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!
Listen on:
Episodes
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.
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 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Introduction- What is the big deal with Rahab?- Jesus - “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.” (Matthew 1:5-6 NIV11)- Faith hero held up to us as an example - “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” (James 2:24-26 NRSV)- Today - the quality of her faith and how it blessed her family
1. Faith- Her request - “The LORD your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below. Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the LORD that you in turn will deal kindly with my family. Give me a sign of good faith that you will spare my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” (Joshua 2:12-13 NRSV)- Faith obedience -- “The men said to her, “We will be released from this oath that you have made us swear to you if we invade the land and you do not tie this crimson cord in the window through which you let us down, and you do not gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your family...She said, “According to your words, so be it.” She sent them away and they departed. Then she tied the crimson cord in the window.” (Joshua 2:17-21 NRSV)- We cannot be certain as to the origin of the significance of the crimson cord, if there was one. - In itself it is insignificant. A piece of cord is not an important object. Except, that it is — in this context.- Can you imagine how carefully she tied it to the window? I'm sure it was the tightest knot she ever made.- I wonder if she had some scarlet cord handy? Perhaps she had some blue or green cord. That was not good enough. She not only put the code in the window, but made sure it was the right colour.- Did she risk people asking her why she had put the cord out of her window? How would she explain it?- Her obedience was immediate, precise and courageous.Her face was demonstrated in this obedience. What saved her was not the chord, but her faith in the God who revealed the significance of the cord for her salvation.
2. Family- The faith reward - “So the young men who had been spies went in and brought Rahab out, along with her father, her mother, her brothers, and all who belonged to her—they brought all her kindred out—and set them outside the camp of Israel.” (Joshua 6:23 NRSV)- Rahab prioritises her family, not herself. She sees her opportunity for salvation as something she wants others to experience. - Just about the highest value for a woman in ancient society was in terms of her relation to husband, father and children. So her concern for her family is, in this passage, presented as making her ‘righteous’ (see the Proverbs 31 woman, with parallels concerning family, industry, flax and crimson clothing). - ‘The term for family is literally ‘house of the father’. This appears in the Bible as a description of an extended family governed by the eldest male. Members of a family often lived together in a cluster of dwellings… Rahab requests a sure sign (Heb. ʾôt ʾĕmet) that this deliverance will be accomplished. The sign is the oath that she wants the spies to swear for the protection of her family. It is important to see the solidarity of the family, a concept that in this case ensures blessing and salvation for many in addition to the believer. As an oath of fealty, this covenant would bring Rahab’s family into Israelite society…Rahab and her family here ceased to be Canaanite and became part of Israel’s family. Rahab is acting as spokeswoman and agent for the family. A female, rather than a male, leads this extended family and her faith delivers it.’ Tyndale
Conclusion- Rahab could not control her family — it was up to them whether they joined her in her house at the time of Joshua’s attack on Jericho — but she gave them a chance. - Why not take some time today to pray for your family? Include extended family, including any who live abroad, those you don’t see very often or others you find difficult. What could you do to give them a chance to share in your salvation?
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
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
'A New Thing' Lessons from chapters 1-6Introduction* Daniel is a new type of prophet in a new type of situation. We can learn a great deal about God doing 'new things' from him and his companions.* Before watching this class you might like to view a summary of the book here: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-daniel/ * In this class we will look at the first 6 chapters of the book* Normally I would not cover so much material in one class, but we are doing this because in this way we will see themes emerge.* When it comes to discussing the points afterwards you may wish to focus on one or two of the points rather than everythingChapter 1* Youth no barrier: “young men without physical defect and handsome,” (Daniel 1:4 NRSV)* Pick your battles: “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8 NRSV)* Recognition of God: “To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom;” (Daniel 1:17 NRSV)Chapter 2* God’s wisdom superior: * “The thing that the king is asking is too difficult, and no one can reveal it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.”” (Daniel 2:11 NRSV) * ““No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can show to the king the mystery that the king is asking, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:27-28 NRSV)* Recognition of God * “The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery!”” (Daniel 2:47 NRSV)Chapter 3* Never Compromise: “If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:17-18 NRSV) * Faith-inspired resistance is the victory, not a specific outcome* Recognition of God: “I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that utters blasphemy against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.”” (Daniel 3:29 NRSV)Chapter 4* God is Sovereign: “You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the wild animals. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, you shall be bathed with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals, and gives it to whom he will.” (Daniel 4:25 NRSV) * “O king, may my counsel be acceptable to you: atone for your sins with righteousness, and your iniquities with mercy to the oppressed, so that your prosperity may be prolonged.”” (Daniel 4:27 NRSV) * “He was driven away from human society, ate grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails became like birds’ claws.” (Daniel 4:33 NRSV)* Pride can be Redeemed: * “When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me.” (Daniel 4:34 NRSV)* Recognition of God: “I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:34 NRSV)Chapter 5* Convictions in Old Age: “There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods.” (Daniel 5:11 NRSV)* Be a prophet: * “you, Belshazzar his son, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this! You have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven!” (Daniel 5:22-23 NRSV) * “MENE, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting; PERES, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”” (Daniel 5:26-28 NRSV)* Unwilling recognition of God: “That very night Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, was killed. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.” (Daniel 5:30-31 NRSV)Chapter 6* Who is really trapped? ““Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day. When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”” (Daniel 6:13-15 NRSV)* Integrity & Trust in God: “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.”” (Daniel 6:22 NRSV)* Recognition of God: “I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: For he is the living God, enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion has no end. He delivers and rescues, he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; for he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”” (Daniel 6:26-27 NRSV)Chapter 6 ChiasmDaniel emerges as best satrap His enemies plot King makes a fatal decree Daniel arrested & sentenced to death DANIEL DELIVERED-GOD WINS! Daniel released to a “new” life King makes a saving decree The enemies are destroyed Daniel confirmed as best satrapSummaryWhat do we learn about God?God: to His Servants* Inspires Daniel to test regime (Ch 1)* Gives Daniel wisdom (Ch 1, 4 & 5)* Gives Daniel boldness (Ch 4, 5 & 6) * Strengthens Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego (Ch 3)God: for His Servants* Improved appearance (Ch 1)* Promotion (Ch 2, 3, 5, 6)* Rescue (Ch 2, 3, 6)God: to His Opponents* Stuns with his Power (Ch 3, 5, 6)* Humbles them (Ch 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)God: for Himself* Causes Gentiles to honour His chosen people (Ch 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)* Causes Gentiles to worship Him (Ch 2, 3, 4, 6)What do we learn for ourselves?1. New things are often fear-inducing and uncomfortable -- even dangerous or risky2. New things put us in a place where we experience the power of God in new and more profound ways3. New things give us the opportunity to grow in our relationship with God4. New things reveal new gifts in us and our communityConclusion* God doing new things in his people almost always results in those people experiencing fear.* when his people deliberately choose faith in the midst of fear they experience God at work.* When God is at work in these people experiencing a new thing he becomes visible to the world and receives glory.* When God has an impact on this world and gets the glory he deserves, the memory of such events passes down from one generation to another.Questions to stimulate discussion* Who do you relate to most and why? Daniel, Shadrach, Misheck, Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius?* What do you think the main lesson is that God wants you to take from Daniel chapters 1 to 6?* How do the experiences of these chapters relate to any new thing in your life?* Similarly, how do the experiences of these chapters relate to anything new in your faith community?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.“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)God bless, Malcolm
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 477 | New Thing Series — Part 32 | “Daniel’s Humility” | 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 humility.
“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.” (Daniel 1:3-4 NRSV)
Daniel’s Humility
Daniel was from Jewish nobility, handsome, intelligent and well-educated (Daniel 1:3, 4). He had everything going for him.
In his homeland he was used to people treating him with deference and respect. People would ask his opinion on important matters.
Now, he has to start fight to survive.“While once considered an expert, now Daniel's Jewish education was considered obsolete; he would have to retool himself if he was to survive, much less distinguish himself among the young men in the palace.” Wide Awake, Erwin McManus
Daniel demonstrates humility in two waysFirstly he shows himself adaptable to his new, less-than-ideal circumstances
Secondly, he looks to God for answers and not his own intelligence
“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.” (Daniel 2:17-18 NRSV)
“The king said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” Daniel answered the king, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can show to the king the mystery that the king is asking, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has disclosed to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen at the end of days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed were these:” (Daniel 2:26-28 NRSV)
For Reflection
Sometimes our background, education and gifts are eclipsed by circumstances beyond our control. Paul experienced this.
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:9 NIV11)
Has something ‘happened’ to you recently? Is there a possibility that God allowed it so that you ‘might not rely’ on yourself, but 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 Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 476 | New Thing Series — Part 31 | “Daniel’s Purity” | 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 purity.
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. Now God allowed Daniel to receive favour and compassion from the palace master. The palace master said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe.” So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams.
At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.” (Daniel 1:8-21 NRSV)
We do not know precisely why Daniel chose this diet. Vegetables would not be any safer from ritual contamination than meat. I offer you this thought by Joyce Baldwin quoted in a commentary on Daniel:
“It would seem that Daniel rejected this symbol of dependence on the king because he wished to be free to fulfil his primary obligations to the God he served. The defilement he feared was not so much a ritual as a moral defilement, arising from the subtle flattery of gifts and favours which entailed hidden implications of loyal support, however dubious the King's future policies might prove to be."
Daniel’s purity
Is an act of faith
Is God-focused
Is effective in impressing pagans
Is blessed by God
For Reflection
We similarly make decisions which the world would find strange. We attend church services instead of having extra time to do whatever we want. We pray to an invisible God! We hold to a moral and ethical code which seems outdated to most of society. Perhaps you can relate to what Peter wrote:
“You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry. They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme.” (1 Peter 4:3-4 NRSV)
Are there any current situations in your life over which you are finding it hard to make a decision because of how it might look to other people? Will doing things gods way make you look strange? Why not pray that you can take inspiration from Daniel and his friends?
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 Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 475 | New Thing Series — Part 30 | “Daniel’s Friends” | 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 friends.
“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 1:6-7 NRSV)
“Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe.”” (Daniel 1:11-13 NRSV)
“At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.” (Daniel 1:18-20 NRSV)
“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.” (Daniel 2:17-18 NRSV)
Daniel’s friends
They are in exile together
They are in training together
They are under pressure together
They stand up for their convictions together
They pray together
For Reflection
Daniel and his friends are an inspiration to us. God has wired us to be community people. We need friends in Christ. The New Testament is full of instructions to do life together. Think of all those ‘each other’ and ‘one another’ passages. You could look some of those up and pray through them. Perhaps the nearest parallel in the New Testament is Paul and Silas in Philippi:
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (Acts 16:25-26 NRSV)
Why not take some time today to ask God to help you to be a faith-friend to 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/
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Quiet Time Coaching Episode 474 | New Thing Series — Part 29 | “Daniel’s Exile” | 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 exile.
“In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power,” (Daniel 1:1-2 NRSV)
“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.” (Daniel 1:3-4 NRSV)
“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 1:7 NRSV)
Daniel is referred to by his contemporary Ezekiel (Ezek 14:12-14) who compares him to Noah & Job. Quite an accolade!
“if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its people and their animals, even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD.” (Ezekiel 14:13-14 NIV11)
Daniel’s exile
Daniel is a thousand miles from home.
He has been removed from his family, his society, his culture and his religion.
His liberty is curtailed, he is a persecuted minority.
He has a new language to learn and doesn't know his way round.
He has been given a name and a job he didn't ask for
His convictions are tested.
For Reflection
When we follow Jesus we come home. But, we are not finally home — yet. In some ways our exile is ended. In other ways it continues but with a different context. We are no longer distant from God. We are in his kingdom and do not belong to the kingdom of the world any longer.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1:1-2 NRSV)
parepidēmos: pilgrim, refugee, residing in a country not one’s own, a sojourner, stranger,
“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honourably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honourable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.”(1 Peter 2:11-12 NRSV)
Why not take some time today to ask God to give you security even while you are in exile? Ask him to make give you a Daniel-style confidence.
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.
*(https://lisaappelo.com/lessons-from-rahab-in-lineage-of-jesus/) Lisa Appello
"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/