Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear people.

It’s kind of overcast. Being a little cooler is sure welcome. When Becki and I did our walk/jog routine there were even a few rain drops. But wasn’t enough to even begin to settle the dust.

There’s so much on my list—but I have to be aware of time as I’ll be running off this evening with a friend to the Clackamas County Jail—spending time with a couple groups of prisoners who are interested in some Gospel singing and a Bible lesson

Are we living in the last days of time? What if we think we are but we’re not? What if we think we’re not but we are? Or does it even matter? However we process this kind of questioning, one simple fact remains: None of us are permanent fixtures here. We’re all on our way somewhere. And where is that? That’s where belief boils down to a choice. I have no difficulty choosing to believe that God’s Word, the Bible, is the absolute best indicator as to where everything is going. I guess I just never expected us to get going so fast.

Have a great day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Paul testifies to a condition of his mind and conscience that I believe few humans ever come to experience—a clear conscience. He is quick to add that his clear conscience is not necessarily a guarantee of perfection and innocence. But such a condition of heart and mind certainly offers superior benefits compared to all other options I know of. Besides the offer of a wonderful eternity, I’m convinced that a HEART AFTER GOD will go a very long way toward providing a person with protection, poise, and peace amidst the struggles of life.

I know one thing for sure—if I were to surrender my conscience to the control and manipulation of other people representing the popular culture, I would quickly become a psycho-spiritual basket case. I am stabilized by my understanding of who I am and to Whom I am ultimately accountable. That’s what Paul means when he says, “It is the Lord who judges me.” Furthermore, I’m thankful that a HEART AFTER GOD automatically sets up my DCSA—Disciple’s Communication Service Account with an “APP” or connection to the Lord’s flawless surveillance system that prods my motivation to keep my conscience clear. Why would I want to violate my conscience connection when I know it is my God-given built-in warning system against displeasing my Lord?—the One Whom I have chosen to love above all else, and to Whom I am accountable?

There is some very important information and instruction given here. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God” (4:5)—or His rebuke—or worse.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19), he offers this young man some guidance and injects a serious warning that can benefit all of us. “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction…fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.”

I trust you will agree—you don’t want your faith to be a shipwreck!