Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Whew! Good morning, dear ones.
The day is already getting thick. I need to dash to get more parts for Thano’s truck. We hope we have identified the underlying problem. I need to check out a big rig truck that needs graphics. And I need to get some framing brackets to use in the trailer deck we’re setting up for Thano’s wood-splitter system. Later in the day I may be delivering a cord of wood. Becki will be leaving soon to do her Bible study session at Country Meadows in Woodburn. Thano doesn’t work at Safeway today, so I’m scrambling to keep him busy and productive.
I suppose I could add to the list in the devotional below. Based on Jesus affirmation in Matt. 4:4 that we need to “eat” God’s Word, IF YOU’RE ALWAYS EATING—YOU’LL NEVER BE HUNGRY (AT LEAST NOT STARVING). Based on Jesus’ words in John 4:13-14, IF YOU’RE ALWAYS DRINKING—YOU’LL NEVER BE THIRSTY. And based on John’s words in 1 John 1:7, IF YOU’RE ALWAYS WALKING IN THE LIGHT—YOU’LL NEVER BE IN THE DARK. I hereby offer these thoughts at no extra charge. And if, for whatever reason, you don’t like them, I will gladly return all your money.
Running right along…have a great day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
We all know that sleep dulls the senses and causes one to become oblivious to reality. The danger of spiritual sleep is the main idea here as it causes one to become insensitive and out of touch with spiritual reality. I’ve acquired enough real life experience to know that this is a serious danger along the course of living life. To help me avoid such a condition, I’ve taken time to process these special messages to the churches at Thyatira and Sardis (today’s reading) and have formulated several novel, practical, and revolutionary axioms—never before thought of by humans (tongue in cheek). After each statement it could be appropriate to pause and add the comment, “Duh!” Maybe I should write them out and tape them to my bathroom mirror just to help me remember…
- IF YOU’RE ALWAYS AWAKE—YOU’LL NEVER BE CAUGHT SLEEPING.
- IF YOU’RE ALWAYS READY—YOU’LL NEVER BE UNPREPARED.
- IF YOU’RE ALWAYS HOLDING ON—YOU’LL NEVER LET GO.
- IF YOU ALWAYS STAY STRONG—YOU’LL NEVER BE WEAK.
- IF YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER—YOU’LL NEVER FORGET.
- IF YOU’RE ALWAYS CLEAN—YOU’LL NEVER BE DIRTY.
- IF YOU ALWAYS STAY FRESH—YOU’LL NEVER BECOME STALE.
- IF YOU ALWAYS OVERCOME—YOU’LL NEVER BE OVERCOME.
- IF YOU’RE ALWAYS ALIVE—YOU’LL NEVER DIE.