2016 picture of Ray Sparre

Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67



February 1, 2018

Greetings at about my bedtime (9:16pm).

It’s been a big full day. Three grandkids were delivered last evening—two more were picked up today. So we have 5 here at once. And to add a special spin to today, this is Samara’s 15th birthday. Since the fellow I’ve been working for milks a cow, and since Samara has wanted to try milking a cow, we worked things out to all go up there at milking time to do just that. We had her cake party back at the house after.

This production is kind of a shortie—but so am I.

Have a good night. Love, Ray


01 February 2018
Matthew 22:15-46
Focus: “’Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ Jesus answered him, ‘”Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.” This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: “You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.” Contained within these commandments to love hyou will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.’”
Matthew 22:36-40 (The Passion Translation)

If it is true that Jesus is here establishing that which is the absolutely MOST IMPORTANT topic in life, have you noticed that nearly all the topics ever exchanged and discussed between average humans is concerned with trivia?—stuff that is not really very important by comparison? Think of it. But can you imagine any topic more important to talk about than what is absolutely MOST IMPORTANT? Wow! What is wrong with us?

As I ponder this reality, I cannot avoid being convinced that we are also addressing the ABSOLUTELY MOST IMPORTANT TRUTH PRINCIPLE THAT SATAN DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW! If he can cloud, obscure, hide, neutralize, or distract us from this principle, he knows that he has achieved an edge. After all, every one of us is a target for “…the evil strategies of the accuser” (Ephesians 6:11, TPT).


“How does a man gain the essence of wisdom?
We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God.
Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this,
for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.”

Proverbs 1:7 (The Passion Translation)