We had the privilege of celebrating our daughter and son-in-law's first wedding anniversary on Wednesday. Lydia and Bintesh have had 12 months of married life together. A special "thank you" must go to my wonderful mother-in-law who paid for the lunch at "The Florist" in Watford.

Getting family together has proven to be somewhat challenging during the COVID-19 shenanigans. It feels all the sweeter when it works out like it did this week. But in between we miss that sense of doing life together.

I have the same feeling about our church fellowship. We see each other online, and occasionally as couples in each other's gardens. But it's not the same as having all 25 members of the Watford church singing together, praying together and chatting over tea and coffee at the end of the service.

While we all miss this, it may also creatively help us to consider the true nature of our unity. I'm speaking on the topic of unity this Sunday because it is the headline from Psalm 133 - the next in the Psalms of Ascent.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 NIV11)  The NLT swaps the word "unity" for the word "harmony". The Message version translate the verse, “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” (Psalm 133:1 MESSAGE) 

Where does this harmony, this oneness (John 17: 20-23), come from? How is it developed? What stands in its way?

I dare say we will not fully answer all these questions in one short sermon on Sunday (though you are welcome to see how far we get). However, as I reflect on the picture of harmonious family life prompted by this verse, I am reminded that unity as God intended to be is a function of a spiritually healthy approach and commitment to relationships, and nothing to do with structures and organisations.

I have nothing against organisations and structures as such. But humanity has a propensity to depend upon adherence to the rules of an organisation as a poor, and indeed corrupted substitute for a godly unity. It does not seem to me that the Father, the Son and the Spirit are one because of any sense of structural conformity. What we term the Trinity is, in its essence, the fullest, most perfect and beautiful expression of what the Psalmist longs for. Consider this quote:

"Christian worship is nothing more, nor less, than the Spirit enabling us to join in with Christ's worship of the Father. Christian prayer is nothing more, nor less, than the Spirit enabling us to join in with Christ's prayer to the Father." From 'Worshipping Trinity' by Robin Parry.One of the reasons we gather is to join in the self-giving worship of each part of the Godhead towards one another, and, as we worship together, we are drawn into, purified and refined in our relationships. It is God who creates the harmony. Our part is to sing his song-together.

Please pray for us on Sunday that as a church, the Watford group will learn together how to be together, worship together, live together as God's people in the kind of harmony that brings him glory and us great joy.

Many thanks to the two people who have agreed to let me coach them. Let me know if you would like some coaching. Sessions can be as short or as long as needed. 

Until the next time, I hope you find greater and greater harmony developing in your local fellowships. Please let me know what you think helps this harmony to become a reality.

God bless, Malcolm

The Kingdom did come, has come and is coming.  The king is here, the king's power is here, the king will return.

What does this mean for how we live God's will?  Have a look at the beatitudes as translated by N. T. Wright:

"3‘Wonderful news for the poor in spirit! The kingdom of heaven is yours.  

  4‘Wonderful news for the mourners! You’re going to be comforted.  

  5‘Wonderful news for the meek! You’re going to inherit the earth.  

  6‘Wonderful news for people who hunger and thirst for God’s justice! You’re going to be satisfied.  

  7‘Wonderful news for the merciful! You’ll receive mercy yourselves.  

  8‘Wonderful news for the pure in heart! You will see God.  

  9‘Wonderful news for the peacemakers! You’ll be called God’s children.  

  10‘Wonderful news for people who are persecuted because of God’s way! The kingdom of heaven belongs to you. "

Wright, N. T. Matthew for Everyone Part 1 Chapters 1–15.We are asking God to help us live this way, and thanking him that it is possible.

““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

* (Matt. 7:21 NIV11-GK)

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.””

* (Matt. 12:50 NIV11-GK)

““My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

* (John 4:34 NIV11-GK)

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

* (John 6:38 NIV11-GK)

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

* (Col. 4:12 NIV11-GK)

“As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”

* (1 Pet. 4:2 NIV11-GK)

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psa. 51:10 NIV11-GK)

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

Do you want your audience to listen - or learn? Then make your messages interactive.

This is the ninth class in the series: “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11)

2. Context

3. Ask Questions 

5. Group Work

Lk 7 passage

Question: “What have you seen done well with congregational involvement?”

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 I am re-launching a series last seen on my channel in 2016.  It's called "What we are reading".

I love to read, or, perhaps more accurately, I love to learn. And reading is one of those channels to learning. However, as my good friend Douglas Jacoby said to me many years ago, it's important to cut a channel from our reading to our audience. In other words, what I learn is not meant for ourselves alone, but for the benefit of others.

I've come to a deeper conviction of the need to read more. Part of relaunching this series is to hold myself accountable to not only read more, but make sure the channel is cut clear to my audience.

I'm currently committing myself to read at least one book a week.

Here is what you can expect from this series:

The first book in the new series is, "Stewards of Eden" by Sandra Richter. Have you read it?

What are you reading at the moment ? Please send me recommendations. 

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

Jesus - crown of thorns, so we can have a crown 

• “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

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, 

God gave me a delightful and unexpected experience this week. Through a set of unlikely circumstances I found myself connected with a group of men based in Canada and the USA. Wednesday evening saw me chatting to Edi, Jeff, Steve, John and Kit. A collection of spiritual wild men! They asked me to discuss the issue of how the Holy Spirit leads us. I'm not sure how much I contributed to our collective understanding, but my spirit was refreshed.

All of these five men are pursuing the call of God on their lives. They inspired me with their stories of courageously taking steps of faith leading to an uncertain future. After the conversation I bought Kit's book and downloaded it to my kindle. I am already three quarters of the way through it and might well finish it tonight. It's a powerful story of what happens when you take your courage in your hands and step into a alien environment seeking to do good.

What is it that motivates us to live by faith? It is not our knowledge. It is not our skills. It is not our experiences. It is not the result of other peoples' expectations. It is knowing our heavenly father. More specifically, it is deeply desiring to know our heavenly father better. In the desire to know him more profoundly, we allow him space to grow in us.

What did Jesus come to do?  “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3 NIV11) He wanted us to know God.

I was sad this week to hear of the passing of J.I.Packer. He wrote the one book which has had more influence on me than any other except the Bible. I told the story of the significance of that book in my quiet time coaching podcast from this week. I will not repeat the story here. Suffice it to say that reading a book called "Knowing God" prepared me to follow Jesus.

If I am going to make it in the long haul to the next life, it will be at least in part because I grow to know God better. And, I need people in my life who will help me to see aspects of God's heart and how that can be lived out. Like my new friends in Canada and the USA.

I suppose that is what motivates me to do much of what I do. We can learn how to pray the Lord's prayer, but the point is to know God better. We can learn how to illustrate a lesson, but the point is to help other people know God better. We can learn how to be more content, but the point is to know God better - he is the one who gives the contentment.

Is this a good moment to assess your desire to know God better? Is this a good moment to reset your heart on knowing him better? If we know one thing, we know that he wants nothing more than for us to know him so that we can enjoy him.

Upcoming projects for the next few days

Solution focused coaching

Many thanks to the person who agreed to let me coach them this week. I don't know how helpful it was to them, but I felt that I was learning a great deal. Let me know if you would like some coaching. Sessions can be as short or as long as needed. 

Until the next time, I hope and pray that you will enjoy the privilege of knowing the one who matters, and not being bothered but what you don't know.

God bless, Malcolm

In this series we are taking the Lord’s prayer phrase by phrase, teasing out its meaning, and then exploring what it means for our times are quiet with God.

The word can be translated, make holy, treat as holy, reverence, to sanctify, to consider holy. ” The same word can be found in the first Epistle of Peter:

“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” 

(1 PETER 3:15 NAS95)

A full list of the same Greek word can be found here: Matt. 6:9; 23:17, 19; Luke 11:2; John 10:36; 17:17, 19; Acts 20:32; 26:18; Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; 7:14; Eph. 5:26; 1 Th. 5:23; 1 Tim. 4:5; 2 Tim. 2:21; Heb. 2:11; 9:13; 10:10, 14, 29; 13:12; 1 Pet. 3:15; Rev. 22:11

Carson, in his booklet on the sermon on the Mount says this about Matthew 6:9c,

“..although it is a prayer that God’s name be hallowed, and therefore Presumably a request that God will hallow his own name, it is nevertheless a prayer which, when answered, means that we will hallow God’s name. In other words, Christ’s followers are asking their heavenly Father to act in such a way that they and an increasing number of others will reverence God, glorify him, consider him holy, and acknowledge him.” 

“SERMON ON THE MOUNT”, D. A. CARSON, 72

The name is more than simply a name in human terms. It is God himself as revealed to humankind. All of who he is.

““If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honoured and awesome name, the LORD your God,” (Deuteronomy 28:58 NAS95)

How do we learn more about his ‘name’? Adjusting the balance of our Bible study to include studying about God, not just theology, doctrine, history, character studies is one method. The other is to read books written by people who have deeply examined aspects of God’s nature. I offer two below which have greatly influenced my view of God.

What does it mean to you to hallow God’s name? And what methods do you use to get to know God’s name better? Please share your thoughts with me and this community.

Next week we will look at the following phrase, “Your kingdom come….”.

If you would like to access the classes for the Thames Valley churches of Christ, you can do so by clicking here.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

Class 8 of the series, “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11)

Do you want your audience to remember what you spoke about?

Then make your message memorable

Jesus the master! Do a study of the gospels and write down all the ways he used illustrations.

1. Sources

2. Types

3. Appropriateness

Next time: How to make the most of congregational involvement

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” 

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

Hebrews 13:5 - Want God more than things

QUESTION: “What helps you to be content?”

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 mentioned that I have completed training as a solution focused coach. Indeed, I can say that I am a “Certified Solution Focused Practitioner” (IASTI).

I learned many things, but one which stuck with me is how we began each training session. The first question asked was, "What is better?". After reflection even those of us with a tough week could think of something that was better than the previous time we met.

It strikes me as an excellent way for a Christian to start a conversation. Since God is always with us, and always has us safely in his love, something must be better. Despite the challenges of racism, the issues surrounding COVID-19 and more, there is so much that is better.

For example, I was able to record a sermon for the Singapore Church that went out last Sunday (see the picture above). I love that church, and will gladly speak for them any time, but the joy of being able to do it online instead of getting on a plane and battling with backache, sleeplessness and jet-lag was a great relief. Of course, this could happen even without the challenges of Covid-19, but it probably wouldn't unless COVID-19 was with us.

I don't mean by that to say that all the illnesses and deaths and disruption are worth it. Simply to say that there is something good and something better as a result of everything that happens. This is a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith.

The cross was a travesty and a terrible injustice. But, it produced healing and joy. The treatment of the early Christians by the authorities in the book of Acts was shameful. However, they saw it as a privilege - “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41 NIV11. All pain has its point, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV11)

This is not a Pollyanna way of living in the realm of fantasy. It is an attitude of hope–filled trust. We live this way because the grave is empty. When we pray "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6: 10) we are asking God's hopes for humankind to become more of a reality through us. 

It's made me reflect on how I'm doing at living in hope, and inspiring hope in the people around me. How is this area of Christ-likeness for you? Especially if you are a leader.

This week I re-read the book "Christian reflections on the leadership challenge" by Kouzes and Posner. The very last page of the book addresses the importance of leaders keeping hope alive. They say,

"They keep hope alive by demonstrating the courage of their convictions. They keep hope alive by painting positive images of the future. They keep hope alive by taking charge of change. They keep hope alive by trusting the abilities of others. They keep hope alive by recognising the dedication of others as they get extraordinary things done. Hope is attitude in action. It enables people to mobilise their healing and their achieving powers. It helps them to transcend the difficulties of today and envision the potentialities of tomorrow. Hope enables people to find the will and the way to aspire to greatness. HOPE is testimony to the power of the human spirit. Leadership is often a struggle, and the only way to thrive is to keep hope alive." p126

I will post more detailed thoughts on the book in the coming days.

I so often feel like an inadequate leader. Indeed, recently I had the idea that I might start a new podcast called, "Confessions of a terrified leader". I guess on one level that is appropriate. None of us are adequate in ourselves to be in any roles of leadership. We need the Spirit of Christ to make us what we can be for his glory. Perhaps that's why prayer has been on my mind more than usual recently. The new prayer series for Thames Valley, and my quiet time coaching prayer series are helping me. Both of those new series are focused on the Lord's prayer. In addition, I'm continuing my studies in Psalm 23 in preparation for a sermon series for the Watford church. Kenneth Bailey's book, The Good Shepherd is my most recent source of inspiration.

If I am truly convinced that with God is my Shepherd I lack nothing (that's right - nothing) and that my father God will provide the daily sustenance I need, then I can and should and surely will live in hope.

You may have noticed the baptism of Jane Goldman in July. She and I have been talking about her mother who is seriously ill with leukaemia. Jane is determined to do her best to bring the message of the gospel to her mother before she dies. She and Kate Edwards are beginning Bible studies with Jane's mother today. Jane is newly a disciple, and Kate has never studied the Bible with someone in this situation before, but I know that they will approach the situation with hope because they believe, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27 NIV11) 

I have days when I despair of the injustice in this world, the disappointments with myself, and the failings of people I would wish I could trust. Perhaps you similarly cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel even though you can hear the sound of the approaching train! In those moments, take a moment to breathe, pray and remember that “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5 NAS95)

I'll be grateful if anybody would let me practice my newly acquired coaching skills on them. I need to rack up enough hours to be able to apply to the ICF for certification. Let me know if you would like some coaching. Sessions can be as short or as long as needed. I can offer some pro bono coaching, but you can certainly pay me if you like!

Until the next time, I hope and pray that you will notice what is better!

God bless, Malcolm