2016 picture of Ray Sparre

Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67



March 13, 2018

Greetings, dear ones.

I’m kind of embarrassed over my past misspelling of the Erie Canal. It’s not “Eerie!” But it sure is interesting to learn more of the history of this engineering marvel that covered a span of 363 miles—an incredible artery of freight and commerce that profoundly helped to make young America great. We watched a documentary on it. But since I’ve never navigated on the Erie Canal, I don’t know many neighbors or have many pals around these parts.

We have to be at the airport early tomorrow morning to head back to Oregon.

Blessings on your day. Ray and Becki.


13 March 2018
Acts 18:1-23
Focus: “One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a supernatural vision and said, ‘Don’t ever be afraid. Speak the words that I give you and don’t be intimidated, because I am with you…’”
Acts 18:9-10 (The Passion Translation)

My take from this recorded divine encounter is simple: Without the punctuation of a “supernatural vision,” I am inclined to believe that the same Lord wishes to transmit essentially the same message to you and me. In fact it’s a repeated theme throughout the Bible. Very similar in content to the FOCUS VERSE is a verse my mother had me memorize when I was a little kid. I’ll quote it here from memory: “Fear thou not for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Did I get it right? Isaiah 41:10, KJV).

The benefits of hiding encouraging promises like this in our hearts and minds should be a “no brainer.” After all, what good reason do we have to ever get all freaked out or fearful over any circumstances IF we know we are being accompanied by the Sovereign God of the universe?!?

“Righteousness is like a shield of protection, guarding those who keep their integrity,
but sin is the downfall of the wicked.”

Proverbs 13:6 (The Passion Translation)