Episodes
Saturday Feb 17, 2024
Saturday Feb 17, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 493 | New Thing Series — Part 48 | “Nehemiah’s Focus” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah’s focus.
“Now when it was reported to…our enemies that I had built the wall and that there was no gap left in it…Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to come down to you?” They sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.
In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. In it was written, “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem also says it—that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall; and according to this report you wish to become their king. You have also set up prophets to proclaim in Jerusalem concerning you, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ And now it will be reported to the king according to these words. So come, therefore, and let us confer together.” Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done; you are inventing them out of your own mind” —for they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
One day when I went into the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah son of Mehetabel…he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you; indeed, tonight they are coming to kill you.” But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Would a man like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!” Then I perceived and saw that God had not sent him at all, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He was hired for this purpose, to intimidate me and make me sin by acting in this way, and so they could give me a bad name, in order to taunt me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid. So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem; for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. (Selections from Nehemiah 6:1-19 NRSV)
To quote from Fabian’s notes on Nehemiah, “He stayed focused on the goal during times of opposition and distractions, while adapting his approach to the environment and circumstances.”
Nehemiah’s Focus
- Nehemiah encountered opposition who aimed to distract him from the work God had given him
- Their attempts were persistent
- They attempted to sow fear in his heart about what other people might be thinking about him
- They made up stories about him
- He prayed to be strong
- He refused to be distracted or to weaken in his purpose
For Reflection
“Jesus was constantly criticised by others, but he never criticised in return. He didn’t get angry or discouraged because of what the Pharisees, scribes, or nonbelievers said about him. Jesus did what we’re taught as children to do—treat others the way you want to be treated. Negative criticism is a distraction from God’s purpose for your life.” Lucado, Max; Gets Us, He. He Gets Us: Experiencing the confounding love, forgiveness, and relevance of Jesus (p. 90). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Discussing the challenge of distractions, J. Tyrone Marcus writes, “It could be a desire for excess rest, relaxation, and leisure. It could be saying yes to good things when you should have been saying no in order to invest in the best things. It could be the emotional hills and valleys that inevitably present themselves as life progresses. It may even be the occasional allure of returning to the company of people from your past, because you miss the “fun,” dangerous as it was to your well-being. The issue, though, is not the distractions. It’s our response to them.” Marcus, J. Tyrone. Unbeatable: Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence (p. 45). N/A. Kindle Edition.
Why not ask God today to make you aware of distractions drawing you away from your best efforts to honour God and build his kingdom?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 492 | New Thing Series — Part 47 | “Nehemiah’s Arrow” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah’s ‘arrow prayer’.
“…the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said to the king…” (Nehemiah 2:2-5 NRSV) Nehemiah has been praying for months. Now the moment has arrived. The king asks him what he wants, and Nehemiah takes a moment to pray — presumably in his head. Then he speaks with great discernment, wisdom and courage. This brief in-his-head prayer is sometimes called an ‘arrow prayer’.
Nehemiah’s Arrow
- He waits for the right time to make his request to the King
- He is consistent in prayer between the time when he heard the bad news and when he has an opportunity to do something about it. The time between his first prayer and this prayer is about four months.
- When given the opportunity to speak, he first pauses to pray. It is his habit to pray.
- He trusts in the power of prayer even if it is only a few seconds long
- His prayers have put him in a position of readiness to seize the opportunity when it comes to act boldly — almost without forethought.
For Reflection
Much of our impact for God and his kingdom depends on courage. Think of the bravery of the early disciples who were routinely scattered, attacked and imprisoned. Consider the courage of the people who reached out to you, those who planted the church in which you now worship, and those who serve at great cost to their comfort. And then, of course, contemplate our Lord Jesus whose courage led him to empty himself, take on our flesh, suffer with us and die for us. How do we find the courage we need? We find it in the presence of Jesus who we can approach with confidence because we know that he wants us in his company, and to hear our prayers.
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12 NIV11)
Why not determined to approach God confidently in prayer and ask him to supply you with the awareness to offer arrow prayers at appropriate moments in your day?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 491 | New Thing Series — Part 46 | “Nehemiah’s Lament - Part 4” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah’s lament. After hearing the terrible news about Judah and Jerusalem, Nehemiah responds with a prayer of lament. After praise and confession he moves on to supplication.
“Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place at which I have chosen to establish my name.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great power and your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!”” (Nehemiah 1:8-11 NRSV)
Nehemiah’s Lament
- He reviews consequences of unfaithfulness (Deut. 4:25–31; 28:15–68, esp. 58–68; 30:1–10).
- He reminds the Lord of his promises to repentant people
- He reminds God of the special nature of his relationship with the people he has chosen to be his own.
- In reminding the Lord that he exercised power and strength in redeeming his people he is presumably also indicating that he could restore them
- He concludes with a request for immediate help
For Reflection
Nehemiah ends his prayer with a request for help. He needs that help because to speak to the king without being spoken to put him in danger of losing his life. He is prepared to do so because he is distraught about God being dishonoured by the state of his people in Judah. Nonetheless, even though he feels it deeply, he still needs God’s help. He appeals for success and mercy.
Why do we sometimes lack the courage to act? It could be a lack of prayer in general, but it may also be a lack of lament. Bringing lament together with praise, intercession, reflection on scripture and then making bold requests seems like a good approach.
‘A healthy church is where our fears go to die. We pierce them through with Scripture, psalms of celebration and lament. We melt them in the sunlight of confession. We extinguish them with the waterfall of worship, choosing to gaze at God, not our dreads.’ Fearless, Max Lucado
Why not take some time today to pray about something you wish to do, but for which you lack the courage?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 490 | New Thing Series — Part 45 | “Nehemiah’s Lament - Part 3” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah’s lament. After hearing the terrible news about Judah and Jerusalem, Nehemiah responds with a prayer of lament.
“I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my family have sinned. We have offended you deeply, failing to keep the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded your servant Moses.” (Nehemiah 1:5-7 NRSV)
In the previous two podcasts we talked about the background to lament and the importance of praise accompanying lament. Today we see Nehemiah moving on to confessing sin as part of his lament.
Nehemiah’s Lament
- His appeals to God to hear and see his prayer is offered with great intensity (‘day and night’) on behalf of himself and God’s people
- He identifies with the sins of his people, even though he was not in Judah
- He takes personal responsibility for his sin, and the sin of his family
- He acknowledges that God has been hurt by his and Israel's behaviour
- He recognises that they have failed in their responsibilities to keep God’s commands
For Reflection
An impressive component of Nehemiah’s prayer is that he is not pointing the finger at the sins of other people. It is as if he is willing to absorb the sins of other people into himself. He is acting as an intercessor for the people before God, asking God to forgive the sins of Israel and of his own family.
In one of the great messianic passages we are told:
“For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12 NIV11)
“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34 NIV11) What a comfort it is to know that Jesus continues to intercede for us! As such, can we not imitate him by interceding for others? Why not take some time today to bring someone before God and intercede for them to him in prayer?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 489 | New Thing Series — Part 44 | “Nehemiah’s Lament - Part 2” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah’s lament. After hearing the terrible news about Judah and Jerusalem, Nehemiah responds with a prayer of lament.
“When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments;” (Nehemiah 1:4-5 NRSV)
Yesterday we talked about the background to lament. The Bible is soaked in it because it deals with real life, and not some airy-fairy fantasy of how things should be. God and his people engage with the reality of what things are truly like.
Nehemiah’s Lament
- His lament is deep. It goes on for many days.
- He addresses God directly - Nehemiah is not talking to himself
- He acknowledges the awesome nature of God - He is the one with the power to change things
- He recalls that God is faithful and loving - He is the one who cares even more than Nehemiah
For Reflection
A faithful lament is not simply a complaint, but taking what is painful to God. Praise and lament go together. They deepen one another.
“Within the believing community, lament without praise…would not be a lament addressed to YHWH, but the ‘atheist howl' for which it sometimes is mistaken. Praise without lament…would be frivolous and self-deceptive - not a praise to God, but merely rejoicing in good luck, or a triumph of projection.” Evoking Lament, Eva Harasta and Brian Brock
“…lament deepens praise because it does not envy or deface it, but instead humbly lets itself be embraced by it.” Evoking Lament, Eva Harasta and Brian Brock
Why not take some time today to praise God while holding something ‘broken’ before God at the same time?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 488 | New Thing Series — Part 43 | “Nehemiah’s Lament - Part 1” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Nehemiah. Today we explore Nehemiah’s lament.
“…while I was in Susa the capital, one of my brothers, Hanani, came with certain men from Judah; and I asked them about the Jews that survived, those who had escaped the captivity, and about Jerusalem. They replied, “The survivors there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:1-4 NRSV)
What Nehemiah is doing is more than praying — he is lamenting. The topic of lament is not something we talk about a great deal in our churches. However, it is a significant theme throughout Scripture. By some calculations the book of Psalms contain around 60 Psalms of lament. There is even an entire book called Lamentations. Nehemiah is known as a man of action – for good reason. However, we will focus here on his lament because without it, his actions mean nothing.
Nehemiah’s Lament
- Nehemiah is not responsible for the problems in Jerusalem
- He responds to bad news by taking it directly to God
- He is highly expressive in his lament
- He does not feel embarrassed to allow a full expression of his grief before God.
“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” (Psalm 137:1 NIV11)
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7 NIV11)
For Reflection
Bad news breaks near Nehemiah’s heart. It's as if he cannot help himself as he collapses to a seated position, begins to weep and cries out to God. I imagine his fasting is involuntary in some sense. How could he think to eat? How could food be interesting or attractive when the news is so terrible? Not all prayer is like this, of course, but there are times, if things are going to change, if God is going to be able to do a new thing, when we must face up to what is broken — i.e. that which is not as God intended.
Why not take something ‘broken’ to God today? Dare to express yourself to him without holding anything back.
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 487 | New Thing Series — Part 42 | “Esther’s Generosity” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s generosity.
“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.” (Esther 8:1–2 NIV11)
“For Mordecai the Jew was next in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was powerful among the Jews and popular with his many kindred, for he sought the good of his people and interceded for the welfare of all his descendants.” (Esther 10:3 NRSV)
Esther’s Generosity
- Esther saves her cousin Mordecai from the evil plot of Haman.
- The king rewards her with the property of her nemesis Haman. He was a high official and undoubtedly very wealthy.
- The king benefits Mordecai specifically by giving him his signet ring. He appoints Mordecai as second only to himself. His reward is great. The parallels with Joseph are striking.
- In addition, Esther is generous. She gives Hamman’s estate to Mordecai.
For Reflection
Was there a temptation for Esther to keep Hammond's estate for herself? Although she is Queen, as far as we know she has no wealth of her own. This could be her pension plan. Instead however she gives the estate to Mordechai. She wants him to be blessed. And the same spirit is a Mordecai. But as we see at the close of the book, Mordecai is looking out for his people and his extended family.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV11)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV11)
“…when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to ask God to refresh your gratitude for your salvation and inspire you to be generous to others?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 486 | New Thing Series — Part 41 | “Esther’s Impact” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s impact.
“Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, wearing royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honour. In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.” (Esther 8:15-17 NRSV)
“…the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the open towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, a holiday on which they send gifts of food to one another.” (Esther 9:18-19 NRSV)
Esther’s Impact
- Esther was only one woman. She was vulnerable, but also privileged.
- She recognises the significance of her opportunity to save herself, her family and her people.
- She takes courageous action by Faith.
- She fasts and trust God for help rather than depend on her own gifts.
- Her impact was immediate and generational
For Reflection
Esther is a tremendous example of someone who used their unique opportunity to make a difference, but did not rely on their gifts.
“Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great.” Overcoming your shadow mission, John Ortberg
What opportunities has God give you?
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.” (Galatians 5:13 NRSV)
Why not take some time today to ask God to show you an opportunity to have an impact on the salvation of people who do not yet know God?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
'A New Thing' Class -- Peter, Thames Valley churches of Christ, February 2024
Apostle of hope - there is always hope for a new 'new thing'
Introduction
* Peter's life is an inspiring example of how God does not lose hope in us, and we do not need to lose hope in God
* Whatever happens on our discipleship journey, God is always ready to grant us a new 'new thing'.
1. Peter's start
- ““Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8-11 NRSV)
- ““Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.”” (Mark 8:27-29 NRSV)
2. Peter's fall
- ““Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:59-62 NRSV)
3. Peter's restoration
- “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”” (Mark 16:7 NRSV)
- “Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:18-19 NRSV)
4. Peter's mission
- “In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said,” (Acts 1:15 NRSV)
- “But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,” (Acts 2:14 NRSV)
- “when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying,” (Acts 11:2-4 NRSV)
- “The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them,” (Acts 15:6-7 NRSV)
What does the story of Peter teach us?
1. Imperfect disciples are accepted: “the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” (Galatians 2:13 NRSV)
2. Imperfect disciples grow: Only perfect disciples do not need to grow!
3. Imperfect disciples do 'new things'
4. Imperfect disciples are used by God
5. Imperfect disciples get to heaven
Conclusion
"Peter is preeminently the apostle of hope, as Paul is the apostle of faith and John of love." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.
Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
It was in this way long ago that the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves by accepting the authority of their husbands.
but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;” (1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21; 3:5, 15 NRSV)
* Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5.5)
* Our hope is in God and Christ, not ourselves"It is not the fact of life that determines hope, but the faith of life." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
* Therefore we have the courage to embrace new things sent from God
* We become people who 'stand up', ready to be counted"This confident hope gives us the encouragement and enablement we need for daily living. It does not put us in a rocking chair where we complacently await the return of Jesus Christ. Instead it puts us in the marketplace, on the battlefield, where we keep on going when the burdens are heavy and the battles are hard. Hope is not a sedative; it is a shot of adrenaline, a blood transfusion. Like an anchor, our hope in Christ stabilises us in the storms of life (Heb 6.18-19), but unlike an anchor, our hope moves us forward, it does not hold us back." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
Questions
* What stands out to you from Peter's story?
* How would you assess the quality of your hope at the moment?
* How would you assess the quality of hope within your local group at the moment?
* What would help you to develop a stronger hope?
* How would a stronger hope help you to embrace the 'new thing' that God is revealing to you and your church?
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 485 | New Thing Series — Part 40 | “Esther’s Fasting” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s fasting.
“In every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.” (Esther 4:3 NRSV)
“Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” (Esther 4:15-17 NRSV)
Esther’s Fasting
- Esther asks others to fast for her.
- She also chooses to fast. She has her own conviction.
- The fast is of an unusual duration. Most fasts lasted for one day, and might be restricted to daylight hours only. She decides to fast for three sets of 24 hours.
- She persuades others to join her in the fast.
- She fasts even though the outcome is uncertain. She will fast whether she lives or dies.
For Reflection
How do you feel about fasting? It is not my favourite thing to do, I have to say. But I suppose we should ask ourselves, if we are asking God to do a new thing — something miraculous and divine — does it not seem right that fasting should play a part? Fasting is not something to be undertaken casually. It requires a purpose and a proper motivation.
““When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to pray to God about how you feel about fasting? Would it be a good idea to fast today, or plan for a fast in the future?
Conclusion
I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/