Insightful Musings on the New Testament
by
Ray Sparre, NU class of '67

Ray has a wealth of experience as a Husband, Father, Pastor, Missionary, and student of the Word. He believes and practices his faith where the rubber meets the road. You'll find his writings to be practical, insightful, and grounded in a truly Christ-centered world view.

Below are links to a printable daily Bible reading guide which Ray is following, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010.

|  Daily Reading Guide  |  2010 Devotion Archives  |
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11 July 10
                Good morning, dear ones.
                Whereas we have a gang coming for lunch after church…and we plan to do our traditional island-style stone cooking as requested by Katherine, I need to get out there and get the process going before church.
                Have a great day.  HE made it, you know.
                                Love, Dad/Ray
 
11 July 2010
Passage: 1 Corinthians 4
Focus: “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.”  1 Corinthians 4:4.
                Paul testifies to a condition of his mind and conscience that I believe few humans ever come to experience—a clear conscience.  He is quick to add that his clear conscience is not necessarily a guarantee of perfection and innocence.  But I really believe that such a condition of heart and mind will go a very long way toward giving a person protection, poise, and peace amidst the struggles of life.
                I know one thing: If I were to surrender my conscience to the control and manipulation of people, I would quickly become a psychological basket case. I am stabilized by my understanding of Who I am ultimately accountable to.  That’s what Paul means when he says, “It is the Lord who judges me.”  Furthermore, it is my understanding of the Lord’s flawless surveillance system that prods my motivation to keep my conscience clear.  Why would I want to violate my conscience when I have already established that it is my God-given built-in warning system against displeasing my Lord?—the One Whom I have chosen to love above all else, and to Whom I am ultimately accountable?
                There is some very important instruction and information given here.  “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.  At that time each will receive his praise from God” (4:5)…or rebuke.
                In Paul’s first letter to Timothy (1 Tim. 1:18-19), he offers some guidance and injects a serious warning.  “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction…fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.  Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.”
                Please understand: You don’t want your faith to be a shipwreck!
 
                “Conscience and the Holy Spirit are the two great protectors of souls.”