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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20 Oct 10
            Greetings, special people.
            7:40am at present.  I just made a fire in our wood stove.  But it’s not as cold as the last few days.  It’s supposed to warm up, cloud up, and wet up by tomorrow.  I guess I’ll proceed with my possible reality—and do a jog—not giving much attention to the impossible dream of being an Olympic Athlete.  And even though I return and do a few strokes on my “Total Gym,” I know I’ll never come to look like Chuck Norris.  Oh, well…
            Keep focusing on what God focuses on…and somehow, by His grace, He causes real blessing to result.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
 
20 October 2010
Passage: 1 Timothy 6
Focus: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness…”  1 Timothy 6:11.
            I’m trying to recall the words to that noble-sounding, moving, and dramatic song about an impossible dream—and unreachable star.  I know—if I just went online and “Googled” it, I could get it all in a snap. But without doing that, here is some of what I do remember: “This is my quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far. And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest that the world will be better by far when I’m laid to my rest…to right the unrightable wrong, to fight the unbeatable foe, to strive with my last ounce of courage, to reach the impossible star.”  Can you hear the orchestra crescendo—and the singer hitting that high note? It’s sensational!  Nevertheless, I’m inclined to judge it basically as a bunch of idealistic and theatrical nonsense.  I won’t take a lot of time to take the message apart.  It certainly contains some misconceptions and portrays a worldview that is not compatible with my Biblical faith.  It’s definitely not my theme song.  I can’t seem to get very excited about committing my life to such an abstract, nebulous, and hopeless objective.  Anyway, for some reason that song of comparison comes to my mind as I read this great appeal and charge that Paul delivers to young Timothy.
            Just in case you are looking for a great and truly noble quest in life, a cause to live and die for, an edifying contribution to the world, and one that is also achievable, look no further.  I think it is quite well articulated for us right here.  “But you, man of God, flee from all this (false doctrines, pride, love of money, etc.), and pursue righteousness (a right response to God’s Word), godliness (striving to follow God in your beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyle), faith (believing God enough to obey Him), love (‘agape’ love that is an act of the will), endurance (hanging in there with all the above), and gentleness (strength under control).  Fight the good fight of faith (Faith is a fight—Ephesians 6).  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
            But there is a catch here!  This too is an impossible dream and an unreachable star—if left to myself.  It is only by means of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).  I simply can’t do it on my own.  But “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
 
            “The real hero is the man who is brave—when no one is looking.”