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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14 Feb 11
Good morning, dear ones.
But I have to admit that some “ones” are dearer than others…at least dear in a different way…like no one on this planet is as dear to me in the same way that my Becki is. On this Valentines Day morning, I delivered to her hot tea in bed…a daily routine. But I also delivered a very expensive Valentine card. The cost was about 10 minutes of my time to compose a little poem and hand-make the card. I was amazed—she kind of liked it.
OK all you Valentines—get out there and do your thing! And be blessed.
Love, Dad/Ray
14 February 2011
Proverbs 14
Focus: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30.
Here is Solomon’s explanation for the cause of osteoporosis—bone deterioration. My first motivating thought in making that statement is with “tongue in cheek”—being silly—not really believing what I’m saying—maybe stretching the meaning. But as I give further contemplation to that idea, I have to wonder—is there a connection here? I believe there is.
To be sure, psychology does influence physiology. Psychosomatic (psychological conditions causing physical responses) illnesses are real. I’m not a doctor, but I think it can be easily verified that ailments like headaches, hives, diarrhea, heart trouble, ulcers, etc., often have originating causes in the mind. While we may never be able to absolutely link causes with affects, it can certainly do no harm to pursue a psychology of PEACE as a strategy toward overall health—mental, spiritual, and physical.
Notice verse 33: “Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.” I had to look up the word “repose” in the dictionary to clarify its meaning. The idea it carries is that wisdom actually sets up an internal atmosphere for peace. And even psychology professionals who hold a whacked theology recognize the importance of peace, as opposed to internal tension and anxiety, as it relates to overall health.
Looking ahead to chapter 17, there is a statement quite similar to our theme verse: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Hmm—another reference to bone health.
You know where this is going—so let’s go there. If it is true that peace lends itself to physical health—and if it is true that peace is a byproduct of wisdom—and if it is true that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)”—and if it is true what Isaiah said in Isaiah 26:3: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (KJV)”—how then do you want to direct your psychology? Personally, I believe I only “shoot myself in the foot” if I allow anything to interfere with this priority of life!
PS: Coming to think of it, my beloved mother developed osteoporosis in her old age. She was also a chronic worrier. Go figure.
“To achieve peace of mind, resign as General Manager of the Universe.”