Insightful Musings on the New Testament
by
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 is following, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010.

|  Daily Reading Guide  |  2010 Devotion Archives  |
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21 Aug 10
            Good chilly morning again, dear ones.
            Here’s goes another chapter in adventure.  After all, it’s HIS-story…and I am just one of the characters.
            May your chapter be well composed.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
 
21 August 2010
Passage: Romans 11:1-21
Focus: “I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” Romans 11:3.
            It is interesting to note that Elijah, following the big “victory” on Mt. Carmel, was led to believe that things were 7,000 times worse than they really were!  It put him into a state of depression.  Be reminded that depression is NOT a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  He was convinced that HE was the ONLY righteous one left.  In so many words God said to him, “You’re talking nonsense, Elijah.  Count yourself—you’re not so many!  I know how to count better than you!  And I have counted 7,000 in Israel who are still seeking Me.”
            Herein is the great value and benefit of engaging in good honest Christian fellowship—it helps to eradicate the notion that “I am alone”—that I am unique in my temptations and struggles—that no one else faces what I am facing.  This kind of interaction between believers (fellow pilgrims) not only relieves one of a sense of isolation, but also aids one with inspiration, encouragement, and instruction on how to cope and conquer—learning from what others have already learned so that we don’t have to keep re-inventing the wheel of Christian victory.
            Elijah needed some good godly fellowship.  So do I.  So do you. (Hebrews 10:25)
 
            “Friendship is a responsibility—not an opportunity.”