Recently, preaching on Ruth 1, I came across this answer of Ruth to Naomi:

“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” (Ruth 1:16-18)

There are some good principles for marriage we can gain on commitment from Ruth’s answer (and these are gleamed and inspired by Daniel Block’s excellent commentary on Ruth):

1) Ruth’s answer contains encouragement to resist all pressures to break the relationship. In our day and age, when problems come, we are encouraged to cut our losses and divorce. Ruth’s example here, though, encourages us to stay devoted no matter what we face.

2) Her answer speaks of a commitment to another person for life. Ruth wasn’t pursuing some temporary arrangement. She says, “Where you die, I will die and there will I be buried.” This is the kind of commitment we need to exhibit in marriage.

3) Ruth speaks of relations to the other family. How often have you thought that your in-laws were less than what you dreamed. Ruth’s breaking of the life she knew for a life with Naomi speaks volumes. In laws are a gift from God to your life. God blesses you with additional family in marriage. Ruth had a commitment to cling to them.

4) Ruth is aware that the promises of commitment she makes are before God. God was there when you promised to love your wife for richer, for poorer, till death you part. Ruth calls God to witness and asks God to execute vengeance if she doesn’t keep her word. Breaking vows isn’t a trifling thing.

Ruth and her example have much to say to us, then, about what our commitment is, in marriage. Therefore, allow God’s Word to inspire you.

In recent memory, I don’t know if I have ever written anything of my father. My father, Rickey Gene Auxier, died over 10 years ago now. When we were thinking of what would go best on his headstone, I thought, “Found Faithful” was a Biblical direction that my father lived for. Here are a couple of things my father instilled in me (a couple non so spiritual, then a couple spiritual).

Sports – My father was quite a basketball player back in the day. Even from a young age, he instilled in me a love for baseball. I remember going to my first St. Louis Cardinal game and cheering for Lou (Brock).

Work Ethic – I well remember lessons about not quitting, working hard, and devoting myself to do my best as things that were consistenly passed on to me.

Love for God’s Word – My father fought a theological drift that existed, which failed to see God’s Word as infallible and inerrant. My father gave His life to this end. He was a theological conservative and his love for God’s Word was always central.

Love for Souls – My father was an evangelist. He had a passion to see people come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. He would consistently be away at “revival meetings” and always be pressing the gospel upon people in his sermons. He wanted lost people to get it.

Love for the Church – I didn’t grow up resenting the local fellowship of believers we were consistently a part of. I grew up watching a man give himself for the betterment of other believers.

My father wasn’t perfect. He had mistakes. He sinned. But more than his sins and weaknesses, my father instilled in me a love for doing what is honorable and honoring God in the midst of it. For this, I praise God. God has exhibited grace again.

The 2008 Desiring God National Conference is coming and the theme is on using our words wisely. Some of my favorite teachers including John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Paul Tripp and Bob Kauflin will be speaking. Looks like an incredible time.

John Piper invites you to attend.

Desiring God’s excellent trailer is also available. Check it out.

I think I’ve already mentioned the ESV Study Bible coming out in October. They just released an introduction to the book of Revelation (8MB PDF) that is helpful in showing some features.

Don’t forget about the 33% off pre-order deal lasting through June 15.

Looking for a fresh Bible study, these devotionals were given out at community groups during the latest New Attitude conference.

Sunday Morning

Monday Morning

I found these at a recent post entitled 3 Guys and A Bible:

In this interview you’ll find helpful information (and completely random comments) like:
_How to read the Bible if you’re new to the Bible
_How to read the Bible if it seems boring or lifeless
_How to read the Bible if you want to tackle the Old Testament
_Household mildew

(I’m planning on working through them this weekend as I perform a wedding in Florida)

Dave Ramsey offers advice on how to use your car payment wisely. Check this out.

(HT: Challies)

I love this shot from Andrew at Vacation Bible School last week.

(Thanks Monica!)

I remember at the first Together for the Gospel (I think), John Piper was asked what expositors he listened to and without batting an eye, he said, “Sinclair Ferguson.” We have a numberous resources available from him online through the church he currently pastors. Today, on an elliptical, I was stirred by his final sermon from a series on the book of James. I would commend it to you:

6/1/08AM – Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Restoring the Wanderer, James 5:19-20

Over at GirlTalk, they have posted a recipe booklet of summer meals. Enjoy!

Last night in small groups, I was really encouraged with the chapter that C.J. wrote on “Why Small Groups?” One question in the chapter that stood out above all was this one — “Is there someone who can (and does) question your motives and ask for an explanation of your actions when appropriate?” I am so thankful that God, in His grace, has given me a spouse who can and does do this very thing. This isn’t to say that Meg is perfect, but she is a faithful friend in that regard. Many times she is my Nathan, there to point me back to the truth.

Is your spouse able to do this in your life? How do you react when he/she points these things out? What is your reaction to the process of holiness being furthered through your spouse? These questions really reveal our hearts. Allow your spouse to be able to be used by God for your holiness.