baby. This audacious claim, which may seem incredible to modern ears, is the cornerstone of our belief. In the midst of personal struggles and global conflicts, the Christmas message brings hope and transformation. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God's love breaks into our world, offering forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

The nativity story isn't just a historical event; it's a powerful reminder that God meets us in our pain and suffering, offering a path to healing and restoration. As we reflect on this miracle, let's open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ's birth and allow it to renew our faith and perspective on life's difficulties.

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: 1) The birth of Jesus: a) Luke 2:1-7 (The nativity story) and b) Matthew 1:18-25 (The birth of Jesus) 2) God becoming human: a) John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." and b) Philippians 2:6-7 "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."; 3) Jesus' ministry and miracles: Matthew 4:23 "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."; 4) Forgiveness of sins and eternal life: a) John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." and b) John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."; 5) God's presence in suffering:  Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." and 6) The transformative power of faith: 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!".

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

This Christmas, Dr. Beach Reminds Us of Our Faith’s Paradox - In a World Filled with Both Joy and Suffering, the Miraculous Story of God Becoming Human Stands as a Beacon of Hope

This Christmas, Dr. Beach Reminds Us of Our Faith’s Paradox - In a World Filled with Both Joy and Suffering, the Miraculous Story of God Becoming Human Stands as a Beacon of Hope

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

As we gather to celebrate Christmas, we're reminded of the profound paradox at the heart of our faith. In a world filled with joy and suffering, the miraculous story of God becoming human stands as a beacon of hope. This audacious claim—that the Creator of the universe entered our world as a helpless infant—challenges our understanding and invites us to embrace a deeper truth. The Nativity story isn't just a historical event; it's a powerful symbol of God's love and commitment to humanity. In the midst of personal struggles, global conflicts, and widespread persecution, the Christmas message reminds us that we're not alone. God's incarnation in Jesus offers us the promise of transformation, forgiveness, and eternal life. As we reflect on this incredible gift, we're called to see beyond our current circumstances and recognize the divine presence that can bring healing and hope to even the darkest situations.

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: 1) The birth of Jesus: a) Luke 2:1-7 (The nativity story) and b) Matthew 1:18-25 (The birth of Jesus) 2) God becoming human: a) John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." and b) Philippians 2:6-7 "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."; 3) Jesus' ministry and miracles: Matthew 4:23 "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."; 4) Forgiveness of sins and eternal life: a) John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." and b) John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."; 5) God's presence in suffering:  Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." and 6) The transformative power of faith: 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!".

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

This Christmas, Dr. Beach Reminds Us of the Profound Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith - God Entering the World as a Baby; Even in Today’s World of Personal Struggles and Global Conflicts

This Christmas, Dr. Beach Reminds Us of the Profound Mystery at the Heart of Our Faith - God Entering the World as a Baby; Even in Today’s World of Personal Struggles and Global Conflicts

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

As we gather to celebrate Christmas, we're reminded of the profound mystery at the heart of our faith: God entering the world as a baby. This audacious claim, which may seem incredible to modern ears, is the cornerstone of our belief. In the midst of personal struggles and global conflicts, the Christmas message brings hope and transformation. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God's love breaks into our world, offering forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

The nativity story isn't just a historical event; it's a powerful reminder that God meets us in our pain and suffering, offering a path to healing and restoration. As we reflect on this miracle, let's open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ's birth and allow it to renew our faith and perspective on life's difficulties.

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: 1) The birth of Jesus: a) Luke 2:1-7 (The nativity story) and b) Matthew 1:18-25 (The birth of Jesus) 2) God becoming human: a) John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." and b) Philippians 2:6-7 "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."; 3) Jesus' ministry and miracles: Matthew 4:23 "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."; 4) Forgiveness of sins and eternal life: a) John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." and b) John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."; 5) God's presence in suffering:  Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." and 6) The transformative power of faith: 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!".

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

Today, We Are Reminded of the Genealogy that Isn't Just a List of Names; It's a Testament to God's Faithfulness Throughout History

Today, We Are Reminded of the Genealogy that Isn't Just a List of Names; It's a Testament to God's Faithfulness Throughout History

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

As we journey through Advent, we're invited to explore the profound lineage of Jesus Christ, tracing His roots from Adam to the Messiah. This genealogy isn't just a list of names; it's a testament to God's faithfulness throughout history. We see how God worked through imperfect people - from Rahab to King David - to bring about His perfect plan. This reminds us that our own flaws and failures don't disqualify us from being part of God's story.

As we reflect on this lineage, we're challenged to consider our place in God's ongoing narrative. How might God be using our lives, with all their complexities, to further His kingdom? Let's embrace the truth that in Christ, we too are part of this grand story of redemption.

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: 1) Matthew 1:1-17 - This passage contains the genealogy of Jesus Christ as described in the sermon, tracing from Abraham to Jesus; 2) Luke 3:23-38 - While not directly mentioned, this passage provides another genealogy of Jesus, tracing back to Adam; 3) Ruth 4:18-22 - This passage mentions some of the names in Jesus' lineage, including Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David; 4) 2 Samuel 12:24 - This verse mentions Solomon's birth to David and Bathsheba (referred to in the sermon as "Uriah's own wife"); 5) Matthew 1:18-25 - These verses describe Joseph taking Mary as his wife and the birth of Jesus; 6) Luke 1:26-38 - This passage describes the annunciation to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus; and 7) John 1:41 - This verse refers to Jesus as the Christ (Messiah).

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

Today, We Are Reminded of the Genealogy, Leading to Jesus Christ, which Stretches from Adam to Jesus and Revealing God's Intricate Plan for Your Redemption

Today, We Are Reminded of the Genealogy, Leading to Jesus Christ, which Stretches from Adam to Jesus and Revealing God's Intricate Plan for Your Redemption

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

As we journey through Advent, we're reminded of the profound lineage that leads to Jesus Christ. This genealogy, stretching from Adam to Jesus, reveals God's intricate plan of redemption woven throughout history. We see how each name in this family tree, from Abraham to David to Joseph, played a crucial role in God's grand narrative. This reminds us that our own lives, however ordinary they may seem, are part of a greater story.

As we reflect on this lineage, we're challenged to consider our place in God's ongoing work. How might our faith and actions today contribute to His eternal purpose? Let's embrace the wonder of being part of this divine storyline, recognizing that the birth of Christ is not just a historical event, but the culmination of generations of faith and the beginning of our own spiritual journey.

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: 1) Matthew 1:1-17 - This passage contains the genealogy of Jesus Christ as described in the sermon, tracing from Abraham to Jesus; 2) Luke 3:23-38 - While not directly mentioned, this passage provides another genealogy of Jesus, tracing back to Adam; 3) Ruth 4:18-22 - This passage mentions some of the names in Jesus' lineage, including Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David; 4) 2 Samuel 12:24 - This verse mentions Solomon's birth to David and Bathsheba (referred to in the sermon as "Uriah's own wife"); 5) Matthew 1:18-25 - These verses describe Joseph taking Mary as his wife and the birth of Jesus; 6) Luke 1:26-38 - This passage describes the annunciation to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus; and 7) John 1:41 - This verse refers to Jesus as the Christ (Messiah).

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

Consider Joseph's Powerful Reflection on His Love and Divine Purpose. Are You Willing to Accept Unanticipated/Unwanted Roles God Has Prepared for You?

Consider Joseph's Powerful Reflection on His Love and Divine Purpose. Are You Willing to Accept Unanticipated/Unwanted Roles God Has Prepared for You?

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this powerful reflection on love and divine purpose, we're invited to explore the profound journey of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. As we delve into this narrative, we're reminded of the transformative power of faith and obedience. Joseph's story, rooted in the Gospel of Matthew, showcases how God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, challenging our preconceptions and inviting us into a deeper trust. The transcription beautifully illustrates the internal struggle Joseph faced, balancing his love for Mary with his sense of duty and the overwhelming responsibility of raising the Son of God.

This narrative encourages us to consider how we respond to God's surprising interventions in our own lives. Are we ready, like Joseph, to embrace a calling that may seem daunting or even impossible? 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.

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

Consider Joseph's Powerful Reflection on His Love and Divine Purpose. Are You Willing to Accept Unanticipated/Unwanted Roles God Has Prepared for You?

Consider Joseph's Powerful Reflection on His Love and Divine Purpose. Are You Willing to Accept Unanticipated/Unwanted Roles God Has Prepared for You?

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this powerful reflection on love and divine purpose, we're invited to explore the profound journey of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. As we delve into this narrative, we're reminded of the transformative power of faith and obedience. Joseph's story, rooted in the Gospel of Matthew, showcases how God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, challenging our preconceptions and inviting us into a deeper trust. The transcription beautifully illustrates the internal struggle Joseph faced, balancing his love for Mary with his sense of duty and the overwhelming responsibility of raising the Son of God.

This narrative encourages us to consider how we respond to God's surprising interventions in our own lives. Are we ready, like Joseph, to embrace a calling that may seem daunting or even impossible? 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.

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!

Jesus Followers Are “Commissioned" to “Make Disciples” and Not to Become Members of an Exclusive Holy Club

Jesus Followers Are “Commissioned" to “Make Disciples” and Not to Become Members of an Exclusive Holy Club

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We need to welcome new excited Followers of Jesus as members of our Non-Exclusive global fellowship as Followers of Jesus. Those of us who have been brought up in the church or have been in the church for a while can get caught up in our perceived personal righteousness. We get used to the presence of God and His peace in our lives. However, we then encounter a new Followers of Jesus. These new Christians, before their conversion, were living in the ways of the world without God’s peace. Now, these new believers are so excited with their new life; however, their outward manifestation of their conversion may not “fit” with our personal Christian behavioral norms. Sadly, too many modern Christians judge and condemn these new, excited believers for their enthusiasm rather than loving, encouraging, and embracing these new Followers of Jesus. We can learn from Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees, who exhibited similar non-supportive behavior of Christians in Matthew 5:20: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”.

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Father, when I read even part of the story of Job, I too am overwhelmed by your “wildness.” Your ways and timing are beyond me. Job moved from hearing about you to having “seen you.” Lead me, Lord, on a pathway so that I too can pray as Job prayed: “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). In Jesus’ name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 89). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 7:45-47; Matthew 5:20; Luke 11:38-39; Psalms 49b:11-20.

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