“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Ps. 39:4-5). 

David approaches the Lord in prayer (cf. Ps. 39:12) that he might be taught the true measure of his life.  Facing one’s mortal life is a sign of spiritual strength not weakness.  Consider three thoughts from David’s prayer concerning life in general and David’s life in particular.

1.  Pray Over One’s Words.  “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me” (Ps. 39:1).  If one continues to read the next verses he will see that holding the tongue is not the easiest thing to do.  James writes of the tongue, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).  One’s spiritual life directly affects his physical life.  Out of the heart does the mouth speak (cf. Matt. 12:34).  It is no wonder that David prayed to the Lord concerning his words for he knew that such affected his life and influence.

2.  Pray Over One’s Wrongs.  “Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish” (Ps. 39:8).  Reading further to verse 11 gives the indication that David knew that he was not a sinless man.  He knew full well the effects of sin upon life and upon one’s quality of life.  Here is what the humble, penitent child of God has that the world desperately needs.  The ears of the Lord are open to the prayers of the righteous (cf. Ps. 34:15, 17-18; 1 Peter 3:12).  When the sensitive conscious of the child of God realizes his wrongs, he has access to the throne of grace (cf. Heb. 4:16) and the attention of a forgiving God (cf. 1 John 1:9).  Mortal flesh should not want to live with the uncertainties of life all around him and not have God on his side.

3.  Pray Over One’s Weakness.  “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more” (Ps. 39:12-13).  Even the faithful child of God knows that he has weaknesses and limitations.  He will admit, like David, that mortal man is not on the same level with God and as a sojourner he finds this life to be but a pilgrimage (cf. Gen. 47:9; Ps. 119:54) to an eternal destination.  How one handles every weakness says much about spiritual development or the lack thereof.  Prayer becomes an avenue of strength that cannot be replicated by any other recourse.  The prayers of David abound in the Psalms (cf. Psalm 72:20).  Various songs in the book of Psalms shows David’s desire for God’s strength (cf. Psalm 18:1; 27:1; 71:16, 18).  If man tried to handle life by his own strength, he will find that time and circumstances ultimately prove such a vain attempt.  Man cannot keep himself from the end of all men (cf. Eccl. 7:2; 8:8).  Life is identified as a “vapour” (James 4:14), as “wind” (Job 7:7) and such things of frailty and swiftness of time.  Life without prayer is life without life.                                                                                   

Jimmy Clark

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour” (Matt. 8:13). 

Here is the example of a man of whom Jesus said had “great faith” (Matt. 8:10).  His faith led to the miraculous healing of his servant by Jesus.  While there are no miraculous healings today (cf. 1 Cor. 13:8-10) now that the New Testament is completely revealed and confirmed, there is still something to be said about having a great faith.  Consider three things from the principle of “as you have believed, so be it unto you.”

1.  The Strength of Faith.  This centurion’s faith was like that of the faithful of old.  Paul wrote of Abraham’s faith, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Rom. 4:20-21).  Jesus was looking in Israel to find such faith and stated that he had not found so great a faith in them (cf. Matt. 8:10).  Paul stated of those in his day that not all have faith (cf. 2 Thess. 3:2).  Some who have faith are weak in the faith (cf. Rom. 14:1).  Consider what Jesus said to the centurion that as he believed so it would be to him.  What would happen today of spiritual growth if it all started with faith, which indeed it does (cf. 2 Peter 1:5)?  It takes the foundation of faith to be able to add the virtues that are needed.

2.  The Source of Faith.  The centurion’s faith was not a mere religious quality but a faith tied to the Lord.  The centurion was so convinced that Jesus could provide that he simply would rely on the very spoken word of Jesus as power enough to bring about the needed result (cf. Matt. 8:8-9).  He would understand fully the passage “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).  Seeing today that the written word of God is the foundation for a strong personal faith, how much confidence is there among people that there is great power in the word?  While Biblical faith for today is toward our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 20:21), such does not take place without a deep respect and close attachment to the New Testament of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said of his own words “they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).  His word will judge in the last day (cf. John 12:48).  One is proud and knows nothing if he rejects the word spoken by Jesus and the doctrine that is according to godliness (cf. 1 Tim. 6:3-4).  Where the New Testament has not gone, there are no Christians much less strong ones.

3.  The Success of Faith.  While the servant was healed due to the authority and power of Christ, there was no success of the healing according to Jesus if the centurion did not have faith.  The success would come “as thou hast believed” (Matt. 8:13).  Eternal salvation for the child of God is tied to a victorious faith (cf. 1 John 5:4, 13).  It is faith that works by love that avails (cf. Gal. 5:6).  It is the just who live by faith (cf. Rom. 1:17).  Biblical faith as a shield is successful in its result to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16).  Those who receive the crown of righteousness are to keep the faith (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7-8).  The Lord promises the eternal home of heaven to those who die in faith (cf. Heb. 11:13-16).  Therefore, let faith underpin one’s life of walking with God now and living with God when this life is over.                                                                                 

Jimmy Clark

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” --Matthew 6:12

           Here is a line that is both short and profound.  Jesus gives it as an element of the manner of prayer (cf. Matt. 6:9).  Forgiveness is often an element of prayer both privately and publicly.  Consider three observations about this element of prayer that gives sobering insights to life and relationships.

1.  Forgiveness is Critical to Being Right with God.  What would it have been like to simply leave this element out?  There would still be many good things found in the prayer.  Jesus knew that children of God need to know how a right relationship with God is maintained.  Sin is the great barrier between man and God (cf. Isa. 59:2).  Sin’s wages is death (cf. Rom. 6:23).  The Lord’s response to sin is either punishment or pardon.  It is always God’s desire to forgive (cf. Micah 7:18-19).  He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (cf. Eze. 18:23).  It is not a matter of if man will sin but simply when man sins what then (cf. Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10).  Being forgiven is the reason for the cross of Christ (cf. Eph. 1:7).  God’s saving grace is tied to forgiveness (cf. Eph. 2:8-9).  Jesus would not leave out of this prayer a most critical aspect.

2.  Forgiveness is Conditional.  While remission of past sins is tied to repentance and baptism (cf. Acts 2:38), forgiveness also has conditional elements outside of the conditions to become a Christian.  Jesus stated further in the context of the prayer, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14-15).  The next point will consider the personal relationship thoughts, but right now consider the use of the word “if” (cf. Matt. 6:14, 15).  This underscores the fact that man has something to do with his own personal forgiveness with God.  While the grace of God, the love of God, the blood of Christ, the intercession of Christ, and other such like aspects of God’s work in redemption are essential to being forgiven, there is the side of man’s choosing under various situations that determines personal forgiveness.  Unconditional forgiveness is not found in the Bible.

3.  Forgiveness is Connected to Personal Relationships.  While all saved people want to stay in a right relationship with God by being forgiven, what is to be the response when one has been wronged?  The world views being wronged as an offense that demands personal retaliation and vindication.  Jesus, the sinless Son of God, would be wronged more than can be counted and yet forgiveness was on his dying lips (cf. Luke 23:34).  A forgiving spirit is to be the nature of the heart of the child of God, especially in the approach of prayer.

            There are two things cited by Jesus concerning forgiving and being forgiven.  First, there is the facet of the manner in which one is asking to be forgiven.  Notice the manner in the words “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6:12).  In other words, as a person forgives others who wrong him so let God forgive in the same manner.  Second, there is the fact of forgiveness in lieu of whether one forgives or does not forgive his debtors (cf. Matt. 6:14-15).  Therefore, how one approaches difficult relations with others is connected with being forgiven.  May every heart ponder and apply. 

Jimmy Clark

“Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Ps. 141:1-2). 

This inspired prayer put to music teaches valuable attitudes for every person in every age.  While David is asking the Lord to do certain things for him, he understands that he himself must be active in his own living.  Nevertheless, he knows that he cannot do it alone.  For example, he states, “But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute” (Ps. 141:8).  Tough times make prayer and song valuable to the child of God.  Look closely at three things David requested in this prayerful song.

1.  Safeguard My Use of Words.  “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).  David knew the power of words for good or evil.  David’s son, Solomon, will later write, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Prov. 18:21).  Consequences, both good and bad, come from the use of the tongue.  As a king, David’s words were influential and authoritative.  As a child of God, David’s words would demonstrate his development in life.  Paul, citing an illustration of development, wrote “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11).  Working on controlling the tongue is a lifelong process (cf. James 3:2).  How many prayers has a child of God requested that the Lord help him in the use of his tongue?

2.  Set My Heart from Following Evil.  “Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities” (Ps. 141:4-5).  More are there that pursue evil than follow righteousness (cf. Matt. 7:13-14).  Moses warned, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Ex. 23:2).  Paul wrote, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33).  However, there are influences of righteous people who would help to keep one’s heart where it should be.  One should not despise the constructive reproof of God-fearing people.  Solomon wrote, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6).  David’s request for help in having the right kind of people around him is as valuable today as it was then.

3.  Secure My Steps from the Trappings of the World.  “Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape” (Ps. 141:9-10).  Regardless of how much self-control one has and a positive spiritual influence around him, this life is still filled with snares.  Satan does not quit.  Satan is also very opportunistic.  Just when one is careless and unfocused of what lies before, the trap is sprung.  With Satan, there is always a catch in every temptation.  Jesus did not say in vain in the model prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:13).  God has promised a way of escape in temptation (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13).  Any and all requests in prayer require application in life.                         

Jimmy Clark

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Dan. 6:3-5). 

The greatness of faithfulness is seen in the difficult times of life.  Daniel had shown himself faithful through the Babylonian times and would be no different under the Medes and Persians.  His fellow leaders became envious and sought to find anything that they could use to attack him.  Consider three lessons from the faithfulness of Daniel.

1.  Proven.  Genuine faith shines when it is tested.  Daniel’s adversaries examined his record in the kingdom and found it filled with integrity.  Such is true of a righteous life.  Jesus said, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:21).  Before this challenge, Daniel had approached the prince of the eunuchs in charge of the Babylonian king’s provisions and asked to be tested (cf. Dan. 1:12).  The world is always going to try to find ways to test.  The devil makes it his job to seek to thwart every righteous quality of God’s people.  He attacked Job (cf. Job 1:9).  He used his wiles with Jesus (cf. Matthew 4:1-11).  Faithfulness is not afraid to be scrutinized.  It stands confident.

2.  Practical.  Faithfulness has a practical value, not just to the person who has it, but also to those who are affected by it.  Darius was blessed to have such a person as Daniel in his kingdom.  Paul stated of Timothy and his family, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Tim. 1:5).  Paul told the Philippians concerning Timothy, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state” (Phil. 2:20).  Daniel’s faithfulness in serving the Lord easily carried over to his serving in the kingdoms of men.  All who connect with faithful people find life much more pleasant.

3.  Powerful.  The ultimate reward of faithfulness is God’s blessing.  Some seek to please men only to find out later in the day of judgment that life should have been lived to please God.  The power of Daniel’s faithfulness was magnified in the den of lions.  The Lord was magnified in the eyes of Darius through Daniel’s faith in God and in God’s faithfulness to his own.  It is likely that Daniel is referenced in Hebrews chapter 11 among the faithful of the ages, where it is stated, “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions” (Heb. 11:33).  When one stands with God, there is no power on earth to defeat.  Paul wrote, “What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).  The book of Revelation has as one of its major points that those who overcome shall receive abundantly more than anything this life offers.  John wrote, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).  Paul knew about the crown of righteousness (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7-8).  Faithfulness is a powerful attribute of the converted.  

Jimmy Clark