Posts by Michael Cox (Page 16)
Do You Have a Scar?
We all have them. I have one on the underside of my arm as a box cutter slipped one day while I was working in a grocery store as a teen and I sliced open my arm. I have another one on my upper arm as proof of a childhood vaccination. Just two weeks ago, while recording a video lesson, I gained a new one as I took a wrong step leaving the podium area and fell in the auditorium…
New Online Classes Coming Soon!
Small, but I believe significant, improvements are coming to our online Bible video classes and I’m extremely excited about the potential impact for increasing our Bible knowledge. Beginning in a few weeks, during my MANNA IN THE MORNING classes (Thursday – Saturday) and A MESSAGE OF HOPE classes (Monday & Tuesday), I will present my special way to really get to know the Bible. It will be through a unique survey of all 66 books. Each book of the Bible…
Success for Our 40 Days of Prayer!
Our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER officially ended this past Friday. Over the last few days, I have heard back from many people regarding this united effort of Christians around the world. From Kenya, “Thanks to the 70 West church for spearheading this effort. Our church here has been involved. We have seen faith grow. We have seen better cooperation. We have felt good about doing this with you.” From the Philippines, “40 DAYS OF PRAYER has helped me become dependent…
When Forgiveness is Too Difficult…
I can’t remember having feelings like these from just reading an email from a stranger. The email was from a Christian woman dealing with a very real problem. I read her question and her problem struck a nerve. The words on the computer screen gripped me. The emotions flooded my mind. I was immediately drawn in and like Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, I wept. Why was I crying? I was experiencing empathy for this woman I only knew…
Storms
As I write this article another terrible hurricane has struck our nation’s coast and remnants of the storm are approaching southern Arkansas. Storms happen as our weather changes seasons. Storms also happen in life. It may be the fearful words from a doctor concerning a diagnosis, marital unhappiness expressed by a spouse, getting the ‘pink-slip’ at work, family issues that rear its ugly head, or one of the hundreds of problems each one of us can face in life. What…
Happy Anniversary
Saturday was my anniversary. You might say, “But Michael, I thought you celebrated your anniversary a couple of weeks ago.” Well, that was my wedding anniversary. I’m talking about a different anniversary. Saturday was the 3rd anniversary of my FIRST WORKDAY here at 70 West. I remember the day so well. Danny Vaughn met me the prior day and helped me get set up in a temporary apartment. That first workday was filled with getting my office arranged and going…
Prepare for the feast!
Growing up on the farm, Sunday dinner (city people call it lunch) was always a treat. Mom threw out all stops as the table was overflowing with homemade dishes she had cooked during the early morning hours before we left for worship services. I called Sunday dinner FEAST DAY, as my entire family gathered at our house after worship service for this grand meal. Today is the kickoff for our SPIRITUAL FEAST DAYS as our elders have lined up a…
Who might you encourage this week?
II Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord…
How do you see others?
This past week I was recording the MANNA IN THE MORNING classes that will run just after our upcoming ‘Virtual PTP: God’s Vision for Hot Springs’ and the text was the last chapters of Acts. Acts 26:25-27 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things…
How is your commitment level?
Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” ESV For one of our online Bible video classes last week I spoke about the need for commitment to the Lord. In the passage above Jesus is pointing out that our commitment level to Him must be higher than any other. He must be number…
Sharing the Bible
Over the past, almost four months of doing the BIBLE INVESTIGATION class, the questions have run the gauntlet from emotional (“My family died in a tornado. Where was your God when I needed him most?”) to searching (“What does God want me to do with my life?”) to accusative (“What about all the contradictions and mistakes in the Bible?” – that question is coming up in August). The flood of questions coming in for our BIBLE INVESTIGATION class tells me…
Unsung Heroes
In so many ways ministering here at 70 West is so easy. I’m surrounded by encouraging folks who give many pats on the back, even when I do not deserve them. When you are working in the spotlight where people see you, it’s natural for your service to be acknowledged. But how about those folks who are serving but not in the spotlight? It’s easy to overlook them. It’s easy to take them for granted. It’s easy to fail to…