It's Day 27 and we're in Luke 13.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 34 - Many times these days Christians complain (justifiably) about the moral state of America. I wonder if our attitude should be more like this verse - pained longing, rather than our usual righteous finger-pointing.
Help:
- Verse 24 - This is not saying there are many who want to enter the Kingdom and have done everything they should have but God will not let them in. Rather, it's saying there are many who will presume that they're ok with God only to have God confront them with the fact that they haven't done what God said was necessary to enter the Kingdom. See Matthew 7:13-14 for a similar passage. Those Matthew verses are then followed by a lot of talk about how essential it is to actually obey the teaching of Christ. I think a similar idea is at play here: there are a lot of people who claim to love God, but who are not obeying the teaching of Christ in their lives. They will "seek to enter" when they get to heaven, but "will not be able" because they didn't do what Jesus said to do.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
60IN60 Day 26 - Fri Jan 30
It's Day 26 and we're in Luke 12.
An encouragement as you read today: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 31 - I love this verse (and its parallel in Matthew 6:33). Put God first, seek His Kingdom, and He'll take care of all this other stuff.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
An encouragement as you read today: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 31 - I love this verse (and its parallel in Matthew 6:33). Put God first, seek His Kingdom, and He'll take care of all this other stuff.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
60IN60 Day 25 - Thurs Jan 29
It's Day 25 and we're in Luke 11.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 1 - For all of us who aren't particularly good at prayer or find prayer difficult, it's encouraging to know that the disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray and He didn't rebuke them for that.
Help:
- Verses 49-51 - This is tough to understand, but I take it to say something like, "You all are in an advantaged position - you have all the history of Israel to look back on and learn from. Yet, rather than learning, you're every bit the hypocrites that your forefathers were. Therefore the guilt just continues to pour out on you."
- Verse 52 - What is the "key to knowledge"? He doesn't say here. One obvious explanation would be that the key is Jesus. Another possibility, given the Pharisees' habits, was that the key is avoiding hypocrisy.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 1 - For all of us who aren't particularly good at prayer or find prayer difficult, it's encouraging to know that the disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray and He didn't rebuke them for that.
Help:
- Verses 49-51 - This is tough to understand, but I take it to say something like, "You all are in an advantaged position - you have all the history of Israel to look back on and learn from. Yet, rather than learning, you're every bit the hypocrites that your forefathers were. Therefore the guilt just continues to pour out on you."
- Verse 52 - What is the "key to knowledge"? He doesn't say here. One obvious explanation would be that the key is Jesus. Another possibility, given the Pharisees' habits, was that the key is avoiding hypocrisy.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
60IN60 Day 24 - Wed Jan 28
It's Day 24 and we're in Luke 10.
An encouragement as you read the Bible today: in Acts 17:11, it tells of some Christians in Berea who "received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether [what we taught was Biblical]." Let's be like them.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 41-42 - How many of us need to heed this? There are so many things to get done in a day, but "only one thing is needed."
Help:
- Verses 4-11 - These are instructions for the disciples when Jesus sent them out. These are not instructions for all disciples at all times.
- Verse 18 - I take this to mean that Satan was accusing the disciples before God for their unworthiness for the mission that Jesus had sent them on, but the power of God overwhelmed their inadequacies. Angry, Satan came back down to earth ("fall from heaven like lightning").
- Verse 19 - This is, like verses 4-11, only true for the disciples at that time and not all disciples for all time.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
An encouragement as you read the Bible today: in Acts 17:11, it tells of some Christians in Berea who "received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether [what we taught was Biblical]." Let's be like them.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 41-42 - How many of us need to heed this? There are so many things to get done in a day, but "only one thing is needed."
Help:
- Verses 4-11 - These are instructions for the disciples when Jesus sent them out. These are not instructions for all disciples at all times.
- Verse 18 - I take this to mean that Satan was accusing the disciples before God for their unworthiness for the mission that Jesus had sent them on, but the power of God overwhelmed their inadequacies. Angry, Satan came back down to earth ("fall from heaven like lightning").
- Verse 19 - This is, like verses 4-11, only true for the disciples at that time and not all disciples for all time.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
60IN60 Day 23 - Tues Jan 27
It's Day 23 and we're in Luke 9.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 1 - "He. . . gave them power" - God desires to give us power that we might be able to make a difference in the world.
Help:
- Verse 18 - That's oddly phrased. I think it means, "Jesus went away with His disciples to get some time praying alone. While on that retreat, the disciples asked. . ."
- Verse 23 - What does that mean? It means that put aside our desires and pursue where He's leading us. "Taking up your cross" means being willing to make sacrifices for the Kingdom.
- Verse 24 - What does this mean? It means that we need to pursue what God is calling us to do, even when it causes us to have to make sacrifices we'd rather not make. We do this presuming that His leading will take us to real life.
- Verse 59 - The best explanation of this I've read is that the phrase used by the man was one that meant that that his father was not yet dead but that he wanted to wait until that had happened and was taken care of.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 1 - "He. . . gave them power" - God desires to give us power that we might be able to make a difference in the world.
Help:
- Verse 18 - That's oddly phrased. I think it means, "Jesus went away with His disciples to get some time praying alone. While on that retreat, the disciples asked. . ."
- Verse 23 - What does that mean? It means that put aside our desires and pursue where He's leading us. "Taking up your cross" means being willing to make sacrifices for the Kingdom.
- Verse 24 - What does this mean? It means that we need to pursue what God is calling us to do, even when it causes us to have to make sacrifices we'd rather not make. We do this presuming that His leading will take us to real life.
- Verse 59 - The best explanation of this I've read is that the phrase used by the man was one that meant that that his father was not yet dead but that he wanted to wait until that had happened and was taken care of.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Monday, January 26, 2015
60IN60 Day 22 - Mon Jan 26
It's Day 22 and we're in Psalm 43.
A little reminder from James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!"
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 4 - Do I look at God as my "joy"?
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
A little reminder from James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!"
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 4 - Do I look at God as my "joy"?
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
60IN60 Day 21 - Sun Jan 25
It's Day 21 and we're in Psalm 42.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 3 - I appreciate the honesty of the Psalms about how tough life is.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 3 - I appreciate the honesty of the Psalms about how tough life is.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
60IN60 Day 20 - Sat Jan 24
It's Day 20 and we're in Psalm 41.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 3 - You've got to be careful and not take verses like this one to be universal promises that God will always fulfill.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 3 - You've got to be careful and not take verses like this one to be universal promises that God will always fulfill.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Friday, January 23, 2015
60IN60 Day 19 - Fri Jan 23
It's Day 19 and we're in Colossians 4.
If you've got questions about your reading, I love answering those. Feel free to email me. Unless it's something personal, I'll usually anonymously share the question (and answer) in the following day's email so everyone can benefit from it.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 2 - I like the idea he puts out here about "keeping alert" (NASB) in our prayers. I think too often we pray without diligently watching for and expecting an answer.
Help:
- Verse 1 - On the difficult subject of slavery, there are some passages (like this one) where Paul addresses how they should live while in bondage and other passages where he encourages them to get their freedom if they are able.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
If you've got questions about your reading, I love answering those. Feel free to email me. Unless it's something personal, I'll usually anonymously share the question (and answer) in the following day's email so everyone can benefit from it.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 2 - I like the idea he puts out here about "keeping alert" (NASB) in our prayers. I think too often we pray without diligently watching for and expecting an answer.
Help:
- Verse 1 - On the difficult subject of slavery, there are some passages (like this one) where Paul addresses how they should live while in bondage and other passages where he encourages them to get their freedom if they are able.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
60IN60 Day 18 - Thurs Jan 22
It's Day 18 and we're in Colossians 3.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 9-10 - Fully enjoying the spiritual power that God offers us requires a daily choice to "put off" our old self and "put on" our new self. The resources are there, but we have to choose to use them.
Help:
- Verse 3 - "For you died" - This means we died spiritually. In becoming a Christian, we are spiritually "buried" with Him and then spiritually "raised to life." We are a new creation. The old (spiritual) person is dead.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Comments:
- "I love the prayer in Colossians 1:9-12. I sometimes pray this for myself substituting "I" and "me" for "you.""
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 9-10 - Fully enjoying the spiritual power that God offers us requires a daily choice to "put off" our old self and "put on" our new self. The resources are there, but we have to choose to use them.
Help:
- Verse 3 - "For you died" - This means we died spiritually. In becoming a Christian, we are spiritually "buried" with Him and then spiritually "raised to life." We are a new creation. The old (spiritual) person is dead.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Comments:
- "I love the prayer in Colossians 1:9-12. I sometimes pray this for myself substituting "I" and "me" for "you.""
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
60IN60 Day 17 - Wed Jan 21
It's Day 17 and we're in Colossians 2.
We have lots of excuses for why we don't read the Bible: "I'm too busy," "I don't know where to start," "I tried it once and got confused," "I just never got around to it." I hope "60IN60" helps you to be able to overcome those excuses and experience a rewarding time in the Word.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 5 - It is a great encouragement when you see fellow Christians making substantive spiritual progress.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
We have lots of excuses for why we don't read the Bible: "I'm too busy," "I don't know where to start," "I tried it once and got confused," "I just never got around to it." I hope "60IN60" helps you to be able to overcome those excuses and experience a rewarding time in the Word.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 5 - It is a great encouragement when you see fellow Christians making substantive spiritual progress.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
60IN60 Day 16 - Tues Jan 20
It's Day 16 and we're in Colossians 1.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 29 - What a great phrase: "struggling with all His energy." We work forward with His power, even when (or maybe "especially when") it's a struggle.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 29 - What a great phrase: "struggling with all His energy." We work forward with His power, even when (or maybe "especially when") it's a struggle.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Monday, January 19, 2015
60IN60 Day 15 - Mon Jan 19
It's Day 15 and we're in Isaiah 61.
One reason to be in the Bible regularly? It cuts through the clutter. We are surrounded by tons of information, but so much of it is essentially irrelevant to a meaningful life. The Bible speaks to the issues that matter.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 1 - These are the verses Jesus quoted as He began His ministry. They tell us so much about the kind of Kingdom He intended: one for the brokenhearted, the poor, the captive.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Comments:
- "Whether it refers to the Millennial Reign or the new Heaven/earth/Jerusalem, how awesome it will be to experience life in a world as perfect as God planned it to be."
One reason to be in the Bible regularly? It cuts through the clutter. We are surrounded by tons of information, but so much of it is essentially irrelevant to a meaningful life. The Bible speaks to the issues that matter.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 1 - These are the verses Jesus quoted as He began His ministry. They tell us so much about the kind of Kingdom He intended: one for the brokenhearted, the poor, the captive.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Comments:
- "Whether it refers to the Millennial Reign or the new Heaven/earth/Jerusalem, how awesome it will be to experience life in a world as perfect as God planned it to be."
Sunday, January 18, 2015
60IN60 Day 14 - Sun Jan 18
It's Day 14 and we're in Isaiah 54.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 17 - That first phrase is one that's often claimed in prayer by Christians anticipating victory.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 17 - That first phrase is one that's often claimed in prayer by Christians anticipating victory.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
60IN60 Day 13 - Sat Jan 17
It's Day 13 and we're in Isaiah 11.
If you come across something in your reading that doesn't make sense at first, be quick to re-read and to ask questions. If I can help answer anything, drop me an email.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 2 - We have that Spirit within us: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. Seems like we should be listening more often to Someone that great.
Help:
- Verses 6-9 - This refers to a time in the future when the world will be as it should be. Some believe this refers to the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. Some believe this refers to the time described in Revelation 21-22 when there will be a new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Questions:
- "Why did Jesus need to speak in parables. Seems like he would be plain spoken so anyone could understand the message." - Good question, and one that the disciples also struggled with. At one level, I think the parables provided a simple truth - a simple story that could be accessible at a basic level to anyone. At another level, the parables allowed deeper meaning to be hidden from those who didn't want it (or, who didn't "have ears to hear," as Jesus put it). So I think a big part of the choice to teach in parables was that the parable allowed the depth of understanding to vary based on the depth of spiritual desire.
If you come across something in your reading that doesn't make sense at first, be quick to re-read and to ask questions. If I can help answer anything, drop me an email.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 2 - We have that Spirit within us: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. Seems like we should be listening more often to Someone that great.
Help:
- Verses 6-9 - This refers to a time in the future when the world will be as it should be. Some believe this refers to the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. Some believe this refers to the time described in Revelation 21-22 when there will be a new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Questions:
- "Why did Jesus need to speak in parables. Seems like he would be plain spoken so anyone could understand the message." - Good question, and one that the disciples also struggled with. At one level, I think the parables provided a simple truth - a simple story that could be accessible at a basic level to anyone. At another level, the parables allowed deeper meaning to be hidden from those who didn't want it (or, who didn't "have ears to hear," as Jesus put it). So I think a big part of the choice to teach in parables was that the parable allowed the depth of understanding to vary based on the depth of spiritual desire.
Friday, January 16, 2015
60IN60 Day 12 - Fri Jan 16
It's Day 12 and we're in Isaiah 6.
We'll just be choosing a few of the best chapters from the book of Isaiah as we read over the next few days.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 5 - Part of coming into the true presence of God is that we are made keenly aware of how inadequate we are. It's not a pleasant thing, but it's part of being near Someone so purely holy.
Help:
- Verses 9-10 - This makes it sound like God desires that they not repent. I think it's less a statement of what God desires and more a statement of the way the people actually are. God is sending Isaiah knowing the people will not respond the way He wishes they would.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
We'll just be choosing a few of the best chapters from the book of Isaiah as we read over the next few days.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 5 - Part of coming into the true presence of God is that we are made keenly aware of how inadequate we are. It's not a pleasant thing, but it's part of being near Someone so purely holy.
Help:
- Verses 9-10 - This makes it sound like God desires that they not repent. I think it's less a statement of what God desires and more a statement of the way the people actually are. God is sending Isaiah knowing the people will not respond the way He wishes they would.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
60IN60 Day 11 - Thurs Jan 15
It's Day 11 and we're in 1 Kings 19.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 3 - It's amazing (and true to life) how Elijah can move from such a stunning victory (chapter 18) to running for his life so quickly. I've often seen it in my life how in the space of just a few hours things can go from amazing victory to total meltdown.
Help:
- Verses 1-21 - There are tons of signs here that Elijah is dealing with what we would diagnose today as depression. Just because we are following God or working for God doesn't mean that we aren't going to deal with problems like everyone else does.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 3 - It's amazing (and true to life) how Elijah can move from such a stunning victory (chapter 18) to running for his life so quickly. I've often seen it in my life how in the space of just a few hours things can go from amazing victory to total meltdown.
Help:
- Verses 1-21 - There are tons of signs here that Elijah is dealing with what we would diagnose today as depression. Just because we are following God or working for God doesn't mean that we aren't going to deal with problems like everyone else does.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
60IN60 Day 10 - Wed Jan 14
It's Day 10 and we're in 1 Kings 18.
One problem that regularly bothers me as I read is a wandering mind. A word in the text will make me think of something that I have to do that day and my mind is off to the races, leaving the Bible behind. I've found it helpful to have something near me that I can make a note on when that happens so I can write down that thing I need to do later and get back to concentrating on the reading in front of me.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 43 - It's odd that after that dramatic and immediate answer from God, this time he has to pray multiple times. Sometimes God works that way.
Help:
- Verse 17 - Elijah was just bringing God's message, yet he is personally condemned for it.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
One problem that regularly bothers me as I read is a wandering mind. A word in the text will make me think of something that I have to do that day and my mind is off to the races, leaving the Bible behind. I've found it helpful to have something near me that I can make a note on when that happens so I can write down that thing I need to do later and get back to concentrating on the reading in front of me.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 43 - It's odd that after that dramatic and immediate answer from God, this time he has to pray multiple times. Sometimes God works that way.
Help:
- Verse 17 - Elijah was just bringing God's message, yet he is personally condemned for it.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
60IN60 Day 9 - Tues Jan 13
It's Day 9 and we're in 1 Kings 17.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 18, 20 - How often our first instinct is to blame God.
Help:
- Verse 1 - Ahab is the king.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Questions You Have:
- "Just wondering why Jesus told Legion to return home telling people what God had done for him, but in the next story of the young girl he told them to keep quiet?" - Great question! Jesus frequently told people not to tell anyone after He had done a miracle for them. Yet at the same time, He was traveling from town-to-town spreading the Good News. For me, what I focus on is the frenzy that often developed around Christ. The crowds would get very excited over the miracles they were seeing Him do. They even tried at times to force Him to become king. I think Jesus was interested in spreading the gospel around Israel (thus telling the man to go home and tell what God had done for him) while simultaneously trying to keep things from getting out of control when He had big crowds around Him reaching a fever pitch over the amazing miracles they were seeing (like with the girl raised to life). He wanted the people to know but without the people taking charge of the ministry He was doing.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 18, 20 - How often our first instinct is to blame God.
Help:
- Verse 1 - Ahab is the king.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Questions You Have:
- "Just wondering why Jesus told Legion to return home telling people what God had done for him, but in the next story of the young girl he told them to keep quiet?" - Great question! Jesus frequently told people not to tell anyone after He had done a miracle for them. Yet at the same time, He was traveling from town-to-town spreading the Good News. For me, what I focus on is the frenzy that often developed around Christ. The crowds would get very excited over the miracles they were seeing Him do. They even tried at times to force Him to become king. I think Jesus was interested in spreading the gospel around Israel (thus telling the man to go home and tell what God had done for him) while simultaneously trying to keep things from getting out of control when He had big crowds around Him reaching a fever pitch over the amazing miracles they were seeing (like with the girl raised to life). He wanted the people to know but without the people taking charge of the ministry He was doing.
Monday, January 12, 2015
60IN60 Day 8 - Mon Jan 12
It's Day 8 and we're in Luke 8.
One reason to be in the Bible regularly? It provides the answers to life's most pressing questions: "Why am I here?" "What value does my life have?" "What does God want out of me?" "What does a life well spent look like?" For all the time we spend daily on trivial things, it's essential that we spend some time on the big questions.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 21 - True believers are not those who say they believe in Jesus, but those who "put it into practice."
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
One reason to be in the Bible regularly? It provides the answers to life's most pressing questions: "Why am I here?" "What value does my life have?" "What does God want out of me?" "What does a life well spent look like?" For all the time we spend daily on trivial things, it's essential that we spend some time on the big questions.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 21 - True believers are not those who say they believe in Jesus, but those who "put it into practice."
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
60IN60 Day 7 - Sun Jan 11
It's Day 7 and we're in Luke 7.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 9 - Jesus was impressed because this man believed when Jesus said it then it was as good as done.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 9 - Jesus was impressed because this man believed when Jesus said it then it was as good as done.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
60IN60 Day 6 - Sat Jan 10
It's Day 6 and we're in Luke 6.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 11 - It's amazing how focused we can become on our theology and miss the obvious move of God that's right in front of our face.
Help:
- Verse 2 - It didn't violate the Mosaic Law; it violated their rules derived from the Mosaic Law.
- Verses 21-22 - I think the point is not that we are to be miserable, but that need to have a hunger and desire for things that are beyond this world.
- Verses 24-26 - We need to make sure we aren't content with the petty things that this world can offer us.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Questions:
- From reading Job:
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 11 - It's amazing how focused we can become on our theology and miss the obvious move of God that's right in front of our face.
Help:
- Verse 2 - It didn't violate the Mosaic Law; it violated their rules derived from the Mosaic Law.
- Verses 21-22 - I think the point is not that we are to be miserable, but that need to have a hunger and desire for things that are beyond this world.
- Verses 24-26 - We need to make sure we aren't content with the petty things that this world can offer us.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Questions:
- From reading Job:
"I should have asked this question days ago instead I just pushed it aside but it keeps nagging at me. The way I understand this, one day the angels or members of the heavenly court (depending on the translation) came before the Lord and "Satan came with them". This is also mentioned in Chapter 2.
Question: Why would God entertain an audience with Satan? Why would God allow Satan to enter into his presence? I just can't understand why God would converse with Satan. God cannot look upon sin and that's all that Satan is. He is a liar, deceiver, accuser, etc. Everything about him is sinful, his very nature is sin. I just can't get my head around this." - Good question. I don't know that there's a direct answer in the Bible, but I'll share a few thoughts that come to mind. 1. You said that God cannot look upon sin. That's technically not true. The world is filled with sin and God looks upon it every day. God cannot look upon sin approvingly. God, however, interacts with sin and sinful situations constantly as He works to pull us out of our sin through Christ. 2. It's an open question whether Satan still has access to heaven or not. We know he does in this Old Testament situation (Job). It's a long story, but whether Satan still does depends on an interpretation of a particular passage in Revelation. 3. Our ideas of what heaven is really like should be altered some by phrases like we find in Revelation 12:7 - "and there was war in heaven." Ponder that for a while! 4. Finally, the big question: why would God allow Satan into His throne room? That's a tough one. Two clues: a. We know one of the titles given Satan in the Bible is "The Accuser," so we can presume that part of Satan's "job" is accusing us before God; b. Stemming from the Job passage, it shows God delighting in "bragging" on His servant Job, so maybe from God's perspective He loves showing what His children are doing and how they're following Him.
Question: Why would God entertain an audience with Satan? Why would God allow Satan to enter into his presence? I just can't understand why God would converse with Satan. God cannot look upon sin and that's all that Satan is. He is a liar, deceiver, accuser, etc. Everything about him is sinful, his very nature is sin. I just can't get my head around this." - Good question. I don't know that there's a direct answer in the Bible, but I'll share a few thoughts that come to mind. 1. You said that God cannot look upon sin. That's technically not true. The world is filled with sin and God looks upon it every day. God cannot look upon sin approvingly. God, however, interacts with sin and sinful situations constantly as He works to pull us out of our sin through Christ. 2. It's an open question whether Satan still has access to heaven or not. We know he does in this Old Testament situation (Job). It's a long story, but whether Satan still does depends on an interpretation of a particular passage in Revelation. 3. Our ideas of what heaven is really like should be altered some by phrases like we find in Revelation 12:7 - "and there was war in heaven." Ponder that for a while! 4. Finally, the big question: why would God allow Satan into His throne room? That's a tough one. Two clues: a. We know one of the titles given Satan in the Bible is "The Accuser," so we can presume that part of Satan's "job" is accusing us before God; b. Stemming from the Job passage, it shows God delighting in "bragging" on His servant Job, so maybe from God's perspective He loves showing what His children are doing and how they're following Him.
Friday, January 9, 2015
60IN60 Day 5 - Fri Jan 9
It's Day 5 and we're in Luke 5.
Sometimes things get busy and you miss a day or two. Don’t get discouraged and quit. Just lay aside those readings you missed and jump in with today’s reading.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 6 - When God sends a harvest, it's abundant. I want to see that kind of abundant harvest in our church.
Help:
- Verse 11, 27-28 - They had heard Jesus before. This was not following-a-stranger deal.
- Verse 17 - Apparently the faith that the people had (or didn't have) impacted His ability to heal.
- Verse 35 - We should be fasting regularly, but almost none of us do.
- Verses 36-39 - He's saying that He's come to do a new thing and He's not going to just try to patch up the old.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Sometimes things get busy and you miss a day or two. Don’t get discouraged and quit. Just lay aside those readings you missed and jump in with today’s reading.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 6 - When God sends a harvest, it's abundant. I want to see that kind of abundant harvest in our church.
Help:
- Verse 11, 27-28 - They had heard Jesus before. This was not following-a-stranger deal.
- Verse 17 - Apparently the faith that the people had (or didn't have) impacted His ability to heal.
- Verse 35 - We should be fasting regularly, but almost none of us do.
- Verses 36-39 - He's saying that He's come to do a new thing and He's not going to just try to patch up the old.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
60IN60 Day 4 - Thurs Jan 8
It's Day 4 and we're in Luke 4.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 14 - I want to see "the power of the Spirit" flowing through my life.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Comments:
- "How many times I have read these passages and only today did the sermon from John the Baptist in Luke 3:7-14 jump out at me. The message of repentance and being fruitful lives from the beginning of time itself."
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 14 - I want to see "the power of the Spirit" flowing through my life.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Comments:
- "How many times I have read these passages and only today did the sermon from John the Baptist in Luke 3:7-14 jump out at me. The message of repentance and being fruitful lives from the beginning of time itself."
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
60IN60 Day 3 - Wed Jan 7
It's Day 3 and we're in Luke 3.
As you read, listen for where God wants to speak to you. What jumps out to you? What speaks to situations you're dealing with right now?
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 8 - Repentance is not just saying we're sorry - there also has to be a change in the our actions.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Questions:
- "Luke 1:65: Ok. So NASB says fear; NIV says awe. Completely 2 different meanings to me." - Great question. This raises the issue of translating the Bible. The New Testament was originally written in Greek; the Old Testament in Hebrew. To get them into another language, you have to translate them into that language. As the translators do that, they have to make judgment calls about what the writer intended when he wrote it originally, because some words have multiple meanings. Often this includes looking at the larger context of that chapter and discerning what the author meant. An example: what do I mean if I say, "That made me depressed." The word "depressed" has multiple meanings: it could mean, "That wasn't what I wanted to have happen"; it could mean, "I am feeling pretty sad about that"; it could mean, "I am clinically depressed and need professional help." If you look at the larger context of what I said and saw that I was talking about a football game, you'd guess that almost certainly it was the first meaning. As translators worked on that word in Luke 1:65, it's a Greek word that in some contexts can mean "fear" and in others mean "awe," so the translators did the best they could to discern the mean. Sometimes they come to different conclusions. At that moment, we can dig in ourselves and see what we believe the right answer is.
- "First; I detest wine so not asking to be able to drink wine. HAHA!
1 Timothy 3 verse 8 says...in the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Luke 1 verse 15 says....for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink...
So it's ok for deacons to drink wine as long as they don't get drunk and John the Baptist is to never drink wine or any other "alcohol".
I have heard many disagreements in today's world about drinking. Some feel drinking is ok if you don't get drink, any type of alcohol. Some feel drinking wine is ok. Some think you can't even cook with any type of "alcohol". I have a friend who will not frequent any establishment that has alcohol being sold.
So my question is; (finally); is the drinking of wine only for deacons of the church? Are these scriptures only for that period of time and wine or any other fermented drink is out of the question? I had this question in my book and then read this chapter." -
The general rule for deacons is that they may drink a little wine, but should not get drunk. This is, to my mind, the general rule for Christians. I personally choose not to drink because I know there are people that might stumble in their faith if they saw me drinking, so I choose not to do that.
The Luke 1:15 reference is to John the Baptist. His is a unique mission and a unique situation for the angel to command that.
There are disagreements over how much drinking is ok. Many Baptists say none; many other Christians say in moderation. There is no doubt from the gospels that Jesus drank wine (although, granted, wine back then was very weak). I have relatives who used to refuse to eat in any establishment that served wine. For me personally: I don't drink, but I do eat at restaurants that sell alcohol, as well as shopping at stores (like Walmart and Krogers) that sell wine.
I would say, "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" (i.e. let each one discern the truth as well as he can and live that out). It's ok that we disagree on this issue - it's not a major point of faith.
As you read, listen for where God wants to speak to you. What jumps out to you? What speaks to situations you're dealing with right now?
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 8 - Repentance is not just saying we're sorry - there also has to be a change in the our actions.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Your Questions:
- "Luke 1:65: Ok. So NASB says fear; NIV says awe. Completely 2 different meanings to me." - Great question. This raises the issue of translating the Bible. The New Testament was originally written in Greek; the Old Testament in Hebrew. To get them into another language, you have to translate them into that language. As the translators do that, they have to make judgment calls about what the writer intended when he wrote it originally, because some words have multiple meanings. Often this includes looking at the larger context of that chapter and discerning what the author meant. An example: what do I mean if I say, "That made me depressed." The word "depressed" has multiple meanings: it could mean, "That wasn't what I wanted to have happen"; it could mean, "I am feeling pretty sad about that"; it could mean, "I am clinically depressed and need professional help." If you look at the larger context of what I said and saw that I was talking about a football game, you'd guess that almost certainly it was the first meaning. As translators worked on that word in Luke 1:65, it's a Greek word that in some contexts can mean "fear" and in others mean "awe," so the translators did the best they could to discern the mean. Sometimes they come to different conclusions. At that moment, we can dig in ourselves and see what we believe the right answer is.
- "First; I detest wine so not asking to be able to drink wine. HAHA!
1 Timothy 3 verse 8 says...in the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Luke 1 verse 15 says....for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink...
So it's ok for deacons to drink wine as long as they don't get drunk and John the Baptist is to never drink wine or any other "alcohol".
I have heard many disagreements in today's world about drinking. Some feel drinking is ok if you don't get drink, any type of alcohol. Some feel drinking wine is ok. Some think you can't even cook with any type of "alcohol". I have a friend who will not frequent any establishment that has alcohol being sold.
So my question is; (finally); is the drinking of wine only for deacons of the church? Are these scriptures only for that period of time and wine or any other fermented drink is out of the question? I had this question in my book and then read this chapter." -
The general rule for deacons is that they may drink a little wine, but should not get drunk. This is, to my mind, the general rule for Christians. I personally choose not to drink because I know there are people that might stumble in their faith if they saw me drinking, so I choose not to do that.
The Luke 1:15 reference is to John the Baptist. His is a unique mission and a unique situation for the angel to command that.
There are disagreements over how much drinking is ok. Many Baptists say none; many other Christians say in moderation. There is no doubt from the gospels that Jesus drank wine (although, granted, wine back then was very weak). I have relatives who used to refuse to eat in any establishment that served wine. For me personally: I don't drink, but I do eat at restaurants that sell alcohol, as well as shopping at stores (like Walmart and Krogers) that sell wine.
I would say, "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" (i.e. let each one discern the truth as well as he can and live that out). It's ok that we disagree on this issue - it's not a major point of faith.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
60IN60 Day 2 - Tues Jan 6
It's Day 2 and we're in Luke 2.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 46 - Even for Christ, wisdom was a matter of learning.
Help:
- Verse 52 - Part of the humility of Christ becoming human was that He had to learn along the way. He was not a baby in Mary's arms already understanding everything. He "played by the rules" of being human.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Questions And Comments You Have:
- "Think it is odd that God struck Zechariah dumb when he didn't understand how this could happen but when Mary asked how can this be? He did nothing to rebuke her." - I think the reason had to do with his maturity and her youth. He'd walked with God a long time; she was young and just starting out. He should have had sufficient faith to believe the message.
- "As many time as I've read this passage, I'm seeing for the first time the disparity of treatment between Zachariah and Mary. Both responded pretty much the same way to the angel's revelation. I suppose it was due to Z's advanced age and position that he was held to a higher standard. And it is believed that Mary was of a very young age (14-15), perhaps her innocence being the reason she wasn't reprimanded for her similar question?" - Yes, I think that had a lot to do with it.
- "Being filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.... sort of figure he was, even in the womb.... never really dwelt on or contemplated that much until today..... amazing. His knowledge and submission to God and his parents as a child, the total John that people seen of him seems to be the reason for verse 17.... just as it draws our attention to an obedient and humble child as opposed to disobedient....."
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 46 - Even for Christ, wisdom was a matter of learning.
Help:
- Verse 52 - Part of the humility of Christ becoming human was that He had to learn along the way. He was not a baby in Mary's arms already understanding everything. He "played by the rules" of being human.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Questions And Comments You Have:
- "Think it is odd that God struck Zechariah dumb when he didn't understand how this could happen but when Mary asked how can this be? He did nothing to rebuke her." - I think the reason had to do with his maturity and her youth. He'd walked with God a long time; she was young and just starting out. He should have had sufficient faith to believe the message.
- "As many time as I've read this passage, I'm seeing for the first time the disparity of treatment between Zachariah and Mary. Both responded pretty much the same way to the angel's revelation. I suppose it was due to Z's advanced age and position that he was held to a higher standard. And it is believed that Mary was of a very young age (14-15), perhaps her innocence being the reason she wasn't reprimanded for her similar question?" - Yes, I think that had a lot to do with it.
- "Being filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.... sort of figure he was, even in the womb.... never really dwelt on or contemplated that much until today..... amazing. His knowledge and submission to God and his parents as a child, the total John that people seen of him seems to be the reason for verse 17.... just as it draws our attention to an obedient and humble child as opposed to disobedient....."
Monday, January 5, 2015
60IN60 Day 1 - Mon Jan 5
It's Day 1 and we're in Luke 1.
The list of the 60 days of readings is at the bottom of this email.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 65 - NASB says they were filled with "fear." It's amazing how even God doing good things can fill some with fear.
Help:
- Verse 6 - Not that they were perfect, but they were faithfully pursuing God within the Old Testament sacrifice system.
- Verse 17 - This verse quotes Malachi 4:6 - the last verse of the Old Testament. It's an unusual phrase, the point of which seems to be that the fathers will turn their hearts back toward doing what's right for their children.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
* * * * *
We start a new round of 60IN60 today.
You can get the new readings several ways:
1. It's available on the church website. Click here for a one-page PDF.
2. Sheets are available in the hallway at MBC.
3. You can email me at butcher@ymail.com and I'll email you a one-page PDF.
4. It's listed below.
* * * * *
The list of the 60 days of readings is at the bottom of this email.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 65 - NASB says they were filled with "fear." It's amazing how even God doing good things can fill some with fear.
Help:
- Verse 6 - Not that they were perfect, but they were faithfully pursuing God within the Old Testament sacrifice system.
- Verse 17 - This verse quotes Malachi 4:6 - the last verse of the Old Testament. It's an unusual phrase, the point of which seems to be that the fathers will turn their hearts back toward doing what's right for their children.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
* * * * *
We start a new round of 60IN60 today.
You can get the new readings several ways:
1. It's available on the church website. Click here for a one-page PDF.
2. Sheets are available in the hallway at MBC.
3. You can email me at butcher@ymail.com and I'll email you a one-page PDF.
4. It's listed below.
* * * * *
1: Luke 1 (Monday, January 5)
2: Luke 2
3: Luke 3
4: Luke 4
5: Luke 5
6: Luke 6
7: Luke 7
8: Luke 8 (Monday, January 12)
9: 1 Kings 17
10: 1 Kings 18
11: 1 Kings 19
12: Isaiah 6
13: Isaiah 11
14: Isaiah 54
15: Isaiah 61 (Monday, January 19)
16: Colossians 1
17: Colossians 2
18: Colossians 3
19: Colossians 4
20: Psalm 41
21: Psalm 42
22: Psalm 43 (Monday, January 26)
23: Luke 9
24: Luke 10
25: Luke 11
26: Luke 12
27: Luke 13
28: Luke 14
29: Luke 15 (Monday, February 2)
30: Luke 16
31: Jeremiah 18
32: Jeremiah 23
33: Jeremiah 31
34: Jeremiah 38
35: 2 Kings 4
36: 2 Kings 5 (Monday, February 9)
37: Acts 9
38: Acts 10
39: Acts 11
40: Acts 12
41: Proverbs 23
42: Luke 17
43: Luke 18 (Monday, February 16)
44: Luke 19
45: Luke 20
46: Luke 21
47: Luke 22
48: Luke 23
49: Luke 24
50: Ecclesiastes 1 (Monday, February 23)
51: Ecclesiastes 2
52: Ecclesiastes 3
53: 2 Samuel 5
54: 2 Samuel 6
55: 2 Samuel 7
56: 2 Samuel 8
57: 2 Samuel 9 (Monday, March 2)
58: 2 Samuel 10
59: 2 Samuel 11
60: 2 Samuel 12
Sunday, January 4, 2015
60IN60 Next Round
We start a new round of 60IN60 on Monday.
You can get the new readings several ways:
1. It's available on the church website. Click here for a one-page PDF.
2. Sheets are available in the hallway at MBC.
3. You can email me at butcher@ymail.com and I'll email you a one-page PDF.
4. It's listed below.
* * * * *
You can get the new readings several ways:
1. It's available on the church website. Click here for a one-page PDF.
2. Sheets are available in the hallway at MBC.
3. You can email me at butcher@ymail.com and I'll email you a one-page PDF.
4. It's listed below.
* * * * *
1: Luke 1 (Monday, January 5)
2: Luke 2
3: Luke 3
4: Luke 4
5: Luke 5
6: Luke 6
7: Luke 7
8: Luke 8 (Monday, January 12)
9: 1 Kings 17
10: 1 Kings 18
11: 1 Kings 19
12: Isaiah 6
13: Isaiah 11
14: Isaiah 54
15: Isaiah 61 (Monday, January 19)
16: Colossians 1
17: Colossians 2
18: Colossians 3
19: Colossians 4
20: Psalm 41
21: Psalm 42
22: Psalm 43 (Monday, January 26)
23: Luke 9
24: Luke 10
25: Luke 11
26: Luke 12
27: Luke 13
28: Luke 14
29: Luke 15 (Monday, February 2)
30: Luke 16
31: Jeremiah 18
32: Jeremiah 23
33: Jeremiah 31
34: Jeremiah 38
35: 2 Kings 4
36: 2 Kings 5 (Monday, February 9)
37: Acts 9
38: Acts 10
39: Acts 11
40: Acts 12
41: Proverbs 23
42: Luke 17
43: Luke 18 (Monday, February 16)
44: Luke 19
45: Luke 20
46: Luke 21
47: Luke 22
48: Luke 23
49: Luke 24
50: Ecclesiastes 1 (Monday, February 23)
51: Ecclesiastes 2
52: Ecclesiastes 3
53: 2 Samuel 5
54: 2 Samuel 6
55: 2 Samuel 7
56: 2 Samuel 8
57: 2 Samuel 9 (Monday, March 2)
58: 2 Samuel 10
59: 2 Samuel 11
60: 2 Samuel 12
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