Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Greetings, dear friends.

We’re moving slow it seems. It was only about 20 minutes ago that I climbed out of the shower following our earlier walk/jog. Lots of dialogue. Lots to talk about. Some of it was with Thano who is preparing to fly to New York early tomorrow morning—spending about a week there with his sister Jill and family.

Instead of installing signs yesterday, I went to my mill and knocked out a couple logs—and began cutting a big fat ugly one—before darkness overtook me. The butt on that log measures about 34” diameter. But I’m running down to Brooks soon to do the sign install.

I hope you have a nice day.

Blessings. 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). Good. 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. There’s your Core—your Beginning Point—your Source—your Supreme Authority—your Purpose. Then draw another circle around that circle and label it, OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS—LOVE GOD—LOVE OTHERS. You have just drawn a simple diagram of God’s master plan for man, as well as your own personal job description toward success in life. Anything outside that outer circle is a danger zone of major risk.