“Psalms of Ascent Series”, Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 205, Psalm 131v1

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.

Perhaps the author’s heart used to be proud, but incidents of God’s discipline have brought about a change of heart that has led to his understanding of the right attitude.
Ambition has become a virtue in our culture. Does this blind us to its harmful side-effects? Do we not recognise the symptoms of corruption it brings into our hearts? “There have always been Faustian characters, people in the community who embarked on a way of arrogance and power; now our entire culture is Faustian.” Peterson, Obed, 152.
Aspiration is not the same as selfish ambition / pride. Paul had goals – Phil 3:14. But they were very God-focussed.

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

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

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

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“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