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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8 Aug 11
Good morning, dear ones.
Becki and I just returned from a walk/jog. She’s in the shower now, hurrying to get off and pick up Thano’s two little boys at 8am for 3 days of “parenting” time…which calls for a great deal of grandparenting. There are signs, accounting, sawing, and logging on the agenda for the day. Here goes…
May your day be blessed as you walk with Him.
Love—Dad/Ray
8 August 2011
Psalm 98
Focus: “The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.” Psalm 98:2.
There is no way you or I can argue people into faith and relationship with the God of the Bible. But since I really believe that He has chosen to make those benefits available only to those who seek, I often give non-believers a personal challenge. (I know—I’ve shared this before—so this is review.) “I challenge you to pray an absolutely no-risk prayer—even out loud—that might go something like this: ‘God, I’m not even sure You are there, but if you are there, and You have stuff You want me to know that I don’t know, or want me to see that I don’t see, I invite You to bring it on and turn on my lights.’” If that kind of prayer can be uttered with honest sincerity, I believe that’s all God needs to commence the flow of vital personal revelation.
To be sure, God is not hiding, as some are inclined to believe. He’s not unknowable. Agnosticism is an invalid persuasion. He’s very much available. But He has chosen to impart His message of hope and rescue world-wide through the medium of seekers and finders. That’s why the marching orders of the Church (the universal body of Christ-followers worldwide) are to “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (worldwide) believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV).
This premise of God’s reign is underscored in the featured verse above—“The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.”
Verse 1 reads, “Sing to the LORD a new song (more worship by means of music and singing. Why?), for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” And, of course, the beneficiary of this salvation is not Himself—He has no such need—but us—we’re the ones in need of His salvation.
I’m reminded of Jeremiah 33:3. It’s God’s personal challenge and invitation. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
“Salvation is by atonement—not by attainment.”