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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6 December 2010
Passage: 2 John
Focus: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” 2 John 1:6.
            OK—it’s review time again.  What is the top command in the Bible?  LOVE GOD.  That’s right.  Now, what is the second highest command?  LOVE OTHERS (Matthew 22:36-40).  Remember—these are requirements, not options.  If you can get your head and heart wrapped those two priorities of life so that your entire life is governed by them, you will be abundantly prepared for success in life.  But if you don’t—well—what do you think?
            Since we are reviewing, let’s reconfirm a big glaring fact which, although a fact, seems to elude most people: YOU CAN’T DO THESE COMMANDS BY YOURSELF.  No way!  Forget it!  You can’t!  Supernatural power is required to pull it off to the point that they become an ongoing lifestyle.  And the indwelling of Christ by means of His Holy Spirit (being supernatural) is the only source for that supernatural power.  That is why I quote Colossians 1:27 so often: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  It offers a concise description of our success in life.  This is not to say, however, that it is required that you constantly FEEL supernatural power.  That divine enablement is simply a by-product of A HEART AFTER GOD—one that “seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
            Notice the perfect circle that is presented in the text.  “And this is love.”  Draw a circle and write LOVE at its center.  Based on statements that John made back in 1 John 4:8 and 16—“God IS love”—you can also write GOD in the center of the circle. Then around the perimeter of the circle write OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS—LOVE GOD—LOVE OTHERS.  You have just drawn a simple picture of God’s master plan as well as your job description for success in life.
 
“Love God completely; love others compassionately; love yourself correctly.”