2020 Bible Vision

Janelle Sabin

6.4.2020

Psalm 7-12 

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

 In a quick sentence about these Psalms I would say ‘God is always with us, even in the darkest of times’. I would say that the overall theme of Psalm 7-12 is God is a righteous judge. Psalm 10 specifically called out to me because it really talked about how when times get tough and it seems like God isn’t listening or is too busy that it can get “easy” to think that you’re, your only and best advocate. It can seem easier to push aside all others to get material things that make you feel better for the time being. But it wraps everything together by reminding us that the best place, the best feeling to have, is the love of God and that he is never gone. Psalm 11 emphasizes that even when evil sinks in to try to sway our faith by saying hurtful things or keeping us away from our place of worship (thank you COVID-19) that God is with us everywhere and we need to keep living in his righteous name. 

What is one key verse?

Psalm 9:9 “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

What I read helps me see that sometimes God silently helps you. A relationship with God is going to come with evil trying to keep you away from him but it is so worth it in the end to push through and keep your faith. 

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

After reading this I really looked inside of me to see what I do that I would not want to do in front of Jesus or even in front of certain people in my life. I really looked at how I might change in front of different circles of friends and realized I need to be my true self in front of everyone and not change to “please” who I am around.

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

I like to be a people pleasure and that makes it very easy for others to sway my opinion of things without me actually thinking about how I feel about the topic. Because of this reading I am putting a reminder in my phone of Psalm 11:5 “The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.” I use the reminder function on my phone a lot so having this verse right there will be a quick and good reminder of God’s tests the next time ones comes my way. 

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

In Psalm 11 I see Jesus on the cross. Psalm 11 talks about taking refuge in the Lord, for even when the wicked try to shoot down the good (Jesus) and destroy the foundation of the righteous (spreading the word of God), the Lord will still sit in heaven and love those were the good and judge righteously those who have gone against him. 

Mindy Richmond

6.3.2020

Psalm 1-6

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In these chapters David uses a lot of imagery to describe what life is like for both the righteous and the wicked, and then he goes on to a more personal plea to God for protection. What I really love about these chapters, and really most Psalms, is that David is never afraid to show his vulnerability. He is honest about his fears and weaknesses, yet he remembers how God has protected and shielded him in the past and he is bold enough to continue to ask God for help.

What is one key verse?

Psalm 6:3 “My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord – how long?” This verse stands out to me because David is revealing how much he is hurting, and you can hear how he is growing impatient with God for an answer. I think that we can all relate to these feelings at one time or another in our lives, and this lets us know we can also be open and vulnerable with God.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

These chapters didn’t really change my vision of God, but they definitely reaffirm what He represents for me in my life. He is my protector, my comforter, my provider. 

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

I’m reminded of the importance of being honest with myself and with others, and the importance of praising God for all He’s done in my life. 

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

I’m going to try to be more aware of the amazing work God is doing every day in our lives, and be sure to thank Him for it and share it with others.

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

 In Chapter 2, when he refers to the Son with a capital S. Verses 7 and 8: “I will tell of the decree:

The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”

Crista Reaves

6.2.2020 

Job 40-42 

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Job 40 begins with God asking Job if anyone can argue or oppose God. Job seems like he finally understands how important, big, and almighty God truly is and quickly humbles himself and vows to speak no more. God calls Job into action and again shows how He (God) is able to do all things perfectly. There is a description about Behemoth (some sort of large animal) where God describes how strong it is. Chapter 41 begins with describing how powerful a Leviathan (a large sea animal that hopefully still doesn’t exist) is, and God seems to compare himself to this creature to drive home the point that He is more powerful than a Leviathan as He is more powerful than anything. Finally, in chapter 42 Job again stands in awe of God and his power and praises how mighty God is. The book ends with God rebuking Job’s friends (they make sacrifices and Job has to pray for them to be saved) and God giving Job twice as much of everything he had before all this started.     

What is one key verse?

Job 40: 4 “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Job reminds me how God is powerful and in complete control of all things. Nothing surprises Him, nothing is too strong for Him, nothing is too complicated for Him, nothing comes close to understanding like Him, and no one understands and knows our hearts and minds as much as Him. 

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

Reading Job has shown me how I too can be quick to respond with my own opinion. I can feel so right about something in my mind (much like Job’s friends) but be so very wrong. Job has shown how vital it is to stay humble and always be praying for humility and discernment. 

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

Reading Job 40:4 reminds me to stop trying to be my own God, to stop trying to argue or justify with Him or others my sin, to be humble and still and love, trust, and obey Him. 

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

When God was describing the Behemoth and a Leviathan and how they were huge and mighty and difficult to kill, I thought about Jesus and how different Jesus looked walking in this world. It says in Isaiah 53:2 that Jesus didn’t have an appearance of a king. Jesus didn’t come here looking powerful and mighty and strong…. But came as a man and was hung on a cross without saying a word or displaying His power. However, Jesus IS mighty, powerful, and has the strength to overcome all things!     

Doug Reaves

6.1.2020

Job 38-39

We have had many chapters of hearing from Job, Job’s wife and Job’s friends. We have heard many negative and unwise things. In chapters 38 and 39 we finally hear from God. The Lord answers/questions Job by pointing out how small Job’s perspective is. How could someone so small question God’s large and great plan. God shows that he has created it all, he knows it all and that he controls it all. Job lacks knowledge, experience and perspective but he questions the almighty.

A key verse for me was Job 38: 12. God says “have you commanded the morning since your days began”. Such a simple verse. I have my QT’s in the morning and morning always comes. I never question it. But God implies that he makes that happen and that it is not automatic as I might assume. He’s always in charge and that is reassuring.

God is also just as in charge of the less consistent and less certain aspects of life. His hand is in every outcome and we can know that “In all things God works for the good of those who love him” Romans 8:28. God is in control of my life, he is in control of others lives. My most effective action is to pray to the God who is in charge of it all.

In Colossians it says that Jesus is the image of God and the exact representation of his being. While Jesus was on earth he showed his sovereignty over many things. Sickness, weather, people, death. However what Jesus’s life and death also shows that the almighty God is for us and intensely loves us. It is one thing to know that God controls everything, it another to know that he is also completely for us and working for our good.

It’s great to be his children.

Stephanie Hinsch

5.30.3030

Job 35-37

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:
These 3 chapters are the continued response of Job’s friend, Elihu the Buzite. During
his speech, Elihu gives detail about how God brings about justice and then discusses
how powerful God is. Elihu is defending God and his right to do what he wants, and
he continues by asking Job, ‘who are we, as humans to question God and His
actions?’ He does this by asking what can humans possibly give him (35:7) and if we
can explain how God makes any of his creation function. During his speech, Elihu is
defending God but he never gives any real answers to any of Job’s previous
questions about his suffering.

What is one key verse?

“‘Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? No one can tell him what to
do, or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’ Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise. Everyone has seen these things, though only from a distance.“
Job 36:22-25

How does what you read change your vision of God?
These chapters humble me and help me to see more of God’s love and power. He is
the creator of everything and controls creation, yet he wants a relationship with his
own creation, people. It also helps me remember that through my sufferings, God is
still God. My circumstances in life, does not change who God is or creates any limit
to what his power can do. It may not provide answers as to ‘why’ things happen, but
it gives me comfort in knowing that God, the one that created everything, is with me.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?
This scripture helps me put perspective into my own importance. It is humbling to
see that, as humans, we have no real power like God. It helps me remember during
hard times, instead of asking ‘why me?’, ask ‘why not me’. However, God is the one
that gives us importance and desires a relationship with us.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)
Looking at scripture that describes a glimpse of God’s power helps me step out of
my own little world. I need to tell people about God’s power more and even talk
about my past sufferings as a way to reach out to people.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about
Jesus?)
I see Jesus in these verses in the descriptions of God’s power. Jesus had the power to
step down from the cross; yet, he chose to die for our sins.

Peter Hinsch

5.29.2020

Job 32-34

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In these chapters a young man named Elihu speaks to Job and accuses him of arrogance.  Apparently Elihu has been present for the entire discussion Job has had with his three friends.  Elihu has remained silent up to this point, allowing for the older, wiser friends to speak.  When Job’s friends can’t convince Job that he has sinned, they give up trying.  At this point Elihu finally speaks up because he simply can’t believe that God would allow Job to suffer without Job being guilty of some sin.  Elihu seems indignant that Job would even consider the possibility that God could allow suffering to an innocent person.  Elihu, like the three friends before him, tries to correct what he believes is Job’s wrong thinking about his suffering and get him to confess to sin.

What is one key verse?

Job 33:9-13 “You say ‘I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt.  God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy.  He puts my feet in the stocks and watches my every move.’ But you are wrong, and I will show you why.  For God is greater than any human being.  So why are you bringing a charge against him?  Why say he does not respond to people’s complaints?”

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

Elihu reminds me of many people in this day and age who think they have all the answers but really have no clue.  Disciples are not immune to this kind of pride.  I can definitely fall into the same trap.  We need to be vigilant about staying humble and seeking answers about life in God’s word.

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

I am reminded that true wisdom comes from knowing Christ and the only way to know God is to follow his son!  If I want to avoid being like Job’s friends, I need to humbly pursue my relationship with Christ every day.

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

Job’s friends offered many unconvincing and uninspired arguments to try and prove their points, but they were unsuccessful.  Jesus, on the other hand, would regularly baffle people with only a few words due to his wisdom.  He taught with authority because he was one with the father, unlike Elihu who so proudly thinks he understands God but really doesn’t.

Jason Powell

5.28.2020

Job 29-31

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Oh how Job can lament! First, about the good ole’ days (chapter 29), then about his present losses and circumstances (chapter 30) and to wrap it up about the injustice of being falsely accused and persecuted although he is innocent (chapter 31). Job struggles, like we do, to justify or defend his innocence against what seems to be unjust treatment by God.

What is one key verse?

Job 31:33-34 “If I have concealed my sin as people do, by hiding my guilt IN MY HEART because I so feared the crowd and dreaded contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside.” Footnote to this verse for “as people do” is to read as Adam did…since the beginning of man we have attempted to conceal our sin.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Oh how Jason can lament too! Unlike Job, I don’t have much of a defense for myself. I have struggled mightily with concealment of my sins…what this passage reminds me is how guilt and shame affect my heart and therefore my relationship with God and with everyone.

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

That God is constantly refining us even when we think we are living pretty good (as was Job) or pretty awful (as was Jason). That God desires our pure and clean heart, unclutered by my hidden sins.

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

Reminds me to be on guard against the desire to hide my sins. To make a covenant with my heart not to make it sick with hidden sin.

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

Jesus was the only true blameless one, so while I could complain, really I can’t (and shouldn’t).

DJ and Stephanie Powell

5.27.2020

Job 25-28

Summarize what you read in one paragraph: Job 25-28 is summarized in simple as a question of where is God when bad things happen, and does he really punish those who do evil. In response, Job talks about just how grand God is and how much we lack wisdom and understanding. He clarifies that we value minerals he created over fear of God and turning away from evil which has far greater value.

What is one key verse? Job 28:28 And he said to man ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’

How does what you read change your vision of God? This passage reminds me that God is above my definition of right and wrong and the idea of justice.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? It makes me realize that wisdom comes from God’s word and to spread that word is far greater of a purpose than ever.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?) By diving deeper into Job and really understanding how we can share the gospel ie. “wisdom and understanding”. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) Job 26:12 By his power he stilled the sea.

Name: Jennie Povenmire

2.26.2020

Job 22-24

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

If I were to sum up my reading in one sentence, I would say “wrestling is hard but God is faithful.” Job’s friend Eliphaz, who at this point has spoken to Job three times and still isn’t coming off as encouraging AT ALL, is laying out why he thinks Job is receiving this consequence from God and how Job can straighten up. (In Toledo, we would call that “putting someone on blast,” when you lay someone out like that.) Job verbally wrestles with these thoughts…he wants answers but God will do what God will do. God doesn’t have to answer to Job or anybody. Even as he tries to rationalize what’s going on with what he knows about God, he still doesn’t get angry. He knows God is in, through, and of the situation.

Job 23:10 “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

How does what you read change your vision of God? God wants us to have an active faith! Wrestling with Him can be a good thing because it helps us fight for our salvation.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? Eliphaz is missing a whole lot of context and presumes to know exactly what is going on. I tend to do that too. People’s actions are rooted in context I can’t even begin to know. I need to seek more to understand what is going on before giving my thoughts. I learned in school that all behavior is a form of communication about what’s going on behind the scenes. Context is important because it helps us understand why a person engages in that behavior. If Eliphaz knew how God was using Job for his glory, I think he would have revised what he had to say.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?) I will work to listen more than I speak so I can understand what’s really going on before I make a value judgment. When I seek to understand before being understood, situations become a lot less hostile and a lot more gracious.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) Job rolled with the punches even though he was thoroughly displeased about what was happening.  He didn’t know the context or what was going on, but he trusted and loved God even through his wrestling with the situation. Job was faithful and his faith was strengthened because of that active engagement. Jesus knew the full context of the plan God had in mind, but he still wrestled with its application. Ultimately, he too was faithful to the plan and to all of us. Jesus’ wrestling and active engagement with his Father as he prays in the Garden is an encouragement because it shows me that even though I don’t understand what’s going on, my faith in God is stronger than the circumstances.

Micah Norwood

5.25.2020

Job 20-21

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In these chapters, Job and Zophar are discussing what will happen to men who have been wicked in life. Zophar brings up that those who have been without God and describes the pain that will be inflicted upon them eventually for not living up to God’s word and how God will always give His judgement in the end. Job builds off of this by describing how, in life, many wicked people get to have comfortable and powerful lives, but in the end we will all die, no matter how comfortable or good our life is.

What is one key verse?

Job 20: 28-29  “The produce and increase of his house will go into exile, dragged away in the day of wrath. This is the wicked man’s portion from God, and the heritage appointed to him by God”.

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

Reading these chapters made me think that I really don’t need to be preoccupied with what everyone else has in life, but instead should just focus on my own relationship with God. In the end we will all answer to Him and I feel I should focus more on my life and the blessings that God has given me instead of looking at what others have and start to have a covetous heart.

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

In the future, I feel I will be more grateful to God, since I feel that both types of people that are described in these chapters are truly a good way to describe every single person. Most of us are not truly wicked, but at the same time, we have all sinned, and knowing what I deserve for sinning, I feel I can be more appreciative to God for loving us so much that He had His only son die for us so that we may still be able to be in a relationship with Him.

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

The part of this reading that made me think about Jesus, is that ultimately, we all deserve God’s judgement because at some point in our lives, we have all sinned. This made me think about how, despite being sinners, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made it so we can all still have a close relationship with God and be able to one day spend eternity with Him in Heaven.