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 May 11
Dear nice people.
Another Friday already! Time flies when your having fun…or spaced out with urgencies.
Yesterday I commented on the sun through the trees…but then it proceeded to rain all day. I’ve seen some sun this morning too. Hope it sticks around this time. Lots to do.
Whereas we’re coming up to another Memorial Day, I’m reminded that we will also memorialize the rather tough Memorial Day of 2001—the day of Thano’s head injury accident as well as the day my father passed from this life. We also memorialize God’s grace.
May this be a special day for you…on eagles wings.
Love, Dad/Ray
27 May 2011
Psalm 25
Focus: “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4.
What would you think of a chicken who passed up a real opportunity to be transformed into an eagle? No offense intended to the chickens whose lives are spent hanging out in the confines of a pen, scratching around in the #@%* and dirt. They do yield some benefits though—even yesterday at lunchtime, in the absence of Becki, I had Thano go out and collect some eggs from the coup so I could fry them up for egg sandwiches. (Coming to think of it, I’ve never tasted eagle eggs.) But can you imagine the contrast in freedom and perspective between these two birds? I’d rather be an eagle any day!
A particular word stands out to me in Psalm 25—the word “ways” (and “way”). I won’t take time to quote here those cases, but check out verses 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Ideas attached to “ways” are implied throughout.
Jump with me over to Isaiah 55. I’d like to quote verses 6 through 9 and insert some of my own commentary. “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near. (This is our time of opportunity!) Let the wicked forsake his WAY and the evil man his thoughts. (Remember—thoughts determine WAYS or behavior.) Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (This limited-time offer not only includes forgiveness, but transformation! What a deal!) ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your WAYS my WAYS,’ declares the LORD. (To be sure, chicken-minded humans are never, on their own, going to figure out or ascend to the eagle thoughts and WAYS of God!—yet they attempt to do so all the time!) ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my WAYS higher than your WAYS and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Now consider that familiar conclusion to Isaiah 40. “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength (transformed, born again). They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Do you think there just might be a little connection here with that revolutionary claim of Jesus when He said, “I am the WAY and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)? That’s pretty high, you know.
Never allow yourself to be chicken to accept God’s incredible offers!
Homework: Read also Ephesians 1:15-2:10.
“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we are not really living. Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.” - Gail Sheehy