2007 picture of Ray SparreInsightful 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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28 Sept 10
            Greetings, dear ones.
            This sudden burst of summer is a surprise.  Although it’s presently overcast, it will soon clear up and warm up.
            I have some pressing business to pursue…so bye now.  Have a great day…maintaining the SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
 
28 September 2010
Passage: Hebrews 3
Focus: “See to it…”  Hebrews 3:12.
Jesus is presented here as being on a much higher plane than was Moses.  But in contrast, we run the risk of being no higher in our following of Jesus than most of the Israelites were in their following of Moses.  Be reminded and warned that nearly all the people of Israel who left Egypt never made it into the Promised Land.

Let me cite two things that stand out to me loud and clear in this passage relative to my personal responsibilities.

Firstly, I AM PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE TO MAINTAIN A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FOCUS OF MY FAITH—JESUS.  “Therefore, holy brothers, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess” (3:1).

Secondly, I AM PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE TO LOOK AFTER AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE FAITH HEALTH OF THOSE IN MY COMPANY.  “See to it that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first” (3:12-14).
            
Listen to this same passage in the Message translation: “So watch your step, friends.  Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it’s still God’s Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes.  If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we’re in this with Christ for the long haul.”
 
            “In God’s book of remembrance, FAITHFUL and FAMOUS are one word.”