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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29 April 11
Good morning, dear special pilgrims.
It’s looking like another cold and wet one. That definitely affects our style around here…with so much work to do out of doors. But I need to spend some focused work indoors too…6 different projects calling for design work. I may need to run to Wood Village early and pick up my resharpened sawmill blades. We only have about one left.
Blessings on your day. Love, Dad/Ray
29 April 2011
Proverbs 29
Focus: “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.” Proverbs 29:3.
The initial meaning and impact of this principle of life is so obvious that my tendency is to not give it much more thought. I mean, what father would not be happy with a kid who not only makes an occasional good decision, but actually loves wisdom—the wisdom this father has helped to impart. I can’t imagine a father who initiates conversation by saying something like, “I’m so happy with my stupid son—he’s in demand by all the prostitutes—and he sure knows how to pick them—a couple every night—all made possible by my giving him free access to my bank account!” Excuse me? Did he just say what I think I heard him say? That’s way off base! But as I hover here, it doesn’t take long for bigger meaning to expand as I begin to connect bigger parallel dots.
I suppose one reason some expanded meaning comes easy is because I’ve already made a fundamental decision as to WHO I most want to please from the list of three options: (1) ME—a self pleaser, (2) OTHERS—a people pleaser, or (3) GOD—a Father pleaser. This is not a claim my flawless and absolute application of this choice, but if I will call myself a “follower of Christ,” I have no alternative but to enlist my utmost for His highest (Hey!...that would be a good title for a book!) and choose #3. Jesus said, “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I ALWAYS DO WHAT PLEASES HIM” (John 8:29). For added impact, try comparing John 8:29 with Romans 8:29: “For those God foreknew he also predestinated to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.”
There is no way to over-emphasize the importance that we catch, embrace, and maintain the fundamental ideas of Biblical revelation, that God is our Father, who selects us to be virtually wedded to God His Son as a virgin-like bride who loves her husband-redeemer above all else and faithfully lives to please Him above all else. From this broad basic perspective, it’s not difficult to recognize how perversity and prostitution kick in when any other view is allowed to eclipse this one. It causes the wasting and SQUANDERING of the very WEALTH of Heaven!—of God’s amazing grace!
“Holiness is living that pleases God.”