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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16 April 11
Good morning, dear people.
I’m trying to comprehend how this is happening. Here we are in critical straights financially…yet Becki and I are going to take off soon on a two-night get-away at an extravagant resort! The fact is, it was graciously given us. We’ve juggled schedules to comply. I guess we’ll just have to sacrifice a little…
This rain has been constant…to the present. And that creek is sure feeling it…running deep, dirty, and dangerous. Well, maybe it’s not so dangerous as long as I’m up here and it’s down there.
May your day be a good one…with an over-arching upward look.
Love, Dad/Ray
16 April 2011
Proverbs 16
Focus: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16.
I’m reminded of an illustration I’ve used many times in the past. Imagine someone with a huge amount of money approaching a little 2-year-old kid with two things to offer—they can choose one or the other, but not both. “You can have this in my left hand—or you can have this in my right hand. The choice is yours.” In his left hand the child sees one small 5-cent piece of candy. In his right hand there is a piece of paper, which is, in fact, a valid negotiable check for a trillion dollars. The little guy is only able to judge things by the standard of his limited knowledge and experience, and so, of course, he chooses the candy. He knows that tastes sweet and renders pleasure. He’s tried eating paper before, and it’s not nearly as fun as candy. He has no comprehension of the fact that with that check HE COULD BUY ALL THE CANDY IN THE WORLD!
What if this same wealthy person approached that same kid 30 years later with the same offer? Now what would his choice likely be? Can you imagine the shock at his immature foolishness if he once again chose the candy?! I’m probably afflicting you with some agony just by presenting this bizarre idea.
I think you get the point. WISDOM that is rooted in THE FEAR OF THE LORD and UNDERSTANDING that grasps His plans and purposes yields far more value over time than any amount of temporary wealth and pleasure. This is particularly true when one calculates the eternal dimension of these benefits.
Within this chapter are a few other capsules of related thought—“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice” (v. 8). “Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud” (v. 19). “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD” (v. 20). “Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools” (v. 22).
Please choose the check!
“The gratification of wealth is not found in mere possession or in lavish expenditure, but in its wise application.” - Miguel de Cervantes