Insightful Musings on the Scripturesby
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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29 Jan 11
Greetings, special people.
I sure was caught up in a change of plans yesterday. I ended up driving to Redmond and back to pick up some business equipment I found on Craigslist…a steel banding outfit. While I didn’t get much other work done, it sure was enjoyable to drive through such beautiful country on such a beautiful day. Now I need to give some attention to some urgencies that I laid aside yesterday.
May your day contribute to your blessing addiction.
Love, Dad/Ray
29 January 2011
Proverbs 29
Focus: “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18.
This calls to my mind the axiom that says, “If there is no God, all things are permissible.” That makes a lot of logical sense to me. And I believe that human behavior establishes that as fact. After all, if there is no belief in meaning and purpose, and no source of authority above human opinion, no ultimate accountability to the One who ascribes meaning and purpose, does it not stand to reason that ANYTHING GOES? The whole idea of right and wrong becomes entirely relative. On the other hand, those who receive God’s revelation of LIGHT and use it to exercise “restraint,” self-control, and obedience, are called DISCIPLES. And DISCIPLES are winners! DISCIPLES are blessed! The rewards and benefits of DISCIPLESHIP exceed what I can even think! (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
I don’t know about you, but this gives description to my addiction. I’m addicted to God’s blessing. I’ve chosen this addiction. I don’t believe I can successfully function in life without it. I resonate with David’s words—“Because thy lovingkindness (blessing) is better than life, my lips shall praise thee” (Psalm 63:3). I have learned that His Inspired Word feeds and maintains that addiction.
The promise given in our theme verse is that BLESSING is received as a result of keeping “the law.” What law? Only crossing the street in a crosswalk? Never ever exceeding the speed limit? Never opposing abortion because such procedures are now legal? Let’s give attention to the transcending “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” which makes me free from “the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). Now there’s a law worthy of your attention!
“It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.” - George Washington