Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear people.
In anticipation of rush hour traffic, we probably should leave the house in about 45 minutes in order to keep my doctor appointment the other side of Beaverton at 9am. We’ll knock out some other errands on that run.
Becki spent a good deal of yesterday in misery in bed…hit by another migraine. But I think she did some valid scrutinizing as to the cause. It’s KIM CHI that we’ve bought at a Korean store. There has to be some MSG in that stuff. And MSG of any kind is a headache bomb for Becki.
As I look to the new year, I could either discontinue these devotionals…or I could take on another approach. What about a walk through the Old Testament, less Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, with an aim to keep my commentary short and devotional? Just an idea. I would welcome feedback.
Have a great day in the Lord…since He made it.
Love, Dad/Ray.
OK—it’s review time again. What is the top command in the Bible? LOVE GOD. That’s right. Now, what is the second highest command? LOVE OTHERS (Matthew 22:36-40). Remember—these are requirements, not options. If you can get your head and heart wrapped those two priorities of life so that your entire life is governed by them, you will be abundantly prepared for success in life. But if you don’t—well—what do you think?
Since we are reviewing, let’s reconfirm a big glaring fact which, although a fact, seems to elude most people: YOU CANNOT DO THESE COMMANDS BY YOURSELF. No way! Forget it! You can’t! Supernatural power is required to pull them off to the point that they become an ongoing lifestyle. And the indwelling of Christ by means of His Holy Spirit (being supernatural) is the only source for that supernatural power. That is why I quote Colossians 1:27 so often: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It offers a concise description of our success in life. This is not to say, however, that it is required that you constantly FEEL supernatural power. That divine enablement is simply a by-product of A HEART AFTER GOD—one that “seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
Notice the perfect circle that is presented in the text. “And this is love.” To amplify the idea, draw a circle on paper and write LOVE at its center. Based on statements that John made back in 1 John 4:8 and 16—“God IS love”—you can also write GOD in the center of the circle. Then around the perimeter of the circle write OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS—LOVE GOD—LOVE OTHERS. You have just drawn a simple picture of God’s master plan for man as well as your personal job description toward success in life.