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
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 502 | New Thing Series — Part 57 | “Peter’s Breakfast - 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast.
“He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:17-19 NRSV)
Peter’s breakfast
The conversation is difficult
Peter repeats himself
Peter feels hurt by the responses of Jesus
Jesus is not afraid to hurt his friend
Jesus expresses faith and hope in Peter
For Reflection
Peter could have continued with the mission without this healing, but it would have been a hollow ministry fuelled by guilt and shame attempting to make up for his mistakes by hard work - a man-centred motivation. But Jesus wanted him to have joy. There is no joy in self-redemption. Or he could have allowed himself to fill up with despair. His Christian life then would be characterised by pessimism and a culture of negativity (disguised as a cross-focussed attitude). Again, no joy. Do you believe that Jesus wants you to experience joy in following him? Self-denial and joy do not cancel each other out. When we are serving Jesus because we love him, the experience of being a Christian is wholeheartedly positive, even though at times punctuated by lament and sorrow.
Why not take some time today to pray about finding the link between self-denial and joy?
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 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 501 | New Thing Series — Part 56 | “Peter’s Breakfast - 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s breakfast.
“When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21:9-14 NRSV)
Peter’s Breakfast
Once again Peter encounters Jesus by a lake
Once again, the night’s fishing is fruitless
Once again, Jesus gives fishing instructions
Once again, in response to the miracle, Peter humbles himself
For Reflection
As someone wrote, “The last time Peter stood over a charcoal fire, he denied Jesus (18:18). Now Jesus makes him stand over another charcoal fire (21:9) and with it, review old memories and remove them.”
How do you suppose Peter was feeling when he saw Jesus cooking breakfast? What about when he handed him the bread and the fish? At the very least, we can be sure that he received a message from Jesus. And that message was, “I want fellowship with you. No matter what you've done in denying me, I want you here around my table as close to me as a man can get.” Do you ever feel there are times when your behaviour merits Jesus withdrawing from you? Read this story and be reassured otherwise.
Why not take some time today to thank God that he always wants you at his table?
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 24, 2024
Saturday Feb 24, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 500 | New Thing Series — Part 55 | “Peter’s Sifting” | 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s sifting.
““Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”” (Luke 22:31-34 NRSV)
Peter’s Sifting
Jesus predicts that Peter will be sifted.
The sifting appears inevitable, and thereby necessary.
Peter is not alone, and Satan is not guaranteed the final victory
Peter is reassured by Jesus that his prayers are with him, but not that the sifting can be avoided
Jesus expresses hope for Peter and a purposeful future - post-sifting
For Reflection
What is sifting good for? It separates the useful from the useless in us. Satan wanted to disgrace God through our failures, but our Lord knows that sifting can make us stronger. It helps to remember that, in our struggles, we have God with us:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV11)
Are you being shifted right now? Is it catching you off guard? Remember what Peter himself wrote:
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV11)
Why not take some time today to pray about any sifting that's going on in your life and ask God to keep you strong?
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 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
In our series exploring God doing "a new thing" in biblical characters, Stefan took us into Nehemiah's world. What new things is God calling Nehemiah to? How does his faith develop? What can we learn from Nehemiah about allowing God to do a new thing in us and our church?
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
In our series exploring God doing "a new thing" in biblical characters, Archie & Jasmine Higgin took us into Peter's world. What new things is God calling Peter to? How does his faith develop? What can we learn from Peter about allowing God to do a new thing in us and our church?
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 499 | New Thing Series — Part 54 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - Part 3” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'
We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s vulnerability.
“…early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” (Matthew 14:25-33 NRSV)
Peter’s Vulnerability
Peter experiences something unprecedented. He thinks he sees a ghost and is terrified.
Peter’s response to Jesus identifying himself is to test the truth of that claim
He gets more than he bargained for, but takes Jesus at his word
He risks looking like a fool in front of the other disciples
He risks his life
He experiences his inadequacy of faith and the adequacy of Jesus to help him in his lack of faith
For Reflection
Peter displays great faith by getting out of the boat, and then displays great humanness by sinking. However, he still had enough faith to ask the right person for help. He was humbled by the experience, but humble enough to ask for help. Peter had enough faith to get a prayer through, even though his faith must have been shaken by the experience. Jesus believes Peter capable of greater faith than he did of himself. Peter’s actions inspire the rest of the people in the boat - they worship. We do not need perfect faith to see Jesus work powerfully in our lives. And even an imperfect faith is enough to inspire people to worship God.
Why not take some time today to ask God to reveal to you the level of faith he believes you're capable of?
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 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 498 | New Thing Series — Part 53 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s vulnerability.
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” (Matthew 16:13-20 NRSV)
Peter’s Vulnerability
The rest of the disciples do not speak up when given the chance to express their convictions
Peter tells Jesus what he is thinking
Perhaps it is what the other disciples are thinking, but they don't have the confidence to say so
Peter takes the risk of looking like a fool
Peter is given a vision of the new thing that Jesus is calling him to
For Reflection
Peter often functions as a spokesperson for the rest of the apostles. For example:
“Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”” (Matthew 15:15 NIV11)
“Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”” (Matthew 19:27 NIV11)
There is something about verbalising our convictions which strengthens them. Jesus responds: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!” (Matthew 16:17 NRSV). Why is he blessed? Because his heart is in line with God’s, and thereby God is able to reveal things to him that are hidden from most people. God is able to reveal things to Peter, and use him as one of his key agents because he is willing to be vulnerable.
Why not take some time today to ask God to speak your convictions out loud - whether to fellow believers, or to those 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
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 497 | New Thing Series — Part 52 | “Peter’s Vulnerability - 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s vulnerability.
“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.” (Luke 5:3-7 NRSV)
Peter’s Vulnerability
Peter has limited reasons to trust this teacher
Jesus asks Peter to trust him in an area of Peter’s own expertise
Jesus asks Peter to do something nonsensical
Peter complies with Jesus’ instructions whether he feels good about it or not
Peter’s trust is the channel for Jesus’ power
For Reflection
When we talk about trust, we are really talking about faith. And in this context as we talk about faith, we are talking about vulnerability. Jesus is testing Peter's willingness to be vulnerable. Will he do something that makes no sense to him? Will he do something that makes no sense to any sensible person? Will he do something that will make him look foolish to his colleagues, his friends, his family and the crowd? What's really going on here? I suggest it's not about the concept of faith, but love. Consider this quote:
“True vulnerability is too tender to trust with any except those who love us most.” Prayer in the Night, Tish Warren
In asking Peter to do this act, it looks to me as if Jesus is asking him the question “Do you love me?" — the key question we see at the end of John’s Gospel which we will come to in a future podcast. What difference would it make if you saw living by faith as a call to live out your love for Jesus, especially when it causes you to become vulnerable? When we confess our sins, talk to people about Jesus, tell friends our deepest fears and feelings, or offer help to the needy out of obedience to Jesus, we are making ourselves vulnerable, expressing trust and love for Jesus.
Why not take some time today to ask God to strengthen your willingness to be vulnerably obedient to Jesus?
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 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 496 | New Thing Series — Part 51 | “Peter’s Inadequacy” | Malcolm Cox
IntroductionA 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s inadequacy.
“…they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:6-11 NRSV) Peter’s Inadequacy- Peter the career fisherman has been upstaged by a carpenter- Experiencing the miracle reveals the limitations of his humanity- What is Peter sees sends him to his knees- Peter connects the presence of Jesus with his own sinfulness- An awareness of his unrighteousness leads to a desire for alone-ness
For ReflectionThink of something you are really good at. Now imagine someone who knows nothing about your area of expertise telling you how to do it. How would you feel? Jesus was no fisherman, and Peter was an expert. Fish in that part of the world were not caught in the daytime or in deep water. Jesus asked Peter to do something ridiculous.
Why do you think Peter did what Jesus asked? Do you think it might have had something to do with him sitting in the boat as Jesus taught (v3)? The nets began to break, and then Peter’s heart reached breaking-point (v8). What might be the connection between these two incidents? Once Jesus has reassured Peter he gives him a calling that Peter immediately takes up. Why do you think Peter did so without hesitation?
Peter and his companions “left everything” to follow Jesus. So did you when you made the decision to be a disciple. Do you still remember what you gave up? Why not write down the things you left behind? And why?
Why not take some time today to pray about what you've given up, including your own sense of inadequacy? ConclusionI 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 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 495 | New Thing Series — Part 50 | “Peter’s Reward” | Malcolm Cox
IntroductionA 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 the Apostle Peter. Today we explore Peter’s reward.
“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.” (Luke 5:3-7 NRSV) Peter’s Reward- Peter welcomes Jesus into his boat and hears him teach- Peter is reluctant to take fishing lessons from a carpenter- Peter is tired and frustrated- Nonetheless, Peter senses something different about Jesus and does what he suggests even though it makes no sense.- Peter experiences an extraordinary miracle. One which affected not only him, but his business partners.- Peter’s encounter with Jesus is visceral and memorable.
For ReflectionPeter already knows something about Jesus. They met because of his brother Andrew (John 1:35-42). However, as far as we know, this is the first time he has come face-to-face with the miraculous attributes of Jesus. Tomorrow we will talk about more of its effect on him, but today we reflect on Peter’s reward. What is the reward in this situation? Is it the promise of a bumper payday? I suggest not. More likely we are seeing a vision of Peter’s purpose. As the Word Biblical Commentary puts it:
“The miraculous catch…acts out in prophetic symbolism Simon’s call to catch people.” Of course, Peter doesn't get all this yet, but he soon will. For many of us, the calling to make disciples of all nations is perceived as a task, or perhaps a duty. A good task and duty, but nonetheless something like that. However, what if we view it as a reward? Somebody said to me years ago that the great commission, as it is called, might be better framed as the great permission. In other words, it's not so much that we have to go and make disciples, as that we have the immense privilege of participating with God in the making of disciples. He invites us into his joyful work — that of saving as many as possible.
“Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”” (Luke 5:10 NRSV)
Why not take some time today to pray and ask God to create in you a sense of the way in which sharing our faith with those who are lost is a privilege, a joy and a reward? ConclusionI 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/