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.
| Sparre Home Page | Daily Reading Guide | 2011 Devotion Archives | 2010 Devotion Archives |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4 May 11
Dear special people.
It’s later than I would like for this launching, but I’m persevering amidst a good deal of distraction. Two little boys are very good at creating that.
It’s a gorgeous afternoon here. As soon as I can break away from this computer, I hope to get a couple signs finished up. Lots more to do. Whew!
Blessings on your day…as you sincerely seek Him.
Love, Dad/Ray
4 May 2011
Psalm 3
Focus: “To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.” Psalm 3:4.
From the vastness of human performance down through time, I confess that this man David is right near the top of my list of human role models. It’s not because of his youthful idealistic faith and boldness that took on Goliath. It’s not because of his prowess as a warrior, king, and incredible military leader. It’s not because of his literary, musical, and song-writing abilities. It’s not because I envy his harem or his deplorable escapade with Bathsheba. I think the main reason I hold him in such high esteem is that amidst all this—all his talents and physical abilities, all his blunders and flaws, he always chose repentance over rebellion—always returned to his base-line of SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD which fostered A HEART AFTER GOD—making him A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART. And I’ll tell you what—if you will demonstrate these qualities, in spite of your imperfections (You thought I didn’t know?), you too will find a place near the top of my esteem list—for whatever that’s worth.
May I suggest that you be wary of a faith that is so personal, so private, and so inarticulate that it doesn’t make any noise. I believe that the expression contained in the first phrase of this verse demonstrates a quality of heart that helped to make David the man he was. He affirmed, “To the LORD I cry aloud.” Of course it’s good to pray, and God can hear when you pray silently, but there is also some very real benefit to YOU hearing you pray. And you know what?—there is also some benefit rendered to those whom you love, who live close to you (and see through your façade) when they HEAR YOU CRY TO THE LORD ALOUD. While you’re at it, praise out loud, sing out loud, and “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15) OUT LOUD! At the same time, be aware of a pitfall even here—don’t allow yourself to be OUT LOUD with these expressions ONLY AND EXCLUSIVELY within earshot of other people. OUT LOUD and PRIVATE is a very safe and responsible combo that best prepares you to be OUT LOUD in PUBLIC. You know what I mean? It’s kind of hard to be a show-off in your closet.
“He that praiseth publickly, will slander privately.” - Thomas Fuller