Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good day, dear people.

Morning just terminated. A fellow just drove away with two 2x12x20’ timbers on his truck that I cut for him this morning. Now I need to figure out which way to jump next. There’s a lot to choose from.

Funny thing—another episode on Dandy dog. I woke up yesterday morning and found no dog on our property. Phooey! Gone again! In the night there was some thunder and lightning which I think freaked out the dog. He must think that if he can change his location, he can escape the insecurity he feels with the thunder. I guess that’s not too far off from the way some people reason. I decided to drive down and check around the house where he turned up before. No sign of him. In turning onto that road I met Thano jogging. He never jogs. But he did this morning. He gave me a car key that he found on the road in front of a property further up the road. I knew the people from previous contact. So back home I called their phone. I mentioned the lost key. She said she’d tell her hubby when he comes home. Then she asked, “Are you missing a dog?” What a coincidental set of circumstances for finding Dandy. Of course I picked him up, took him home again, threw the ball for him—so he’s back to thinking life is good.

I hope you think life is good.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Contained in Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry is an essential principle for all believers toward Christian success. It is a principle that calls for constant psychological discipline. We might call it BIBLICAL MIND CONTROL. But it’s not JUST psychological. It is also spiritual, because it employs the most dynamic resource of spiritual power available to man—the proper use and application of THE WORD OF GOD—which is “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). “For THE WORD OF GOD is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Let me say it again with exclamation: This is an ESSENTIAL principle for ALL believers toward CHRISTIAN SUCCESS! Why? Because to overlook, neglect, or reject it is to guarantee CHRISTIAN FAILURE.

Have you noticed that virtually everything you do in life is a result of your thought processes? Thoughts are definitely linked to your behavior and quality of life. Please do not buy into the notion that thoughts are just thoughts—that they just come and go as they please and you hardly have any control over them. That’s a recipe for becoming a psychological and emotional basket case. Here’s how it works in simple form: THINK RIGHT—LIVE RIGHT. THINK WRONG—LIVE WRONG. And remember—there are only 2 kingdoms—God’s and Satan’s. God wants you to think right and has provided a standard and resource for doing so. Satan wants you to think wrong and will employ every subtle and deceptive trick he can to neutralize or destroy your faith. It boils down to a matter of choice. Which do you choose? Please understand that the right choice is a 24/7 choice.

As I try to think this through, I judge that it’s important to clarify that the activation of this vital principle is not just a matter of human effort. Human effort alone has been proven futile. I learn real fast that I can’t do what God’s Word says unless I do what God’s Word says. And the bottom line of what God’s Word says is to sincerely seek first His Kingdom rule and to love Him passionately—in other words, nurture A HEART AFTER GOD. Bingo! There it is again—the key to it all! It’s like entering the required password or pin number for accessing the required divine resources.