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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 19 Sept 10
            Greetings, dear people.
            Well…what are we going to do with this piece of opportunity presented us called TODAY. I have a lot on my list.  I just want to do my utmost to remain in the SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH while I process the public and personal stuff of the most puny—me and mine.  If you read on, you will probably recognize that I’m still pondering what I had just written.
            And I’m sure I will continue to ponder as I do my jog…then clean up and prepare for our Gospel Sing thing with a group of seniors in Woodburn.  
            Have a blessed day.  Love, Dad/Ray
 
19 September 2010
Passage: Philippians 4:4-23
Focus: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” Philippians 4:12.
            Oh my!  There is so much inspiration packed into this little reading that I can hardly stand it—I hardly know where to begin!  But I have to begin somewhere—so let’s begin with “the secret.”
            Is “the secret” Paul mentions really a secret?—something that is known only to him?  I don’t think so.  In fact, if I am understanding accurately his meaning, what Paul calls “the secret” is totally proclaimed throughout Biblical revelation.  It is the FACT of God’s transcendence, sovereignty, and goodness.  And “the secret” that he says he has learned (notice that it is learned—not automatic) is quite simply BELIEVING IN THAT FACT—MAKING THAT BELIEF PRIVATE AND PERSONAL—AND  ALLOWING THAT BELIEF TO RENDER ITS LOGICAL EFFECT—CONTENTMENT AND PEACE.  And the reason he calls it “the secret” is because this fundamental and absolute belief seems to elude so many people, including “believers,” that it is never adequately incorporated into the real fabric of their personal, private, and practical daily living—and becomes like a missing ingredient or an unknown secret. The natural consequence of not applying this secret is that a person will become anxious about almost everything.  But Paul instructs us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
            Have you noticed that peace is better than anxiety?—that contentment is better than discontent?  Duh!  You don’t want to allow this secret to get by you.  It’s value is just too big!  And don’t forget what David learned: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1, KJV).
 
            “In the care of God means to be in the peace of God.”