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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12 May 11
Good morning, dear ones.
I’m looking out at beautiful sunshine on the cedars. Beautiful morning here.
If I remember right, it was song number 30 in the old MELODIES OF PRAISE songbook for STANDING ON THE PROMISES. That may be a good one to sing this morning. All the other promises around us are not very promising. Then let’s turn to GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.
I need to get to work. Blessings on your day.
Love, Dad/Ray
12 May 2011
Psalm 11
Focus: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3.
We have lived outside the USA for many years. So any inhibitions over relocating and taking up residence elsewhere are minimized for us. And thoughts of doing so have risen to be very attractive at times as we see our nation’s moral, political, social, and spiritual FOUNDATIONS BEING DESTROYED. At least many of the ideals and standards of our Founding Fathers are being challenged, opposed, and abandoned. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could identify some wonderful oasis on this planet where righteousness, freedom, and justice are truly the popular norm?—where protection from criminal abuse and corrupt governmental exploitation were guaranteed? Yes indeed—if I knew of such a place, I would be tempted to buy plane tickets and begin liquidation today! REALITY CHECK: THERE IS NO SUCH PLACE IN THE WORLD! DEAL WITH IT! The DESTRUCTION of these FOUNDATIONS are not just national—they are international! And the main reason is that unregenerate human beings are international—they’re everywhere!
There is some pretty good evidence in this Psalm that history keeps repeating itself. I mean, if David is here describing the same conditions that we have with us today, isn’t that indicated? The quip is valid that says, “History proves that men do not learn from history.” David says, “For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart” (v. 2). And listen to how he describes things at the end of the next chapter: “The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men” (Psalm 12:9). Doesn’t that sound contemporary? Are you aware of any things going on around you that are VILE, yet HONORED? Reality is stranger than fiction!
So how does David cope? How does he approach the reality of unavoidable danger? His response is one you and I are wise to nurture. “In the LORD I take refuge” (v. 1). He reasons that, since there is no promising place to run, no perfect hiding place from wicked men and their corrupt schemes, no weapon effective enough to guarantee physical safety, I am wise to have a protection plan that transcends them. He wraps up with this confidence: “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face” (v. 7).
Let’s rehearse the words of Jesus: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more” (Luke 12:4). THE FEAR OF THE LORD is not only the beginning of wisdom—it’s also the best protection plan available in the universe!
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” - John A. Shedd