Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear ones.
Here we are at Keith and Cindy Bickley’s place in Deer Park. We’ve had a great round of fellowship and reconnection…some of which has been comparing notes of experience surrounding our common exposure to Melanesia…them in Papua New Guinea, and us in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Good time. Now we need to be off and running toward Montana. It will be fun to see some of the geography between here and there.
This being the case, the last paragraph has consumed about a half hour…being assembled in little bits and pieces amidst distracting and enjoyable animated dialogue.
I’ve had three people read the following devotional essay. It seems to be acceptable. So here goes…
Blessings on your unique day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
It is interesting to note that Elijah, following the big “victory” on Mt. Carmel, was led to believe that things were 7,000 times worse than they really were! It put him into a state of depression. Be reminded that depression is NOT a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Elijah was convinced that HE was the ONLY righteous one left. In so many words God said to him, “You’re talking nonsense, Elijah. Do you really think you’re the ‘Lone Ranger?’ Count yourself—you’re not so many! I know how to count better than you! And I have counted 7,000 in Israel who are still seeking Me.”
Herein is the great value and benefit of engaging in good honest Christian fellowship—it helps to eradicate the notion that “I am alone”—that I am unique in my temptations and struggles—that no one else faces what I am facing. This kind of interaction between believers (fellow pilgrims) not only relieves one of a sense of isolation, but also aids one with inspiration, encouragement, and instruction on how to cope and conquer—learning from what others have already learned so that we don’t have to keep re-inventing the wheel of Christian victory.
Elijah needed some good godly fellowship. So do I. So do you. So don’t forget it! (Hebrews 10:25)