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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16 May 11
Good morning, dear people.
Did you catch my little typo yesterday? I said it was 3:46pm when it was really 2:46pm. I was only an hour off. No big deal.
I’ve already had to deal with a good deal of business this morning. And there’s a lot more before me. Better keep moving.
Blessings. Love, Dad/Ray
16 May 2011
Psalm 15
Focus: “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” Psalm 15:1.
Last evening Becki and I called in at the big shopping mall—Clackamas Towne Center. She wanted to take advantage of the last day of a sale at Macy’s. After her purchases, we walked through the mall for awhile, holding hands. I love my wife of nearly 44 years and enjoy her company. That being the case, how tempted would I likely be if some shapely beautiful babe walked by, gave me a wink, and motioned for me to follow her? Fat chance that would ever happen that way—but what if? If it is true that I love my wife and am committed to the preservation and protection of this valued relationship, there is no way I would fall for a stupid distraction like that! That would be insane! I would have to be out of my mind to abandon a relationship that is superior to pursue one that is inferior and destructive!
David is raising an important question in poetic language at the outset of this short Psalm. To put his question in other words, it might go like this: “What are the behavior qualities and characteristics of a person who truly loves God and pursues real relationship with Him?” The rest of the Psalm offers a virtual checklist for anyone wishing to examine their own love relationship with God. I recommend that you give it a careful read. I believe that pursuing this relationship is actually essential to measuring up to the list.
The last line of the Psalm offers a wonderful promise and excellent motivation. “He who does these things will never be shaken.” How good is that? To be sure, the enemy of your soul wants to shake you loose from this superior relationship and get you tangled up in absurd, destructive, and inferior ones.
“The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.” - G. K. Chesterton