Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Hey there, nice people.
I joined David Selig, his son, Jeff, and Bill Aho, Dave’s brother-in-law, this morning on a little attempt to entice a lake trout from big beautiful Flathead Lake to bite our hooks. But that’s all it was…an attempt.
Even in this setting of so-called relaxation and great fellowship, there is potential for a lot of stress. I venture to say that some of you can identify. I’m already looking forward to pointing our car toward home. To be sure, my work load is mounting higher every day too.
Blessings on your journey.
Love, Dad/Ray.
I’ve learned by personal experience that you don’t want to visit New Zealand in July wearing just shorts and T-shirt. I nearly froze my __________ off! (You can fill in the blank with about anything connected to my anatomy.) Sure, I knew the seasons were reversed “down under,” but I was so consumed with busyness at the time, so warm and accustomed to the tropical Solomon Islands, and so presuming of my own background where July is always summer, I guess my head was in a state of slumber (3:11)—and I went unprepared.
The fact is, whenever you go on a trip anywhere, you are wise to anticipate what that environment might yield, and go prepared with the proper clothing. And as you anticipate the journey through the rest of your life, slumber is not a good thing—clear thinking is. The very best clothing you can have is “the Lord Jesus Christ”—protecting you from the heat of circumstance, the cold of depression, and even provide you with safe protection from the dirty dark battle—putting “aside the deeds of darkness” and putting “on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).
Let’s give some further thought to the unavoidable realm of battle and raise this question: Who or what is your greatest enemy? That’s important to know. May I suggest that it’s not Satan. It’s not nasty people. And it’s not ugly circumstances. I believe the correct answer is stated at the end of our “Focus Verse” above. Your greatest enemy is, in fact, THE DESIRES OF THE (your) SINFUL NATURE. Get it straight! “Wake up from your slumber” (13:11). Be prepared! And have a good trip!