A SPECIAL NOTE: Don't feel any obligation to do this, but in the past I've had several folks who have really enjoyed 60IN60 who have invited (via email or Facebook) friends to participate . If you'd like to do that, here's some wording you can use to do that (tweak it as needed):
"I've been participating in a Bible reading plan called '60IN60.' We read 60 chapters in 60 days. Pastor Jim gives us a sheet with an assigned reading for each day and then sends us a daily email reminder. A new 60 days is starting new Monday. If you'd like to participate with me, just let me know and I'll get him your email."
* * * * *
It's Day 53 and we're in John 21.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 21-23 - Just a reminder to me that sometimes we read things into passages that are not intended.
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 Thoughts:
- "I depend on this schedule of scripture to keep me in the Word. My personality is to see the whole Bible with no place to start. Your guide helps me have a focus and I am throughly enjoying these readings."
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
60IN60 Day 52 - Wed Feb 27
A SPECIAL NOTE: We've already had several new people sign up for the new round through church and the church's Facebook page, so it looks like we'll have a nice increase in participation for the next cycle.
* * * * *
It's Day 52 and we're in John 20.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 9 - Even after all He'd said to them, they didn't get it. I wonder what the parts of the Kingdom are that He's spoken clearly about and yet I have not fully grasped.
Help:
- Verse 17 - It would seem that Jesus ascended right after His resurrection, then returned to earth for 40 more days before the ascension we read about in Acts.
- Verse 23 - This is an amazing power that He has given 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.
* * * * *
It's Day 52 and we're in John 20.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 9 - Even after all He'd said to them, they didn't get it. I wonder what the parts of the Kingdom are that He's spoken clearly about and yet I have not fully grasped.
Help:
- Verse 17 - It would seem that Jesus ascended right after His resurrection, then returned to earth for 40 more days before the ascension we read about in Acts.
- Verse 23 - This is an amazing power that He has given 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.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
60IN60 Day 51 - Tues Feb 26
It's Day 51 and we're in John 19.
We're coming to the end of these readings soon, but we'll be starting another round. I hope getting into the Word has been productive and you'll want to continue.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 30 - He didn't say "I am finished," as though it overwhelmed Him. He said, "It is finished," meaning that His mission was accomplished.
Help:
- Verse 11 - Among those responsible in this travesty of justice, Pilate bore the lesser share.
- Verse 12 - Pilate was an embattled leader by this point in his career and could not chance another uprising without potentially losing his throne. So when the people said that refusing to do this made him "no friend of Caesar," they were hitting him where it hurt: the potential loss of his power.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have questions or comments, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Comments You Have:
- "Thanks for a venue where we can ask the questions and make the comments we are afraid ask or ashamed to make openly."
We're coming to the end of these readings soon, but we'll be starting another round. I hope getting into the Word has been productive and you'll want to continue.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 30 - He didn't say "I am finished," as though it overwhelmed Him. He said, "It is finished," meaning that His mission was accomplished.
Help:
- Verse 11 - Among those responsible in this travesty of justice, Pilate bore the lesser share.
- Verse 12 - Pilate was an embattled leader by this point in his career and could not chance another uprising without potentially losing his throne. So when the people said that refusing to do this made him "no friend of Caesar," they were hitting him where it hurt: the potential loss of his power.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have questions or comments, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Comments You Have:
- "Thanks for a venue where we can ask the questions and make the comments we are afraid ask or ashamed to make openly."
Monday, February 25, 2013
60IN60 Day 50 - Mon Feb 25
A SPECIAL NOTE: We've only got a few days left in this cycle of 60IN60. In fact, we'll be starting a new round next Monday, March 4th.
If you want to continue to do 60IN60, you don't have to do anything. You'll just continue to get the information.
If you don't want to continue, you can just click "unsubscribe" at the bottom of one of these daily emails.
I hope digging into God's Word has been helpful and you'll continue with us.
* * * * *
It's Day 50 and we're in John 18.
If you want to continue to do 60IN60, you don't have to do anything. You'll just continue to get the information.
If you don't want to continue, you can just click "unsubscribe" at the bottom of one of these daily emails.
I hope digging into God's Word has been helpful and you'll continue with us.
* * * * *
It's Day 50 and we're in John 18.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 37 - "for this reason I've come into the world, to testify to the truth" - And now we need to listen.
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, February 24, 2013
60IN60 Day 49 - Sun Feb 24
It's Day 49 and we're in John 17.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 2 - "eternal life" - I don't think we appreciate what an incredible offer this is. Eternal 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.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
60IN60 Day 48 - Sat Feb 23
It's Day 48 and we're in John 16.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 24 - One of the reasons He's so eager to answer our prayers: it brings us joy to see Him answer.
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:
- "I have never lead anyone to Christ. I'm as unfruitful as anyone could be. If I understand the passage correctly, making disciples for Christ is the gauge by which one's fruitfulness is measured. Have I already been cut off? Am I fooled into thinking I am in His will? My children are as far from God as anyone could be and the turn-around in my life has had no effect on them at all. As it is said, 'the proofs in the pudding'. Right now my pudding stinks." - First of all, I think it is a good thing for us to assess our lives regularly to see if we're living out what we say we believe. On the question of a fruitful life, some things to remember: 1. There is internal fruit and external fruit. Internal is my life experiencing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23-24) and looking more like the life of Christ (more love, more joy, more peace, etc.). External fruit is being a part of seeing someone saved. This is not just praying the sinner's prayer with them, but also being those who help move them closer to God. We need to see both kinds of fruit. 2. Obviously, it's a great thing to be able to lead someone to Christ, but the more common every day experience is pointing people toward Christ with our actions and words. For example, it might be that a wife lives out a faithful, loving Christian life in front of her unsaved husband and one morning he comes forward at an altar call and gets saved. The wife had the greater impact, although the pastor got to bring the harvest. So ask: am I regularly pointing people to Christ? 3. There is no greater thrill than having the privilege of leading someone to Christ. I would pray for God to open up doors in your life where you can get to do that.
- "I think a lot of us wonder how we can tell if we're bearing fruit. It is pretty obvious if we actually lead someone to Christ, but we don't always know whether or not we played a role in that since we may only plant a seed. For that matter, how do we know for sure if we're even planting seeds?" - As with the question above, this is an issue that we struggle with. I had an experience a few years ago where a friend posted a thing on Facebook where she tagged different people who had played various roles in her life. She tagged me as "someone who changed your life." The thing was, she came to my church but I really didn't think she was paying any attention. You just don't always know when you're having an impact and when you're not. Because of that, I think our focus needs to be on obeying the teaching of Christ and presume that doing that will, as He promised in John 15:5, bring about great fruitfulness. This John 15 passage indicates that God's in charge of bringing the fruitfulness; we're in charge of being obedient to the teaching of Christ.
Questions You Have:
- "I have never lead anyone to Christ. I'm as unfruitful as anyone could be. If I understand the passage correctly, making disciples for Christ is the gauge by which one's fruitfulness is measured. Have I already been cut off? Am I fooled into thinking I am in His will? My children are as far from God as anyone could be and the turn-around in my life has had no effect on them at all. As it is said, 'the proofs in the pudding'. Right now my pudding stinks." - First of all, I think it is a good thing for us to assess our lives regularly to see if we're living out what we say we believe. On the question of a fruitful life, some things to remember: 1. There is internal fruit and external fruit. Internal is my life experiencing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23-24) and looking more like the life of Christ (more love, more joy, more peace, etc.). External fruit is being a part of seeing someone saved. This is not just praying the sinner's prayer with them, but also being those who help move them closer to God. We need to see both kinds of fruit. 2. Obviously, it's a great thing to be able to lead someone to Christ, but the more common every day experience is pointing people toward Christ with our actions and words. For example, it might be that a wife lives out a faithful, loving Christian life in front of her unsaved husband and one morning he comes forward at an altar call and gets saved. The wife had the greater impact, although the pastor got to bring the harvest. So ask: am I regularly pointing people to Christ? 3. There is no greater thrill than having the privilege of leading someone to Christ. I would pray for God to open up doors in your life where you can get to do that.
- "I think a lot of us wonder how we can tell if we're bearing fruit. It is pretty obvious if we actually lead someone to Christ, but we don't always know whether or not we played a role in that since we may only plant a seed. For that matter, how do we know for sure if we're even planting seeds?" - As with the question above, this is an issue that we struggle with. I had an experience a few years ago where a friend posted a thing on Facebook where she tagged different people who had played various roles in her life. She tagged me as "someone who changed your life." The thing was, she came to my church but I really didn't think she was paying any attention. You just don't always know when you're having an impact and when you're not. Because of that, I think our focus needs to be on obeying the teaching of Christ and presume that doing that will, as He promised in John 15:5, bring about great fruitfulness. This John 15 passage indicates that God's in charge of bringing the fruitfulness; we're in charge of being obedient to the teaching of Christ.
Friday, February 22, 2013
60IN60 Day 47 - Fri Feb 22
It's Day 47 and we're in John 15.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 1-11 - This is one of my favorite passages because it speaks to how God desires bring about great fruitfulness through our lives. The main point: to be fruitful for God, the key is not to work harder, but to get closer (to God).
Help:
- Verse 22 - There is a responsibility that comes with increased knowledge.
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 1-11 - This is one of my favorite passages because it speaks to how God desires bring about great fruitfulness through our lives. The main point: to be fruitful for God, the key is not to work harder, but to get closer (to God).
Help:
- Verse 22 - There is a responsibility that comes with increased knowledge.
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, February 21, 2013
60IN60 Day 46 - Thurs Feb 21
It's Day 46 and we're in Proverbs 20.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Nothing really jumped out to me today. Some days are like that.
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:
- Nothing really jumped out to me today. Some days are like that.
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, February 20, 2013
60IN60 Day 45 - Wed Feb 20
It's Day 45 and we're in Proverbs 19.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 21 - Only God's wisdom stands the test of 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.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 21 - Only God's wisdom stands the test of 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, February 19, 2013
60IN60 Day 44 - Tues Feb 19
It's Day 44 and we're in 2 Timothy 4.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 11 - Paul and Mark had a huge disagreement years before this, so Paul's request in this verse is a sign of reconciliation.
Help:
- Verse 6 - Just a colorful way of saying that he recognizes that the end of his life is approaching quickly.
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 You:
- "Verses 1-5 spoke to me in a very powerful way the first time I read them several years ago. As I ponder the state of the world today I find comfort in these verses. Nothing is happening that God didn't foresee and warn us about. We may not know when it ends but we know how it ends. To borrow a phrase from someone who spoke at Roger's funeral: 'the promise is greater than the problem.'"
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 11 - Paul and Mark had a huge disagreement years before this, so Paul's request in this verse is a sign of reconciliation.
Help:
- Verse 6 - Just a colorful way of saying that he recognizes that the end of his life is approaching quickly.
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 You:
- "Verses 1-5 spoke to me in a very powerful way the first time I read them several years ago. As I ponder the state of the world today I find comfort in these verses. Nothing is happening that God didn't foresee and warn us about. We may not know when it ends but we know how it ends. To borrow a phrase from someone who spoke at Roger's funeral: 'the promise is greater than the problem.'"
Monday, February 18, 2013
60IN60 Day 43 - Mon Feb 18
It's Day 43 and we're in 2 Timothy 3.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 5 - "holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power" - Lots of that all around us 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 5 - "holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power" - Lots of that all around us 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.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
60IN60 Day 42 - Sun Feb 17
It's Day 42 and we're in 2 Timothy 2.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 5 - We need to strive spiritually, not sit around lazily.
Help:
- Verses 11-13 - What's each statement mean? a. "died with Him" - Part of salvation is that we in our belief participate in His spiritual death, so we "die" spiritually and are raised to newness of life; b. "deny Him" - This would be unbelievers, not believers; c. "faithless" - If we drift away from Jesus, He will draw us back.
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 5 - We need to strive spiritually, not sit around lazily.
Help:
- Verses 11-13 - What's each statement mean? a. "died with Him" - Part of salvation is that we in our belief participate in His spiritual death, so we "die" spiritually and are raised to newness of life; b. "deny Him" - This would be unbelievers, not believers; c. "faithless" - If we drift away from Jesus, He will draw us back.
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, February 16, 2013
60IN60 Day 41 - Sat Feb 16
It's Day 41 and we're in 2 Timothy 1.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 7 - "power and love and discipline" - That's what the Christian life should look like.
Help:
- Verse 6 - Some spiritual gifts are given at the moment of salvation. Others can happen at special times, such as the laying on of hands.
- Verse 10 - "abolished death" - He has abolished spiritual death.
If you have a comment or question, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To You:
- Exodus 17:12 - "What a great story. I don't recall ever reading that. Great lesson in teamwork and supporting our brothers/sisters for the Call."
- "My cousin, who is rather an odd duck and has a strange way of looking at things, said he had thought and thought about what sin a parent could commit that would be imposed on the children for generations to come. The answer he came up with was a failure to raise them in a Godly home and teach them the way of the Lord. Makes sense to me."
Where God Spoke To You:
- Exodus 17:12 - "What a great story. I don't recall ever reading that. Great lesson in teamwork and supporting our brothers/sisters for the Call."
- "My cousin, who is rather an odd duck and has a strange way of looking at things, said he had thought and thought about what sin a parent could commit that would be imposed on the children for generations to come. The answer he came up with was a failure to raise them in a Godly home and teach them the way of the Lord. Makes sense to me."
Friday, February 15, 2013
60IN60 Day 40 - Fri Feb 15
It's Day 40 and we're in Exodus 20.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 19 - So many times we want to have someone else do our talking to God for us, rather than have that personal relationship ourselves.
Help:
- Verses 5-6 - The idea that the fathers' sin brings iniquity down three or four generations is hard to understand. The best way that I've come up with to grasp the idea is to think of it like this: I think of the statement less as God punishing and more as a statement of the way life works. When I live my life for something other than God, my kids are going to pick up on that and, very likely, are going to live lives that reflect what I've taught them. Therefore, my sinful life is going to reverberate down through multiple generations. Maybe not a perfect explanation, but the best one I've come up with so far.
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 19 - So many times we want to have someone else do our talking to God for us, rather than have that personal relationship ourselves.
Help:
- Verses 5-6 - The idea that the fathers' sin brings iniquity down three or four generations is hard to understand. The best way that I've come up with to grasp the idea is to think of it like this: I think of the statement less as God punishing and more as a statement of the way life works. When I live my life for something other than God, my kids are going to pick up on that and, very likely, are going to live lives that reflect what I've taught them. Therefore, my sinful life is going to reverberate down through multiple generations. Maybe not a perfect explanation, but the best one I've come up with so far.
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, February 14, 2013
60IN60 Day 39 - Thurs Feb 14
It's Day 39 and we're in Exodus 19.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 18 - When God shows up, you know it.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have questions or comments about the chapter, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To You:
- "I need to be aware when God send a message via someone for my good. Jethro was this person for Moses. Moses was working hard to keep up with his role and Jethro gave him some practical advice that would be for his good and longevity. Who was Jethro in the big sceme of the events? He was the practical voice of reason; the wise father-in-law who loved Moses. God has people in our lives for a reason and we certainly need Jethro's."
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 18 - When God shows up, you know it.
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have questions or comments about the chapter, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Where God Spoke To You:
- "I need to be aware when God send a message via someone for my good. Jethro was this person for Moses. Moses was working hard to keep up with his role and Jethro gave him some practical advice that would be for his good and longevity. Who was Jethro in the big sceme of the events? He was the practical voice of reason; the wise father-in-law who loved Moses. God has people in our lives for a reason and we certainly need Jethro's."
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
60IN60 Day 38 - Wed Feb 13
It's Day 38 and we're in Exodus 18.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 15-16 - He was acting like every request was his responsibility. . . and it was too much for him to handle.
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:
- "I have a question about the use of 'forever' in Exodus. I know some churches, esp the one I used to attend where the pastor grew up Jewish, have Passover and Rosh Hashana services to which they encourage believers to invite their Jewish friends. I'm wondering if there is anything specific in the NT addressing God's use of 'forever' regarding celebrating Passover. I realize He put a lot of emphasis on it being for the 'circumcised,' but obviously He knew both Jesus would be dying for us eventually, and that other cultures would start circumcising their babies in the future. It almost seems like we should all still be celebrating Passover. I also realized Jesus is the lamb and His blood is the blood on the doors, but again...it's the word 'forever' on which I'm stuck. Thoughts?" - There is no command in the New Testament for Christians to continue to celebrate the Jewish traditions. There was a debate in the early church (that's recorded in Acts) about how "Jewish" the Christians needed to be and the decision was that they didn't need to keep all the traditions. I would argue that communion is for us a continuation of the ideas put forward in the Passover - being rescued from death by the blood.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verses 15-16 - He was acting like every request was his responsibility. . . and it was too much for him to handle.
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:
- "I have a question about the use of 'forever' in Exodus. I know some churches, esp the one I used to attend where the pastor grew up Jewish, have Passover and Rosh Hashana services to which they encourage believers to invite their Jewish friends. I'm wondering if there is anything specific in the NT addressing God's use of 'forever' regarding celebrating Passover. I realize He put a lot of emphasis on it being for the 'circumcised,' but obviously He knew both Jesus would be dying for us eventually, and that other cultures would start circumcising their babies in the future. It almost seems like we should all still be celebrating Passover. I also realized Jesus is the lamb and His blood is the blood on the doors, but again...it's the word 'forever' on which I'm stuck. Thoughts?" - There is no command in the New Testament for Christians to continue to celebrate the Jewish traditions. There was a debate in the early church (that's recorded in Acts) about how "Jewish" the Christians needed to be and the decision was that they didn't need to keep all the traditions. I would argue that communion is for us a continuation of the ideas put forward in the Passover - being rescued from death by the blood.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
60IN60 Day 37 - Tues Feb 12
It's Day 37 and we're in Exodus 17.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 2 - Hey, didn't He just take care of your need? Quit whining!
Help:
- Verse 11 - The point of this is, of course, not that there was anything intrisically important in Moses holding up his hands, but that Israel would clearly understand that the victory was not because of their military prowess, but because of God's might.
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 2 - Hey, didn't He just take care of your need? Quit whining!
Help:
- Verse 11 - The point of this is, of course, not that there was anything intrisically important in Moses holding up his hands, but that Israel would clearly understand that the victory was not because of their military prowess, but because of God's might.
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, February 11, 2013
60IN60 Day 36 - Mon Feb 11
It's Day 36 and we're in Exodus 16.
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:
- Verses 3-4 - More whining instead of asking God to supply. Why are we so quick to blame God instead of asking Him to take care of our problems?
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have questions or comments, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Questions You Have:
- "This is definitely the chapter where the Jewish passover is laid out. If in chapter 14 the Jews are being directed to commorate this day as a celebration for generations, why as Christians do we not also adhere to this directive? In the past I have attended christianized Seder suppers on the Thursday before Easter commorating the Last Supper and tying the sympbolism of the Passover meal with the crucifixion. Why is this is not a common practice in most churches?" - I don't think there's anything wrong with celebrating it and I have myself participated in Passover meals occassionally. The Passover meal celebrates the blood protecting them and saving them from death. I would argue that we have the higher fulfillment of the original Passover as we look at Jesus' death. As we celebrate communion, we participate in a meal that reminds us that the blood protects us and saves us from death - but it's the blood of Jesus.
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:
- Verses 3-4 - More whining instead of asking God to supply. Why are we so quick to blame God instead of asking Him to take care of our problems?
If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.
If you have questions or comments, email me at butcher@ymail.com.
Questions You Have:
- "This is definitely the chapter where the Jewish passover is laid out. If in chapter 14 the Jews are being directed to commorate this day as a celebration for generations, why as Christians do we not also adhere to this directive? In the past I have attended christianized Seder suppers on the Thursday before Easter commorating the Last Supper and tying the sympbolism of the Passover meal with the crucifixion. Why is this is not a common practice in most churches?" - I don't think there's anything wrong with celebrating it and I have myself participated in Passover meals occassionally. The Passover meal celebrates the blood protecting them and saving them from death. I would argue that we have the higher fulfillment of the original Passover as we look at Jesus' death. As we celebrate communion, we participate in a meal that reminds us that the blood protects us and saves us from death - but it's the blood of Jesus.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
60IN60 Day 35 - Sun Feb 10
It's Day 35 and we're in Exodus 15.
Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 24 - It's amazing how quickly we forget the miracles and answered prayers and come complaining instead of coming anticipating His provision.
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 24 - It's amazing how quickly we forget the miracles and answered prayers and come complaining instead of coming anticipating His provision.
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, February 9, 2013
60IN60 Day 34 - Sat Feb 9
It’s Day 34 and we’re in
Exodus 14.
First of all, it was incredibly windy in the walk. Second, the path had to be really wide, rather than a narrow path, because there were hundreds of thousands of Israelites that had to make it through.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verse 11 - When things get hard, we are so quick to romanticize the way things used to be. We cry out for deliverance, then long for our chains again when the walk of faith gets hard.
Help:
- Verses 21 - As you can read from the text, it didn't exactly happen the way it was portrayed in the old Charlton Heston movies.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Friday, February 8, 2013
60IN60 Day 33 - Fri Feb 8
It’s Day 33 and we’re in
Exodus 13.
- Verse 13 - Basically this means: donkeys are sufficiently important to your agriculture that I don't want you do sacrifice them; instead sacrifice a lamb in their place.
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 17 - He knows we're fickle and sometimes chooses the long way around just to keep from getting so discouraged that we give up.
Help:
- Verses 1-16 - Why this long discussion of the firstborn? I think the underlying principle is that we need to give the first portion to God. For instance, although it's partially just symbolic, the first check I write after every payday is my gift to the church. It's a reminder that what I give God comes first, not after everything else is taken care of.- Verse 13 - Basically this means: donkeys are sufficiently important to your agriculture that I don't want you do sacrifice them; instead sacrifice a lamb in their place.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
60IN60 Day 32 - Thurs Feb 7
It’s Day 32 and we’re in
Exodus 12.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verse 13 - The blood covers us, protecting us from death.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
60IN60 Day 31 - Wed Feb 6
It’s Day 31 and we’re in
Exodus 11.
When we were in Exodus earlier in the 60 days, we finished up in chapter 7. We've skipped through some of the plagues and are picking up with the last plague.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verse 3 - It's amazing what doors can open up when you have the favor of the Lord with you.
Help:
- Verse 10 - As I've mentioned before, I think this hardening is a partnership of the Lord moving Pharaoh's heart in that direction and Pharaoh being inclined himself to go in that direction.
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:
- Chapter 14 - "Please explain (or address) versus 30 and 31" - Jesus is just saying that the time for His crucifixion is coming. Satan has no control over Him, but Jesus intends to do exactly what the Father has called Him to do.
Questions You Have:
- Chapter 14 - "Please explain (or address) versus 30 and 31" - Jesus is just saying that the time for His crucifixion is coming. Satan has no control over Him, but Jesus intends to do exactly what the Father has called Him to do.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
60IN60 Day 30 - Tues Feb 5
It’s Day 30 and we’re in
John 14.
- Verses 21, 23 - This is the standard: that we obey.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verse 12 - I want to see those "greater things."
Help:
- Verse 9 - If you've seen Jesus, you've seen the character and love of the Father.- Verses 21, 23 - This is the standard: that we obey.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Monday, February 4, 2013
60IN60 Day 29 - Mon Feb 4
It’s Day 29 and we’re in
John 13.
If you struggle with the feeling that you need to hurry through the reading, it can be helpful to lay aside a certain length of time for the reading. "I'm going to spend the next ten minutes reading the Bible. If I get done early, I'll go back and re-read it. If I don't get it done, that's fine. Now I can relax and not try to hurry through so I can get on with the other things I need to get done today. I'm going to be here for ten minutes."
- Verses 8-9 - First Peter refuses (v. 8), then Peter draws the wrong lesson (v. 9). What he should have done is simply receive Jesus' word.
If you struggle with the feeling that you need to hurry through the reading, it can be helpful to lay aside a certain length of time for the reading. "I'm going to spend the next ten minutes reading the Bible. If I get done early, I'll go back and re-read it. If I don't get it done, that's fine. Now I can relax and not try to hurry through so I can get on with the other things I need to get done today. I'm going to be here for ten minutes."
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verse 2 - He'd been prompted, but it was still his choice. And he chose in the wrong direction.
Help:
- Verse 1 - The "full extent of His love" was not the washing of their feet, but the willingness to go to the cross.- Verses 8-9 - First Peter refuses (v. 8), then Peter draws the wrong lesson (v. 9). What he should have done is simply receive Jesus' word.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
60IN60 Day 28 - Sun Feb 3
It’s Day 28 and we’re in
John 12.
Help:
- Verse 8 - This is not an excuse to disregard the poor, just a statement of fact about the fallen world in which we live.
- Verses 20-26 - It's odd that His disciples come to Him with this straightforward question and goes off on this tangent. What's going on? I think I'd paraphrase it like this, "The time for talking is past. To really see a harvest, something greater is going to have to happen and the time for that is now. I have to die in order to open up new life."
- Verse 34 - "lifted up" - Just another way to say that He was on the cross.
- Verse 40 - The original Greek makes it clearer that this is not something God is doing by mere fiat, but this is what they have chosen for themselves and God is letting it happen.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verses 9-11 - So often, once we get something in our minds, we stick with it, even to ridiculous ends. I need to follow the truth wherever it leads and not try so hard to hold onto to my pet ideas.Help:
- Verse 8 - This is not an excuse to disregard the poor, just a statement of fact about the fallen world in which we live.
- Verses 20-26 - It's odd that His disciples come to Him with this straightforward question and goes off on this tangent. What's going on? I think I'd paraphrase it like this, "The time for talking is past. To really see a harvest, something greater is going to have to happen and the time for that is now. I have to die in order to open up new life."
- Verse 34 - "lifted up" - Just another way to say that He was on the cross.
- Verse 40 - The original Greek makes it clearer that this is not something God is doing by mere fiat, but this is what they have chosen for themselves and God is letting it happen.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
60IN60 Day 27 - Sat Feb 2
It’s Day 27 and we’re in
John 11.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verses 21, 32 - I like the fact that they could be honest about their questions and disappointments with Jesus and He doesn't condemn them for it.
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
Friday, February 1, 2013
60IN60 Day 26 - Fri Feb 1
It’s Day 26 and we’re in
John 10.
Remember that your daily reading in the Bible isn't about gaining information - it's about changing your life to be more like Christ. That means that you need to take action on what God speaks to you about.
Remember that your daily reading in the Bible isn't about gaining information - it's about changing your life to be more like Christ. That means that you need to take action on what God speaks to you about.
Where God Spoke To
Me:
- Verse 10 - He's not just offering adequate life; He's offering us abundant life.
Help:
- Verses 34-36 - This is a difficult saying. Unfortunately, it's really not an explanation that can be succinctly stated and I really don't have sufficient space here to explain it. Some answers take a whole sermon!
If you want to read the chapter online, here’s a link.
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