Insightful Musings on the New Testamentby
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 has followed, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010 and 2011.
| Daily Reading Guide | 2011 Devotion Archives | 2010 Devotion Archives |
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5 Jan 11
Good morning, dear people.
Once again, my general list for the day is made. I typically use one sheet from an 8.5”x11” yellow pad for each day. I nearly need two sheets.
Let me remind you that I will be purging my address list on Jan 9…meaning that I need to hear from you if you wish to remain on this recipient list. Thanks.
Among my other projects, I think I’ll be able to finish up a timberframe entry way for our home today. Maybe I’ll send you a photo when done.
May your day be blessed…as you are being watched.
Love, Dad/Ray
5 January 2011
Proverbs 5
Focus: “For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD.” Proverbs 5:21.
We’re surrounded with some pretty impressive surveillance technologies. In fact, we are more surrounded by them than we know. Micro chips, GPS tracking, hidden cameras, satellite imaging, x-ray vision, infra-red see-in-the-dark capabilities, laser reading, etc.—just some of the means available to modern man. And I’m still inclined to believe that the mysterious “mark of the beast” accompanying the administration of the future Antichrist of Revelation will likely be related to some of this kind technology. But get this: GOD HAS NEVER BEEN SHORT ON SURVEILANCE TECHNOLOGY. He’s always been able to see in the dark, see through walls, see the end from the beginning, and know all the thoughts and intents of the heart. Not only does He see, He records—every little detail—compressed and stored to be replayed at judgment. Don’t you think this knowledge provides some profound encouragement to FEAR THE LORD?—since absolutely everything you ever do or think is under His surveillance? “For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.”
Notice that it specifies “a man’s ways.” That implies that not even God can figure out and keep track of the ways of a woman! Just kidding—just checking to see if you’re paying attention.
May I suggest that you read Psalm 139:1-16, as well as Hebrews 4:13? May I also suggest that we pray the prayer contained in the last two verses of Psalm 139? “Search me and know my heart (He does anyway!); test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”