Thursday, September 30, 2021

60IN60 Day 25 - Thurs Sept 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.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

60IN60 Day 24 - Wed Sept 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.

Your Questions and Comments:
- "I think the writer of Ecclesiastes is a miserable person and we are told no one was or has been as wise as Solomon and yet he doesn't have a good relationship with God.  I agree with some of his writings I wish we had studied the book during bible study, imagine there would be a lot of good discussions." - Ecclesiastes is an interesting book.  It gives us insight into the mind that is trying to make sense of the world without having a right relationship with God.  In the end, he fails to find meaning and value in life.  Even if we have great intelligence, without God we are going to find ourselves at a dead end.

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

60IN60 Day 23 - Tues Sept 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.

Monday, September 27, 2021

60IN60 Day 22 - Mon Sept 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.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

60IN60 Day 21 - Sun Sept 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.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

60IN60 Day 20 - Sat Sept 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.

Friday, September 24, 2021

60IN60 Day 19 - Fri Sep 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.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

60IN60 Day 18 - Thurs Sept 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.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

60IN60 Day 17 - Wed Sept 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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

60IN60 Day 16 - Tues Sept 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.

Monday, September 20, 2021

60IN60 Day 15 - Mon Sept 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.

Sunday, September 19, 2021

60IN60 Day 14 - Sun Sept 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.

Saturday, September 18, 2021

60IN60 Day 13 - Sat Sept 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.

Friday, September 17, 2021

60IN60 Day 12 - Fri Sept 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.

Thursday, September 16, 2021

60IN60 Day 11 - Thurs Sept 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.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

60IN60 Day 10 - Wed Sept 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.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

60IN60 Day 9 - Tues Sept 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.

Monday, September 13, 2021

60IN60 Day 8 - Mon Sept 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.

Your Comments and Questions:
- "What really stands out to me in today's reading is that John doubted.  He even sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus is it really was Him or if they should look for another.  Jesus didn't scold him for his doubt.  In fact, He went on to say that John as greatest of those who have been born of women."  
- "Thank you so much on your comments on fasting that certainly answered so much.   I also searched and found a good site on how to fast and for beginners.   Some of your comments were included.     Of course I now have other questions.  1.  For a beginner do you recommend a short time such as 9 am through 9 pm? 2.  At first pray and read our bible to grow closer to God or pray and read for a certain desire, such as seeing people saved?  Appreciate your guidance.  Thank you." - For a beginner, I would recommend a two-meal fast.  Don't eat breakfast or lunch and then resume eating with dinner (or something similar).  It's enough to feel some hunger pains without anything extreme.  It is good to spend some time reading the Bible and praying during the fast, especially toward the end of the time.  If you have a specific desire (like seeing people saved), it's certainly a good thing to add that to your prayer time during the fast.  There is an excellent, practical chapter on fasting in Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, which might be worth your time.

Sunday, September 12, 2021

60IN60 Day 7 - Sun Sep 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.

Your Questions and Comments:
- "I have a question. If we die before Jesus comes back, and before there is a new Heaven and new Earth, once that happens, will we then be on the new Earth? Or will we be in the new Heaven?" - Good question.  When it comes to the new heaven and new earth as described in Revelation 21 and 22, it doesn't matter when we die.  Whether it's before or after the return of Christ, all believers will participate in the new heaven and new earth.  Of course, there are all the events that Revelation describes that will happen before the new heaven and new earth, but once we reach that point in history, all believers will participate in the rule of Christ on the new earth.  Today, of course, when we die we go to heaven.  It's only after all the Revelation events are over that we see the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem come into play.

Saturday, September 11, 2021

60IN60 Day 6 - Sat Sept 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.

Your Questions and Comments:
- "In verse 35 you state we should be fasting regularly, but almost none of us do.  I know the Bible refers to fasting but why should we fast and what do we accomplish with fasting?" - Great questions.  Let me share some answers from a sermon about fasting that I preached a few years ago:

- Here are some of the things that go on when we fast.

1. It makes us ask, “Am I as hungry for God as I am for food?”

- John Piper has said that many of us have no hunger for God because we are so stuffed by the world.

- Every time we feel a hunger pang and we think, “Man, I really would like to eat,” it can be a reminder to us: “Am I as hungry for God as I am for a hamburger?”

- We are in a sense giving up food in order to be able to feast on God.

- In John 4:34, Jesus said that His food was to do the will of His Father. Can we say that? Do we have that intensity of desire?

2. It reminds us that food does not sustain us; God does.

- John 6:53-59 (Body and Blood passage); Colossians 1:17 (in Him all things consist).

3. It reveals the things that control us.

- We are physical creatures and sometimes we let our physical needs have their way without any question as to whether they are appropriate or not. As we deny our body food for a period of time, it can be a time of reflection on what else we’ve just automatically given into that we should be showing more discipline in. Maybe it’s food. Maybe it’s lust. Maybe it’s gossip.

- A child might say, in getting punished for something he did, “But Dad, I couldn’t help myself.” That’s our excuse often times: “I felt the urge to do it, so I had to do it.” No, you didn’t.

- Also, although this sermon is primarily about physical fasting, it can be used in other areas as well. One example is a media fast. No TV, radio, computer, etc. for a day. If you don’t think technology has its hooks in you, try going a day without any media and see how often and how strong the pull is.

4. It makes us, perhaps for the first time in years, genuinely appreciate “our daily bread.”

- For many of us, we eat whenever we feel the slightest pang of hunger. Three meals a day plus two or three snacks. We don’t remember what’s hunger is really like.

- Fasting is useful to remind us of what hunger feels like. What it’s like to do without. Then, when we come back to eat again, it may the first time in a long time we say grace and really mean it. It may be the first time we really notice how nice our meal is in a long time.

- All of that can have the impact of increased gratitude for the everyday blessings.

5. It can be an expression of our deep desire to see something happen.

- There is merit in fasting as a regular part of our walk with Christ - perhaps doing it weekly. Down through the centuries, though, it has also been something that people have done in times of great distress or concern in order to both express their passion about this matter as well as to help focus their thoughts and desires on God.

- It may be that we are praying for our nation. It may be that we really need guidance in a particular area. It may be for healing for ourselves or someone else. It might be to see the bondage of sin broken in the life of someone who is still feeling hopeless.

- It goes along with the old saying about “We need to get serious with God if we expect Him to get serious with us.” The idea (not perfectly conveyed) there is that our desire to see Him move does make a difference in what He can do in and through us.

- Going back to Jesus’ statement that His Father rewards those who fast, this would be the most straightforward example of that: we fast about a specific need and see that need answered by His hand.

Friday, September 10, 2021

60IN60 Day 5 - Fri Sept 10

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.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

60IN60 Day 4 - Thurs Sept 9

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.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

60IN60 Day 3 - Wed Sept 8

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.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

60IN60 Day 2 - Tues Sept 7

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.

Monday, September 6, 2021

60IN60 Day 1 - Mon Sept 6

It's Day 1 and we're in Luke 1.

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.

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Friday, September 3, 2021

Thursday, September 2, 2021

60IN60 Day 60 - Thurs Sept 2

It's Day 60 and we're in 1 Corinthians 13.

Congratulations! You made it through the 60 days! We will begin a new 60 days next Monday. To continue for another round, you don't have to do anything - the updates will just keep coming.

Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 7 - Love gives the benefit of the doubt.

Your Comments and Questions:
- "1 Corinthians 11.  Thank you for your input on verses 2-7, 14-16.  Me and a couple of coworkers were actually discussing this among things today at lunch, and we said that this is one of the things we struggled with reading the Bible. I read this email this evening, and it helped give clarity, which I also shared with the two coworkers!"

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, September 1, 2021

60IN60 Day 59 - Wed Sept 1

It’s Day 59 and we're in 1 Corinthians 12.

Where God Spoke To Me:
Nothing really jumped out to me. 


Help
Verse 1 – Every believer is given a spiritual gift by God at the moment of salvation for use in service.
- Verses 7-10 – Some of these gifts are not active today, but were only active in the early church. One example is the gift of tongues. Of course, my Pentecostal brothers in Christ would disagree with me. ;-)

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.