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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30 Dec 10
            Greetings, dear ones.
            I mention on the “Subject” line above that it’s a “special day.”  Well…it’s not just the day before the last day of the year, it’s the 43rd anniversary of our marriage!  I’m sure you would agree that Becki has to be a pretty tough lady.  We’re heading for Seaside today…returning tomorrow.
            At the end of my little essay I chose to quote Linfield Crowder.  I understand that a memorial service in his honor is also happening today in American Falls, Idaho.  Those of you who did not know him and had the privilege of sitting under his ministry and influence over the years may be tempted to think that our applause of his life is over-statement…but it’s not!
            May your day before the end of this year be blessed…and all succeeding days as well.
                        Love, Dad/Ray
           
30 December 2010
Passage: Revelation 21
Focus: “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”  Revelation 21:27. 
            “BY RESERVATION ONLY” reads the sign that I imagine could be over the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven, here presented as “the new Jerusalem.”
            Verse 4 states that with this new dimension of reality “the old order of things has passed away.”  Indeed, the description of this place is not like much of what we humans are familiar with.  However, I think we can draw a little bit of comprehension of the exclusivity of this heavenly state from our familiarity with this earthly state.  For example, we have no difficulty understanding that we can’t just go into any place we want whenever we want.  Many places require previous memberships, paid tickets, passports, prior arrangements, or reservations.  The Bible is full of evidence that heaven is indeed exclusive—that it’s not for everyone—that reservations are required—that your name MUST be on the list.
            So it is a serious popular misconception for people to think they can waltz into heavenly bliss as an automatic result of their dying, or because they want to, or because they are a nice person in their estimation.  This is not just a popular misconception—it’s popular DECEPTION!  And I hope you understand both the source and aim of that deception.
            Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a valuable anchor theme for almost my entire life.  I think it deserves repeating again here because it presents the most reliable antidote against deception and failure.  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  Direct your paths where?  Right into His presence forevermore!
            Be reminded of this Biblical truth: ALL PATHS DO NOT LEAD TO HEAVEN, BUT ALL PATHS DO LEAD TO ETERNITY.
 
“Eternity!  Eternity!  Where will you spend eternity? And, what will you do with Jesus?”  --  Linfield Crowder