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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Gospel Relating Words

Over the past year, I have been seeing in increasing measure how the New Testament is full of exhortations for Christians to relate to others in the way that Christ has related to us. We are called to live out the gospel in community. In doing so, we honor our Lord. This is an act of worship. In the New Testament I see so many passages with “gospel relating words” that describe how we are to treat others in a way that reflects and gives honor to the way that God has treated us. One thing I have noticed recently is that these gospel relating words assume the presence of sin—we live in a fallen world, we are sinners, and sin inevitably taints and interferes with our relationships in this lifetime. Yet, Scripture is clear that we are called to persevere in love even when sin crops up between us—this is an act of worship. Jesus persevered in loving relationship with us, even though we were sinful, wretched and blind. He did not abandon us or cut us off in our sin, but rather He died for us and removed the barrier that sin created between us by creating a path for us so that we could have access to relationship with Him through faith in what He did on our behalf on the cross. Sometimes it sounds impossible to me that the gospel could apply to my relationships—that I could live out the gospel in my relationships and that the gospel can redeem my relationships. Indeed, apart from the Holy Spirit, it is impossible for me to treat others with the same kind of lavish, other-worldly love demonstrated by the gospel. Fortunately, God’s Spirit lives within all Christians and His Spirit enables us to do what our flesh cannot. As we seek the Lord (prayer, studying the Word, fellowship, singing, fasting, etc) and as we ask Him to continually fill us with His Spirit, He always gladly does. He produces sincere love and affection in our hearts for those around us—even when people have broken our hearts and even when it is our own sin that has interfered with our relationships with other people.

I have come to the following conclusion: the way we relate to other people is the best indication of what our theology truly is, and also indicates to what extent we believe in the gospel of grace. (Please feel free to leave your comments about whether or you agree or disagree with this statement or whether or not you think it is an overstatement. Feel free to comment on whether or not it challenges you.)

Here are some passages with exhortations for Christians to treat others in the way God in the gospel has treated us. Do you see how these exhortations urge us to do for others what God has done for us in the gospel?:

Romans 12:9-21 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Galatians 5:16-26 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Ephesians 4:25-32 “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 5:1-21 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Philippians 2:1-11 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Colossians 3:12-17 “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

1 Thess 5:12-24 “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

1 Timothy 6:11-12 “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 2:22-26 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will”

Titus 3:1-8 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.”

2 Peter 1:30-11 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

1 John 3:16-18 “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
John 13:1-20 “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

Luke 10:25-37 “And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.””


Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”


Revelations 2:2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’"

Monday, June 29, 2009

Gospel Hope for Marriages (…Or Actually For ANY Messy Relationship!)

I am reading a book called “Love that Lasts” by Gary & Betsy Ricucci. In chapter 1, the authors describe how the gospel offers hope and power for marriages (and really for any relationship). This section of the book leaves me to ponder the convicting question: "Do my thoughts, words, and actions in my relationships demonstrate to the world that the gospel really works?" Imagine what it would look like if I lived out of my gospel identity by the power of the Holy Spirit to the extent that I actually related towards other people in a way that reflects what Christ has done for me! Here is an excerpt from pages 22-23 of the book:

Because of the gospel, Christians have become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, in our marriage, our past does not define us, confine us, or determine our future.

Because of the gospel, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Therefore we can live free of all guilt and condemnation for every sin, and we can trust that God, in his mercy, will be gracious to us.

Because of the gospel we can forgive, just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Nothing done against us compares to our sin against God. Therefore all offenses, hostility, and bitterness between Christians can be completely forgiven and removed.

Because of the gospel, we are accepted by God (Romans 15:7). Therefore we are not dependent on a spouse for who we are or what we need.

Because of the gospel, sin's ruling power over us is broken (Romans 6:6, 14). Therefore we can truly obey all that God calls us to do in our marriage, regardless of any circumstance or situation.

Because of the gospel, we have access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Therefore we can at any time take any need in our marriage to the One who can do all things.

Because of the gospel, we have hope (Romans 5:1-4). Therefore we can endure any marital difficulty, hardship, or suffering, with the assurance that God is working all to our greatest good (Romans 8:28).

Because of the gospel, Christ dwells in us by his Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14). Therefore we are confident that God is always with us and is always at work in our marriage, even when progress is imperceptible (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

Because of the gospel, we have power to fight and overcome remaining sin, which continues to dwell and war within us (Romans 7:19-21, 24-25; Galatians 5:16-17). This indwelling enemy represents the essence of what is called the doctrine of sin.

Happy Birthday to My Dear Sister


Today is my sister Nisha's 31st birthday. I just want to wish her the happiest of birthdays. Ever since I can remember, she has been my best friend. She has been through the best and worst times of my life, and she has faithfully walked beside me. She knows me at my best and at my worst, and she loves me the same. I have some of the silliest and some of the most meaningful memories of my life with her. I know no one else who is as thoughtful, generous, tenderhearted, and warm as she is. She is witty and creative and the best writer I have ever met. I want her to know that she is deeply loved by me and the rest of her family and friends, and she is even more deeply loved by the God who created her and chose to give His life for hers. Happy Birthday, Sis!!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Communicable and Incommunicable

Kristian and I recently had breakfast with our friends Bent and Joanne. While we have known them for several years, we have only recently gotten to know them well. We had such a great time with them that we actually sat there and talked with them over “breakfast” for more than 5 hours! They both are such lovely people with such generous hearts for loving the people around them. They both have tremendous gifts in counseling and listening. Every time we hang out, I always feel edified, challenged, and built up in love:

Ephesians 4:11-16 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Over breakfast, we talked about how all human beings are loved by God and created in His image. We also talked about how Christians are being conformed to the character of Christ through the Holy Spirit and are called to live out the gospel in relationship with each other (in community).

During this conversation, Bent explained something to me that was very helpful. He talked about the communicable and incommunicable traits of God. (Bruce Ware’s online lecture through www.biblicatraining.org is an excellent place to learn more about this. You can access it here: http://www.biblicaltraining.org/lecture/th103-2). Basically, there are some aspects of God’s character that we can possess in some degree (these are the communicable aspects of God’s character). There are other aspects of God’s character that we cannot possess in any degree (these are the incommunicable aspects of God’s character).

Here is a section from the transcript from Bruce Ware’s “Attributes of God” lecture from his Systematic Theology class on www.biblicaltraining.org:

"As we take a look at this study of God, we will be using a particular classification of attributes that is a bit cumbersome, perhaps, to some, but I find it very helpful: incommunicable and communicable attributes. These are old-fashioned terms. Incommunicable attributes are attributes that are true of God alone. They are not true of any finite part of His created order. In that since, they are incommunicable. They are not communicated. That does not mean he does not tell us about them, but they are not carried over to any part of the finite creation. As opposed to that are communicable attributes. Those are attributes that are shared at least in some finite measure with a portion of the created order. There, of course, we will look at attributes like God's goodness and His holiness. Of course, we are called to be good, we are called to be holy as He is holy, and these are communicable attributes, attributes in which we participate in some finite measure.

Now there are other classifications of attributes that might be used as well. For example, a very useful one is a distinction between transcendent and immanent attributes. Transcendent means ways in which God is other than us or separate from us; ways in which God is by Himself, as it were, God over all and exalted and holy and separate. Immanent means that God is, with us, close at hand, caring, comforting, providing, a God who is for his people. Listen to Isaiah 57:15, "For thus says the high and the exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, 'I dwell on a high and holy place.'" You see there the emphasis on transcendence? He is beyond us, above us, high and holy. But listen how the verse ends, "'[I dwell] also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" God is immanent, He is with us, He is for us, He is caring and compassionate, provider and protector for His people. "

Here are some examples of God’s incommunicable attributes:

1. Creator of All Things
2. Self-Sufficient (doesn’t need anything)
3. Infinite (no beginning and no end)
4. Omnipresent (is everywhere at once)
5. Eternal (is not confined by time)
6. Immutable (unchanging)
7. Omnipotent (all powerful)
8. Omniscient (knows everything)
9. Judge of All Creation
10. Sovereign Ruler of All Creation
11. Worthy of Worship

Examples of God’s communicable attributes are things like:

1. love
2. joy
3. peace
4. patience
5. kindness
6. goodness
7. gentleness
8. faithfulness
9. self-control
10. compassion
11. mercy
12. grace
13. justice

Bent pointed out to me that many of the sins with which we struggle are related to our (delusional) attempts to trespass into God’s territory of incommunicable attributes. This made a lot of sense to me. For example, what happens when….

1. I start to think I am self-sufficient?….I ignore God and flee from community and I end up in sin and despair because I need God and His Body of believers.

2. I start to think I have power in myself to do something good or to refrain from sin?.....I fail because I cannot bear spiritual fruit or conquer sin without the Holy Spirit!

3. I start to think that I am my own master?..... I indulge myself in sin because I am selfish, and I end up feeling shame, condemnation, and alienation from God and others.

4. I start to become wise in my own eyes rather than looking to God’s Word to guide me?..... I usually end up in a big mess, overwhelmed and in over my head.

5. I start to think that I am worthy and ought to be worshipped by those around me?... I fail people & sin (and hence am not worthy). I feel empty because no one’s love and affection can take the place of God’s love and affection for me.

6. I start to think I am not confined to time?..... I am late to everything :)

I think you get the point. :)

Dear God,

Please forgive me for the ways I try to transgress into your territory. You alone are Sovereign, Perfect, All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Good, Creator and Ruler of the Universe who alone is Worthy of our worship!!! Forgive me for my delusions of grandeur. Thank you for your loving-kindness and patience with me. Holy Spirit, please fill me daily so that I may be transformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus. This can only happen by your power. Jesus, thank you for your perfect example of how I ought to live. Thank you for dying for me so that I could even have a chance to be cleansed by you and to enjoy God forever. Father, thank you for calling me out of my darkness and adopting me as your daughter. Thank you, Lord, for Bent and Joanne and for others like them who bless your Body with the Spiritual gifts that you have given them. Help us all to seek to do that, so that we, your church may build itself up in love and so that we can attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Jesus in maturity so that we can be conformed to the fullness of Christ. We love you and ask all of this in your Precious Name. Amen.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Thoughts About Costly and Invested Love

I recently had to get my second dose of the chicken pox vaccination. The injection caused my left arm to swell painfully to the point that it hurt to move it. Even though the injury was only to my left arm, the rest of my body responded to the pain as well. It probably doesn't surprise you that my feet didn't decide to leave my left arm at home and to go out and party. My right arm put an ice pack on my left arm to relieve the swelling. My brain decided to take some ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Obviously, my whole body suffered and responded to the pain I felt in my left arm.


Scripture compares Christian brothers and sisters to members of a body--Christ's own Body, in fact. Each brother and sister plays a different role--like an arm or a foot--that all put together comprise the whole.


Too often, we don't act like we belong to the same body.


What is our response when our brother or sister is hurting or in need?


What is our response when our brother or sister has been abused or mistreated by others?


What is our response when intervening on behalf of our brother or sister would actually cost us something…maybe even something dear to us?


What is our response when our brother or sister receives good news when we are suffering?


What is our response when or brother or sister receives bad news when we are rejoicing?


What is our response when our brother or sister is struggling with sin... what if he or she is sinning against us?


What do we do when we are in sin? What do we do when we have sinned against our brother and sister?


Are friendships destined to eventually fade away?


Can friendships serve a time and purpose in a season of life and then lose their value?


Does it even matter?


Scripture teaches us that we belong to one another. If we are one Body, then when one part of us suffers, the rest of us suffer. When one part of us rejoices, the rest of us have reason to rejoice also. This is love that is sincere and affection that is genuine. We are not to use people during the times and seasons when they are most convenient to us and then throw them away when they are no longer convenient. True love commits and perseveres--even (especially) through difficult seasons. True love looks to the interests of others. This is the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated to us and it is the kind of love to which Jesus calls us.


I'm learning that this matters more than I ever realized. This kind of love is the gospel love that saved us. It is als the gospel love that we are saved to--we are called to image or imitate the God who loved us sacrificially, steadfastly, and scandalously. This is the gospel. This is worshipping the God of the gospel.


Do we fear man or do we fear God? Do we invest in the unseen—the hope of glory—or do we invest in the standards of this world—worldly success, partiality, our own comfort and dreams?


These Scriptures truly challenge me:


Romans 12:3-13 "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."


1 Cor 12:12-27 "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. As one body in Christ, my brothers and sisters and I are parts of each other."

Matthew 25:31-40 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Jesus says in John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Corinthians 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."


Philippians 2: 1-11 "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Girl Talk Blog


One of my favorite books is "Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother" by Carolyn Mahaney. When I read it, it felt like Carolyn was my very own Titus 2 mentor. :)


I also really appreciate this blog by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters:


Today's post from the blog was so excellent, helpful, and convicting (the first part was especially helpful to me, as my husband is the farthest thing from lazy). Here it is:

A Homemaker’s Dilemma, Pt. 3

2009 at 1:40 pm by Carolyn Mahaney

Who does what in the home matters! God has given husbands and wives unique roles that he wants us to joyfully fulfill. This truth is under intense attack from our worldly culture. So we must carefully consider God's Word and strive to apply it in the nitty-gritty of daily life.

Of course there is not a one-size-fits-all method for application but there is one mandate for all. It will look different from home to home, but the principle is fixed.

We must seek to avoid two opposite errors:

Error #1: We expect our husband to be our helper.

Scripture is clear that the wife is to help the husband; he is not her assistant (Gen 2:18). The wife is the home manager (1 Tim 5:14); the husband does not share equally in this responsibility.

So how do we avoid this error?

As women, we must first cultivate a biblical conviction about our role in the home. Then, together with our husbands, we must ask some hard questions:

-Am I fulfilling my God-given role to manage my home?
-Do I think of myself (and therefore act) as my husband’s helper, or do I think of him as my assistant?
-Have I allowed laziness, selfishness or anxiety to become excuses for not fulfilling my role in the home?
-Do I take advantage of my husband’s servant’s attitude to the point where he has too much responsibility in the home?
-Does my husband’s help in the home hinder him from providing, leading, or serving in the ways that God has called him?
-What (if anything) needs to change so that I am fulfilling the role God has assigned to me?

These are hard questions about a hard job. But God is faithful to provide all the grace we need to fulfill the task to which He has called us.

We need God’s help to avoid the second error as well:

Error #2: We are resentful when our husband doesn’t help at all.

Laziness is never excusable. Because this is a blog for women, however, we won’t address the husband’s sin at length; but suffice it to say, Scripture has some rather scary things to say about the man (or woman) who does not work hard, or worse yet, a husband who refuses to provide for his family (Prov. 12:24, 27, 19:15, 1 Tim. 5:18).

If we honestly believe we our fulfilling our role as home manager, but our husband is lazy and unwilling to serve in the home when needed, what should we do? Here are a few cursory thoughts:

1. Stop looking at our husband. His laziness may be a genuine trial, but it should not be the determiner of our joy. If we are resentful or dissatisfied, that comes from the sin in our own hearts. It can reveal that we are not serving “as unto the Lord.” Our call to homemaking is from God and so is our reward. Because of this truth, we can have a joy in homemaking that is out of the reach of our husband’s behavior.


2. Look at our husband’s sin in light of the cross. The ground is level there. No matter the extent of our husband’s laziness, it pales in comparison to the sin we know that we have committed against God. As we look at the cross, where we have received extravagant mercy, we will desire to be merciful.


3. Consider if it is an opportunity to overlook. The 80/20 rule is helpful here.


4. Look for ways we can help our husband help. Maybe we simply have to humble ourselves and ask for help. We can’t expect our husband to always anticipate our needs. He may be happy to serve when graciously asked.


5. Look to others. If our husband is unresponsive to our appeals, it may be time to get help from a wise couple with a godly example of biblical roles in marriage.


6. Look to God in faith. Pray for God to change our husband’s heart. We can’t, no matter how hard we try. And even if there is no change, remember that God sees, He knows, and He himself has promised to be our Helper (Heb 13:6). What comfort and hope!

We leave you with these thoughts from Dorothy Patterson:

“I determined…to read through the Bible with a new purpose: to determine God’s message for me personally as a woman, a wife, and a mother….My life and goals and perspective were forever changed. In every single book of the Bible I found God’s word for me. That word was not always comforting; in fact, sometimes it was like a sword to my heart; but always I knew that it was authoritative and, if authoritative, true, regardless of culture, circumstances, or perceived relevance. I came to realize that God did not expect me to determine how to adapt His Word to my situation. Instead, He expected me to adapt myself to the consistently and clearly presented principles found in His Word. God did not expect me to interpret His principles in light of my gifts and intellect, but He admonished me “to be conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29), including gifts and intellect and creativity…He was making clear throughout Scripture His demand for my absolute obedience.” (Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, p. 365)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Review of "Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World"


Like the fiery red stiletto on its front cover, Carolyn McCulley’s latest book, “Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist Culture,” is provocative, bold, and powerfully feminine.

If you are like me, the term “radical” may conjure up an array of connotations from “political extremist” to “totally gnarly” in the 1980’s sense. However, McCulley’s use of the word “radical” as applied to Biblical womanhood is summed up fittingly by this line in her book:

To live according to Biblical principles today requires women to be bold enough to stand against philosophies and strongholds that seek to undermine God’s Word and His authority. (p. 29)

As McCulley suggests, the concept of what constitutes a “Biblical woman” in our day has been increasingly shaped by feminist thought rather than by the words of Scripture. Accordingly, McCulley asserts that truly living as a Biblical woman (by Scriptural standards) is radical because it stands in stark contrast to cultural and historical assumptions that are deeply embedded in many of us. Today, Biblical femininity is obscured by our culture, our own deceitful hearts, and even by churches. What does the Word of God say about this, and how did we get so lost? McCulley tackles these questions, armed with an arsenal of Scripture and an impressive amount of research. Interspersed through out the book are the compelling personal stories of real women who have sinned against God and others, been sinned against, and have experienced a redeemed view of what it means to be a Biblical woman.

McCulley begins her book with a personal account of her own experience as a non-Christian feminist and later as a young Christian. As she reflects, her beliefs about femininity were gradually transformed through reading God’s Word and receiving Bible teaching at her church. In this process, the Holy Spirit started to reveal to her concepts (such as “servant leadership” of husbands and “submission” of wives described in Ephesians 5) that contradicted her previously long-held views of masculinity and femininity. McCulley beautifully describes the fruit of this epiphany in her heart:

Slowly, it began to dawn on me that the Bible was not presenting just a new set of rules for successful relationships or for a peaceful life. It was presenting an entirely new game—with radically different goals for victory. Winning was living a life that glorified God. Winning was growing in humility. Winning was trusting God and serving others. Winning was cultivating the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). Winning was growing in Christlikeness.

All of my previous feminist philosophies resulted in merely kicking at the darkness, expecting it would bleed daylight. But Scripture says that it is by God’s light that we see light (Psalm 36:9). The light of God’s Word showed me truth. What I thought was right and true did not hold up to Scripture. Human observation and psychology only point out the problem—proud women spar with men they deem to be weaker and not worthy of respect—but offered no credible solution to the tension between the sexes. I didn’t need to reconcile my pantheon of inner goddesses, I needed to repent of my sin. (p. 26)

Refreshingly, this book is not about politics. Neither does McCulley cater to extra-Biblical legalisms that can characterize the concept of womanhood in some churches. (I love this quote from p. 29: “Biblical womanhood is not a one-size-fits all mold. It’s not about certain dress styles, Jane Austen movies, tea parties, quiet voices, and exploding floral patterns… or whatever stereotype you are picturing right now.”) McCulley concedes that feminism arose not merely out of the sinful rebellious desires of women, but also because of the sins of men:

Men do sin. They can diminish women’s accomplishments and limit women’s freedoms for selfish reasons. Some men sexually assault women. Some men abuse their wives and children. Many men degrade women through pornography. Feminism didn’t arise up because of fabricated offenses…it is understandable, humanly speaking, why this movement did emerge. (p. 26-27)

McCulley even expressly acknowledges that there have been some great strides to come out of the feminist movement in correcting serious inequities against women. Still, she asserts, that it is vital to understand the ways that feminism has negatively affected women. McCulley undertakes this by tracing historic landmarks in the development of modern feminist thought and the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that feminist theory has displaced a more Biblical understanding of what it means to be a woman in our society.

In Chapter 2, McCulley describes how “feminism came to identify men as the chief problem of women” (p. 31). To illustrate her point, McCulley delves into the lives and philosophies of three prominent feminists: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Simone de Beauvoir, and Betty Friedan. McCulley then walks the reader through what Scripture says is the chief problem of women—sin. After reviewing Genesis 3, McCulley concludes:

Sin warps everything, including the good that God has designed in being a man or a woman. Women sin against men, and men sin against women, and everyone sins against God and falls short of His standard of holiness and perfection. Sin is the reason men have oppressed women and women have usurped men. Sin is the reason for the jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder and every vile practice that characterizes false wisdom. Sin is the reason we need a Savior…As a movement, feminism arose because women were being sinned against. I think that is a fair argument. But feminism also arose because women were sinning in response. That’s a classic human problem: Sinners tend to sin in response to being sinned against.

The glorious hope we have is that Christ came to rescue us from the spiral of sin and sinful response. Only the gospel can accurately diagnose the issues on both sides and offer both the good news of forgiveness for our sins and the restoration of our relationship first with God and then with each other. This is true liberation for women… and for men. (p. 46-47).


Next, McCulley guides the reader through different areas in which history and culture have warped a Biblical understanding of: headship and submission, being a “helpmate,” homemaking, and motherhood. One of my favorite descriptions in her book is in regard to a wife’s submission to her husband, which McCulley describes as being built on “the charge to live a life of love as an imitator of God” and she reminds us of the powerful truth that “submission is part of the divine character of the Trinity”. She then talks about the beauty of being a “helpmate” as Scripture calls wives to be to their husbands and how the beauty of this role has been obscured by cultural ideals that devalue humility and sacrificial love, both of which are qualities that are esteemed and commanded by Scripture. She next discusses what Scripture says about a woman’s responsibility to her home and traces the historical developments that have eroded our understanding of the significance of home life, to the extent that homemaking is now undervalued or even mocked in our society. Next, McCulley describes the effects of historical and cultural developments on motherhood, which has brought us to a place where children often do not get the care they need, where women find themselves juggling multiple (and often competing) roles in addition to motherhood, and where young mothers are often not adequately equipped by mentors before them.

After laying out these points, McCulley directs the reader to the logical effect of a culture that demeans the beautiful calling and essence of Biblical femininity. She calls this the “raunch culture rip-off” where women are more undervalued than ever and particularly where women have been damaged by the effects of this culture on their sexuality. In this chapter, she examines pop culture and history in the last few decades, which instead of liberating women, has left women vulnerable to objectification and emotional and physical harm.

At this point, you might be wondering whether McCulley blames the distorted view of Biblical womanhood on “the world,” making this an “us” verses “them” scenario. She absolutely does not. I think this is clear throughout her book, but it is particularly clear in the final chapter. In this chapter, McCulley traces historical developments within the church to help assess how churches have come to redefine the clear teaching of Scripture about sexuality and gender roles:

There are, at least in my opinion, at least three reasons for this controversy. One is that, within the church, we have forgotten that the role of leaders is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). We have become consumers within the church, requiring professional service of pastors to serve us—rather than becoming a mobilized body of servants to care for each other and those outside of the church. When the church is operating biblically, everyone is needed for the purpose of ministry, not just the “professional class”. Another reason is our celebrity culture: whoever is in the position of speaking publicly is deemed to have more worth than the one who is serving quietly behind the scenes—the opposite of what Jesus taught (Matthew 20:25-27). So if there is any restriction in the public role, it is seen as inherently wrong because everyone ought to be able to have a shot at it, even if the Bible makes it clear that only a few are gifted and qualified to lead the church (1 Timothy 3). The third reason is the influence of feminism on church life and theology, which is the focus of this chapter (chapter 8). (p. 188)

While “Radical Womanhood” was written for women by the author’s own account, it would still be a fascinating and helpful read for anyone with an interest in feminist history in general, or for anyone who is interested in how feminism has affected the church. However, Christian women will be particularly served in reading this book. The book demonstrates how feminist thinking has pervaded the way we view ourselves, the world, and even Scripture itself—and none of us are immune to this. McCulley’s book reasons with us, lovingly calling us back to the glorious truths articulated in God’s perfect Word.

The book is available for purchase here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802450849/carolynmccull-20#

Carolyn McCulley’s blog is available here:
http://solofemininity.blogs.com/

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Meditating on Psalm 16

Psalm 16 does not make sense unless we see God as our true ultimate treasure—our beautiful inheritance. All our other “treasures” are idols if they are apart from God. God is our source of good, apart from Him nothing we could want would be good. We are also utterly incapable of being good apart from Him. Someone who loves Jesus, ought to take delight in and invest in His people. Our good is their good—we are one Body in Christ. Being in relationship with the Living God and His people is a beautiful inheritance. Our Loving God speaks to us and instructs us through His Word. The more we pursue prayerful study of and meditation on His Word, the more it will be written in our hearts---the more it will guide us, refresh us, and empower us in times of darkness, even when our Bibles are not in front of us. I cannot do anything apart from the Lord, I need Him always! This thought ought to cause me to be in constant conversation with Him throughout my day. We have peace and joy because we know that one day, we will be with Him with no separation of any kind. Our sin will be gone. We will see Him face to face, and our best day here will be incomparable with the fullness of joy we will experience in Heaven. This life is not the end. And when we die, we will not rot, nor will we experience the wrath of God for our sins (if Jesus is our Lord). Now THIS is reason to worship!


Psalm 16

16:1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;their drink offerings of blood I will not pour outor take their names on my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;you hold my lot.6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before mebecause he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Awe Struck













Ever since I learned how to drive, I have processed many of my most joyful, most painful, most peaceful, most anxious, and "just normal" moments of life on the waterfront--pouring my heart out to God in prayer, or being captivated by His voice as I read His Word, or reading a book that gives me further insight into who He is, or talking about the Lord with a friend, or simply beholding His majesty in quiet awe as I gaze upon His glorious handiwork--taking in the sights, the sounds, the smells and even the taste of the salty sea air.

Today, this Psalm came to mind:
Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!Then I shall be blameless,and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.