“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). 

If there was ever a man who looked for answers to the hard questions of life it was Job.  The first two chapters of the book of Job show that this “perfect and upright” man (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3) was tested by Satan in major ways.  The Lord knew the character of Job and “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).  Knowing such a verse and knowing the answer to a specific trial are two different things.  Job did not understand, yet he did know the importance of searching.  Consider three lessons on searching for answers.

1.  Answers are Not in Materialism.  The world clamors for material gain trusting that such a lifestyle equals success.  Paul warned Timothy about such a philosophy.  “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:5-6).  Jesus himself was no man of great means yet there is none who could give answers like him (cf. Luke 2:47; John 7:46).  He gave a stern warning about materialism, where he said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).  Job had riches at one time in his life, but his life was foremost about God (Job 1:1, 8, 21-22; 2:3, 10).  Serving God is not about fearing God “for nought” (Job 1:9).  It is said of Moses “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Heb. 11:25-26).  Money, mansions, mutual funds, etc. are had by people only to be left behind (cf. 1 Tim. 6:7) and ultimately burned up (cf. 2 Peter 3:10-12).

2.  Answers are Not in Men.  Job’s three friends were truly “miserable comforters” (Job 16:1).  The general points that they all made were countered with Job saying, “What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you” (Job 13:2).  If answers are found in experience, history and sound reasoning alone, the answers would have been present.  Job knew that man is helpless to find the answers to the deepest of questions apart from the word from God.  Jeremiah admitted, “O Lord, I know that the way of man in not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).  Solomon wrote, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).

3.  Answers are Necessitated in the Master.  The book of Job clearly points out that the Maker and Master of the universe is the source of all truth and wisdom.  It is in Job 28:28 that the summary of that chapter on searching states from the mouth of God, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).  Such a knowledge as seen by Job at the end of the book (cf. Job 40:4-5; 42:2-6) shows that the Sovereign One of all takes care and does right.  One need only heed the Master’s word and will and be blessed whether life be easy or difficult.  Faith leans on the strength from God and rejoices in it (cf. Neh. 8:10).  Therefore, the Bible is one of the greatest treasures given by the Master. 

Jimmy Clark

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). 

Jesus said these words in the context of certain ones who sought to kill him (cf. John 7:1, 19).  The Jewish leadership considered Jesus a threat.  This hindered them from understanding the source and content of the teaching that Jesus gave.  Those who believed that Jesus is the Christ (cf. John 6:68-69) had the “want to” to listen and learn.  Therefore, having the “want to” has everything to do with understanding the doctrine of the Lord.  Consider three thoughts about this mentality.

1.  Wanting to Discern Between Truth and Error.  Solomon wrote, “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish” (Prov. 12:1).  Again, “A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth” (Prov. 14:6).  Much of knowing and understanding is in the “want to.”  If one wants to know the truth, then the simplicity of the word of God will make him “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).  If one does not want the truth but only that which suits his own desires, then the word of God is “no good concerning me, but evil” (1 Kings 22:18).  The kind of heart one has is a major factor in the obtaining of wisdom and knowledge.

2.  Wanting to Defeat the Devil in One’s Life.  Once a person has the desire to know the truth, then he can do battle with his real enemy, the devil.  It is the putting on of the whole armor of God that “ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11) that bring success against Satan.  When a child of God fails and gives into sin, God says to his children, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” (Rev. 2:5).  The Father does not want his children to have a defeatist attitude.  James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7-8).  When a person wants to overcome, victory is attainable.  When one is not really willing to try that hard to overcome, then discouragement and struggle persist.  One must always remember that when it comes to the real problems of life “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).

3.  Wanting to Do What Pleases God.  Jesus stated of the mentality of his mind toward the will of God, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).  When an athlete really wants to please the coach, what kind of eyes and ears are present?  When an employee is truly desiring to please the employer, what level of work will be given?  Knowing that God loves (cf. 1 John 4:10) and desires the best for each and every one (cf. 1 Tim. 2:4) should motivate all to want to please the One from which comes “Every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17).  David wrote of himself, “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word” (Ps. 119:16).  Again, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Ps. 119:34).  Such a “want to” clearly shows why David is described by God as “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22).  May all have the “want to” in every spiritual thing and find the reward therein.    

Jimmy Clark

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). 

While Paul addressed some topics in this letter that were of past and present consideration, here Paul is forward looking to the work that must continue even after his death.  There are insights found in this passage that involve the evangelism of the world to every age and generation.  Consider some thoughts.

1.  Deliver the Same Message.  Paul pressed upon Timothy the importance of staying with the same message he had been taught.  Paul did not preach a gospel different from the other apostles just because he was an apostle to the Gentiles (cf. Gal. 1:8-9).  Paul preached to many different countries and cultures yet the message was the same.  He wrote to the Roman brethren, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).  Paul warned Timothy of certain ones who would “not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3).  In spite of such attitudes and actions Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).  There is a great deal of ink being used to address ways to reach the Millenials.  The way to reach Millenials (or any other generation for that matter) is with the pure word of God (cf. Prov. 30:5-6).  Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).

2.  Develop Faithful and Able Men to Keep the Work Going.  Paul charged Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).  The work of reaching present and future generations cannot rest in the hands of unfaithful and incompetent people.  There is such a danger as “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26).  Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thess. 3:2).  Jesus himself developed his apostles to carry out the work.  Leaving the Lord’s work in capable hands is one of the greatest needs in the church.  Training and encouraging workers is a mark toward a bright future.

3.  Delegate Those to Teach Like You Have Been Taught.  Paul did not expect Timothy to do all the teaching.  Timothy was to do his work while others share in the work.  Paul told Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men” (2 Tim. 2:2).  Another translation uses the word “entrust” (2 Tim. 2:2, ESV).  Paul wrote to Timothy previously, “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;” (1 Tim. 1:18).  The strength in the word “commit” denotes the obligation and importance of carrying out the work.  If one is going to delegate a part of the work to be done by others, they should be expected to do it.  Paul expected Timothy to do his work.           

Jimmy Clark

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1). 

Would that everyone had this attitude toward assembling to worship!  There are some, however, who look at a worship service as a “weariness” (Mal. 1:13).  Some will stop going altogether as “the manner of some is” (Heb. 10:25).  Whatever the choice or attitude, worship is important to the Father (cf. John 4:23) and should be to all worshippers.  Ponder three principles concerning worship that will help anyone get more from the service.

1.  Set the Mind on Truly Coming to Worship, Not Merely to Watch.  Worship is active, not passive.  “Entertainment based” worship services do not enhance worship as they are by nature passive and not active.  One sits as in a theater to take something in, not to express faith toward the living God.  What may stimulate the senses initially will become boring over the long term.  Vibrant worship is engaged in the service by participating in the singing with a thankful heart (cf. Col. 3:16), praying while prayer is led (cf. Acts 2:42; 12:5), remembering the sacrifice of the Lord in the Lord’s Supper (cf. 1 Cor. 11:24-25), giving with a cheerful spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7) and attentive to the preaching of the word of God that stimulates thought and intent (cf. Heb. 4:12).  Until the heart is affected and active, one works in vain to alter the outside in order to move the inside.

2.  Study the Bible More.  Knowing the text of Scripture more and more makes one familiar with what is going on in a worship service.  If one is privately reading the Bible intently outside the services, the material preached and taught will become more meaningful.  One is better able to see passages that connect to other passages when a lesson is presented because the mind has meditated on such things (cf. Ps. 1:2).  It is no wonder that David said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple” (Ps. 27:4).  David is not talking about the beauty of the temple building as it did not exist in his day.  David wanted to learn more and more at the assembly in the place of worship to enhance his knowledge more and more.  Personal study is a direct link to appreciation for what is involved in worship.  Ignorance is a destroyer (cf. Hosea 4:6).

3.  Seek God with the Whole Heart.  David also wrote, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Ps. 119:2).  Whatever one puts his/her whole heart into is where one is going to get the most from it.  Half-hearted always has and always will produce little to nothing.  The book of Psalms is filled with passages on the heart, especially the whole heart.  “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works” (Ps. 9:1).  “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Ps. 138:1-2).  See also Psalm 119:10, 34, 58, 69, 145.  Surely observation has been made of those who worship from their whole heart and search made to see what they know and why they do such!  David knew and had such a heart.  May it be today!                                                                          

Jimmy Clark

“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:15-16)

The household of Stephanas was an integral part of the congregation at Corinth.  Paul stated earlier in this letter to Corinth, “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other” ((1 Cor. 16:16).  This man and his family were very active in the local congregation.  Such would go a long way toward their faithfulness to the Lord through their serving.  Being invested in one’s local congregation is a great need for the promotion of the longevity of the life of the church in any geographical area.  An eldership is thrilled to see people taking their local congregation seriously.  Consider three general things concerning, as Paul stated “every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:16).

1. Identifying Oneself with the Congregation.  Paul said of Aquila and Priscilla, “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Cor. 16:19).  While the brotherhood is greater than one congregation and Aquila and Priscilla were known to work for the cause of Christ in different places, here is a point of reference that in Ephesus there was a congregation meeting in the home of Aquila and Priscilla.  The Bible clearly teaches that the church is both all Christians everywhere (cf. Rom. 16:16) as well as any group of Christians in a geographic location (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2).  Elders are only elders over the local congregation where they reside (cf. Acts 14:23).  Therefore, it is important that elders know who are the ones in the congregation where they oversee and work that come under their care.  Acts 20:28-32 shows that local congregations are divinely ordained of God.  While all who are baptized are added to the church (cf. Acts 2:41), being identified with the local congregation in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 8:1) was also stressed as the cause of Christ would spread to other regions as well.

2.  Involvement in the Work.  Paul said of the house of Stephanas “they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Cor. 16:15).  Would that all had such a spirit and service!  Getting involved in the local work greatly enhances faithfulness to the Lord and fruitfulness in the labor of the Lord.  Having a vested interest in the local congregation commits the heart and soul to the work.  Those who are the busiest in the local work tend not to be complacent or complaining about the work.

3.  Influencing for Good.  When people see how involved people are in their local congregation, they know that the Lord and his church is important to them.  Such an influence shines bright before those within and without.  When brethren in the Jerusalem congregation were threatened and abused for doing right, they prayed, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29).  The power to overcome evil with good is a true mark of greatness.  One can do no better than to encourage the cause of Christ in every location.                

Jimmy Clark

“The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well” (2 Tim. 1:16-18).

Here is a man complemented by Paul and lifted up to Timothy as an example of faithful service. His household is called upon to be blessed with the mercy of the Lord due to his service. Consider three things to be learned of such a servant.

1. Unwavering Pattern of Providing Aid. The name of this man means “profit-bringer” (Thayer, p. 447). He and his household are only mentioned in the book of Second Timothy (cf. 2 Tim. 1:16; 4:19). He served Paul both in Ephesus (it is assumed that he was from Ephesus) as well as in Rome. Paul tells Timothy that Onesiphorus “oft refreshed me” (2 Tim. 1:16) and “in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well” (2 Tim. 1:18). Some people provide early in their lives and then cease later on. Some people provide only when it is convenient and then make excuses when life gets “crowded” with other things. This man was well known for his service to Paul and goes down in the history of the pages of the Bible as one of unwavering loyalty. He truly fits the meaning of his name.

2. Unashamed of Paul’s Situation in Prison. Paul did not have an easy time in Ephesus as seen in other places in the Bible. Paul wrote, “If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die” (1 Cor. 15:32). Acts 19:23-41 records a time when Paul was not popular with many of the locals in Ephesus. When Paul is in prison in Rome, Onesiphorus “sought me out very diligently, and found me” (2 Tim. 1:17) and is clearly stated of his attitude toward Paul’s imprisonment that he “was not ashamed of my chain” (2 Tim. 1:16). Imprisonment did not appear to be a sign of sterling character to most, yet suffering for doing right moves righteous people to do what they can to show their dedication to the cause and its people. Shame, embarrassment and the like cause the weak to shirk back from being seen by the public eye. Onesiphorus would put his reputation and life on the line for the cause of Christ.

3. Uplifted Before the Lord to Receive Mercy in the End. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Onesiphorus is declared to be a merciful, ministering brother. The end of time is a time of reckoning concerning the life lived now (cf. Rev. 20:12-13). It can truly be said of Onesiphorus, as Jesus said, “I was in prison, and ye came unto me”  (Matt. 25:36). To serve Paul was to serve the Lord. What a blessing to know that a life of service in the face of difficult times does not go unnoticed and unrewarded in the end. Would that God would raise up more men like this. He had a family and surely he had a responsibility to provide for his family (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8) yet he would do all that he could to help God’s people. Paul used the case of Onesiphorus to spur Timothy on in his work (cf. 2 Tim. 1:6-18). Hearing the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21, 23) and thus entering into heaven is all that really matters in the end.                                                                                                                

Jimmy Clark

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). 

Jesus stated, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35).  Again, in another place, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matt. 15:19).  It is no wonder that the exhortation from Solomon is to guard the heart.  Consider three kinds of hearts and their consequences.

1.  Stubborn.  There are three Hebrew words for “stubborn” in the Old Testament.  One means “to be stubborn, rebellious” (Brown, Driver, Briggs, pp. 710-711).  It is written of the Israelite fathers, “And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God” (Ps. 78:8).  A second word means “to push, press, thus arrogance, presumption” (BDB, p. 823).  Samuel used this word where he said to Saul, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Sam. 15:23).  The third word means “hard, severe, stubborn” (BDB, p. 904).  It is written of those in the days of the judges, “And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way” (Judges 2:19).  Nothing good comes from this disposition.

2.  Secular.  The sensual, carnal, worldly heart focuses upon the things of this life.  Even if such a heart sees a value in the word of God in the heart, Jesus said, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).  To be a friend of God and a friend of the world at the same time is to be conflicted.  James wrote, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).  John warned, “Love not the world, neither the things of the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16).  Here is another example of a heart that needs to be purified to be productive toward God.

3.  Spiritual.  Paul wrote to the Roman brethren, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6).  The revelation of the Spirit, which is the inspired written word of God (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17), is the light to the path (cf. Ps. 119:105) which keeps one from sin (cf. Ps. 119:11) and greatly comforts (cf. Ps. 119:50).  The value of this kind of heart is greatly magnified in Psalm 119.  “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Ps. 119:1-2).  Here is the disposition to have.    

Jimmy Clark

“And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?” (Acts 8:30). 

The eunuch from Ethiopia had been to worship in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 8:27) but was still interested in a study of the Scriptures.  This is a tremendous quality that ultimately led to his being blessed.  There are several truths about reading the Bible that aid in a proper grasp of the text and its application.  Consider three.

1.  Read with a Pure Purpose.  People read all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons.  Some may read the scriptures simply to say that they have read the entire Bible in a set time.  Some may read to seek to justify some lifestyle.  Some may read to try to prove someone wrong.  It is possible to read the Bible and not see its truths because the motive is not right.  Jesus dealt with such in his day when he said to certain Jews, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:39-40).  Again, “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:45-47).  Paul wrote of this same kind of thinking, “But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away” (2 Cor. 3:14-16).  The eunuch was reading from a heart that was pure yet still needing to understand.

2.  Read to Perceive.  The pure heart of the eunuch led to his statement, “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:31).  The eunuch was not reading Isaiah to merely be reading.  He wanted to understand but knew his limitation.  Philip took the place where he was reading and “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35).  The eunuch had honestly asked for clarification of the person to whom Isaiah was writing (cf. Acts 8:34).  Understanding is a Bible principle when it comes to reading God’s word.  Jesus said on a certain topic, “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” (Mark 13:14).  Paul wrote, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4).

3.  Read to Practice.  The eunuch followed up his pure purpose in reading to understand the text with the intent to practice what was needed.  When they came to a certain water, the eunuch said, “See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36).  Heeding the word of God is key to being blessed (cf. Matt. 7:24-27; James 1:23-25).  Jehoiakim despised the written word from Jeremiah and would pay dearly for such an attitude (cf. Jer. 36:22-32).  One must always remember that to obey and hearken to God is better than any offering to God (cf. 1 Sam. 15:22).                 

Jimmy Clark

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6).

When Jesus made this statement, there were multitudes following him (cf. Matt. 5:1).  Looking inside those numbers one would find that not all who followed were there for spiritual reasons.  Ultimately, some would no longer follow him (cf. John 6:66).

There are all kinds of appetites of men today.  People are eager to fill the many restaurants and cafes of the land.  People are eager to fill the shopping areas to engage in “retail therapy.”  People are zealous for all the sports and leisure that can be provided.  How is the appetite of spiritual things in the world today?  Consider three thoughts along these lines.

1. A Closeness to God. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Ps. 42:1-2).  Here is a person who has a strong spiritual appetite.  Assembling with the saints to worship is vitally important to him.  He states further, “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday” (Ps. 42:4).  This is the same attitude as David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1).  The close relationship to God every day made the times of worship that much more special.  Those who faithfully assemble know how vital it is to be close to God.
2. A Craving for the Bible. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:2-3).  One can truly see the intensity of the appetite for the word in this passage.  No words can do for man what the Bible does.  David stated, “I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments” (Ps. 119:131).  Read also these passages from Psalm 119 which involve a strong spiritual appetite for the word (Ps. 119:16, 20, 24, 35, 40, 47, 48, 70, 72, 77, 92, 97, 103, 111, 113, 119, 127, 128, 129, 140, 143, 159, 162, 163, 165, 167, 174).  It is truly as Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
3. A Continual Prayer Life. David wrote, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit” (Ps. 143:5-7).  The man after God’s own heart (cf. 1 Sam. 13:14) would well understand the exhortation, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).  Prayer is that avenue of communication to God that gives strength to the heart and mind.  Paul wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).  Jesus valued prayer.  All the apostles sought God through it.  Strong Christians are made stronger in it.  While the world today is saturated in communication tools of electronic technology, none satisfy like God.

Jimmy Clark