Malcolm Cox

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 229, Psalm 134v1 

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

“Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD

who minister by night in the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 134:1 NIV11)

Minister, (lit.) ‘stand’, accepted and secure. Night, possibly priests and levites on night–duty in the House; or pilgrims devoutly keeping vigil by night; or (best of all) keeping the night festival of Passover (Ex. 12:42)." New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Edited by Carson, D. A, R. T France, J. A. Motyer, and Gordon J. Wenham. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.1. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1994.  

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

Sermon for the Watford church of Christ.

Introduction   

Question: Examples of personal victory?

Question: How does victory feel?

Most nations look back to their victories - but Israel looks back at their survival! 

Question: victorious survivors in life or Bible?

Sometimes survival is the victory for a Christian! 

i. Surviving Great Oppression, 2 Cor 1:1-11

God’s people kicked around over the centuries.  

We are not always strong, but we are hard to kill

Paul is a great example of this - 2 Cor 11:23-29

ii. Surviving and Still Standing - my mother

Key thing is to keep looking forward - Phil 3:12-14.

“patience has a positive tonic effect on others; because of the presence of the patient person, they revive and go on, as if he were the gyroscope of the ship providing a stable ground. But the patient person himself does not enjoy it.”

Patience a positive virus - catch it from one another

Point: Oppression is temporary

“What is victory for a Christian?” 

Victory for a Christian means surviving - and learning, growing, maturing in the process.

God puts us right with him and ourselves 

Freedom is victory - how do we handle it?

i. Freedom from Painful Ploughing, Gal 5:13-6:5

No longer need suffer the pain of sin

Nor cause others pain with our sin

Instead help others with their sins - Gal 6:1-5

iii. Freedom from the Cords 

Our perseverance depends on God’s determined faithfulness to us

He did this with Jesus and the cross.

Point: Freedom is a gift from God

“What is victory for a Christian?” 

Victory for a Christian means enjoying our freedom and using it to help others

His honesty admirable - not sure all the feelings are!

“The uppermost roof on the common dwelling places in Israel would have been constructed of beams laid across the walls intertwined with reeds and grasses. The whole roof would then be plastered with mud to fill in the gaps and make them somewhat watertight. Any lingering seeds in the grass or mud might briefly sprout but would quickly die for lack of roots."

Real history! Where is imperial Egypt which enslaved Israel—or the Philistines, Assyrians or Babylonians?" 

For a Christian - Rome, all the prominent atheists of history, the Bible sceptics, Communism, etc. 

1 Cor 15:54-57

Satan has been defeated, and he is empty because Jesus’s grave is empty:

Therefore death has been emptied of its power

Therefore sin has been emptied of its power

Point: Satan is completely defeated

Satan utterly defeated - shamed, empty, lonely

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 228, Psalm 134 overview

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

“A song of ascents.   Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD

who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary

and praise the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion,

he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 134:0–3 NIV11

The final Psalm of Ascent.  We began in Kedar (Ps 120:5) and end in the temple where we bless God and He blesses us.  

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 227, Psalm 133v3

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

“It is as if the dew of Hermon

were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the LORD bestows his blessing,

even life forevermore.” Psalm 133:3

Dew brings ‘life’ - Ex. 16:13-14; Is. 26:19; Ho. 14:5

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

Today, the day of writing, is my wife, Penny's birthday.  "Thank you" to all of you who have sent her your best wishes. We had a delightful morning including a special breakfast and the opening of presents. I'm just taking a moment to tell you what I expect you already know, which is that I consider myself the luckiest guy alive. How on earth did I manage to land her? 

Please do keep her in your prayers. She is on the frontline of response to the COVID-19 virus crisis. Amongst medical workers GPs, of which she is one, have the highest death rate. At the same time she has been battling severe back pain brought on by changed working practices. She is amazing, compassionate and creative. I have no idea what I would do without her! 

___________________________________________

Most of the time church is the best place to be. God designed it that way. Jesus died to make it that way. The Holy Spirit was sent to keep it that way.

But occasionally, from time to time, it isn't.  What then do we do? If we wish to hold onto our faith we cannot reject church. It's the bride of Christ. He loves it - “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Who are we to not love that which Jesus loves? Yet, it can be so painful. A leader turns out to be a hypocrite. A fellow church member gossips and slanders us. A disputable matter is made into a cast-iron membership requirement. 

It's been said that is not helpful to look for the perfect church. If it existed, it wouldn't have you or me as a member! Much truth in that statement. 

None of this is new, of course. Have a look at the New Testament and you will see many instances similar to these:

“I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.” (1 Corinthians 11:18 NIV11) 

“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15 NIV11) 

What do we do when the church is experienced more as a hindrance to faith than a help? Penny and I are putting together a resource page on this very topic. Our three decades plus of being in church has taught us many things. Some of them pleasant and exciting, some very unpleasant and discouraging. Nonetheless, we are still here - somehow - by the grace of God and have learned a few things along the way.  Sometimes we have walked alone with only the Spirit for company. At other times we have had loving mentors. On occasions God has used websites, conferences and books as the means to maintain and strengthen our faith.

Penny and I passionately believe in the church. Not the institution. Not structures. But the power of a kingdom-minded community to display the love of Christ to this world. Despite our own hurts and those of friends we love we are determined to be the best we can be, and help others be the best they can be in God's spiritual family.

To this end, we are looking for resources that have helped other people to hold onto their faith and remain engaged with church. All of this will be going on a page of my website referenced below. Please drop me a line with any suggestions you have.

God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11)

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy.

“It is like precious oil poured on the head,

running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard,

down on the collar of his robe.” (Psalm 133:2 NIV11)

"Banquet guests in the ancient world were often treated by a generous host to fine oils for anointing their foreheads. This provided not only a glistening sheen to their countenance but also would have added a fragrance to their persons and the room. … Oil preserved the complexion in the hot Middle Eastern climate. … Anointment of priests used the finest oil and would symbolise the gifts of God to the people and the responsibilities now laid on their leaders through this ceremony. In Israelite practice anointing was a sign of election and often closely related to endowment by the Spirit." Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.1. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 225, Psalm 133v1 

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

Church “is not an option for those Christians who happen by nature to be more gregarious than others. It is part of the fabric of redemption.” Peterson, Obed, 175.  “Creation itself was not complete until there was community, Adam needing Eve before humanity was whole.”  177

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 224, Psalm 133 overview

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

“A song of ascents. Of David.   How good and pleasant it is

when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head,

running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard,

down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon

were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the LORD bestows his blessing,

even life forevermore.” 

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

Introduction

What happens when you have the opportunity, but do not know what to speak about?

1.Circumstances

World

Church

Heart

Diary

Conversations

Feelings

Answered prayers

Photos

Quiet Time & devotional focus

If still stuck – pick a self-contained passage like a story, Psalm or parable, study it, live its message and share its fruit in your life!

2. Prayer / Holy Spirit

3. Speak to a direction

Towards something, not away from something

Against lukewarmness – towards devotion

Conclusion

Examine your world

Pray for insight

Find its application to your life

Live it

Share the fruit

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (PSALM 145:4 NIV11)

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 223, Psalm 132v18

You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

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: [email protected].

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

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,