As I was reading Psalm 16, I was reminded reminded that Calvinism is all over the place, through out the whole Bible. (Or instead of viewing the Bible in light of the Reformed faith, I should say, there is truth to the Reformers’ reading of scripture. Scripture is the ultimate authority.)

Psalm 16:2 – I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

Psalm 16:8-11 – I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol… You make known to me the path of life.

I praise God that he will never leave me or forsake me. This is wonderful hope!

I’m sure other places in the Psalms teach total depravity and election. For example:
Psalm 51:5 – Behold I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalm 22:9 – Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.

I was reading an article entitled “A Faith-Based Perspective On Tort Causation” by Douglas H. Cook. This article explains that accidental injury should not generate tort lilability, because God is the predominant causal actor. In contrast, when a person intentionally sins, it establishes the defendant as the primary causal actor. I agree with these general statements, however, I was uncomfortable with the line “By sinning, D took causal control out of God’s hands, and into his own.” (p.510) I would rather emphasize the mystery of BOTH human responsibility and divine providence. (Romans 9,10)

As I am learning whatthe law is, I am seeing how useful it is. Wrongs that I recall seeing, can now be labeled. I’ve seen false imprisonment, IIED, unlawful search and seizure, unlawful arrest, and trespass to real property. While fighting injustice is inbuilt into me, I think I have a greater passion for conflict resolution issues. God hates relational conflict. Christian mediation, arbitration, peace-making still has an important place in my heart. The gospel message of power for transformation is at the heart of counseling.

Currently reading: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.

I was reflecting on the Sovereignty of God and how this adds an element of excitement and “zang” to life.

I don’t know a lot of things, including what I will be doing next summer, what job I will be employed at in 3 years, whom I will marry, or where I will be living in the future. I have no clue how much money God will give me or how many children I’ll have. While these elements may seem mysterious (and at times frightening) to me, I can trust that God is in control of all things. I can’t go wrong because even my mistakes will be for His glory.

Rom 8:28-32

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

As I was reading “What’s the Difference,” a book about Biblical manhood and womanhood, I noticed that John Piper is very careful with his diction.

For example, take a look at his definition of masculinity:

“At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man’s differing relationships.”

Lawyers know that word choice is very important. Meanings of words and phrases can be hotly contested and unpacked. Piper explains that “at the heart of… ” means that the definition is not exhaustive but in general. He then goes on to explain “a sense of” and each phrase of his definition. Piper shows great care at handling God’s word and theological issues. I hope that law school will indirectly make me a better reader of God’s word and a better exegete.

Things I am doing in addition to textbooks:

- Memorizing Bible verses using Fighter Verses. I recommend these highly!
- Learning to cook. For now, I’m cooking chicken and pork… It’s fun to cook, but boy, singleness has its disadvantages.
- Exercising. I’ve got to defend my future family you know.
- Making friends. Finding more “Jonathans” and introducing Arminians to the Reformed faith.
- Keeping my clients happy.
- Pondering my calling in life and wondering why God has me where I am now.

Today I was wondering if I would improve in basketball through out my whole life. I feel like I am getting better, smarter, faster, and stronger. I am able to run around for hours, while sinking my 3′s and my lay-ups and stuffing shots on defense.

But obviously, I will grow old. When will I climax? Age 24? Age 30?

Psalm 39
4 “O LORD, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!

Oh, how humbling this is! God is not like us. We are creatures; he is the creator. Even the daily things we do (like: eating, sleeping, and pooping) should remind us of God’s grandeur and sovereignty.

This last Friday, I went to Philadelphia to spend some time with Matt and Andy. We had a great time talking, watching baseball, and playing basketball.

At the Phillies game, this drunk guy started the wave. It went arround the stadium of 40,000 people at least 7 times. People are easily amused. Saturday morning, we had an excellent balling time. In the afternoon, I went back to Reading, PA with Andy. I’m touched once again by the hospitality of my brothers. We’re getting old; having more obligations to attend to. But while we’re joining the world of adults, we still know how to have fun.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1

Peace with God is the most important type of peace. From that stems peace with ourselves and peace with other people. If we have true peace. We don’t need to worry. Romans 8:28.

“Why do we worry? Because we do not believe.” – The Practice of Godliness- Jerry Bridges, p.158.

When we begin to worry, we need to remember John 14:1, “Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God.” (ESV and footnote) Our reason for not worrying, stems from our belief in God. He has saved us from God’s wrath. He will be faithful.

Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Peace within the body is a result of peace with God. It shows the love and unity… Christ and the Church, or similarly husband and wife.

Psalm 95:1-7

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD ;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

John 15:9-11

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Notice our joy is derived from God’s love. Our joy does not come from our circumstances. It is not an emotion that comes and goes. Our joy is based on God’s love for us. We need to remember that God loves us. He sent his son to die for us! In order to “remain” in his love, we need to show we are his children by obeying his commands. Those who have tasted God’s love are commanded to remain in his love by obedience. Knowing and obeying will produce true joy. We can say with Paul;

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Phil 4:11

Note: Paul was in jail when he wrote this.