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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18 Feb 11
Greetings, dear people.
I’m seeing some sunshine out this window…with the fast-moving creek down the hill through the cedars…about 60 yards away. Kash is out working on the three garden sheds we have in the making. Thano has already gone to work at Safeway. And here I am, trying to get this off…and on with a very full day.
Blessings on your way today.
Love, Dad/Ray
18 February 2011
Proverbs 18
Focus: “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” Proverbs 18:9.
I have a growing conviction that the only version of Christianity that really works right—yielding the right kind of results is PASSIONATE CHRISTIANITY. The common kind of superficial faith (part-time, religious, liturgical, ceremonial, traditional, formal) just doesn’t cut it insofar as producing a life that lives victoriously over sin, self, and Satan, and emits genuine Gospel light in a sin-darkened world. This planet has enough religion!—for crying out loud!—and I confess that sometimes I do.
You may already wonder why I’m beginning with a paragraph like that following a FOCUS VERSE like the one I’ve selected. “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” We could easily talk about the obvious—the importance of a strong work ethic. But, as a Christian—a follower of Christ and member of God’s Kingdom—what is your primary WORK?—what is your priority OCCUPATION?—your fundamental JOB DESCRIPTION? Is it not to LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND BEING? Is it not to worship Him in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH? Doesn’t that sound like PASSION? May I suggest that when you and I are slack in this essential WORK we automatically link ourselves with the EVIL ONE who’s passion is to STEAL, KILL, AND TO DESTROY (John 10:10)? After all, Jesus made it clear that “He who is not with me (passionately) is against me (cooperates with the opposition of the enemy kingdom), and he who does not gather with me scatters” (Matthew 12:30).
If you and I can get our heads and hearts wrapped around this approach to living, we will have to agree that even the most menial tasks—our every day work—is supposed to be performed with this same PASSION. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart (with PASSION), as working for the LORD, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the LORD as a reward. It is the LORD Christ you are serving” (Colossians 22-23).
So…how are you doing these days?
“Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down.”