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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29 Dec 10
            Good morning, dear special ones.
            Lots of rain all night…turning to some snow this morning.  So there’s some white stuff on the ground.  It won’t last long…it’s not below freezing.
            Lots more adventure facing us today.  I’ve never done this particular day before.  Wish I could squeeze in a few runs on Mt Hood’s Palmer Glacier—I think conditions could be super—but I can’t see how that’s going to happen.
            Wow! The increase in daylight shows the creek in torrent mode again.
            May your adventure be blessed.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
 
29 December 2010
Passage: Revelation 20
Focus: “The lake of fire is the second death.” Revelation 20:14.
            Here are a couple of vital Bible math equations: (1) 1B=2D.  (2) 2B=1D. They represent the two fundamental options presented to all humans with functional minds.
            You probably have it figured out, but here’s the meaning: If you are only born once (physically), then you must die twice (physically and spiritually…which is eternally).  But if you are born twice (physically and spiritually) then you only need to die once (physically). I don’t have to think on this very long to determine which option I prefer.
            Notice the root factor that determines which equation applies to each individual.  Verse 12 states, “The dead (those who had died physically) were judged according to what they had DONE as recorded in the books.”  Then verse 13 adds, “…each person (notice that they still had conscious existence following their physical death) was judged according to what he had DONE.”  I’ve emphasized the word “DONE” for this reason: It is my understanding that what I DO is a direct result of my internal orientation (heart) and the corresponding volitional choices I make.  Of course there are involuntary or automated aspects of what I do—like digestion and breathing.  I see no evidence that I will be held responsible for any of that.  But what I choose to digest and breath—as well as believe and accept and love, etc., that is what I will be held accountable for—that is what will determine my eternal destiny.  Pretty serious stuff!
            Is it any big wonder WHY God would make the first and foremost COMMAND (requirement) of the Bible, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength?” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:36-40.)