Malcolm Cox

Abundance or scarcity? What is your outlook right now?

I've been reading Dallas Willard's book, "Life without lack" and studying Psalm 23. I intend to preach a sermon series on that text later this year. Along the way, I'm wrestling with the promise of Psalm 23, that, with my good Shepherd, I lack nothing.

The problem is, that's not how I feel a fair bit of the time. Perhaps you can relate. It got even worse when I read a different translation of the final two verses of the psalm. This is the translation I'm on about:

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live. (Psa. 23:5–6 HCSB)

I needed to pray through that for a fair while before accepting it was true. Once I had though, I felt a deep sense of assurance. Then again this morning, on my prayer walk, I saw the beautiful bluebells in the photograph at the head of this newsletter. I was reminded that the abundance of God's provision far exceeds anything I might perceive I lack.  It's not that I never lack anything. It's just that, compared to the super-abundance in this world and the next whatever I lack is insignificant.

During this time of uncertainty and scarcity, it's important to lift our eyes from our feet to notice what is otherwise out of sight. May I encourage us all to make the most of our times of quiet with God. At least one part of the point of such devotional times is to refresh our spirits with full confidence in the abundant power and love of our heavenly Father.

God bless, and stay safe, Malcolm

A week ago Charlie Hynes half-jokingly asked me for some tips to help introverts handle isolation. It set me thinking about the different challenges introverts and extroverts might be facing during this virus crisis.

The first thing to say is that I don’t like the labels. It’s a very inexact science. I would suggest that most of us are somewhere along the spectrum between extreme introversion and extreme extroversion. 

That having been said, it could be useful to consider the spiritual impact of social isolation on those of us with a more introverted nature. Specifically, I’m going to focus on spiritual matters more than physical and mental health issues. If you’re struggling with your mental health I strongly suggest you contact a medical professional.

Here are a few selected comments from my correspondence:

Stephanie: “As an introvert I don't find lockdown too bad at all. I'm loving not having to traipse off to work or meetings….but what I find hard is not getting any alone time in the house.” 

Maxine: “As a introvert I have found isolation more easy when I get creative with imagination but on the other hand I need to be watchful least I fall into...fantasy.”

Caroline provided this from an MBTI perspective: "Introverts get energised when given quiet time to reflect; they can go for hours being on their own - this recharges their batteries, helps them focus on what's really important and can lead to great insights, ideas and less stress. Introverts may find this time wonderful for deep bible study.”

Barry: "Being a serial introvert, this whole isolation thing, is like a dream come true....I can't believe that I am encouraged to stay at home. It's like Christmas except that it's Easter!...One of the benefits of being an introvert….is that I can find plenty to do. 

Harry and Bel: "Bel and I are both introverts and often find attending a church of over 100 people quite challenging, especially since most of them seem to be extroverts. So, in some respects online church works better for us as does social distancing and being in lockdown."

Thank you for those thoughts everyone. With that in mind, a few practical suggestions for the introvert:

In point of fact, most of these principles apply to an extrovert just as much as an introvert.

The application of these principles and practicals may be a little different depending on whether you are living with an introvert or contacting them via phone or some other means. Make adjustments as necessary.

What have I missed? If you’re an introvert, what helps you? If you’re an extrovert, what would you like to see me cover next week?

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

God bless, Malcolm

"Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 153, Psalm 124 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. If the LORD had not been on our side—

let Israel say— if the LORD had not been on our side 

when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive 

when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us,

the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters 

would have swept us away.

Praise be to the LORD,

who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird 

from the fowler’s snare;

the snare has been broken,

and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:0–8 NIV11)

Four pictures of danger: 

i. Earthquake (3b, Nu. 16:30)

ii. Flood (4a) - both in natural realm outside our control and overwhelming 

iii. Beast of prey (6) 

iv. Fowler (7) are threats in the animal and human realms. 

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 152, Psalm 123v4 

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. 

The phrase "נֲאַּשַׁה גַעַּלַהֱ “the scorn of the nonchalant”. 

These mockers are either the heathen opposition or Israelite rogues whose air of independence makes them despicable to God and men." Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, and Bruce K. Waltke, eds. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. 

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 151, Psalm 123v3 

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 summary of what the people of God have always experienced, Ps 119:22 & Neh 4:4.  It is still the lot of Christians and the church today. Contempt and ridicule were common for Jesus - see the parable of the vineyard - Mk 12:6-8.  The early Christians were treated with contempt (Act 5:41), and saw it as an honour!  Things are no different today. 

“It is illuminating that contempt is singled out for mention.  Other things can bruise, but this is cold steel.”  Kidner, Ps, 435.

We need mercy - the word appearing three times in quick succession, see v2.  

God is not a police officer, but a potter ready to mold the clay into a better shape.  

“In obedience we pray ‘mercy!’ instead of ‘Give us what we want.’ We pray ‘mercy! and not ‘reward us for our goodness so our neighbours will acknowledge our superiority.’ We pray ‘mercy!’ and not ‘punish us for our badness so we will feel better.’ We pray ‘mercy!’ and not ‘be nice to us because we have been such good people.’  Peterson, Obedience, 64.  

While there is trust in this Psalm, there is also urgency.  Urgency to see justice done is fine, complaining is not, nor is it OK to seek to bring about justice ourselves (with our limited viewpoint as to what justice is just in any particular situation) - remember Rom 12:19.

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, 

Last week I reflected on nine lessons learned so far. It’s been a further week of learning as we go. Here are six more lessons.

Lesson one: Rehearse.  By rehearsal, I mean rehearse in the correct way.  I had rehearsed the Friday service, but it wasn’t until the event was running I realised I had rehearsed in the wrong way. When it came to the service, it transpired that no one could hear the songs. In my rehearsals earlier in the week I could hear the music. The mistake I made was in not rehearsing with another person to check that they could hear the music. When using new technology, it’s wise to rehearse with someone on the other end.

Lesson two: Variety. This week I included more opportunities for prayer, scripture readings and even a poem. A greater variety of elements in the service helps people focus, concentrate and participate. Given the amount of potential distraction at home, and the fact that there is less (almost no) sense of being part of the group, variety is even more significant.

Lesson three: Music. I am receiving contradictory feedback. I suppose is to be expected. Some people like recorded songs, some prefer live performance, and others would rather have no singing at all. At this stage I’m committed to continuing to experiment. We’ve only been going at this for a few weeks. It would not be a good idea to settle on a new form of musical worship until we’ve had longer to experience this new situation.

Lesson four: Muting.  On the whole, people attending the meetings are doing a better job at remembering to mute themselves. However, we need to better job at reminding people and helping people to learn how to mute themselves. Even one person who doesn’t do so can cause considerable distraction for the rest of the group. In Zoom it's relatively easy, as I learned this week, to mute the whole group. However, in Google meet I don’t believe it’s possible. If you know otherwise, please let me know.

Lesson five: Checklist.  I made a couple of mistakes this week in our services  not because I did not know how to do something correctly, but because I failed to follow my own advice to use a checklist before beginning the service. Foolish me. This week, I’m going to print out my checklists and keep them handy. This technology and method of doing things still too fresh to be engaging in them was relying on habit.

Lesson six: Interaction. One of the things I miss most about our physical services is interaction. Question and answer, discussion, sharing and the like. I worked hard at recreating this to the extent possible in summer services this week. I noticed it helped to have a question on screen as well as asking orally. The right question gives you as the speaker or overseer of the service the opportunity to interact with people. It does seem that using the chat facility is especially helpful. I really enjoyed reading out people’s responses to the question, “What does the resurrection mean to you?” And commenting on them. I believe it added a good deal to the presentation, but also helps those who participated to feel their opinion was valued - which indeed it was.

I’m sure you’ve been learning lessons. Whether you’ve been planning and presenting services or whether you’ve been more on the consumer end. Please tell you what’s been working for you, what you have discovered does not work. And, more importantly, why.

I’m very grateful for the feedback I have received regarding our services. Even some of it is a bit painful! However, it’s the only way we learn and grow.

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 150, Psalm 123v2 

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. 

“In Psalm 123 we observe that aspect of the life of discipleship that takes place under the form of servanthood.”  Peterson, Obedience, 61. 

There is an acknowledgment here that God’s timing is not always our own.  We must look trustingly to God, but wait for his time to answer our prayers.  

These servants are not looking for orders, but relief!  While waiting they are still loyal & submissive. They have not abandoned God in their distress.  Such is the mark of true faith.  

We look to God with longing, in need and with expectation - Ps 5:3.

If we cultivate this attitude of being God’s servant, then serving others will come all the more naturally - Gal 5:13.  

Jesus is a great example of this.  He was a servant to his father (in obedience to the plan of salvation) and was the preeminent servant of humankind on this earth, Jn 13:12-17.   

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 149, Psalm 123v1 

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. 

Lifting our eyes to God indicates that we are taking the posture of a servant (more on that in the verses to come).  

In that position we are recognising God for who He is - and we are ready to receive from Him what we need.  

Jesus was a servant, but “God did not become a servant so that we could order him around but so that we could join him in a redemptive life.”  Peterson, Obedience, 62.   

The first Psalm of ascent looked higher than the hills, and now this pilgrim seems to have got used to looking beyond his circumstances to God in the heavens. 

We are growing when this becomes our habit - seeking the God who’s faithful love and wisdom are beyond ours, Ps 36.5, Is 55.9.  The Lord’s prayer starts the same way.  

We must never become over-familiar with our thinking of God that we forget to respect His ‘otherness’. He is different - Ps 115.3.  

However, this Psalm goes on to remind the singer that God is the provider of all our needs - He promised!  Lk 11:9.

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, 

"Trust; Die; Rise"

Easter Sunday 2020

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ.

We look at how God's love was released in the world.  Jesus shows us how to trust, die and rise. We are promised the same experience if we embrace him and his loving power.

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 148, Psalm 123 - 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. 

The first word is “I”, but this is the statement of a community, for the rest of the Psalm is about ‘our eyes’, ‘us’, and ‘we’.  

One of the Psalms of communal lament - see also Ps 44, Ps 58, Ps 74, Ps 79, Ps 80, Ps 83, Ps 89:38ff, Ps 106, Ps 123.  

“The communal lament makes a vigorous, nearly accusatory address to Yehweh, imputing responsibility to Yahweh for the disaster, whether through neglect or hostility....But even when an accusatory tone is employed, it is clear that the lament is an act of faith, for only Yahweh, who caused the trouble, can right the wrong.”  Brueggemann, Psalms, 76. 

The pilgrim went through many ‘moods’ as do we in the Christian life. This Psalm helps us remember that we can take these moods to God.  

Jesus went through many ‘moods’ on the cross - as his cries from the cross demonstrate - culminating in the cry of Matt 27:46. 

It also helps us when enduring persecution as we see in the early church, Acts 4:24-25.  

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,