Malcolm Cox

My summary of the week's events.

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20–21 NIV11)

What is the usefulness and relevance of movement and posture in corporate worship? This is the 10th in a series on this topic inspired by a chapter in “Participating in Worship” by Craig Douglas Erickson.

Today we look at the issue of Laying on hands. 

The most common example of laying on of hands in my fellowships is for the commissioning of elders. It is moving, reverent and meaningful. But do we restrict this acts unnecessarily? Could it have other applications in our times of corporate worship?

What are some Biblical instances of the significance of hands?

Hands are very expressive (Psalm 46:1; 97:8; Isaiah 55:12).

Hands are meant to be pure (Exodus 30:19-21; Psalm 23:4; James 4:8; Matthew 15:2, 20; 27:24; Mark 7:2, 5).

Hands are involved with sacrifice (Exodus 29:10-25).

They are laid upon people to confer power and authority (Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:6; 8:17-19; 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

Jesus himself lays hands on children (Matthew 19:15) and on people who needed healing (Mark 6:5; 8:23; 16:18; Luke 4:40).

The apostles laid hands on people (Acts 28:8).

The early church laid hands on missionaries (Acts 13:3).

Is there a place for laying on of hands in the following circumstances in our services?

Sending out a mission team

Commissioning someone for a special work of service (teaching children; deacons; elders; taking up a leadership role; involvement in corporate worship leadership).

Praying over someone with a significant illness.

Someone leaving the congregation and moving to another church in another city or even country.

Helping people with times of crisis in their lives.

Restoring people to the faith and/or the fellowship.

Praying over people about to be baptised.

Welcoming a new baby into the congregation.

Praying over a couple about to be married, or having just arrived back from honeymoon.

Perhaps there are other circumstances in which laying on of hands in prayer would be appropriate. Can you think of any?

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , a devotional look at the Gospel of John

What is the spiritual difference between “moaning” and “groaning”? Is it important? Biblically, moaning looks super-dangerous (think Israel complaining in the desert), whilst groaning looks meaningful. But, is this accurate? We need to get it right.

I used a ‘keynote’ illustration in a recent sermon (https://www.malcolmcox.org/where-does-your-gate-lead-malcolm-cox-thames-valley-churches-of-christ/) . It was about my encounter with an epileptic. The reaction I experienced prompted last week’s teaching tip. Today I’d like to talk about the significance of having a body of ‘keynote’ stories which you have ready at hand for the right occasion.

What is a ‘keynote' story?

A story with an emotional connection for you

A story you can tell without notes

A story containing a punchline

A story most often containing a laugh and a gasp

A parable

Not an anecdote. Anecdotes are fine, but they don’t contain a narrative arc. They make a point, but don’t take you on a journey. ‘Keynote’ stories have a shape.

What does a typical ‘keynote’ story look like? 

It answers three questions and leaves you with an opportunity….

Where did you start?

Where did the story take you? (Usually through a challenge or bad place.)

Where did you end up?

Opportunity: What is the point you can now make that helps your talk?

Where do you keep your 'keynote’ stories?

I keep mine in a folder within Evernote. It’s called “Keynote Illustrations” and contains tags.

You can keep yours anywhere, but separate them from other illustrations. 

You may not think you need to do this, but over time we forget we have even these captivating stories. Mine include a story about an epileptic, riding a motorbike in India, my university dissertation, praying in a car, the first time I told a girl I loved her, the death of my brother, and more. 

How do we best use ‘keynote' stories?

One at a time. They pack emotional punch. More than one in a talk will be overwhelming.

Edit them. Each story likely has lots of details - not all are relevant to your particular audience. Leave in the parts that are relevant and remove any fluff.

Tell them slowly. You know the story so well, you may rush the telling. Give your audience time to take in the story, and especially any emotionally involving moments.

Get the ‘punchline’ right. Practice the high point of the story.

Why are they important?

Authenticity. Keynote stories have great authenticity because they are stories that matter to you. They are often about incidents that had a significant impact on the way you view the world, yourself and God. 

Memorable. You remember them, and so will your audience. Hopefully they will continue to attach them to the spiritual point which will provoke them to think and act in a way that reflects the spiritual point you were making in your lesson - long after leaving the event. 

I have recorded previously on anecdotes and stories. Here are the links:

“What is the difference between an anecdote and a story?” (https://www.malcolmcox.org/what-is-the-difference-between-an-anecdote-and-a-story/) - video and podcast

Tuesday Teaching Tips: “Anecdotes vs Stories” (https://www.malcolmcox.org/tuesday-teaching-tips-anecdotes-vs-stories-2/) - video

Tuesday Teaching Tips: “Anecdotes vs Stories” (https://www.malcolmcox.org/tuesday-teaching-tips-anecdotes-vs-stories/) - podcast

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

Thank you for listening to this recording. You can find more teaching tips here and on the YouTube teaching tips playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLssKYNRlLIE_A3ckUf7NrtJEqNVbft98J) . 

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] (mailto:[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 (http://www.malcolmcox.org/) . 

Thanks again for listening. Have a terrific Tuesday, and a wonderful week.

God bless,

Malcolm 

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, saviour, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, illustrations, keynote stories, anecdotes,

“What Happens When You Go With God”, Acts 14.20-28

Introduction, v20

Themes

• Numbers converted, word spread

• Making disciples everywhere

• Opposition / setbacks

• “Firsts’ all over the place!

• Overall feeling: Undiminished enthusiasm for the things of God

• Resulting in….

1. Bear God’s Fruit

• By bringing God’s Word to all kinds of people

A. Converts - variety

• Flexibility of approach: Jews / Gentiles / Pagans

• Undiminished enthusiasm for winning disciples for Jesus

B. Elders - leadership

• Evangelism and strengthening

• All churches need both

• That’s whey we need to meet up

• Leaders are not the most gifted, they are committed to strengthening

• Brave to go back to where persecuted

• High level of compassion for young Christians / new churches

• Undiminished enthusiasm for the strengthening of disciples

2. Bear With Setbacks

• Persevered despite these ….

A. External Setbacks

• Opposition; Poisoning; Persecution

• Brave to go back to sites of pain

• Compassion for young Christians drove them

• Undiminished enthusiasm despite external setbacks

B. Internal Setbacks

• Betrayal / Desertion

• John Mark

• Undiminished enthusiasm despite internal setbacks

Conclusion, 14.26-27

• Why did this happen?  God - He is the focus.

• We don’t know how they felt day to day, but we do know they found their way back to undiminished enthusiasm for the things of God.

• Because motivated within the grace of God;

• Conscious of the presence of God;

• Confident in the love of God

• Because confident of the competency of God

• His power/strength

• His wisdom

• Do you believe God is loving and competent?

• When we go with God we see the fruit of God in new disciples and strengthened disciples

• When we go with God we see undiminished enthusiasm despite external setbacks and internal setbacks

• When we go with God we live for him with undiminished enthusiasm

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

Of barking dogs and pneumatic drills - disturbing the comfortable and comforting the disturbed.

Information about this week's posts, experiences and personal reflections on what God has been bringing to my attention.

God bless, Malcolm

“BY THE SPIRIT”

Praying in the Spirit - Part 1

John 14:16–17; Ephesians 1:13–14; Ephesians 2:22; Romans 8:15–27

1. “We” - we cry 

Question: “How does the “we cry” help your life of prayer?”

2. “Cry”

‘kratzo’ - see all NT references below: Matt 14.30; 9:27; Mk 6:49; John 19:12; Luke 19:40

Creation groans - v22

We groan  - v23

Spirit groans - vv26-27

Question: “What life situations have caused you to “cry” to God in the Spirit?”

Romans 8:28–29

Question: “How does the “we cry” help your life of prayer?”

3. “Abba”

dadda - John 14:23

Question: “How does the “we cry, “Abba”” help your life of prayer?”

4. “Father”

Not starting with “Lord” 

Question: “How does the “we cry, “Abba,Father.”, help your life of prayer?”

Conclusion

What does each of these four points mean for you and your ‘group’?

We - communal

Cry - real

Abba - relationship

Father - safe

How will you adjust the way you pray as a result of what the Spirit has made possible?

Suggestion: Use Romans 8.15 as a prayer frame for a week - “We cry, “Abba, Father.””

Do you have questions about the Spirit? Send them to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

* “Cry” (katzo): Matt. 8:29; 9:27; 14:26, 30; 15:22–23; 20:30–31; 21:9, 15; 27:23, 50; Mark 3:11; 5:5, 7; 9:24, 26; 10:47–48; 11:9; 15:13–14; Luke 4:41; 9:39; 18:39; 19:40; John 1:15; 7:28, 37; 12:44; Acts 7:57, 60; 14:14; 16:17; 19:28, 32, 34; 21:28, 36; 23:6; 24:21; Rom. 8:15; 9:27; Gal. 4:6; James 5:4; Rev. 6:10; 7:2, 10; 10:3; 12:2; 14:15; 18:2, 18–19; 19:17

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,

What is the usefulness and relevance of movement and posture in corporate worship? This is the Ninth in a series on this topic inspired by a chapter in “Participating in Worship” by Craig Douglas Erickson.

Today we look at the issue of kissing. 

In many cultures kissing on the cheek once, twice or even three times is a culturally normative method of greeting.  It’s not how I grew up, but even in my circles close friends would exchange a kiss of greeting.

Peter encourages Christ-followers to: “Greet one another with a kiss of love.” (1 Peter 5:14 NIV11) Here the word “love” can also be translated “peace”. We see the same activity encouraged in: Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Th. 5:26.

Are we missing something by not incorporating a “kiss of peace” either as part of our services, or in the fellowship?  When I first came to the fellowships in which I now serve, we simply shook hands. Later that developed to hugging. I love hugging-now. Not when it started. But the tangible physical experience of getting up close and personal with one another reinforces our sense of family. Might a kiss on the cheek of chief something similar and be even more biblical? Have we avoided kissing because of the potential lustful effects of such intimacy between men and women who are not married? Is a throwback to our largely student-based origins where energy and hormones tend to run amok?!

I’m not sure, but, it does seem clear that if we are claiming to be brothers and sisters in Christ, there must be some level of physical closeness with which we become comfortable. My question is, whether this should be incorporated into our services. Is there a place for, at the right moment in the service, asking people to exchange a kiss? We sometimes do this in a different way by asking people to stand up and greet the person next to them and often that means giving and receiving a hug. Why not a kiss also?

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] (mailto:[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 (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" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer,

We continue our series today based on the book, “Unloading the Overload: Stress management for Christians” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unloading-Overload-Christian-Managing-Stress/dp/189974617X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=%E2%80%9CUnloading+the+Overload%3A+Stress+management+for+Christians%E2%80%9D+by+Chris+Powell+and+Graham+Barker.&qid=1557228534&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0) by Chris Powell and Graham Barker.

Today we explore the issue of exercise and diet. How do our nutrition and fitness effect our times of quiet with God - or not.

I should begin by stressing that none of the advice here is given by a medical professional. I’m simply speaking from my own experience and reading. That having been said, let’s explore this topic. Does what we consume and how we look after our bodies make a difference to the quality of our connection with God?

I’ll lay my cards on the table. I believe the answer is, “yes”. It is insofar as it is within our control to choose what we eat and drink and how often, and have any significant influence over the health of our bodies. I believe the care and nurturing of a physical state has an impact on the spiritual. It is not correct to see the spiritual and the physical as being of completely different domains and having no impact on one another. We are not simply souls which temporarily inhabit a broken and corrupted flesh. It should be borne in mind that we will have a body in the next life.  The apostle Paul puts it well:

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV11)

Our bodies were made for physical action. God intended us to look after what he had created (Gen 2.15). This involved and still involves hard work. Our bodies react positively to physical exercise helping us to produce chemicals which provide natural feelings of well-being.  God made us this way. When we denigrate our bodies, or minimise the significance of a reasonable level of physical fitness, we deny ourselves gifts that God is offering. To do such a thing must have a deleterious effect on our connection with the father.

Let me share some personal experiences. 

Exercise

I find prayer walks very significant in my relationship with God. On occasion I enjoy sitting still and meditating in prayer, but prayer walking is a staple for my quiet times. However, I have dodgy knees. So far I’ve had six operations on my two knees. They creak, and, if I don’t take care of them, cause significant pain. Not too long ago I was in severe pain and could not walk much at all. It had a very negative effect on my connection with God. I decided to take things more seriously. I did further research and discovered that it might be helpful to take glucosamine regularly and drink pomegranate juice. The frequency of walking also makes a big difference. Therefore, I take those glucosamine supplements three times a day, drink pomegranate juice daily and walk every day. No matter what. I’ve also taken up cycling. First on a stationary trainer in my garage until I was more confident (and the weather improved!), and now cycling the local lanes and canal tow paths.

There are multiple benefits to this, of course. But primary amongst them is that, at least at this point, my knees are in good enough shape to allow me to take as many prayer walks as I desire.

On another note, I have significant neck pain as a result of a disc problem. It interferes with my sleep, which make being alert and fresh for my morning time with God a challenge. I decided to attempt some action on this protracted problem. My wife suggested contacting a friend, Debbie Bishop, who is an expert personal trainer. She came over and designed a pilates-style strength-training plan which helps my entire body, but especially my knees and neck. After two sessions I was in less neck pain and sleeping better. Sleep is a key component in being prepared for a time of quiet in the morning. Of course, we cannot control everything to do with our sleep (I was woken this week by a dog barking at 4.41am), but what we can influence we surely should.

A couple of thoughts about exercise. There are many theories about what is most helpful, and your doctor is probably your best source of advice here, but, the key is to find a mode of exercise which you find reasonably enjoyable, which you can maintain regularly and helps you to be ready for God in the mornings.

2. Nutrition 

I don’t believe in diets - at least not diets in the sense of the multi-billion industry encouraging us to part with huge amounts of cash for dubious weight loss goals. However, it is clear that what we put into our bodies has an enormous impact on our well-being physically and, it seems to me, spiritually.

In the last few years I’ve taken my nutritional more seriously. It all began with a trip to Ghana (which was a tremendously positive spiritual experience), and picking up a rather nasty stomach bug. Having lost a little over a stone I felt much better, and decided to maintain this new weight. Of course, being closer to my ideal weight also blessed my knees. Since then I’ve hovered around 13 stone (182 pounds for my American cousins, or, 82 Kilos) which is about right for me.  More recently I’ve taken to eating a more plant-based diet.

By far the most significant issue is becoming self aware of what helps and what hinders. Let me give you an example. 

I travel to the Thames Valley churches of Christ (http://www.tvcoc.org/) on Friday nights. By the time I get back it’s typically anywhere between 11 PM and 11:30 PM. Frequently, I’ve been leading worship or teaching, or in significant conversations and training opportunities. My mind is buzzing when I get home. As you can imagine it is a little difficult to switch off. What I did for quite some time was watch some television and drink a glass of red wine until I felt more ready to sleep. The upshot was rotten Saturday morning quiet times!  I was lethargic, and often had a headache. 

Is watching television an evil thing? Is drinking a glass of red wine sinful? Of course not. But these “solutions” were hindering not helping. I have since developed a new strategy which involves drinking more non-caffeinated fluids on the way home as well as a healthy snack (often dates or a banana). When I get home I tidy away the equipment I have brought back from the meeting, tick off the completed items from my list for the day, and write down the priorities for Saturday. Then I listen to a podcast which has nothing to do with church stuff. It's usually a Goon show from the 1950s which I know almost word for word by heart. Occasionally I use an app called “Feeling Good” (https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/feeling-good-positive-mindset/#) and a recording on that app called “Yes you can… Sleep soundly”. Listening to the Goons or the app I drift off to sleep earlier than I otherwise would do, and wake up more refreshed than in the past.

None of this guarantees a good quiet time on Saturday!  But I do know I’m in a better place with a better chance to enjoy that time of quiet with God.

A few caveats.  First of all, I understand that some of us may not be in a position to exercise in the traditional sense. It doesn’t mean, that if you are confined to your bed with illness that you cannot have a good time of quiet with God. God is able to help us to triumph through all circumstances. I’m only talking about what is within our control. It’s also not the case that I’m suggesting a particular exercise regime or set of nutritional choices as being more godly than another. This is much more about being conscious of the choices we're making and aware of whether they are helping or hindering our relationship with God.

Do you agree with me that the way we treat our bodies has a significant impact on our relationship with God? In what way do you feel your choices in these areas are having an impact on your times of quiet with God? 

Do you have any tips you could share that might help us develop better thinking and decisions regarding exercise and nutrition?

Scriptures referred to or you might find useful: 2 Cor 7.1; 1 Tim 6.17; Luke 12.23; Matt 4.4; 1 Tim 5.23.

Recent resources I have found helpful include: 

"Younger Next Year” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0316731501/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_kYWiDbHY2SHVF) (thanks for the recommendation, Adrian Hill) 

“How not to die” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1509852506/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_rZWiDbE35ZCC1) (and associated website & podcasts)

“Glittering Vices” (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1587432323/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_L8WiDbEK4MRCV) (see the chapter on gluttony)

“Feeling Good” (https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/feeling-good-positive-mindset/#)   app

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] (mailto:[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 (http://www.malcolmcox.org/) .

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , 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, Coach.me, coaching,  coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,