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 |
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28 May 11
Hello, dear ones.
At least it’s not raining right now. But it’s pretty cold and overcast. And the creek is running murky and fast.
It’s kind of fun to watch a little bird make it’s Springtime nest under a loose flap of bark on a nearby cedar tree. It’s a tiny bird…don’t know its name. Amazing to watch it scamper around on the vertical surface of that tree as though it were horizontal. Fingerprints of the Creator are absolutely everywhere!...hidden in plain view!
Blessings on your day. Love, Dad/Ray
28 May 2011
Psalm 26
Focus: “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.” Psalm 26:1.
I don’t see any compelling evidence that God intends you to live your life in some kind of constant heavenly utopian bubble where there is wall to wall peace, health, and prosperity—no problems, no challenges, no temptations—along with miracles at every turn. What I do see is evidence that the authentic Christian life is a perpetual juggling act—seeking a proper balance between love and hate, victory and defeat, self-rejection and confidence. It is intentional living. It’s difficult. And it’s certainly not accidental.
The superior value of the authentic Christian life, in spite of its difficulties, is underscored by considering the alternatives (I believe this kind of consideration should scare the hell out us! If not, I don’t think we’re appropriately considering.). When its qualities and benefits are weighed against the risks of independent and self-centered living, I believe the authentic Christian life wins the competition hands down. (To be sure, there is a competition going on. Ultimately, it’s between the two kingdoms of the universe.) Jesus did not say, “Come to me and you will never have weariness, hard work, or heaviness.” He said, in so many words, “Come to me and take on the best and easiest kind of weariness, hard work, and heaviness by comparison with the alternatives.” More accurately, here are His actual words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
What does all this have to do with David and this Psalm? I perceive that David is actually giving expression to this very normal and important struggle. For one thing, he’s having a tough time trying to figure out why in the world he is being so misunderstood, misconstrued, and rejected by some around him when he knows he is doing everything he knows to do to please God and be right before Him. (Man—I sure know what that struggle feels like!) In this sense, David’s claim is a valid and balanced one when he says, “I have led a blameless life.” I don’t hear him saying, “Look at how wonderful I am, God—so you owe me.” Instead he is saying, “You know, LORD, that I can’t possibly do or be anything beyond what I know or believe is right before You. You know I’ve given it my best effort within those parameters. But if I’m lacking or out of bounds in any way, please show me.” That attitude is born out by the next verse: “Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind” (v. 2).
The difficulty of living a righteous life before God is reduced to its bare minimum by pursuing, like David, a personal HEART AFTER GOD. Perhaps you’ve noticed—I use that phrase often. It sums up my basic need—to love what God loves and want what He wants. There’s the authentic Christian life in a nutshell.
When Jesus says, “Come,” please do so. And don’t just walk—run!
“The world will never starve for want of wonders, but for want of wonder.” - Gilbert K. Chesterton