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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3 Dec 11
TRANSITIONAL NOTE: I envy people that are well-organized and meticulous with planning. (However, I’m not entirely convinced they have more fun.) All I had for a rough plan when I began this year of devotionals was to try to stay within the “Wisdom Literature” section of the Bible. We’ve cruised through Proverbs four times, went through the Psalms—just winging it. I didn’t even take specific time to figure out where we would end up on the calendar when we reached the end of Job, which we did yesterday—the 2nd of December. On this 3rd day of December, we only have 29 more days till the end of the year. I’ve decided to end the year with a jump back into the Proverbs, picking up at chapter 3 so that we can continue to match the chapter with the date right up to the end of the year. All those in favor say “aye.” Thank you. Motion carried.
3 December 2011
Proverbs 3
Focus: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” Proverbs 3:1-2.
Mankind, in general, is afflicted with a very bad memory. History proves that. And get this—if it is true, as Jewish tradition holds, that Solomon wrote Song of Songs when he was an idealistic young man, Proverbs in his middle years of testing a proving his godly idealism, and Ecclesiastes when he was old and cynical after he had compromised his monotheistic ideals by getting tangled up with a bunch of sexy heathen babes (Come on—I don’t care how you slice it—1000 wives just ain’t very smart! Just imagine—“Oh, hi there!” Embrace. Kiss. “I’m sorry, honey, but what’s your name again?”), then he himself proves the damaging power and influence of forgetting.
My childish heart was broken at my 45th High School reunion in 2007. A mature woman was there that I remembered as a grade-schooler. We were in the same classes during 2nd and 3rd grades. There was a time when she would chase me all over the playground. Back then, I liked it. And the adolescent attractions were mutual—sometimes I let her catch me—and I thought that she was about the most beautiful female on the planet. I greeted her at our reunion. She didn’t even remember that I ever existed! (Consider this: If I, as a grown man, am somewhat taken back by someone’s poor memory, how must married couples struggle emotionally when their relationship becomes ripped apart by with Alzheimer’s? That has to be a tough assignment!)
Notice again how this advice begins—“My son.” A special love relationship of deep care and concern is implied. This father has learned a lot that he wishes to pass on to his impressionable child. He knows how valuable these principles are as standards to live by—without which disaster and damage are inevitable. He knows how delicate one’s life course really is. If these concerns are typical of a normal biological father, it shouldn’t stretch our imaginations too much to consider the heart of our Heavenly Father. He clearly, repeatedly, and in many ways, says essentially the same thing—“Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” Furthermore, He promises that the prolonging of life and prosperity will be expanded and fully realized beyond the grave—like ETERNAL LIFE!
Here’s how I believe it works in general practical terms—if you are not on a course of REMEMBERING God’s essential Word, you are unwittingly on a course of FORGETTING! Please do everything within your power to prevent the latter.
“The secret of a good memory is attention, and attention to a subject depends upon our interest in it. We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds.” - Tryon Edwards