Insightful Musings on theScriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, special ones.
Another beautiful day in the making. I sure wish I could do what I want. But it seems that work pressure is pushing hard to keep me busy with the urgent. I keep allowing work to stack up with tight time-lines. I have my mill set up in the field close to some logs I have taken in…and plan to get out there soon to attack the priority needs of this particular project. The weather is perfect for being outside the cover of the mill shed roof.
One of the main questions I put to Becki before she read this devotional composition was, “Do you think this is too ‘cheezy’—too much playing with words?” She judged it to be sound enough to send. So, here goes.
May this particular day manifest evidence of God’s blessing—whether or not you are politically correct.
Love, Dad/Ray.
We are exhorted in Scripture to eat the Scriptures. (Example: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”—1 Peter 2:2, KJV.) Therefore I wish to serve up here another little lettuce salad—actually “LET US”—and hope you find it good and nutritious. The four types of “LET US” that I spot within this reading are FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, and ENCOURAGEMENT. Let us identify them.
FAITH. “…since we have a great priest over the house of God, LET US draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of FAITH” (vv. 21-22).
HOPE. “LET US hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (v. 23).
LOVE. “And LET US consider how we may spur one another on toward LOVE and good deeds” (v. 24).
ENCOURAGEMENT. “LET US not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but LET US ENCOURAGE one another…” (v. 25).
Is there anyone who does not need these qualities? None that I know of. And I’m noting two reasons why we should “not give up meeting together”—firstly, because we all need the intake of FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, and ENCOURAGEMENT, and, secondly, because we should all find ways to impart FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, and ENCOURAGEMENT.
LET US regard these qualities as more important than optional—perhaps regard them as essential LET US—bearing essential nutrients. But you can add your own dressing.