An audio lesson or sermon from various contributors
Episodes
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 19
Today we move further into chapter 15
“And He said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” He said, “O Lord GOD, how may I know that I will possess it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, and laid each half opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds. The birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.” (Genesis 15:7–11 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God helping our struggles to believe him.
In the previous verse we see that Abraham's willingness to trust God is accredited to him as righteousness. Yet, oh so humanly, Abram still has questions. The issue is not so much will it happen, as how.
We will look at the implications of the covenant tomorrow, but for now we will reflect on a couple of things.
Why are these animals asked for? It might be a little speculative, but it is possible that God is prefiguring the sacrifices that will be expected later – Leviticus 19:2-3. Perhaps they represent the three generations who will be oppressed in Egypt (v16).
Abram chasing away the birds of prey might symbolise him protecting his relationship with God, or, also perhaps, preserving the purity of his relationship with Yahweh by keeping the pagan influences at a distance (Ezekiel 17:23; see also Ezek 31:6, Dan 4:12, Ps 104:12 where the birds represent the Gentile nations).
Devotional thought for today
Surely God does not need to feel any under any obligation to answer this question. However, he accommodates Abram. Abram is asking for a sign. God does not see this as a lack of faith. It turns into an opportunity to affirm the covenant.
The way to greater faith is through our doubts. The path to greater confidence in our salvation is through our fears. Whilst it is true that Jesus rebuked people for a lack of faith, and for giving in to fear, he did not give up on those who doubted and were afraid.
Later, when his followers looked back on those experiences, they were able to see God with them in their challenges.
When Thomas met Jesus he said, “Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:28 NIV11). His doubts and fears were put to rest by the presence of Jesus.
Any doubts and fears you may have at the moment will not be resolved by a change of circumstances, or intellectual gymnastics. They will be made useful by taking them into the presence of Jesus where he can give you his affirmation.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you take your doubts and fears into his presence.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
Episode 18
““After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:1–6 NAS95)
Devotional thought for today
"The verbal form Nmahw (waw + perfect) “he believed” probably indicates repeated or continuing action. Faith was Abram’s normal response to the LORD’s words."
Prayer point for today
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Episode 17
“The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”” (Genesis 14:21–24 NAS95)
Devotional thought for today
““Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”” (Luke 3:14 NIV11)
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11–12 NIV11)
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 16
Today we move further into chapter 14
“Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all.” (Genesis 14:17–20 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? Spiritually minded people notice fellow spiritually minded people. They are aware of those with whom God is walking and through whom he is working.
We don't know much about Melchizedek. His name might mean, "My king is righteous". The key point is that he is a non-Jew noticing that God is with Abraham. He observes that God is with the one he has chosen. As such, he prefigures Abimelech (21:22), Rahab (Josh 2:11), Ruth (1:16) or Naaman (2 Kgs 5:15), the Magi (Matt 2:1–12), centurions (Matt 8:5–13; Mark 15:39; Acts 10), or the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:26–30).
Devotional thought for today
A question we often ask as Christians is how we can show that we have a relationship with God without being showy about it? How do I let my light shine without turning the spotlight on myself?
A key text in this regard is what Peter writes:
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV11)
I suspect he is remembering what Jesus told them on the mountainside:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV11)
Paul expressed something similar when he wrote to the Romans:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NIV11)
If we live a life of integrity with the Lord, courageous in righting wrongs whilst generous in spirit, the world will notice. That is how Abraham lived in Genesis 13 and 14.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you live with compassion and courage, letting your good deeds speak for you.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Monday Jan 11, 2021
Monday Jan 11, 2021
Would you like to learn more about faith? You've come to the right person. No, not me, Abraham. This is a daily devotional podcast supporting a teaching series for the Watford church of Christ and the Thames Valley churches of Christ called "Adventures in faith with Abraham". It is also part of my quiet time coaching series.
What is it about Abraham which is so admirable? Many things. But perhaps above all else his adventurous faith, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NIV11)
Join me as we step out on a faith adventure with Abraham.
Episode 15
Today we move further into chapter 14
“And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar — four kings against five. Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom. Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.” (Genesis 14:8–16 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? Compassion inspiring courageous action for the undeserving.
Abram is not responsible for his nephew. Lot is an adult. He has made his choices freely. He has moved from nearSodom (13:12) to in Sodom (14:12). No one can blame Abram for this. Anyone could forgive him for allowing Lot to reap the consequences of his choices.
But Abram is made of different stuff.
Devotional thought for today
Do you find it hard to have compassion for the undeserving? Even more pertinently, do you find it hard to take action, and make sacrifices on behalf of those who are undeserving and in trouble?
Abraham risked the lives of his fighting men. He risked the loss of their work in his fields and businesses. He risked the wrath of a victorious army and an alliance of conquering kings being visited upon himself.
And all for the sake of an ungrateful, foolish nephew.
How like Jesus! This is who Paul is thinking about when he tells us,
“in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3–4 NIV11)
In our natural state, “we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Eph 2:3), But we have been "shown mercy" (1 Tim 1:16). Why?
“so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16 NIV11)
If this is how we have been treated, let us be inspired to treat others likewise.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you treat the undeserving with compassion and courage.
If you have any questions or feedback please contact me: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
The apostle Paul said of Abraham, “He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16 NIV11) Let's allow him to be the father of Faith to you and me in January and February 2021.
Many thanks for listening today. See you tomorrow as we continue our adventure of faith with Abraham.
Take care and God bless, Malcolm
Sunday Jan 10, 2021
Sunday Jan 10, 2021
Episode 14
“And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar.” (Genesis 14:1–7 NAS95)
Devotional thought for today
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Saturday Jan 09, 2021
Saturday Jan 09, 2021
Episode 13
“Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.” (Genesis 13:18 NAS95)
"Lot is stepping out toward the territory that his descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites, would eventually occupy in Transjordan. Though offered a share of Canaan, he is here depicted turning his back on it. “Eastward” describes his direction of travel, but it may echo Adam, Eve, and Cain, who went east after sinning (Gen 3:24; 4:16), and the men of Babel who journeyed “in the east” before commencing their ill-fated tower (Gen 11:2)." Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. WBC 1.
Devotional thought for today
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10–11 NIV11)
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Friday Jan 08, 2021
Friday Jan 08, 2021
Episode 12
“The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. “I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. “Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.” (Genesis 13:14–18 NAS95)
"This reaffirmation of the promise of the land differs from the earlier formula by its much greater explicitness. First, the land is more precisely defined: “all . . . which you see.” Second, it is given to Abram as well as to his descendants. And third, it is given in perpetuity, “forever.”" Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. WBC 1.
Devotional thought for today
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:35 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Episode 11
“Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere — this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah — like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD.” (Genesis 13:10–13 NAS95)
Devotional thought for today
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Episode 10
“Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. “Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.”” (Genesis 13:5–9 NAS95)
Devotional thought for today
““If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 NIV11)