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.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Thursday, January 30, 2020
60IN60 Day 25 - Thurs Jan 30
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 29, 2020
60IN60 Day 24 - Wed Jan 29
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 28, 2020
60IN60 Day 23 - Tues Jan 28
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 27, 2020
60IN60 Day 22 - Mon Jan 27
It's Day 22 and we're in Ecclesiastes 3.
What's the Bible say about the book you're reading today? We have the Word so that as believers we can be "equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). Read the Word so you're ready for what life throws at you.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 11 - He has "set eternity in their hearts." There is something within each of us that longs for life beyond this life. I think it's there because there is life beyond this life.
Help:
- Verse 1-22 - Remember that Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of someone trying to make sense of life without a vibrant relationship with God in their life. Understanding that helps passages like verses 17-22 to make more sense - those are not the words of someone who deeply understands God.
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.
What's the Bible say about the book you're reading today? We have the Word so that as believers we can be "equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). Read the Word so you're ready for what life throws at you.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 11 - He has "set eternity in their hearts." There is something within each of us that longs for life beyond this life. I think it's there because there is life beyond this life.
Help:
- Verse 1-22 - Remember that Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of someone trying to make sense of life without a vibrant relationship with God in their life. Understanding that helps passages like verses 17-22 to make more sense - those are not the words of someone who deeply understands God.
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 26, 2020
60IN60 Day 21 - Sun Jan 26
It's Day 21 and we're in Ecclesiastes 2.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 18 - Without the hope of eternal life, there is a bitterness in knowing our only legacy is left to those who may mistreat it.
Help:
- Verse 1-26 - It's essential to understand the purpose of Ecclesiastes. It is a wise man who is not following God describing how the world seems to him. What is why it references all these wonderful things of life that the writer (almost certainly Solomon) ultimately finds "vanity" (i.e. meaningless). The point of Ecclesiastes is this: no matter how much of the wonders and glory of this earth you experience, if you don't have God in your life, you will ultimately find it meaningless. Ecclesiastes is my favorite Old Testament book because it speaks so clearly to today.
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 18 - Without the hope of eternal life, there is a bitterness in knowing our only legacy is left to those who may mistreat it.
Help:
- Verse 1-26 - It's essential to understand the purpose of Ecclesiastes. It is a wise man who is not following God describing how the world seems to him. What is why it references all these wonderful things of life that the writer (almost certainly Solomon) ultimately finds "vanity" (i.e. meaningless). The point of Ecclesiastes is this: no matter how much of the wonders and glory of this earth you experience, if you don't have God in your life, you will ultimately find it meaningless. Ecclesiastes is my favorite Old Testament book because it speaks so clearly to today.
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 25, 2020
60IN60 Day 20 - Sat Jan 25
It's Day 20 and we're in Ecclesiastes 1.
What's the Bible say about the book you're reading today? "All Scripture is. . . profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Reading the Bible will make your day more "profitable."
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 18 - More knowledge often makes your life more difficult.
Help:
- Verses 1-18 - It's essential to understand the purpose of Ecclesiastes. It is a wise man who is not following God describing how the world seems to him. What is why it references all these wonderful things of life that the writer (almost certainly Solomon) ultimately finds "vanity" (i.e. meaningless). The point of Ecclesiastes is this: no matter how much of the wonders and glory of this earth you experience, if you don't have God in your life, you will ultimately find it meaningless. Ecclesiastes is my favorite Old Testament book because it speaks so clearly to today.
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.
What's the Bible say about the book you're reading today? "All Scripture is. . . profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Reading the Bible will make your day more "profitable."
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 18 - More knowledge often makes your life more difficult.
Help:
- Verses 1-18 - It's essential to understand the purpose of Ecclesiastes. It is a wise man who is not following God describing how the world seems to him. What is why it references all these wonderful things of life that the writer (almost certainly Solomon) ultimately finds "vanity" (i.e. meaningless). The point of Ecclesiastes is this: no matter how much of the wonders and glory of this earth you experience, if you don't have God in your life, you will ultimately find it meaningless. Ecclesiastes is my favorite Old Testament book because it speaks so clearly to today.
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 24, 2020
60IN60 Day 19 - Fri Jan 24
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 23, 2020
60IN60 Day 18 - Thurs Jan 23
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
60IN60 Day 17 - Wed Jan 22
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.
Your Comments and Questions:
- "Colossians 1 - Verses 16 and 17 are proof of God's Sovereignty."
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.
Your Comments and Questions:
- "Colossians 1 - Verses 16 and 17 are proof of God's Sovereignty."
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
60IN60 Day 16 - Tues Jan 21
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 20, 2020
60IN60 Day 15 - Mon Jan 20
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 Questions and Comments:
- "Isaiah 11 - Does verse 11 begin a reference to a different time period than in verses 1-10?" - If verses 1-10 are a reference to the Millennium, it could be the same time frame.
- "Is there are link between the books we are reading, if so I am not seeing it. Although I'm enjoying the books we are reading." - I include some gospel, some Old Testament, and some of the other New Testament in each "60IN60" cycle. But there is not a theme (like grace or judgment) within each cycle's reading.
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 Questions and Comments:
- "Isaiah 11 - Does verse 11 begin a reference to a different time period than in verses 1-10?" - If verses 1-10 are a reference to the Millennium, it could be the same time frame.
- "Is there are link between the books we are reading, if so I am not seeing it. Although I'm enjoying the books we are reading." - I include some gospel, some Old Testament, and some of the other New Testament in each "60IN60" cycle. But there is not a theme (like grace or judgment) within each cycle's reading.
Sunday, January 19, 2020
60IN60 Day 14 - Sun Jan 19
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 18, 2020
60IN60 Day 13 - Sat Jan 18
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.
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.
Friday, January 17, 2020
60IN60 Day 12 - Fri Jan 17
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 16, 2020
60IN60 Day 11 - Thurs Jan 16
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 15, 2020
60IN60 Day 10 - Wed Jan 15
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 14, 2020
60IN60 Day 9 - Tues Jan 14
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.
Your Questions and Comments:
- "Luke 7:18-20 Had Jesus already been baptized by John at this point? If so, I always assumed that John knew He was Jesus the Messiah on the baptism day." - Good question. Yes, Jesus was baptized early in His ministry by John the Baptist, so this is much later. So why did John send some of his disciples to Jesus to ask these questions? Note where John is at this point. He's in prison. Almost certainly he had ideas about the Messiah that were similar to most Jews of that day. The Messiah would come, drive out Rome, and restore Israel to prominence and power. When John was arrested, he probably thought to himself, "Now it's about to happen - this is beginning of the uprising." Yet he just ended up sitting in prison while Jesus continued to go from town to town teaching and healing. John likely thought, "This isn't the way the Messiah is supposed to act - he's supposed to show up and take over!" Finally, he sends some of his disciples to Jesus (v. 19) to essentially ask, "Hey, are you the Messiah or not? Are you going to get on with taking over?" Jesus, in response, tell the messengers from John, "I'm doing Messiah stuff - healing, preaching to the poor, etc." (vv. 22-23). John was struggling with the fact that Jesus wasn't acting the way that John thought the Messiah should act.
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.
Your Questions and Comments:
- "Luke 7:18-20 Had Jesus already been baptized by John at this point? If so, I always assumed that John knew He was Jesus the Messiah on the baptism day." - Good question. Yes, Jesus was baptized early in His ministry by John the Baptist, so this is much later. So why did John send some of his disciples to Jesus to ask these questions? Note where John is at this point. He's in prison. Almost certainly he had ideas about the Messiah that were similar to most Jews of that day. The Messiah would come, drive out Rome, and restore Israel to prominence and power. When John was arrested, he probably thought to himself, "Now it's about to happen - this is beginning of the uprising." Yet he just ended up sitting in prison while Jesus continued to go from town to town teaching and healing. John likely thought, "This isn't the way the Messiah is supposed to act - he's supposed to show up and take over!" Finally, he sends some of his disciples to Jesus (v. 19) to essentially ask, "Hey, are you the Messiah or not? Are you going to get on with taking over?" Jesus, in response, tell the messengers from John, "I'm doing Messiah stuff - healing, preaching to the poor, etc." (vv. 22-23). John was struggling with the fact that Jesus wasn't acting the way that John thought the Messiah should act.
Monday, January 13, 2020
60IN60 Day 8 - Mon Jan 13
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 12, 2020
60IN60 Day 7 - Sun Jan 12
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 11, 2020
60IN60 Day 6 - Sat Jan 11
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.
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.
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