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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25 Jan 11
Greetings, dear ones.
The view out my window right now is very encouraging. There is some subdued sunlight hitting the cedars. And it’s fairly warm—about 47 degrees. That will help with my commitment to apply some vinyl signage to a fleet of 4 trucks for a local business. Oh yes—I need to get the garbage out by the road.
Neato! The sun is getting a bit brighter! I’d better get on with it.
May you not only be blessed, but may you be a blessing. Amen!
Love, Dad/Ray
25 January 2011
Proverbs 25
Focus: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to drink…” Proverbs 25:21.
As far as unregenerate human nature is concerned, this is a revolutionary concept. Natural human nature would prefer to do damage to an enemy. But the life that God calls us to and equips us for is NOT natural—and being touched by the Spirit of God and born again IS revolutionary. What’s more, only the power of God can truly live the God-powered life. Take exception with this fact and attempt it by shear human effort and you are sure to prove the point.
The whole of this thought covers two verses: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21-22).
Remember, the two greatest requirements within the revelation of God to man is to LOVE GOD and to LOVE OTHERS (Matthew 22:34-40). And check out the last part of Matthew 5. Talk about revolutionary! “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
Be careful of a subtle contaminating attitude aim to pay back and do harm by doing good or by being kind—heaping “burning coals on his head”—hoping it will really burn him good! If that is the motivation, sorry—you still have a problem—doing the right thing in the wrong way. I have a lot of reason to believe that the main purpose and goal of that effect from God’s perspective is the stimulation of shame (personal recognition of one’s own foolishness) and conviction (guilt that seeks forgiveness and reconciliation). These are vital attitudes of the human heart that open opportunities for God to do the work of the Holy Spirit. God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Neither should we who live to serve and please Him.
“The fire you kindle for your enemy often burns you more than him.”