For the director of
music. A psalm of David.
1. The heavens declare the glory
of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2. Day after day they pour forth
speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3. There is no speech or
language
where their voice is not heard.
4. Their voice goes out into all
the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5. which is like a bridegroom
coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6. It rises at one end of the
heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7. The law of the LORD is
perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8. The precepts of the LORD are
right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9. The fear of the LORD is
pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10. They are more precious than
gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11. By them is your servant
warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12. Who can discern his
errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13. Keep your servant also from
willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14. May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Yesterday we recommended
checking out different Bible translations to enliven
your Scripture reading (click
here for online access.)
Let's try reading verse 9 above
in an alternate version:
9. GOD's reputation is
twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of GOD are accurate
down to the nth degree.
from The
Message, © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000,
2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.
In any translation, this is good
news for us porn strugglers. When we trust God's Word
— in any version — we're banking on power
that is durable and reliable. Exactly the kind of
power we need to stand strong against smut.
So why wait until the chips are
down to resist temptation? Read and study the Bible,
online or off, and tap into more revival of your soul,
wisdom, joy and light to your eyes (see verses 7-8
above).