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What exactly does the Bible mean by the phrase “the sure mercies of David”?

The divine guarantee in Christ is that God’s mercies are upon your life, is available to you – as His divine mercies were upon the beloved David, from whose lineage came the promised Messiah. This grants no license for sin, which leads to judgment – now and forever (Romans 11:20-22; Hebrews 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21). God’s mercy in no way negates the biblical truth that we must all reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

Biblical examples of Sinful People God Forgave:

  • Adam and Eve (Genesis 3).
  • David (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalms 51).
  • The prodigal son (Luke 15).
  • One of the two men who stood before the LORD to pray (Luke 18:9-14).
  • Peter (Matthew 26:26-69, Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-17).
  • Thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43).
  • Woman taken in adultery (John 8).
  • The fornicator in Corinth (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2).

According to Ezekiel 16:8-13 and many other Bible passages, God takes care of His beloved people.

Just as was the case with our earthly parents, so God took care of us, of you, when you couldn’t take care of yourself, He, your loving heavenly Father was there, tenderly taking care of you.

“Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. 9  Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. 10 I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers’ skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. 11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. 12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. 13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.” Ezekiel 16:8-13

The LORD saved Paul as an example to us – to every vile sinner to be born thereafter.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 

IF God forgave David and told you that in Christ you have “the sure mercies of David,” why wouldn’t He freely forgive you? (Isaiah 55:3-4; Acts 13:34) If God forgave the fornicator of 1 Corinthians 5 in 2 Corinthians 2, WHY wouldn’t He freely forgive your sins? Return to Him, confess all sin, forget the past, and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

The “sure mercies of David” are exclusively reserved for those who are in Christ!

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34

What is meant by the phrase we read in God’s Word “the sure mercies of David”?

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” Isaiah 55:3-4

“55:2-5 In its alienation from God, Israel has been wasting its energy and resources. True satisfaction and lasting pleasure are found only in the Lord. If Israel returns to the Lord, they will receive all the sure mercies promised to David in the everlasting covenant (see Psa_89:3-4, Psa_89:28-29). These blessings are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus and in His glorious reign. The Gentile nations, too, will share in the benefits of the kingdom, and there will be amicable relations between Israel and the nations.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“the sure mercies of David” … yes those words definitely are so beautiful….. when we realize how wicked we are, we will find no stone to cast at any other. Instead we will send out the life saving message of “the sure mercies of David” which are in Christ.

UNTIL, as an individual, you begin to realize just how wicked you really are, you will never begin to appreciate what our KING and Savior did on that cross!

Read this verse carefully:

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13

Recently, someone asked me what is meant by “mercy rejoiceth against judgment”? Reply: God’s mercy is greater than the judgment of sin…… His mercy is powerfully forgiving. The LORD would clearly rather bestow His mercy upon sinners than His judgment.

“But God commendeth (exhibited) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

All men have sinned against our Maker and yet the LORD is so very good that He “gave his only begotten Son” to be sacrificed for “the sins of the whole world” so that none “should perish” (John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9).

I love this verse which puts it all in perspective…. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Stay in the mirror – the Word. When we are not in the Word we forget just how wicked WE are, how in desperate need WE are of God’s mercy, and that’s when we judge others when we should be extending that bless-ed divine mercy upon them.

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass (mirror): 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty (Gospel), and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:23-25

God freely forgives His people on the basis of Christ’s perfect sacrifice…. and requires that we forgive all others as He freely forgives unworthy sinners like us on behalf of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We are unworthy in and of ourselves. Jesus’ righteousness alone provides for our salvation, the justification of God.

If God were not a forgiving God who restores the backslidden, NOT EVEN ONE of us would still be alive and headed for eternal glory.

It takes no less than to read Jesus’ 3 parables which make up Luke 15 to witness this glorious truth concerning His great mercy! Read it afresh with the restorational love of our God in mind!

Well, most of us would admit that we are not sinless… and sin is sin…. because God is holy….. and so we should have no stone of condemnation to cast at anyone except ourselves for any sin we committed in the past 😉

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:37

Does God forgive all sins? Yes, all except one…

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matthew 12:31-32

Well Judas committed perhaps the worst sin in history by betraying Christ and yet Jesus offered him mercy but he refused it.

Note that even in the midst of Judas betraying the innocent Son of God, Jesus called Judas, the traitor “friend.” This would clearly convey that Christ had his forgiveness in mind, had the desire to restore him.

“And Jesus said unto him, FRIEND, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” Matthew 26:50

Of this verse where even while betraying the LORD Jesus, He refers to Judas as His “friend” or companion, Adam Clarke writes:

“Jesus said – Friend – Rather, companion, wherefore, rather, against whom art thou come? How must these words have cut his very soul, if he had any sensibility left! Surely, thou, who hast so long been my companion, art not come against me, thy Lord, Teacher and Friend! What is the human heart not capable of, when abandoned by God, and influenced by Satan and the love of money!”

God’s Word informs us that the LORD will love us all the way into hell if we choose to refuse to turn back to Him. Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love (not life) of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39.) We see such unconditional love extended from the Savior upon the very man who was previously His close companion, one hand picked by the LORD Jesus and promised an eternal throne (Matthew 19:28). All men are given free will – till they die (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15, etc.). Instead of turning back to the Lamb of Glory before it was too late, Judas chose to kiss the Gate of Heaven and turn and plunge headlong into eternal hell (Acts 1:25).

God’s love is unconditional but His acceptance is not. | The Truth about Judas

“I would have been eternally lost if not for Jesus’ parable in Luke 15…O, may the prodigal, lost in this world, hear the good news, turn, and repent before its too late. O the tender mercies of God!” Jon Crane

As we see illustrated in Luke 15, RE-TURNING, turning back to God (repentance) is always the answer (Hosea 14:1-2). Denying such a need simply prolongs the separation and the misery of being in sin (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). Just ask the prodigal son in Luke 15. Take a fresh look at the before and after on his life! Our loving heavenly Father, His mercy and desire to restore the fallen is so beautifully depicted in the three parables which makes up Luke 15.

Take a look at what our glorious LORD and Savior is depicting, is showing each of us in His parables of the lost sheep, silver, and son.

Mankind is already fallen, condemned, and separated from Him in sin. Never forget beloved that Jesus came to save and not to destroy! That’s His stated desire and will (Psalms 86:5, 15; Luke 9:56; 19:10; John 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:15, etc.).

ALL sin is first and foremost committed against God, not man. God is the only law giver who determines what sin is (James 4:11-12).

ANY sin one would commit is first and foremost against our Maker, God Himself.

“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” Psalms 51:4

God is the only One who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

David is forever a trophy of God, set forth with the characteristic of the Messiah….. and yet, like all men, he fell, and was shown mercy….. in this we take heart and are forged with confidence by this example that if God forgave David, He will surely forgive and show mercy upon my life…. the key is to have a heart after God, which causes us to be honest and repent and confess all sin (Ps. 51).

“And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.” Acts 13:34

The promise of “the sure mercies of David”

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16

“The sure mercies of David” are secure to us in Christ because they are from our loving merciful God who forgive the beloved David.

God’s people are commanded to forgive others, to show them mercy toward, upon others as God has showed us His mercy in our sin.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Grace and Truth Bible School [modules] | 7 Study Guides to a Greater Foundation in Christ

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Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]


“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest, eternal reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms 51:17

“Blessed are the poor in spirit (desperate for God): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

The words “mourn” and “mourning” appear 96 times in God’s Word. Ever heard a message on it?

“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:9-10

“Excellent message/podcast! Thank you. Makes me think of Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted.” We mourn as God shows us our evil wicked flesh. And see how much we are not like Him. As He begins to transform us into the image of Christ, all of the sudden, we begin to be filled with the compassion of Christ. And we see through the eyes of Jesus that the lost are without a shepherd! And need Jesus. Anyone who calls themselves a Christian and has not died to self will never have the eyes of Christ because they are still looking through the lens of self.” Karen Cochran

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   Luke 19:10

“Sowing in tears suggests a time of hardship or distress, possibly due to famine, exile, or personal trials. The imagery of sowing is often used in Scripture to represent the act of investing or laboring in faith, even when circumstances are difficult. This can be connected to the Israelites’ return from Babylonian exile, a period marked by sorrow and uncertainty. The tears symbolize the pain and suffering endured during such times, yet they also imply hope and trust in God’s promises. The act of sowing, despite tears, indicates faith in a future harvest, a theme echoed in Galatians 6:9, which encourages perseverance in doing good.

will reap with shouts of joy
Reaping with joy signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the reward for faithful endurance. The transformation from tears to joy highlights the redemptive power of God, who turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). This phrase assures believers that their labor and suffering are not in vain, as God will ultimately bring about a joyful harvest. The joy of reaping is not just personal but communal, reflecting the collective celebration of God’s people when His promises are realized. This concept is seen in the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, where their restoration was marked by joy and thanksgiving. The imagery also points to the eschatological hope found in Revelation 21:4, where God wipes away every tear, and eternal joy is established. The phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), illustrating the ultimate sowing in tears and reaping in joy.”

“Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy – This is either a maxim which they gather from their own history, or it is a fact which they are now witnessing. We see the benefit of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God; we have now a sweet return for our bitter tears. Or, We have sown in tears; now we reap in joy. We are restored after a long and afflicting captivity to our own country, to peace, and to happiness.” Adam Clarke

“126:5, 6 The first year after their return would be especially difficult. There would be no crops to harvest right away. They would have to make a fresh start by planting their crops and waiting for harvest time. It would be a period of austerity, of doling out the meager food supplies as frugally as possible.

There would be a certain sorrow or frustration about sowing the seed for that first crop. Here is a farmer whose barrel of grain is low. He can use the grain to feed his family now or he can sow most of it in hope of an abundant supply in days to come. He decides to sow it, but as he dips his hand into his apron and scatters the seed over the plowed land, his tears fall into the apron. He is thinking of his wife and children, of the skimpy bowls of porridge, of how sacrificially they will have to live in the days till harvest. He feels as if he is taking food out of their mouths.

But a cheering word goes out to the returned exiles:

He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. So they go forth and sow the seed. Their present anguish will be more than compensated by the joy of bringing their sheaves of ripened grain to the barn.

The principle applies also, of course, in the spiritual realm. Those who live sacrificially for the spread of the gospel may endure present privation, but what is that compared to the joy of seeing souls saved and in heaven worshiping the Lamb of God forever and forever?

It is true also in the matter of soul winning. Someone has wisely said, ‘Winners of souls are first weepers for souls.’ So our prayer should be:

Let me look on the crowd as my Savior did,
Till my eyes with tears grow dim.
Let me view with pity the wandering sheep
And love them for love of Him.”

—Author unknown” Believer’s Bible Commentary

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalms 2:8

You are the LORD’s—”Ye are bought with a price”

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Many who were bought by the precious blood of Jesus are now serving mere men – they are serving men who are building their own kingdom instead of Christ’s kingdom.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23

JESUS did not come and die on the cross and rise again from the dead to make you a “good church member” or so you could squander your one life on politics. “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). If you are not actively seeking His face for and participating in executing His Great Commission mandate, you are out of the will of God (Matthew 28; 18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47; Book of Acts). Read that again. Share.

All who committed to Christ are absolutely committed to His stated will—the Great Commission.

“Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

Jesus repeatedly declares to us the commission He’s sent us on and for which we shall all give personal account.

“Go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

All who committed to Christ are absolutely committed to His stated will—the Great Commission.

Those who have forgotten, and are not obeying Christ’s Great Commission command, clearly reveal that they have forgotten and departed from Christ. Matthew 7:21

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:3-4

It seems the remnant is sensing the urgency of responding to God’s call as they see the hour is late. They are seeing the need to invest in things that are lasting and eternal not temporal. Satan knowing his time is short is coming down with great fury and wrath and will manifest himself with great intensity (Revelation 12:12). As we are beginning to see, Satan wants to take as many souls with him into the eternal flames as possible. Be awakened to the Great Commission that the Lord has called us to (Matthew 28:18-20). Win souls to Jesus so they can be in Glory with Him forever and not burning in the eternal flames of fire from which there is no escape.” Karen Cochran

The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION ON THEM, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus’ compassion that HE puts in us immediately causes them to respond to Him… endears them to Him as their hearts are crying out for Him and His mercy. Amen.

ARE THOSE not engrossed in the Great Commission mandate of Jesus, wasting their one life on earth? Read that again and repent. Obey God. Read the end of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Then Acts. Now.

Let’s roll saints! Ministry updates.

“People are more sold out and supporting politics than surrendering to Jesus Christ and supporting sharing the Gospel. Temporal over eternal is wrong every time.” Dana Phyllis Carter

IF you are not participating in the the “Father’s business,” the Great Commission, it’s because you are full of your self, evil hearted, self-centered….. and in need of true repentance before it’s too late—which will always bring forth the fruit of obedience, of good works, of Great Commission action (Matthew 3:7-10). Repent now and when you do, for real, you are going to scamper, hasten, to fervently seek the face of the Almighty and be all about HIS business, not your own. The reason you’ve been doing your own business and not His, is because you do not know Him (Matthew 7:21). The Great Commission mandate is seen here Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49; 24:47, 49; Book of Acts.

When God matters to you, when you love Him, truly, His work, His mission matters to you.

IF you claim to be saved and aren’t doing YOUR part in the Great Commission…. it’s time to repent. Anyone not doing the mission of Christ is lukewarm at best.

The true remnant body of Christ is about the “Father’s business” of edifying the saints and winning the lost—not their own or any other business. While on earth Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business” and those who are truly following Him are doing the same (Luke 2:49).

May all who are godly pray for increase in order to increase Christ’s kingdom and not their own standard of living in this fleeting sinful world but rather their standard of giving to His work so others can be saved and the saints of Christ equipped, nourished, fed, fruitful and blessed (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28).

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

The Great Commission is the Father’s Business and all who are known of Christ are participating. Notice how if you are truly a member of Christ’s bride, you are busy about HIS business—“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revlation 22:17).

All of God’s people are LOSERS …. We lose, we give up our own lives in this world to gain HIS—resurrection life now and forever.

As God is stripping us through the daily cross life, the persecutions, the fruit-bearing resurrection victory is going to transpire in our lives!

“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:36-37

“I welcome His stripping. Throw me in the fire of affliction dear Lord. Because the more of His resurrection life is breathed into you the more you want!” Karen Cochran

The Great Commission: Jesus is Holding YOU Accountable to participate with the other members of His remnant body.

Weeping Men also Protect Others, Protect Christ’s Body

Here’s the passage—please read this carefully:

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:18-21

The 3 Ways God’s People Participate in Christ’s Great Commission

1. Praying for Christ’s labourers (Matthew 9:35-38).

2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).

3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (Matthew 6:1-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).

YOUR PRAYER

Father, in Jesus’ name, please grant Your people that heart of flesh to be “moved with compassion” upon those who do not yet have You as their Great Shepherd. Break me dear LORD, please. Use me for Your glory in this last hour as we are on the precipice of Your return dear LORD, Master Jesus! In Jesus’ name.

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Book of Psalms | Alexander Scourby [video]


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“Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief” [podcast]


“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24

God wants us to depend on HIM, not self. What a prayer from this father who was seeking Jesus for his possessed, embattled son!

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:24

Now that is a great prayer for us today—“Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:24

Is this not kin to the prayer Christ’s disciples prayed to Him—“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5) ?

Some ask “Lord, how can I increase MY faith?”

Read that again.

It’s not how I can increase my faith! No. That is all self-centered. We pray as did the apostles, “Lord, Increase our faith.” In other words, You do it please dear LORD!

There are two ways the Word prescribes that we walk in more faith:

Asking for it (Luke 17:5)

Reading and heeding the Word for it—“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

“9:24 The father expressed the paradox of faith and unbelief experienced by God’s people in all ages. ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ We want to believe, yet find ourselves filled with doubt. We hate this inward, unreasonable contradiction, yet seem to fight it in vain.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Another person commenting on this text writes:

“Help thou mine unbelief – That is, assist me against it. Give me a power to believe.”

“[Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief] A prayer that all can pray with great profit.” Dake

“VII. The profession of faith which the poor man made hereupon (Mrk_9:24); He cried out, ‘Lord, I believe; I am fully persuaded both of thy power and of thy pity; my cure shall not be prevented by the want of faith; Lord, I believe.’ He adds a prayer for grace to enable him more firmly to rely upon the assurances he had of the ability and willingness of Christ to save; Help thou my unbelief. Note, 1. Even those who through grace can say, Lord, I believe, have reason to complain of their unbelief; that they cannot so readily apply to themselves, and their own case, the word of Christ as they should, no so cheerfully depend upon it. 2. Those that complain of unbelief, must look up to Christ for grace to help them against it, and his grace shall be sufficient for them. ‘Help mine unbelief, help me to a pardon for it, help me with power against it; help out what is wanting in my faith with thy grace, the strength of which is perfected in our weakness.’ Matthew Henry

Learning to trust and depend upon our LORD:

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

“All it takes is a mustard seed of faith to move mountains. Meaning even the smallest of faith can do miracles. It is belief in God not in self that matters. Mark 11:22 says ‘Have faith in God.’ He will provide the increase. Even the disciples prayed for more faith! And we know them to be men of great faith!” Karen Cochran

LET’S PRAY: Holy Father, we come to You now, because we know You are our Source for all blessings and answered prayer. Yet, we lack faith and ask You now to “Increase our faith” and to “help thou mine unbelief.” Please fill in dear LORD where we lack, where we are weak. We know You are all powerful, loving, and desire to and are ready to answer our prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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