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
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
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/
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
In our series exploring God doing "a new thing" in biblical characters, Stefan Wolmarans took us into Daniel's world. What new things is God calling Daniel to? How does his faith develop? What can we learn from Daniel about allowing God to do a new thing in us and our church?
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 484 | New Thing Series — Part 39 | “Esther’s Concern” | 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 concern.
“Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” (Esther 3:6 NRSV)
“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry; he went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. 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. When Esther’s maids and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed; she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth; but he would not accept them.” (Esther 4:1-4 NRSV)
Esther’s Concern
Esther hears that Mordecai is dressed in sackcloth. She hears the news about his less than trendy clothing from her companions.
At first she does not know why. But she does know it can't be very comfortable!
She is not only concerned, but deeply distressed. Her cousin is uncomfortable. Something is wrong.
She wants to do something about it and find out what's going on.
She takes time and makes the effort to select clothing. We don't know how she did that. She did not have any clothes of her own that would fit him! But she sources some clothes, selects them and then persuades somebody to go and take them to him.
For Reflection
What helps you to have concern for people?
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (Proverbs 29:7 NIV11)
“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”” (Jonah 4:11 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to ask God to awaken concern in you that leads to practical help for someone?
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 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 483 | New Thing Series — Part 38 | “Esther’s Courage” | 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 courage.
Mordecai hears the proclamation to kill all the Jews. He sends a message to Esther telling her what to do:
“Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.” (Esther 4:8 NRSV)
“Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden sceptre to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.”” (Esther 4:10-11 NRSV)
“Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”” (Esther 4:13-14 NRSV)
“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, opposite the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favour and he held out to her the golden sceptre that was in his hand.” (Esther 5:1-2 NRSV)
Esther’s Courage
Something shifts in Esther’s heart. To begin with she seems most concerned with her own safety. However, a concern for her people develops and gives her the courage to take a risk.
The risk to her life is very real. The fifth century BC Greek historian Herodotus mentions the Persian custom that anyone who approached the king uninvited would be put to death unless pardoned by the king.
Esther understands the uniqueness of her position. She accepts that she is the only one who can intervene with any hope of successfully saving her people.
For Reflection
Can you imagine how nervous she felt? Did she fumble with the clasps of her royal robes? Did her mouth go dry? Did she walk unsteadily? Was her mind swimming with fear? Something studied her gait, opened her mouth and cleared her mind. Esther had a clarity of purpose and a powerful motivation. Her life, those of her family and an entire people rested on her shoulders. She found enough courage to take a risk for God. Is there anything God is calling you to for which you are lacking the courage? How about meditating on this scripture:
“I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to ask God to give you ‘sufficient courage’ to exalt Christ in the work he has called you to?
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 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 482 | New Thing Series — Part 37 | “Esther’s Teamwork” | 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 teamwork.
Mordecai hears the proclamation to kill all the Jews. He sends a message to Esther telling her what to do:
“Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.” (Esther 4:8 NRSV)
She replies with a message reminding him that she is not permitted to enter the king’s presences without invitation. She could die. Mordecai insists she must do it because the fate of the Jews is at stake. She sends back a message:
“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 Teamwork
Esther is obedient to her cousin“Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.” (Esther 2:10 NIV11)
“But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.” (Esther 2:20 NIV11)
At other times Mordecai is obedient to her - as we saw in Esther 4:15-17
The quality of their teamwork is remarkable and says a great deal about their respect for one another and their recognition of what God had called them to.
Esther had her responsibilities — Mordecai had his. They directed each other for the good of God’s people.
For Reflection
Respect for the strengths of another person is healthy. My wife is a doctor. What would it profit me to argue about medical matters with her? I am a musician. It would make no sense for her to argue with me regarding the merits of the key of Db major as the best key for the end of the third movement of Debussy’s orchestral piece - La Mer! We are built for teamwork in the kingdom of God. Part of what it means to be a community of faith is to discover the ways we can cooperate with one another to further God’s agenda for the salvation of as many as possible. Who are you working with to that end?
Why not take some time today to ask God help you work well together with other people (men or women) to accomplish things for his glory?
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 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 481 | New Thing Series — Part 36 | “Esther’s Family” | 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 family
“Now there was a Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair son of Shimei son of Kish, a Benjaminite. Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with King Jeconiah of Judah, whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had carried away. Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his cousin, for she had neither father nor mother; the girl was fair and beautiful, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai adopted her as his own daughter. So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in the citadel of Susa in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.”(Esther 2:5-8 NRSV)
Esther’s Family
Esther’s parents died when she was young
She is adopted and brought up by her cousin Mordecai
She is totally reliant on him for food, housing and safety - still a ‘girl’
She is taken from Mordecai without his or her consent and placed in circumstances of luxurious danger
More on that in future podcasts
For Reflection
Adoption is a Scriptural theme. Pharaoh’s daughter adopted Moses (Ex. 2:10), and Mordecai adopted Esther (Esther 2:7). Both rescue God’s people from disaster. God adopted Israel (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 7:6; Hos. 11:1; Rom. 9:4) - “Theirs is the adoption to sonship;” (Romans 9:4 NIV11). By God’s grace we are brought into his redeemed family - “children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:13 We have an inheritance - “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to thank God for adopting you as his son or daughter?
You could pray through this wonderful passage:
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:15-21 NIV11)
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 04, 2024
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 480 | New Thing Series — Part 35 | “Daniel’s Prayers - 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 Daniel. Today we explore Daniel’s prayers - part 2.
“Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.”
(Daniel 6:10 NRSV)
Daniel’s Prayer Courage
Daniel is conscious of the risks. he knows that, “whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.” (Daniel 6:7 NRSV)
Daniel is aware that people will be watching him. But he sticks to his predictable schedule, and keeps the windows open.
“He does not court martyrdom, but when disaster threatens he remains steady:” Towner, Interpretation, 83.
It is significant that the threat of doom does not make Daniel more religious, but that he simply continues with his wholehearted devotion. This is a man whose habit is to be fully committed.
Why Jerusalem? Jerusalem, to the readers, is not only a holy city with a significant past, but it is about the future. To not turn towards Jerusalem would be to admit there was no vision, no future, no hope. Daniel cannot countenance such a thing because he knows his God and that there is always hope, there is always a future.
For Reflection
Sometimes the worst time to pray is the best time to pray. Take the example of Jonah,
“Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I called to the LORD out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 NRSV)
I imagine I would've been scrambling around in the stinky, claustrophobic darkness looking for a way out of the fish. Instead, Jonah prays.
Or what about the example of Jesus:
“Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 NRSV)
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 03, 2024
Saturday Feb 03, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 479 | New Thing Series — Part 34 | “Daniel’s Prayers - 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 Daniel. Today we explore Daniel’s prayers.
“Then Daniel went to his home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” (Daniel 2:17-19 NRSV)
“Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments,” (Daniel 9:3-4 NRSV)
“While I was speaking, and was praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God on behalf of the holy mountain of my God— while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen before in a vision, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.” (Daniel 9:20-21 NRSV)
Daniel’s Prayer Confidence
Daniel has good reasons to pray. In chapter 2 his life is on the line - along with the lives of all his friends. In chapter 9 he becomes fully aware of the shame of the people of Israel. Is there any hope for him and his people?
One could forgive Daniel for avoiding praying to God. It appeared YHWH had abandoned his people. They had been invaded, deported and devastated.
Yet, Daniel has confidence in God. He asks for mercy and clarity - and receives help.
Indeed, the help comes quickly.
For Reflection
Jesus promised us swift answers to prayer.
“And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”” (Luke 18:7-8 NRSV)
Why is our confidence well founded?
“Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16 NRSV)
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 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 478 | New Thing Series — Part 33 | “Daniel’s Security” | 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 Daniel. Today we explore Daniel’s security.
“Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans…They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.” (Daniel 1:3-7 NRSV)
Daniel’s Security
Daniel is a thousand miles from home. His family separated from him and his name is changed. His country has been invaded and devastated, and his national leadership humiliated.
He is in a foreign land, learning a foreign language being trained for a job he did not apply for.
He is removed from priests, prophets, scribes and temple. He has no access to his usual channels for worship and cannot participate in the Jewish festivals.
He is presumably almost constantly in a state of ritual impurity and has no hope of restoration.
And yet, he is not a victim, nor self-absorbed. He is not hopeless nor controlled by fear.
Why?
Because he has his own relationship with God. It is not dependent on circumstances, or other people.
“Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10 NRSV)
For Reflection
We go through times when everything seems to be against us. At least - that’s how it feels. It is at such times we discover how secure we are in Christ. Why not pray through Psalm 42?
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 NIV11)
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.
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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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