The Watford Church of Christ Podcast
We are on a journey to that future life exploring the incredible plans God has for us on earth to love Him and to love others. Join us on this journey!
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Episodes
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
Thursday Jan 14, 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 18
Today we move on to chapter 15
““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)
What are we seeing here? That there is no 'rightness' with God without wholehearted trust. But, when we make a decision to trust our heavenly father despite the challenges surrounding us, and the lack of tangibility to his promises, it delights the heart of God.
In this section of scripture Abraham is fearful, has questions and doubts. Yet God does not hold this against him since, once reassured, Abraham decides to confirm his allegiance to God, described here as faith. Such faith is "reckoned" as a righteousness. In other words, he does not earn it or qualify for it, but God recognises his trust and decides to grant him 'rightness' with himself.
Devotional thought for today
According to the Word Biblical Commentary,
"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."
This is not a one-time decision, but a further decision in line with his habitual way of responding to God. The more we trust God, the more we trust God. Deciding to go God's way becomes a habit over time. In a sense, faith is about character as much as it might be about actions.
We will never display perfect faith in this life, But we can grow to have a faithful character by decisively choosing God's way again and again.
Reflect on times when you made faith-filled decisions that were difficult but for which you are grateful now as you look back. Do you have a decision of face to make now?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you develop a habitual faith-filled life.
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
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Wednesday Jan 13, 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 17
Today we move further into chapter 14
“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)
What are we seeing here? Integrity inspired by security. Abram is generous because he knows God has his back.
Abram allowed Lot the pick of the land, and takes the same approach here. The king of Sodom is rude and ungrateful, but Abram does not take it personally. He allows him to go away with more than he deserves. As their rescuer, Abram presumably had a right to both the people and the property that he had recovered.
The contrast with Melchizedek is stark. The king of Salem offers, while the king of Sodom demands.
Devotional thought for today
Abram demonstrates what it means to be content with whatever the Lord supplies. He trusts that God will look after him. He does not have to take from others, nor demand for himself. We gain great peace of spirit when we give up our 'right' to demand what we deserve.
John the Baptiser was asked what a Kingdom perspective would be. He replied,
““Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”” (Luke 3:14 NIV11)
Paul let it be known that being content is something we can learn,
“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)
And the writer to the Hebrews tells us the grounds of our contentment:
“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)
You and I might never be perfectly content whilst in this life, we are human after all, but we can grow in contentment. Do you feel content? Would your friends characterise you as a person who is, generally speaking, content?
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you trust him for the strength to be content.
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
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
A sermon for the Watford church of Christ.
Introduction
Opening question: How is your faith going to help you handle the latest tests to your life?
Extension to lockdown is next phase of God refining us as people and a church
How will we respond to not being able to see parents, relatives, homeschooling, no hugs with friends, no church services together etc?
Abram's world a tough place
Conflict with relatives; wars etc. (following on from famine)
How can we summarise Abrahams perspective, attitude, character?
How is his faith expressed and evidenced?
In meekness - remember Sermon on the Mount from one year ago?
Beatitudes - blessed are the meek
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 NIV11)
What is this meekness?
“Meekness is a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own.” Carson, 23. See Gal 6:1.
"those who do not throw their weight about." France, R. T. The Gospel of Matthew. NICNT
"Those who know how to use a sword, but keep it sheathed" Jordan B Peterson
Not seen in some of our world leaders? What about us?
Jesus lived like this
Abram a tremendous example
1. Meekness takes us back to God, Gen 13.1-4
He's been humbled in Egypt
Does not sulk
Goes back to reconnect with God
More 'listening'!
Even though God does not speak-yet.
Dry times are not wasted
Dry times are a preparation
What does that look like for us?
How do we respond to sin, guilt, regret?
Whatever you have done there is a warm welcome from God waiting for you (remember the prodigal)
How do you know if you are meek?
Consistent devotion
We go to God even when he does not speak.
We get strengthened by God whether we notice it or not
We get equipped by God whether we notice it or not
Looks to me like this 'quiet time' prepared Abram for the next challenge
2. Meekness helps us act like God, Gen 13.5-13
Final recorded conversation with Lot
Lot seeks material over spiritual
Living by sight, not faith
East - away from Eden
Excellent example of how to deal with a dispute - notes on that in the podcast on this section
Grace and meekness go together
Last time tried to control his fate
This time gives up control
Not dominating the decision making
Content with land - not necessarily the best land!
Seeking benefit of the undeserving
Like Jesus
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 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.” (Philippians 2:3–7 NIV11)
Meekness demonstrated by generosity inspired by God's generosity to us
In what ways are we tempted into self-preservation?
Are you generous by nature/habit?
If not, the answer will not be in making yourself be generous, but in connecting with the source of generosity.
Can we generous with time etc - in touch with one another
How do you know if you are meek?
When you are generous towards other people
Interlude: Gen 13:14-18 - Meekness enables God to draw close to us and bless us
Promises more expansive: "all...you see"; dust; forever
Another altar - celebrating God's mercy to him (after what happened in Egypt)
When we own our faults, experience God's generous mercy, we are able to draw closer to the heart of God.
3. Meekness helps us to act courageously for God, Gen 14.1-16, 21-24
Lot near (Gen 13:12), now in (Gen 14:12)
Meekness is not passivity
Not his fight, but compassion moves him
Firm against those who wish to harm Lot. Would not allow those he loved and felt responsible for to be taken advantage of, like Jesus and the apostle Paul
Sign of a mature leader & Christian - compassionate, merciful, generous and courageous, sacrificial
Strength and warmth. Jesus - grace and truth.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 NIV11)
Strength in his leadership:
Prepared - 318 men trained, equipped and ready
Takes initiative
Cost in risk to his life, time, money (men on the battlefield not in the harvest field etc), lives (if some die or wounded)
Emotional/spiritual - Lot getting what he 'deserved'? Yet, Abram self-controlled and spiritual enough not to abandon him
King of Sodom, vv21-24
Handles his ingratitude and arrogance well, "give me...". Very strong in the Hebrew.
Integrity - could have become more rich, but God is the focus
Lets king of Sodom know about God - he should have been impressed!
When we are in a secure place with God (we are nothing, but God has chosen us), we are able to live a courageous faith.
How do you know if you are meek?
When you fight for the benefit of other people
In prayer
Practically, for example, injustice
Conclusion, Gen 14.18-20
Each God-like act brings a blessing from God (13:14-17; 14:19-20)
Two-way relationship voluntarily offered - blessing and tithe
Mel came to bless him because he saw God was with Abram
People see this when we are generous and courageous in faith
Meek in dependence on God
Meek in generosity
Meek in courageous action
People who's faith inspires them to live this way change the world and leave a spiritual legacy
Impact multi-generational:
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”” (Revelation 7:9–10 NIV11)
Bread and wine: Royal banquet
Discussion Questions
What do you find attractive/unattractive about meekness?
What do you find inspiring/challenging about Abram's faith in these chapters?
In which quality of meekness are you stronger in - grace/generosity/mercy/warmth, or, courage/confrontation/strength?
What could help you to grow in the weaker area?
How might you exercise your strength to its potential capacity?
In what way do you sense God inspiring you to act in meekness this coming week?
Sunday Jan 10, 2021
Sunday Jan 10, 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 14
Today we move on to chapter 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)
What are we seeing here? People of faith are not immune to the challenges of living in a turbulent world.
The first seven verses of this chapter remind us that nations wars against nations, rebellions occur, battles are fought, and conquerors oppress the conquered.
Abram lived in challenging times. He has already faced a severe famine, now he finds himself caught up in military conflict. How did he feel - recently resettled in the land, having resolved his conflict with his nephew with integrity, and receiving the reassurances from God of inheriting the land not just now but forever and being blessed with, "descendants as the dust of the Earth"?
All of these wonderful promises, and then war breaks out all around him! He could be forgiven for wondering whether God has got it in for him!
Devotional thought for today
Our final and complete rest is in the next life. We are promised that we can have peace of heart now, but not peace in life.
“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)
Do you not waste time, effort or breath in asking God for a peaceful life. Instead, offer him your anxieties and ask him for a peace–filled Spirit.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you trust him around the issues in life which disturb your peace, and fill you instead with his Spirit of peace.
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
Saturday Jan 09, 2021
Saturday Jan 09, 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 13
Today we pause before going on to the next chapter
“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)
What are we seeing here? Everyone is heading in one direction or another. Some are healthier than others.
Abraham goes South and walks through the land as God had told him to. Lot went east.
"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.
Abraham is following the direction of the LORD. Lot is following the direction of his heart.
Devotional thought for today
Discipleship is not a random journey. Following Jesus has an aim. That aim is to become more like him.
“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)
Fortunately, we have a guide and a companion on this journey – the Spirit of Christ.
“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)
Our journey of faith is transforming us more and more into the likeness of Jesus.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you cooperate with the Spirit of Christ in you to transform you into greater Christ-likeness.
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
Friday Jan 08, 2021
Friday Jan 08, 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 12
Today we continue in chapter 13
“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)
What are we seeing here? God notices when we act with integrity.
It can surely be no coincidence that God speaks once more to Abram after he and Lot have gone their separate ways. It looks like a seal of approval on Abram's perspective. He is happy to trust God and his promises about the land. Hence, God takes his promise up a step.
"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.
Immediately after Abram is humble in seeking the good of another above his own, and followed by Lot’s selfish and sensually-led decision, and God’s commentary on the spiritual bankruptcy of the area Lot has chosen, God gives Abram a vision. It is a great vision of land and offspring. Why does it come here? Perhaps to reassure and reward Abram for his selfless behaviour. It is a bit like God saying, “That’s the right way to go about things, Abram. This is the way to deal with people. Keep up this style and I will be with you.”
Devotional thought for today
We do not earn our intimacy with God, but, a life lived in integrity with God's Spirit must surely lead to a clearer understanding and experience of his blessings. Do not give in to the temptation to compromise on your beliefs or values as a follower of Jesus.
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:35 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you the courage to trust him, and never compromise.
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 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 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 11
Today we continue in chapter 13
“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)
What are we seeing here? Different people see different things.
What did Lot see? He saw land which might make him rich. He noticed cities where he might find husbands for his daughters. He observed a place of comfort.
Perhaps the key phrase here is, "like the land of Egypt". Has he forgotten what happened so recently in Egypt? Abram compromised, people were cursed, and he escaped by the skin of his teeth, and only by the gracious direct intervention of God. Lot was part of that. He has forgotten that comfort is a complicated goal.
When we think we see what we think we want, we miss seeing the whole picture.
Devotional thought for today
Are you tempted to pursue something unhealthy? Are you attempting to avoid discomfort? Are you bringing other people into your ambitions to help you be objective? How sad is that we have no record of Lot asking his uncle for advice. His destiny, and that of his family might have been very different.
Our comfort comes from God. Being a follower of Jesus is rarely comfortable, but, in our discomfort, we have one who will comfort us because he loves us.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to give you objectivity about your ambitions, and the comfort you need to handle the issues in life which cause us to mourn.
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
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 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 10
Today we continue in chapter 13
“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)
What are we seeing here? How to take a lead in resolving conflict.
Not all problems are caused by bad things. This challenge is the result of the blessings God has given them. However, it does lead to conflict. What to do? Lot ignores the problem, but Abram steps forward. How does he approach the conflict?
i. He goes to the person with whom a solution can be found ii. He goes straight to the problem and does not beat around the bush. iii. He acknowledges the breadth of the problem iv. He is positive in his approach v. He does not blame Lot. He does not make it personal. vi. He reminds Lot of the more important fact - that they are brothers. This principle must guide their approach to the problem.
There is much to admire in the way that Abram deals with the problem.
Devotional thought for today
Do you have a situation in your life which requires you to take the first step in order to resolve conflict? What is it about the example of Abram that might be relevant in your situation?
You might not be able to solve your conflict, we are never in control of such things, but, what could you do that would honour God?
““If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you discern how best to approach a source of conflict in your life
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