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 |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19 Jan 11
Good morning, dear people.
Becki—Oh yes…I got carried away with making a fire in the woodstove and forgot to deliver her tea to her, as I do every morning. OK—tea delivered. I was going to say that she’s still feeling rather puny from her pneumonia. The symptoms don’t seem to be evaporating as fast as in times past.
Another day of challenge and decision relating to some important issues looms before us. It’s nice to know that we can’t wear out His Everlasting Arms. My arms seem to be becoming wimpier than ever.
Be blessed in RELATIONSHIP.
Love, Dad/Ray
19 January 2011
Proverbs 19
Focus: “The fear of the LORD leads to life. Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 19:23.
Reference is made to “the fear of the LORD” over ten times in this volume of “Wisdom Literature.” Repetition should be regarded as signaling importance. And here we have another statement of the resulting benefits of that orientation and disposition of heart and mind. Allow me to reduce those benefits into two common denominators—PURPOSE and PEACE.
PURPOSE. I believe that the deeper meaning behind the word “life” is this—a sense of PURPOSE. Mere living is not LIFE as God intended. PURPOSE that is fulfilled makes for SUCCESS. If there is no PURPOSE, there is no SUCCESS. Notice that the word “purpose” is contained in verse 21—just two verses back: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart (I sure have a bunch!), but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” If the “the LORD’S purpose” is all that matters, it sure makes a lot of sense to “fear the LORD” and make HIS PURPOSE MY PURPOSE.
PEACE. Read the second part of the theme verse again. Doesn’t that add up to PEACE? Isn’t this state of being one of the deepest longings of the human heart? Being at rest and content—protected from becoming an emotional basket case over trouble—this really is the wonderful benefit of really fearing Him, really believing Him, and really trusting Him.
“Lord, help us to truly establish and maintain our PURPOSE and PEACE in our RELATIONSHIP with You. Amen.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” - Matthew 5:9