The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 13. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 270

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

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 12. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 269

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

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 11. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 268

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

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 10. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 267

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

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 9. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 266

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 9
Today we start chapter 13
“So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him, and Lot with him. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 13:1–4 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? A reconciliation. We will look at that in more detail in a moment, but first, let's think about the chapter as a whole.
In chapter 13 Abram returns to the land of the promise where he began to call on the name of the Lord. There, he and Lot have a dispute resulting in their separation. The consequences of which we will see in later chapters. Finally we reach the highlight of the chapter, verses 14-17, where God gives more detail to his promise of the land and the descendants of Abram.
For today, let us make two notes.
Firstly, we note that Abraham returns from Egypt wealthier than when he arrived. Interestingly, the Hebrew word used for 'rich' is the same word used for 'severe' when referring to the famine in chapter 12 verse 10. The famine was rich, now Abram is rich. The bigger picture is the prefiguring of the day when Israel will come out of Egypt
“The Israelites had done as Moses told them; they had asked the Egyptians for jewellery of silver and gold, and for clothing, and the LORD had given the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. And so they plundered the Egyptians.” (Exodus 12:35–36 NRSV)
Secondly, we see that he returns to a specific place with a specific purpose. He goes back to the 'beginning' to an altar made 'formerly'. After the debacle with Pharaoh, it looks to me that he is repairing his relationship with God. He returns to a previously built altar perhaps to check whether the promises still stand.
Devotional thought for today
It is the second point which speaks most loudly to me. One way to recapture the delight of spiritual devotion is to return to tried and tested practices. What has worked best for you in the past regarding prayer and Bible study? Is it time to revisit those? You might do well to go back to a place of spiritual victory and pray there. At one particularly dark period in my spiritual life I drove to South East London to the church building where I was baptised into Christ. I could not get inside, but I prayed outside remembering all that God had done to bring me to that point. I drove away spiritually inspired.
“— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you remember what he has done for you in the past and to refresh your gratitude in the present
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

"Adventures in faith with Abraham", Class 2, Abraham - the Balance of the Old Testament. Douglas Jacoby

Douglas Jacoby takes us on a tour of Abraham and his influence in the Old Testament.
The accompanying handout can be found here: abraham-the-balance-of-the-old-testament-douglas-jacoby
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. 
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
 
Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com.
 
Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.
 
God bless,
 
Malcolm
 
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Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 8. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 265

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 8
Today we conclude chapter 12
“But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? “Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go.” Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him.” (Genesis 12:17–20 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? God in action. He was absent in the previous paragraph, but now he acts.
Abram is getting his first lesson in what happens when we deny reality. His fear has caused faith-amnesia. He has forgotten that God's promises are to be taken seriously. God promised to bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him.
The consequences of giving in to fear instead of living by faith are severe. Abram's faithlessness has an impact on many people. It is a negative impact instead of a positive one. Abram's time in Egypt could have led people to be in awe of a God who blesses his faithful ones. Instead, Abram's God is known as one who curses.
However, we do see grace at work. God does not abandon Abram. God does not kill Pharaoh or any of his people. Somehow Abram and Sarai's marriage survives! And, perhaps most strange of all, Abram comes out of the situation with blessings. He leaves with more possessions then he arrived with.
Devotional thought for today
Conflict is inevitable in life. Is there a necessary conflict you are avoiding? Abram attempted to avoid conflict with Pharaoh, but made the situation much worse. He forgot that God had everything in hand.
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”” (Acts 23:11 NIV11)
Prayer point for today
Ask God for the courage to do what is right
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

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 7. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 264

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 7
Today we continue in chapter 12
“Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. “Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.” It came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels.” (Genesis 12:10–16 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? After our brief introduction to the promises, and the unhesitating faithful obedience of Abram, we find him facing his first challenge.
The problem is real. Outside of an invading army, famine was the greatest danger of the ancient world. The prospect of starvation was real and terrifying. The situation affected Abram, but also Sarai, Lot and all the others with him.
How will he react?
We might be surprised that he wishes to pass off his wife as his sister. Certainly, we will see that God does not approve. However, we need to pause long enough to recognise Abraham as a fellow-human. He is doing what we all do. One unavoidable problem is being compounded by adding an imagined problem.
He is correct in judging that without food he and his family will die. He is incorrect in assuming that the Egyptians will kill him. He cannot know this for a fact. His fears are clouding his judgement. We can note that there is no mention of God in this paragraph.
Devotional thought for today
What is causing the greatest fear in your heart at the moment? There's no point denying that we all have fears. However, we can respond to them in a healthy and faithful way.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7 NIV11)
Lay out your anxieties before God today. Take them out of the shadows, and place them in God's light. Let him give you peace, and refuse the temptation to attempt to control events. Remember that he cares for you and your well-being. God knows that, together with his Spirit, you have enough strength for the challenges ahead.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you respond to fear with faith.
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

"How to live an adventurous faith", Genesis 12, Malcolm Cox

Introduction
- The year behind: largely an unexpected adventure!- The year ahead: more of the same!- Choose - cooperate with God's faith adventure- We can learn how to start in the right way by looking at how Abraham's faith adventure began---
1. Listen to God -  Genesis 12:1-4, 7
- What is God trying to achieve?    - Healing for creation        - Eden; murder; flood wickedness; Babel pride - sound like our world today?        - How?        - Men and women of faith        - Abram - reverse of Babel            - Makes someone great - the one who honours him- *Really* listen - he loves you    - Only has our best interests at heart        “Go forth ....And I will” (Genesis 12:1–2 NAS95)    - "Go...so that I may make you...bless you...    - Great nation    - Bless you        - 80 X Genesis ; 310 elsewhere        - 'Bless' X5 - concentrated burst    - Name great (only David)    - Be a blessing: “you will be the embodiment of blessing”; “You will be a byword of blessing”, I.e., “may you be as blessed as Abram”.        - “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)        - “Keep your behaviour excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12 NAS95)    - Protection: “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39 NIV11)    - All peoples on earth: Matt 28:18-20    - (To your offspring I will give this land" - v7)- Prioritise times of quiet with God - but to grow in them, not just have them    - Personal connection - we have Father, Jesus and Spirit within us
 “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” (John 14:23 NAS95)
 “having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13–14 NAS95)
- He worships - altars etc.vv7, 8, ....    - Part of our character, not just something we do    - Not trying to create a people of moral conformity,        - But light in the darkness and water in the desert- In this - the pressure is off. It is not about talent, but faith.    - My greatest gift is not my abilities, but my faith.---
2. Take God at his word - Genesis 12:4-9
- Travels North-South through the land, stopping off on the way and worshipping.- God adds some detail to the promises, v7- Instinct to worship, honour God- What leaving behind?    - He left all that made him emotionally and practically secure        - Dad, brothers, extended family, livelihood, culture, food, language, ways of doing business, values    - Traditional way of doing church?- What moving towards?    - Greater use of our gifts?        - In service to one another and the world.....- Watford mission "To cooperate with the Spirit in spreading the good news across Herts, Beds & Bucks."- Using gifts requires faith- Take a step to discover and use gifts - in service of God---
3. Accept God's discipline - Genesis 12:10-20
- Abraham self focused, his mind on potentially negative fate.    - Leads to fears dominating his judgement.    - Acts for self preservation.    - Not imagining how God might preserve him, but how he might preserve himself    - When we focus on our fears, God gets smaller than the problem.- Don't be surprised by your failings - they are not fatal    - There are consequences - Imagine the state of their marriage after this    - Yet God can use it- Sometimes God's discipline is severe    - It needed plagues to restore Sarah to her destiny and deportation to get Abram back to Canaan.- Spiritual highs are sometimes accompanied by spiritual lows.    - Post-baptism.- Key issue here:    - This is a contest between God and the God-King.        - We are in a spiritual battle.        - We are in a one sided war already won - if we are with God---
Conclusion
- Your life matters- Abraham feeling his way forward - just like all of us
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](mailto: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](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

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 6. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 263

Adventures in Faith with Abraham - Episode 6. Quiet Time Coaching Episode 263
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 6
Today we continue in chapter 12
“So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan. Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev.” (Genesis 12:4–9 NAS95)
What are we seeing here? A faith-fuelled obedience. One conversation with God was enough for Abram to set out on a very long journey. We are given very little detail, which must be deliberate. It emphasises the simplicity of Abram's faith and the willingness of his obedience. All of this demonstrates the depth of his trust of God.
Abram's instinct is to worship. He desires to honour his God. As he journeys he leaves behind a trail of altars. Symbolically at least it is evidence of his belief that God will, one day, give him this land. In one sense it already belongs to Abram because it clearly belongs to God. This is the place where he appears to his people.
Devotional thought for today
What prompts your worship? What gets you thanking and praising your heavenly father? One of my favourites is this:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9–10 NIV11)
Why not try praying through this passage and letting God know how grateful you are that he has called you, just like he called Abram. Calling you to be blessed, in order to be a blessing to others.
Prayer point for today
Ask God to help you worship him with reverence and awe
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