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 |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 Feb 11
Greetings, special ones.
Already this morning we have had some conversation over the topic of how things are going in our world, nation, and local government…all affecting our economic status. Fuel is expected to sky-rocket…and inflation is inevitable. It seems almost ironic that I would be taking on a topic like the one I have below. Until something happens in the form of dramatic divine revelation, I’ll stick to this position.
Becki and I not only talk every morning…lately we have also been singing every morning…singing the song of Lamentations 3:22-23. I’d advise that you sing it too. And DON’T STOP singing it!
May your day be blessed.
Love, Dad/Ray
3 February 2011
Proverbs 3
Focus: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” Proverbs 3:9.
I am definitely not a member of the “Name-it-and-claim-it” prosperity cult. But, as I’ve said before, I am addicted (by choice) to THE BLESSING OF THE LORD. I think it’s a very appropriate addiction based on this fundamental reasoning: If it is true that the Lord is big enough to direct my paths and orchestrate blessings beyond my abilities to produce, it makes a huge amount of sense to sincerely seek Him, to acknowledge Him in all my ways, and make it my priority of life to honor (please) Him. How does that play out? Is it just rhetorical or theoretical? Is it just religious verbiage? No. It has to be personal and practical. And I believe it has to include my pocket book (money).
This is not in the vein of boasting, but I am grateful to have learned the standard of TITHES AND OFFERINGS at a young age. So, for me personally, it is not difficult at all to be involved in this way. It’s not drudgery or burden based on a fear that says, “How can I possibly afford to give 10 percent? How can I possibly afford to give beyond that? I simply don’t have the level of income to allow that!” While practical acknowledgment of facts is always called for, so is practical faith. And practical faith says, “I cannot afford to NOT be involved in giving of TITHES AND OFFERINGS as an extension and demonstration of my worship, trust, and honoring of my Lord.” There is simply too much evidence out there that God, Who is Sovereign over everything, is able to add His blessing to this version of faith.
Recognizing that a TITHE is 10%, and an OFFERING is anything more than that, it really does play out to be fair and equal for all believers everywhere, no matter their levels of income.
Listen to verse 9 as it links with verse 10: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” In other words, blessing results from truly honoring the Lord. Just don’t try to play those contaminating tricks that motivate you to only give in order to get. That will only backfire!
Jim Davis was the first pastor I worked with in an official capacity. That was at Sandy, Oregon, 1967. I recall one of his common quips of encouragement to the congregation, consistent with his homespun humor and wit: “BEST MAKE YOUR GIVING ACCORDING TO YOUR INCOME LEST GOD MAKE YOUR INCOME ACCORDING TO YOUR GIVING.” I still regard that as good advice.
“If there be any truer measure of a man than what he does, it must be by what he gives.” - Robert South