2020 Bible Vision

Noah Price

6.16.2020

Psalm 67-72

Summary

The various writers of Psalm 67-72 express numerous points, which is why I will be sharing only two points. I feel that one point trying to be made is how important it is to understand GOD WILL BLESS US no matter what point we are at in life because He is in full control, which is one of many reasons to praise him. Another point I feel that’s being made is God/Jesus are the ONLY one fit for judging and casting punishment.  In reading these chapters, we can clearly read how much people’s accusations, hurtful words, and many other unrighteous/rude remarks deeply wound a person emotionally and physically. But the example being set in these is not of one taking matters into his/her own hands. What is shown is a someone, deeply saddened and broken-hearted, pleading to God to take control of the situation and to have the righteous rewarded and the unrighteous punished. This is an excellent example of how we should handle moments of wanting to take matters into our own hand by immediately giving it to God to deal with.

What is one key verse

Psalm 67:1-2

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

In reading my portion of Psalms, I realized that there are so many different requests for God just in these 5 Chapters alone. These requests include God blessing us, God saving us, God protecting us, God being fair and just, God do not delay, and it just keeps on going. Now when I relate that to my life, I feel as if I constantly ask God for so many things… and I am just one person. There are multiple people who believe in God and pray to him with many requests, many who have more than I do, AND GOD STILL BLESSES ALL OF US AND ANSWERS US. I can truly say my appreciation for God and how he chooses to answer my prayers/requests has grown tremendously. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

Reading how deeply hurt David was in Psalm 69 really opened my eyes to the type of prayer he has with God. David was real and vulnerable with God and he wasn’t blocking any emotion. After looking into my heart for a little bit,  I realize that I have been longing for a deeper prayer life, and in order for me to do that I realized through these chapters that I need to be deeply vulnerable with God.

How will I go with God because of this reading?

As my key verse reads, ‘May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” it reminded me of a certain passage in The Beautitudes, Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world…” What I will be doing now is helping God shine his face upon all people by being a light to all people I see…but the one area I am going to be focusing on is BEING JOYFUL and LIFTING OTHERS UP and still always sharing how JESUS CAN HEAL OUR HEARTS IN MANY WAYS.

Where is Jesus in these passages?

I personally thought about Jesus and the power he truly has in protecting us, healing us, loving us, Him being our rock and salvation, and so much more through these chapters.. But in Psalm 72, Solomon is praying to God for a King that is fair and just to the righteous, as well as  a king who would crush the oppresso also. He asks for a king for so many qualities that ONLY JESUS COULD FILL. I was reminded of Jesus a lot through ch. 72.

Mireya Velarde

6.15.2020

Psalm 60-66

Summarize what you read in one paragraph: There is much to unpack from Psalms 60-66! I believe that the best way to summarize what I have read is that God is with us through every step of the way. God is mighty to save and deserves to be exalted at every waking moment! To really connect with these Psalms I had to really listen for the Spirit and see what God needed to express to me. He simply reminded me to continue to follow the straight and narrow path, and to put into practice all that I have been taught thus far. 

What is one key verse?

Psalms 62:5-7 “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.”

How does what you read change your vision of God? I believe that God really is our foundation, and that we can accomplish anything when we lean on Him alone. He has so much power and is willing to take care of us always, so I feel that we all need to lean on Him first! 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? This really changed the way I see myself, because it’s easy to go to others before God, with concerns or worries. But I realize that if I seek God first and really wait and listen for Him, he will provide more than enough. I just need to be willing! 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

The imagery of “waiting quietly before God” really inspires me to listen more to the Spirit. It also encourages me to remember that all of my hope is in him, and not in the things of this world. The promises that he makes to David in the Old Testament, apply to me too. So I should live every day, reaching and waiting for those promises to be fulfilled.  

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice by laying his life down for our sins. And in Psalm 65:3 it says “Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.” I see Jesus in this because the grace that we are so undeserving of, is all because of Jesus. 

Lisa Streng

6.13.2020

Psalm 55-59    

Summarize the day’s reading in one paragraph. 

This group of Psalms are songs recounting David’s distress when Saul was pursuing him. They’re very descriptive in telling how dire the situation was that David was in and how he continually cried out to God for protection. 

What is one key verse?

Psalm 59:17

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Why? 

I chose this verse because it reminds me who I’m supposed to turn to when I am afraid, feel wronged, when I’m being pursued or wrongly accused. I’m not supposed to take matters into my own hands, or to turn to people or things to make me feel better or safe. I’m supposed to turn to God.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me that God is not an abstract idea! He is REAL and relevant to our lives right now! He is the one we should run to and seek comfort and help from when we’re scared, or in trouble. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

It helps me to see that none of us needs to be alone, and how important it is for us to share with people where our comfort comes from.

How will you Go With God because of this reading?

I’m often tempted to rely on myself, or other things when difficult situations arise.  These chapters have reminded me to always run to God first.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?

In these chapters, David was looking for a defender;  a savior. Thankfully, God sent Him ☺

Jeff Streng

6.12.2020

Psalm 50-54    

Summarize the day’s reading in one paragraph. Psalm 50 is one of 12 Psalms that credits authorship to Asaph, a temple singer, and contrasts those that honor God with those that don’t.

Psalms 51 – 54 are credited to David:

Psalm 51 is where David laments his adultery with Bathsheba and cries out to God for mercy.

Psalm 52 contrasts the man “who did not make God his stronghold” with those who “trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever”.

Psalm 53 foretells of God “restoring his people” (that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!).

Psalm 54 has David praising God as sustainer and deliverer.

What is one key verse?

Psalm 51: 10-12

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Why? 

I chose these verses because they’re incredibly simple, yet profound.  They summarize what I aspire to, the worldview that says God’s grace is sufficient in all circumstances and that I need to rely on Him “to sustain me” instead of myself.  It also speaks to having a “pure heart” and “willing spirit”, both animated by God’s Spirit within me, and my need to be more willing to be guided by His Spirit.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me that God’s Spirit indwells me and is guiding me toward truth and that I need to be more in tune with His Spirit each day.  It also reminds me of my pride and my desire to captain my own ship – something I need His help to constantly keep in check.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

David’s repentance of his sin with Bathsheba in Psalm 51 reminds me that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and that, while there are consequences of sin in this temporal life, Christ’s sacrifice reconciles us back to God and redeems us of our sin, giving us hope for eternal life with God – praise God!  We’re all God’s creation and are sinners in desperate need of the good news of His redemption, whether realized or not. It’s through this lens that I want to view others.

How will you Go With God because of this reading?

I’m thankful that ‘nothing in all creation will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ I want to play a bigger role in proclaiming this message.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?

I was reminded of Jesus each time I read about anything related to “hope” or “salvation”, an example being Psalm 53: 6:

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
    When God restores his people,
    let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Kim LeBrane-Sober

6.11.2020

Psalm 42-49

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Psalms 42-49 were written by the Sons of Korah (who was consumed by the fire of God after inciting a rebellion against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16). They take us on an emotional journey of rebuilding faith in God. Psalms 42-44 reflect the despair of feeling rejected by God and a desperate longing to restore the close relationship of the past through praise and pleas for vindication and rescue. Ps 45 continues with praise for the King and his bride. Ps 46-49 extol the greatness of God as King and conclude with the confident security His might and power bring to those who serve Him.

What is one key verse?

Ps 42:11/43:5 (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!

Ps 46:1-2 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Seeing the Sons of Korah pour out a wide range of emotions toward God reminded me that I don’t have to hide my negative feelings from God or pretend I’m in a good place spiritually when I’m not. God is powerful enough to handle my emotions!

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

When I’m discouraged or afraid I don’t stop and ask myself where my hope is. I think that it’s the circumstance that is causing the discouragement or fear and not that I have put my hope in something other than God.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I learned that the best way to work through negative emotions is through praise and remembering who God is (Ps 46:10). When I am feeling sad or discouraged I can make a conscious decision to put my hope in God and the security that He is in control .

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

These chapters remind me that Jesus is the King of Kings and that I can find peace and security in His lordship and love.

Allan Katch

6.10.2020

Psalms 36-41

Summarize what you read in one paragraph: Psalms 36-41 are full of David pouring his heart out to God. His vulnerability and openness in these few chapters are so potent that it leaves no doubt in my mind why he was known as the man after God’s own heart. David simultaneously cries out to God, broken beyond words, and praises Him with every fiber of his being. These chapters inspire me to have an even deeper relationship with God.

What is one key verse?

Psalms 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

How does what you read change your vision of God? Our God is one that offers us a reward that shines as bright as the sun. This promise is so reassuring and fulfilling. If we live our life for God and just trust him, we have access to a great reward!

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? This impacted my vision of myself because I see that I need to commit my ways to God in order to reap any rewards. It makes me consider my ways more closely.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?) This perspective of God’s reward for us makes me want to use that as a method of sharing my faith with people. God’s promises drove David to write and sing, proclaiming it to the world, and it should have the same effect on me.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) Jesus is the one that makes this righteous reward possible! Every time we commune with Jesus, He promises us that reward all over again. Let’s remember to trust our God and walk in his ways so that we can participate in this reward.

Crystal Sanderson

6.9.2020

Psalm 31-35

Summary

Psalm 31-35 were all written by David, at least one (34) when he was in danger of being caught and turned over to King Saul, who was determined to kill David. These Psalms all have a common theme- Trust, obey and fear the Lord and He will fight for you. In all the trouble David was having he took the time to praise God for things that hadn’t even happened yet. He gives thanks for deliverance and forgiveness, praises God for who He is and what He will do and pours out his heart to His creator. 

Key verse

“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 

The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Psalm 33: 4-5

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This section of Scripture really made me stop and reflect on how God wants to be the most important part of my life. David constantly asked God to intervene in his life and protect him. God wanted to be so involved in our lives that He sent Jesus then the Holy Spirit to ensure we would never be alone no matter what.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself and others? 

David knew that God loved him and would take care of him as long as he stayed faithful. It reminds me that I need to praise God in the hard times, remember His promises and put my trust in the unfailing greatness of God and His ways. It’s something I struggle to do as I get caught up in the chaos of the moment, and I see the world around me doing the same.

How will you go with God?

I want to go WITH God because He’s going to lead and clear the way before me when I follow His plan. He knows so much more than I do and as long as I trust in His ways I won’t be on the wrong path.

Where do you see Jesus?

In Psalm 35:12-16 David talks about how his enemies gloated over him and took pleasure in his suffering. This reminds me a lot of how the religious leaders hated Him for doing good and caring for people.

Bill Sanders

6.8.2020

Psalm 25-30

Summary:

I see Chapters 25-30 almost as a story arc of an answered prayer. All six chapters are from David. In Chapter 25, we see a prayer for forgiveness, “ pardon my inquiry, for it is great” (Verse 11b), and a prayer for deliverance, “turn yourself to me and have mercy on me for I am desolate and afflicted,” (verse 16).  In Chapter 27, we have a reminder to wait on the Lord, “ Wait on the Lord; Be of good courages, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Verse 14). In Chapter 28, we see an answer to prayer, “blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications!” (Verse 6). In Chapter 30, we see a reflection of past answered prayers, “ You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,” (verse 11). Any of these chapters can be a good council for you wherever you are in your prayers with God. Maybe you need to ask forgiveness; Wait on Him; praise Him for answered prayers Today; or, remember Him for prayers He has answered in the past. 

Key Verse:

Psalm 27:8 “When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

In the six chapters, the only time that God gives a direct response in ins Psalm 27:8, “When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” I think, sometimes we are desiring a lengthy, comprehensive response from God.  But, this verse reflect that God sometimes answers with a brief, simple direction. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself and others?

In Psalm 28:8-9, David changes his tone from praying for Himself to praying for others (His Anointed). I will remember that others are going through similar circumstances Nd need prayers as much as I do. 

How will you go with God?

In Psalm 29, David reflects on the characteristics of the Lord. In particular, he reluctantly on His voice: from being over the water and making the deer give birth, to shaking the wilderness. In psalm 27:14, David reminds us to Wait on the Lord. I believe he may hVe been putting that in practice in by listing the characteristics of waiting on the Lord. While he was waiting on the Lord to answer prayers, he reflected on God’s holiness and magnitude by reflecting on His voice. I will learn to do this active waiting as well.

Where do you see Jesus?

I see Jesus in Psalm 27:8,” When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” David is a man after God’s own heart. He answers God correctly here, but he was still a sinner. He did not always seek His face. But Jesus, who is a perfect David, answers this prompt from God the Father every time. This is Jesus’ response to God the Father, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

Stephen Van Bueren

6.6.2020

Psalm 19-24

The book of Psalms is very different from almost all the other books of the Bible in that it does not follow one particular story line. Or necessarily share the same thought from one to the next. However, the unifying thing throughout all 150 Psalms is that each point us to a returned focus on God. And 19-24 are no exception. 

A key verse(s) that really stood out to me was actually a mesh between Psalm 21:7 “For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.” 

David is speaking of himself as the “king.” There were many things throughout David’s life that had the potential to “move” him away from the LORD – to fixate and focus on the wind and waves of life – and I can totally relate. Reading Psalm 21:7 was a challenging reminder to me as it begged in me the question: “Stephen, what are you putting your trust in right now?” 

There have been many things, at many different times in my life, that have tried to pull my focus away from God – and not all of those things were inherently bad. I can recall in those times beginning to put my trust in those things or in those people – only to inevitably be let down. And when I look up, I realize that I had been moved from the Rock. 

But never has there been a time when my trust has been in the LORD – and His steadfast love for me – have I been moved. Now don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been affected by something or someone. It just means that after the wind and the waves blew and beat against my house – I was still standing on the Rock.

In what or whom am I, and are you, trusting? 

Vs. 7 reminds me that my trust needs to be in the LORD – and in Him alone! And in His steadfast love! 

How does what you read change your vision of God? I wouldn’t say that it changes my vision of God – but rather it reminds me of where I need to be fixing my eyes. The things of the flesh will always break down – inevitably they will always disappoint. But God never will.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Whether it be the small day-to-day moments of life – or the bigger obstacles that we will sometimes face – I am going to really strive to pause and ask myself: “Stephen, in what or in whom are you trusting right now?” I hope that in doing so that I will be quicker to catch myself beginning to gaze at the “things” and the “people” – so I can be much quicker to re-fix my sight on Jesus!

The goal of this would be so that I will be able to withstand those trying times – and after I have done everything I can – to be standing unmoved in the end (Ephesians 6:13)

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) 

Jesus said that he would never entrust himself to mankind because he knew what was in mankind (John 2:24). Therefore, He entrusted himself to God alone – and to Him who judges justly.

Let that be said of all of us! 

Lydia Knox

6.5.2020

Psalm 13-18

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Psalm 13 David is asking God How long he will have to wait To see God but even as he asks God these questions, he closes in saying that he will continue to trust, rejoice, and sing to God.

Psalm 14 This chapter talks about the foolishness and selfishness of mankind Although God looks for those who understand and who seek him the last couple of verses end on a more positive note expressing the salvation for Israel that would come out of Zion and the restoration of the Lord’s people.

In Psalm 15 David discusses the qualities and actions of those who are allowed to dwell in the Lord’s secret tent and holy mountain. The people who have those things will never be shaken.

In Psalm 16 In this chapter, David is praising God and saying how God is his life.

In Psalm 17 David cries out to God. He tells the Lord that he has kept on the Narrow Path and that throughout he has not stumbled. He calls upon the Lord to show him the wonders of his love. He asks for shelter in the Lord from his enemies. He states that he will press on and see the Lord’s face and be satisfied.

In Psalm 18 This was actually a song that David sang to God (he actually sang a lot). The Lord was David’s strength, his rock, and deliverer. He praised and took shelter in the Lord. Even with the struggles and challenges, he called on God for help. David goes into detailed imagery about God coming down from Heaven to rescue him from the deep waters of his life and then expresses his faithfulness, love, and security in God.

What is one key verse?

Psalm 18: 16

‘He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.’ 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me of how much God values me. He came down from Heaven to rescue me from my enemies. Psalm 18: 7-15 describes the image of God as he “swoops in” and saves us. This imagery really helps me to remember how fearsome, mighty, and amazing our God truly is. With all the power He has, he used it to create us and the world we live in. Psalm 18 helps me to see God’s fearsome love for me.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

What I’ve read helps me to see how valuable I am to God and how humble I should be in His presence and the presence of others. This reading made me think “How fearsome is my love for God? How fearsome is my love for people?”. There are so many people in the deep waters of the world and sin and the further down they go, the more pressure weighs down on them. God doesn’t call us to save the lost (that’s His job) but He does call us to seek them–to find them. Where I’m trying to go with this is that once we find a person in deep waters, God will be able to lift them up and save them. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I will go and reach out to others and show them the fearsome love of God.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

All these chapters remind me that I have no reason for fear or doubt because of Jesus. He rescued me from the deep waters of sin and continues to protect me and lift me up when I stumble or fall. He will always listen and hear my joy and my sadness.