Insightful Musings on the Scripturesby
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 has followed, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010 and 2011.
| Daily Reading Guide | 2011 Devotion Archives | 2010 Devotion Archives |
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17 Jan 11
Hey there, special people!
With all the warm and rain the creek is a raging river again.
We’ve had some encounters with a flu bug around here. Yesterday it was confirmed that Becki’s condition spilled over into pneumonia. That makes for a setback…but His grace is sufficient. She’s now on the mend.
I guess I’d better go see how much damage I can do to my TO DO LIST. Be blessed as you take on yours.
Love, Dad/Ray
17 January 2011
Proverbs 17
Focus: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3.
This verse gives us reason to address one of our most UN-favorite topics, naturally speaking—SUFFERING. Whether we like it or not (and we naturally don’t), this whole area of trouble, hardship, opposition, persecution, discipline, etc., are all essential parts of the Designer’s design, not for our destruction but for our development—not to make us bitter but to make us better. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
I used the word “naturally” above for good reason. It helps to underscore how UN-natural is the true Christian life. It is only natural to resist, resent, and complain about suffering. But the UN-natural Biblical prescription is to rejoice in it. Did you hear the word “rejoice” in Peter’s quote above. And do you remember James’ take on it? “Consider if pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). Even Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad…” (Matthew 5:11-12). Jesus goes on to imply that this kind of right response to suffering causes His followers to become salt and light in a defective and dark world. If we had time and space, I would also quote from Hebrews 12:1-13. Please read it again for yourself.
For this reason, I am convinced that no one is going to accidentally fall into a victorious Christian life—nor into heaven, for that matter. It requires a transformation of our minds/hearts. In fact, it calls for being BORN AGAIN! What an idea!
“Most people don’t mind obstacles as long as they don’t get in their way.”