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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24 Aug 10
            And a good good morning to you, dear people.
            It’s coolish again…but it probably won’t last long…as I see sunshine through the trees on the hillside behind and above us.  The creek is just moving right along…just like the calendar…and the clock.
            I hope you have a great day.  This really is a day that the Lord has made.  And that really is an awesome thought.
            Blessings. Love.  Dad/Ray
 
24 August 2010
Passage: Romans 12:17-13:14
Focus: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”  Romans 13:14.
            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—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!
 
            “There is no greater freedom than being a servant to Christ.”