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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23 Nov 10
            Good morning, dear ones.
            Well…they were right…we got some snow…and it is quite cold…well below freezing.  The roads are very icy.  It really is a pretty view out this window…sunshine through the trees, light dusting of snow on the ground, and the creek going like crazy.  I’ve already hauled in some firewood.  At least we’re not short on that around here.
            Work pressure is prompting me to hurry.  So, bye for now.  Be blessed.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
 
23 November 2010
Passage:  Jn. 16:17-33.
Focus:  “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”  Jn. 16:24.
            By carefully examining the context, I am led to understand that the asking Jesus is speaking of here is not concerned with asking for stuff.  He refuses to be reduced to a celestial “Genie” who will grant all our wishes to feed our selfishness and self centeredness.  Instead it involves asking for understanding and clarification as to the what, why, how, and where of Jesus’ words.  Insecurity and fear are the automatic human responses to a setting of crisis out of control.  It’s easy, even unavoidable, to find ourselves in such settings.  These circumstances do not normally yield joy and peace.  Jesus is affirming that, although bad times are coming, the premium qualities of joy and peace are available only in Him—it’s a knowing that He is still in charge.
            The last verse in this reading is incredibly wonderful.  I’m going to quote it here and stick in some of my own parenthetical comments.  “I have told you these things, so that in me (Here’s another good place to quote Colossians 1:27—“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”) you may have peace (Is there any emotional commodity more valuable?). In this world (In this “dumpster” environment…) you will have trouble.  (That’s a promise!)  But take heart! (That’s a command.  The KJV says, “Be of good cheer.” Total joy.)  I have overcome the world” (“I am not intimidated or controlled by this “dumpster” environment!”).
 
“If you find a pathway with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”