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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17 Oct 10
            Good evening, dear people.
            Whew…the day got away from me.  It’s now past my bedtime.  So…maybe I’ll just press “send” and go to bed.
            Sleep tight.  Blessings.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
 
17 October 2010
Passage: 2 Timothy 3
Focus: “Now the overseer must be above reproach…”  2 Timothy 3:2.
            Reading this chapter could prompt one to reason, “This is not relevant for me personally—after all I’m not a pastor (overseer) or a deacon (church leader).” Hey—just a minute!  Let’s understand that we have here a list of exemplary qualities to look for across the spread of the Body of Christ (The Church) that make one eligible for official positions of church leadership.  They are, in fact, standards that should be upheld and pursued by all.  I think it is appropriate to affirm that GOD DOES NOT EXPECT OR DESIRE MORE OF PASTORS AND DEACONS THAN HE DOES OF YOU.
            In order for you to grade yourself against the checklist of Christian qualities presented here by Paul, I will simply list the main ideas, putting some entries in my own words.  Please bear in mind that this is not intended to be a guilt trip.  Think of as a goal trip.  To be sure, we can all confess to some sad violations in our past—but don’t let your past dictate your future.
            RESPECTABLE TRACK RECORD.  STABLE MARRIAGE.  NOT GIVEN TO EXTREMES.  SELF DISCIPLINED.  HOSPITABLE.  GOOD BIBLE TEACHER.  NOT A BOOZER.  NOT A FIGHTER.  NOT ARGUMENTIVE.  NOT A SWINDLER. GENTLE.  GOOD FAMILY MANAGER.  HAVING OBEDIENT CHILDREN.  MATURE IN THE FAITH.  FREE FROM PRIDE.  GOOD REPUTATION IN COMMUNITY.
 
            “Goals are like stars: They may not be reached, but they can always be a guide.”