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
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Abraham’s New Thing relationship with God, Thames Valley churches of Christ, January 2024, Genesis 18‘A New Thing’ Series Class 2 — AbrahamIntroduction* When studying Abraham we often focus on the promises, the blessings and the sacrifice of Isaac* This class will focus on the newness within Abraham’s relationship with God* Genesis 18.16-33
1. God Trusts Abraham* He reveals himself* He accepts hospitality* He reveals his plans* He practices ‘vulnerability’* Leads to a ‘partnership’ with Abraham - a new thing * ‘he was no yes-man but a true partner.’ Tyndale* Jesus treats us as ‘friends’: John 15.15* Do you sense God trusts you?* What helps you believe Jesus sees you as his friend?* He made himself vulnerable to draw us to him -Philippians 2:5-8 NRSV* - ’Vulnerability begets vulnerability; courage is contagious.’ Daring Greatly, Brene Brown* * ‘Point of Grace’ song, ‘He believes in you’ — , * The story behind the song: https://youtu.be/fh_tdLFe67k?si=8TxCF76pHKe_fv1l * YouTube version of the song: https://youtu.be/ZA3jPIHnsIc?si=bjgbvRbybPm2orEW * Song lyrics below
2. Abraham Trust God* He trusts God will listen* He trusts he can reason with God - respectfully- Contrast with Job: Job 38:1-5 NIV11* Genesis 18:23-26 NIV11* This is not haggling, but exploring* Parallels with Jesus and the Greek woman Mark 7:26-30 NIV11
ConclusionWhat does Abraham learn?* God cares about people* God wants to include him in his plans* God listens to himWhat do we learn?* The importance of trusting that God wants to hear from us“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2 NIV11)* “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Revelation 5:8 NIV11)
* The value in taking issues to God in prayer and exploring them with him
Questions for reflection and discussion* What does it mean to you to talk to your Heavenly Father like a friend?* What barriers exist to prevent that, and what can you do about it?* What inspires your trust in God that he loves to be with you in your prayers?* What is your main take-away from reflecting on Abraham’s ‘new thing’ relationship with God, and how will you make it part of your relationship with God?
He Believes in YouSong by Point of GraceYou're not hearing the answers you've been praying forYou try and try, can't find an open doorYou're not seeing the miracles not a one in sightAnd the way you feel you sure need one tonight
Your faith is crumbling, your feet are stumblingIt's so hard to believe in HimBut He believes in you when you're at your weakestAnd hope's still burning through the night but you can't see itYou know in your heart He loves youBut in those moments when you can't believe it's trueHe believes in you
Chin deep in the water you tried walking onAnd you reach for Him and you think He's goneHe's still there beside you with His stubborn loveNo, He never left and He won't give upHe will protect you until you're rescuedOh, there's nothing that He can't do
'Cause He believes in you when you're at your weakestAnd hope's still burning through the night but you can't see itYou know in your heart He loves youBut in those moments when you can't believe it's trueHe believes in you
You know in your heart He loves youBut at those moments when you can't believe it's trueHe believes in youHe believes in you, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in youHe believes, He believes, He believes in you
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.
God bless, Malcolm
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 461 | New Thing Series — Part 16 | “Abraham’s Blessings” | 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 Abraham. Today we explore Abraham’s blessings.
“The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”” (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV11)
The words ‘bless’ and ‘blessing’ come up repeatedly here. I doubt Abraham was in any doubt about God’s desire to bless him and others through him.
Abraham’s Blessings Carry a Cost
God promises him a nation, a name and an impact. But, doesn't he already have all of those?
He has a nation, he has a people and he has a household where his name is known.
Yet, God’s vision is bigger. How will Abraham discover that vision? By willingly incurring a cost.
He is called to leave. To leave his country, people and extended family. Was this easy?
While we do not know how he felt, it is hard to imagine it was easy. He was stepping away from the familiar and into the unknown.
“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)
For Reflection
Abraham accepted God’s call to a new thing. It involved leaving the comfortable and familiar. Why was he able to do this? The writer to the Hebrews puts it all down to Abraham’s confidence in God. What is the state of your confidence in God? Has anything knocked it off balance? Perhaps it is worth remembering promises like this one:
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 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/
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 460 | New Thing Series — Part 15 | “Elisha’s Faith” | 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 lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elisha’s faith.
“Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.” (2 Kings 2:13-15 NIV11)
Elisha’s faith is tested by grief
Can you imagine how Elijah felt seeing his father in the faith leave him behind?
We get some sense of his anguish by the way that he cries out ““My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!”” 2 Kings 2:12.
Our faith is tested by our losses in life. Have you had a loss recently? How is that affecting your faith in God?
How does Elisha respond to his grief?
Elisha’s faith is immediately active
Picture in your mind Elisha standing on the edge of Jordan, remembering the very recent experience of Elijah parting the waters. Did the cloak quiver in his hand? Was his mouth dry before he spoke?
Elisha had once had that mantle symbolically laid on his shoulders (1 Kings 19:19); now it would rest there permanently.
However he was feeling, he struck the water and called out to the Lord. How did God respond?
God rewarded his faith by repeating the miracle performed by Elijah.
For Reflection
It took faithful courage for Elisha to pick up Elijah's cloak. It took even more courage to strike the water, and further courage to call out to the Lord for vindication. Was there a temptation to put off such an action until tomorrow? Shouldn't there be a time of morning in honour of Elijah first? You see, Elisha understood Elijah's spirit. He had spent enough time with his mentor to know that Elijah would want Elisha to act immediately in faith. Acting in faith does not get easier because we postpone a decision. Have you been putting off an act of faith? Why not determine that, after praying about it today, you will take action?
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 Jan 14, 2024
Sunday Jan 14, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 459 | New Thing Series — Part 14 | “Elisha’s Experience” | 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 lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elisha’s experience.
“As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.” 2 Kings 2:11-15
Why did God take Elijah up into heaven in a whirlwind? Why did He honour this great prophet in such a way as to escape death? Why did He not let Elijah go through the normal, common, natural passage of death?
Elijah is a model of faithfulness to the end
To be sure, he had his ups and downs. He struggled with fear, anxiety, and perhaps depression.
But, he was a very human model of zeal, humility and openness to God's will for his life.
Elijah is a model of the reward that awaits the faithful
This demonstration of the liminal proximity of the earthly and heavenly remind us that our eternal reward is not distant, but close.
“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:12-13 NIV11)
Elijah is a type of the Christ
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”” (Acts 1:9-11 NIV11)
Jesus move from the earthly to the heavenly without any break in his relationship with God. We will experience something similar.
For Reflection
Sometimes Christians can be too humble to rejoice in their reward. Perhaps it feels too mercenary to contemplate the benefits that come to us in the next life. However, this would be a mistake. Instead, why not take some time today to thank God in advance for your eternal reward. Take some time to imagine what it would be like. It is very real, very certain, and waiting for you.
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 Jan 13, 2024
Saturday Jan 13, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 458 | New Thing Series — Part 13 | “Elisha’s Request” | 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 lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elisha’s request.
“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.
Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.” (2 Kings 2:9-15 NIV11)
Elisha request was difficult and conditional
A difficult request - “you have asked a difficult thing…”Elijah was not in a position to grant the request. Only God could do that.
““It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”” (Mark 9:22-23 NIV11)
TJ spoke of praying ‘impossible’ prayers
A conditional request — “If you see me when…”“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7 NIV11)
Elisha took Elijah seriously and that is what enabled to God to answer his request.
For Reflection
It is hard to be certain of what Elisha was asking for. However, it seems to be something connected to a desire to continue Elijah’s work with an even greater demonstration of the power of God. It might be connected with the oldest son inheriting double the amount of the next son (Deuteronomy 21:17). Interestingly Elisha appears to have performed roughly double the number of miracles recorded as performed by Elijah.
Seeing our prayers answered often means asking for the difficult and conditional. The impossible prayers we pray tell us something about the vitality of our faith. And the conditional element is important because we must remember that God alone knows the right time, place and manner for our prayers to be answered.
Motives in prayer matter. James warns “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3 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/
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
At the beginning of the year Osagie brought us a lesson encouraging us to think faithfully about God doing new things.
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 457 | New Thing Series — Part 12 | “Elisha’s Loyalty” | 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 lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elisha’s loyalty.
“When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.” (2 Kings 2:1-6 NIV11)
Elisha was loyal despite
Not knowing exactly what was going to happen.‘To me the essence of the faith has always seemed a certain intrepidity of loyalty that can believe undauntedly in the dark, and that still trusts God unshaken even when the evidence looks fairly damning.’ But When Life Tumbles In, What Then, Arthur John Gossip
Knowing the outcome was going to be unpleasant - for him.‘If I were to be killed a thousand times for my loyalty to him, I would still be his servant. Christ is on my lips, Christ is in my heart; No amount of suffering will take him from me.’ Genesius of Rome Martyred by Diocletian in A.D. 285
The effort involved — 27 miles of walking that day.“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18 NIV11)
For Reflection
We are disciples of Jesus. We walk in his way. It was one of Jesus’ commands — Luke 5:27; 9:23, 59; 14:27; 18:22. We have been invited, but are we still grateful to be part of his company?
Elijah couldn’t push Elisha away. He was like a limpet — determined to stick to his mentor to the last. What helps you to stick close to Jesus, inseparable and attentive?
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 Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 456 | New Thing Series — Part 11 | “Elijah’s Future” | 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.'
For the next few days we are focussed on God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elijah’s future.
Elijah had a terrific, yet troubled past. His present was convicting and inspiring. What of his future?
Go back“The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came...” (1 Kings 19:15 NIV11)
Sometimes the way back is the way forward. Not so much that we should repeat the past, but that we can go back to friends, church, family group, prayer, evangelism and serving with a spirit renewed by God. Is God calling you to go back to something — so as to do a new thing?
Work with my people“The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.” (1 Kings 19:15-17 NIV11)
Elijah was commissioned to empower people in various roles. Some were in leadership, and one, Elisha, was to be his successor. Our future is always, at least to some extent, an investment in the next generation. Is there someone God is calling you to mentor in the faith?
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV11)This is not only applicable to the apostle Paul and his protege Timothy. It encapsulates a principle that is part of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. You have valuable things that need to be passed on. No, you may not be an expert in scripture, theology or some technical aspects of the Christian life. But, you have the Spirit and he has been working on you all of your Christian life. Events of your past and your present have prepared you for a new thing, and part of that is preparing the next generation for whatever new thing God will do with them.
For Reflection1Our future may not be revealed to us as specifically as Elijah’s was, but by reflecting on our past and present, and as we pray for insight, God will provide the guidance we need to make decisions of faith.
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 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 455 | New Thing Series — Part 10 | “Elijah’s Present” | 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.'
For the next few days we are focussed on God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore how Elijah’s present circumstances prepared him for a new thing.
We find Elijah on the run. Jezebel has threatened to kill him. The wilderness is his first stop, and a mountain cave his next temporary shelter. Not exactly the best Airbnb. He is hungry, thirsty, physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Nothing to be envied. Yet, he is in the perfect position for God to do a new thing. How is that?
God provides refreshmentThe angel touches him (twice) - tenderness The angel waits while he sleeps - patienceThe angel provides food and drink - kindnessIn other words, Elijah did none of this for himself. He had run to the end of his strength, now he was in a position to receive the strength that mattered - God’s strength.
God provides perspectiveGod asks questionsGod listens - to Elijah’s inaccurate ramblingsGod manifests - experiences of his power (wind, earthquake, fire)God speaks - in a whisper (directs)
Consider the Apostle Paul“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV11)
How did he learn to be content in his present difficult situation? By going through many other previous difficult situations that prepared him for the challenges of his present scenario.
For ReflectionSometimes, before God can do a new thing in us, we need to allow God to work on us in our present circumstances. What would it mean for you to live within God’s strength? What is God doing that could help you find a healthy perspective on your present circumstances, and who God is?
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 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 454 | New Thing Series — Part 9 | “Elijah’s Past” | 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.'
For the next few days we are focussed on God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elijah’s past.
Before God could do a new thing in Elijah, he had to reckon with his past. How does Elijah view his history?
“I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10 NIV11)
Note the phrase - ‘I have been’. Elijah’s previous faith-exploits are the stuff of legend. Hepredicted a drought that lasted three and a half years, he helped a widow whose oil didn't run out despite her poverty, he brought a widow's dead son back to life, he called down fire from heaven proving God's power. He has been courageous, faithful and obedient.
Note also - ‘The Israelites have rejected…’. While this had been the case, it was not true any longer. “Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.” (1 Kings 18:40 NIV11)
Finally note - ‘I am the only one…’. It turns out this was not true either: “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.””, 1 Kings 19:18.) He is lonely.
If Elijah is so zealous, why was he running for life after Jezebel’s threat, and why did he pray, “I have had enough, LORD….Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”” (1 Kings 19:4 NIV11)
For ReflectionSometimes, before God can do a new thing in us, we need to reflect honestly and courageously on our past defeats. Bear this in mind - there is no faultless Biblical hero (other than Jesus). All have sinned, yet all can learn from sin and move on to a new thing. Could you take some time today to bring your faith failures to God and ask him to forgive, grant you a new perspective, and renew your faith for the future?
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.
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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/