Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
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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2 Oct 11
            Hello, dear special people.
            We’ve been home about a half hour…having done our regular Gospel Sing thing at Country Meadows in Woodburn.  Becki is putting some lunch together—smells good.  There’s nothing better than good food when you’re hungry.  Funny how we never get fed up.
            Rain has been the main feature of the weather in the earlier part of the day…but now it’s just overcast with drippy trees.
            Is it really this late?...October already?
            Wish you could join us.  Becki just called me to the table.  Have a great rest of your day.
                        Love, Dad/Ray.
 
2 October 2011
Psalm 131
Focus: “But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:2.
            This psalm is a real shorty—only 3 verses.  It contains some unusual expressions.  As I ruminate on its meaning and application, I’m finding some substantial inspiration.  In fact, if my thinking is on the right track, I believe a very important, even essential, recipe for life is tucked away in these thoughts.
            Allow me to give my own paraphrase of this verse along with the psalm’s main gist and you can judge its validity and value for yourself.  “As I think carefully about my life, I have to draw this conclusion: I had nothing to do with my origin—I was designed, assembled, and birthed in total dependence.  But as I grew and developed physically and psychologically, I recognize that I was weaned from total dependence and given a measure of independence.  I refuse to be so inflated by that small portion of independence that I adopt attitudes of pride and arrogance as though I were entirely independent—as though I authored and own myself.  So I choose to never forget—never ignore or abandon—my Source and Supply—my Maker and Sustainer.  I choose to make it my purpose and passion to please and honor Him.  He is my only hope for fulfillment and success, both now and forever.”
            However you slice it, I believe it is important for me to constantly bear in mind that my relative independence is no license for an attitude of independence. What do you think?
 
“A perverse and fretful disposition makes any state of life unhappy.” - Cicero