God's Timing Is Perfect, Even When It Seems Delayed

God's Timing Is Perfect, Even When It Seems Delayed

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

In this powerful Advent message, we're invited to explore the transformative story of Zechariah, an aging priest whose encounter with an angel shatters his hopelessness. This narrative from Luke's Gospel reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed. As we reflect on Zechariah's initial disbelief, we're challenged to examine our own faith in the face of seemingly impossible promises. The angel's proclamation about John the Baptist - that 'none born of women' would be like him - emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God's plan. This story encourages us to remain faithful in our spiritual routines, for it's often in these moments of ordinary service that God breaks through with extraordinary revelations. As we journey through Advent, let's open our hearts to unexpected messages of hope, trusting that God can breathe new life into our weariest moments.

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) Luke 1:5-25 - This passage tells the story of Zechariah in the temple, his encounter with the angel, and the prophecy about John the Baptist; 2) Luke 1:8-9 - Specifically mentions Zechariah being chosen by lot to enter the temple and burn incense; 3) Luke 1:11-13 - Describes the angel appearing to Zechariah and announcing that his prayer has been heard; 4) Luke 1:18-20 - Zechariah's disbelief and subsequent muteness; 5) Matthew 11:11 or Luke 7:28 - The Devotional repeatedly mentions "None born of women like him," which alludes to Jesus' words about John the Baptist: "Among those born of women there is no one greater than John."; and 6) Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6 - These Old Testament prophecies about a messenger preparing the way for the Lord are fulfilled in John the Baptist, as mentioned in the New Testament.

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

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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 & 12/4/24: 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. 12/8/24 & 12/11/24: 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. 12/14/24 & 12/15/24: 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. 12/18/24 & 12/21/24: 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. 12/22/24 & 12/23/24: 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!