Sparre Devotions

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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1 Dec 10
            Good day, dear people.
            Do you tire of me mentioning the creek? When I have a daylight view out this window, the creek is definitely a main feature. Whereas a lot of rain has been falling, she is sure boiling now.
            If the rain would let up, I would run on into Molalla to measure out a sign cabinet and get a deposit. But I sure have plenty to do indoors till then…if then. I suppose that’s one of the benefits of being self-employed and strung out in a lot of different directions.
            Maybe I’m also getting too strung out with too many words here…so have a good rest of the day.
                        Love, Dad/Ray

1 December 2010
Passage: 1 John 1-2:14
Focus: “…we have fellowship one with another…” 1 John 1:7.
            Allow me to draw your attention again to John 21—our reading from yesterday. Remember where Jesus asked the question of Peter, “Do you love me?” The Greek scholars tell us that two distinct concepts are used by Jesus, both of which are translated “love” in English. The first is AGAPE (agapao) which I think can well be paraphrased as intelligent commitment love. It has roots in the will—choice driven. The second word translated “love” in Jesus’ question to Peter is PHILEO (phileos). It is more of an emotionally based friendship or fellowship love. I think it is clear to us that both are required in our relationship with our Lord. For our purposes here, I want to highlight the latter. Jesus is asking, “Have you yet found what I have come to establish…personal enjoyment in your relationship with me? Are we bonded by friendship?”
            Think of it. You and I have the privilege of friendship and fellowship with God. He is not just an austere and Almighty heavenly God up there somewhere. He is EMANUEL. “And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1:3). He is a wonderful ever-present PERSONAL Savior. And “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” (1:7). What a deal!
            If you have your hymnal nearby, let’s turn to page ______ and sing together, FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS.

1) A friend of Jesus, oh, what bliss that one so weak as I
Should ever have a friend like this to lead me to the sky.

Chorus: Friendship with Jesus, Fellowship divine;
Oh what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine.

2) A friend when other friendships cease, a friend when others fail;
A friend who gives me joy and peace, a friend who will prevail.

3) A friend to lead me in the dark, a friend who knows the way;
A friend to steer my weak, frail bark, a friend my debts to pay.

4) A friend when sickness lays me low, a friend when death draws near;
A friend as through the vale I go, a friend to help and cheer.

5) A friend when life’s rough voyage is o’er, a friend when death is past;
A friend to greet on Heaven’s shore, a friend when home at last.

“We will think and talk like the person we listen to the most.”