Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

I think we’re supposed to be amazed people—not only amazed at how time flies when you’re having fun, but amazed at the beauty and extravagant creativity of the Creator, while amazed at His AMAZING GRACE. I also think that we who live amazed have a lot more fun living than those who don’t—or aren’t. Furthermore, it’s just amazing to behold how many people are not amazed.

I need to run into Portland area to get some materials for sign crafting and repairs. I’ve already made a commitment to have some reader-board panels refurbished and in place before the sun goes down. Who knows what else will crop up?

Those swallows out there sure look like they’re having fun. They’re clearly not just feeding. Sometimes a group of 3 or 4 will come together and cavort all around and squawk at each other. But then, maybe that’s because 3 or 4 of them are fighter-piloting after the same bug and nearly collide. Who knows? Where can I go to get an answer to such a crucial question?

Blessings on your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Do you remember the behind-the-scenes conversation between God and Satan as presented in the book of Job? Satan is functioning in his role as the “accuser of the brethren” and holds that there is no such thing as a genuine believer who truly loves God and lives to please Him even when the going gets tough. He asserts that all believers are only believers for what’s in it for them personally. When God points out Job as a man of sound faith and integrity, Satan responds, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land, But stretch your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:10-11). Satan, of course, was wrong in his judgment of Job. But the neat thing to note here is that God didn’t deny the “accusation” that He had a hedge of protection and blessing around Job. PTL! (Praise the Lord!)

Consider again the words of Peter in today’s reading. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are SHIELDED BY GOD’S POWER until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Think of it. You are privileged to live within the hedge of God’s protection and blessing. In Him you are as indestructible as the roadrunner though constantly sought by the coyote. (They used to be my favorite cartoons.) As long as you tie into the faith that Peter defines, you are SHIELDED BY GOD’S POWER. It’s another way of saying, “your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Talk about security! That is definitely cause for rejoicing! So I will! Haleluia!