2016 picture of Ray Sparre

Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67



These devotional messages are personalized as messages to Ray's granddaughter, Samara.

22 December 2016

Hello in the morning, Samara.

The temperature is registering 30 degrees. But as soon as I send this, Mama Becki and I will be putting on some warm togs and going out to do our little walk/jog routine. The strange fact is that Timberline on Mt. Hood is registering 33 degrees. There must be some kind of inversion going on in the atmosphere. If it’s 30 here, I would expect it to be about 15 there.

I’m making my list and checking it twice—wondering, “Will my energy suffice?” We’ll see. Better get moving.

Love and prayers—Tua.


Proverbs 22
Focus: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1.

How does this work? If a good name is so valuable, how do you acquire it? Is it gained by accident? Can it be bought? No—it has to be earned. How? It’s really simple math. One can only earn a GOOD NAME by being GOOD. That means being honest, responsible, dependable, self-disciplined, respectful, and kind. You prioritize those character qualities and consistently maintain them and bingo!—you’ll have a GOOD NAME. What’s more, you will always be in demand. You will not have to go looking for work as a source of income—work with income will go looking for you. Every employer is looking to hire people with those qualities.

What about friends? Are all friends GOOD friends—with GOOD NAMES? No—not necessarily. There are some friends that are better as NOT friends. But once again, if you seek those good qualities listed above, you will attract GOOD FRIENDS—and eventually even attract a good spouse. Please pay particular attention to this one. There are far too many who fail to consider the value of a GOOD NAME before marriage and only look at external qualities or possessions and overlook the importance of character. Marriage statistics serve as glaring evidence.

Do you see what’s going on here? God loves you and wants so much for you to have a GOOD life, with a GOOD name, attracting GOOD friends, finding a GOOD job, selecting a GOOD life partner, so as to offer GOOD influence on others by your GOOD character that He has provided you with all the GOOD instruction and GOOD resources needed to be a GOOD success—the kind that pleases Him—to whom He will one day say, “Well done, GOOD and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Is that GOOD or what?

“Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.”
~ Proverbs 22:4 ~