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.
| Sparre Home Page | Daily Reading Guide | 2011 Devotion Archives | 2010 Devotion Archives |
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27 April 11
Good evening, dear ones.
Interesting day. While doing my jog this morning I decided to launch a couple fleeces. Those ideas were partly fueled by the weather report that described a low snow level with a lot of fresh snow on the mountain. (1) If Timberline Ski Area would be operating the upper Magic Mile chairlift, and (2) if I could connect with a guy and get a green light on some sawmill work that Kash could carry on with, I might run up the hill and spend a couple hours on the slopes as a last ski fling for the season…since I already have a pass. It must have been ordained because those two conditions fell into place. Even Becki encouraged the idea. I had a great time. And I was also able to check out some important business on my return trip.
Have a great evening. I think Becki has some food ready. Bye. Blessings. Love, Dad/Ray
27 April 2011
Proverbs 27
Focus: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.” Proverbs 27:9.
Good friends are a valuable resource. I’m blessed with many. Such a person not only provides some social companionship, but is also capable of giving good advice and offering objective perspectives with your best interest in mind, rather than their own. The author here describes this kind of relationship in terms of smell—as emitting an attractive fragrance, a pleasant aroma, or a sweet perfume. Some relationships are odorless, while others may project a repulsive scent. We often call them “stinkers.” Some “stinkers” attempt to cover their smelly motives with the deodorant of friendly flattery, which may be bearable at a distance, but up close—phew!—like a salesman who approaches with that phony facade of friendliness as a ploy to manipulate you toward getting your money!
Verse 6 gives some related commentary. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” While advice from good friends may not always be flawless, it can be trusted as well-intentioned.
Verse 10 also talks about friends. “Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” Here is how I might reword the idea I’m sniffing out of this. “When you have a problem and need help, don’t be too quick to run to the tribal-like bias and controls of your own family. Don’t overlook the trusted and respectable friends you have close at hand—including an old friend of your father’s who is able to base his counsel on many years of insight and experience.” I think this is a valid principle. How does it smell to you? My only problem in technically following this advice is that all my father’s friends are dead!—except One—and He lives forevermore! The fact is He’s my friend too! He even said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14). O my!—I feel a song coming on—
What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
“The best vitamin for developing friends is B1.”