2020 Bible Vision

Eric Fox

4.18.2020

1 Chronicles 17-21

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

The Lord gave King David victory everywhere he went, doing what was just and right through out all Israel.  Later defeating the Ammonites and Arameans and the Philistines. King David took a census against the Lord’s will.  That resulted in a plague across Israel, and as David see’s the Angel’s sword over Jerusalem, David cries out to the Lord, builds an altar upon the threshing floor that saves the people from His anger.

What is one key verse?

1 Chronicles 21:17

“David said to God “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and done wrong.  These are but sheep. What have they done? O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

As King David humbled himself, opened his heart and took responsibility of his own sinful acts then the Lord listened to David.

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

I feel that if I took more responsibility for my actions to God, humbly opening my heart in prayer to our Lord, He too will hear my prayers.

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

Same as above

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

I see Jesus in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish His kingdom.  He is the one who will build a House for me and I will establish His throne forever. I will be his father and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from Him, as I took it away from your predecessor.  I will set Him over my house and my kingdom forever; HIs throne will be established forever. Luke 18:38 The blind man cries out to Jesus, refers to Him as, Son of David have mercy on me.

John Demsky

4.17.2020

1 Chronicles 10-16

Summary of the chapters:

There is a lot going on in these chapters! 

In chapter 10 Saul and Israel are fighting the Philistines and are being overtaken. Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua are slain by the Philistines while Saul is wounded in battle. Saul asks his armor bearer to kill him before he is taken and mistreated by the Philistines but his armor bearer does not do so. Saul falls on his own sword and his armor bearer follows suit. The Israelites retreat and the Philistines occupy their cities and even go as far as taking Saul’s head and armor for their own false gods. Valiant men from Jabesh-gilead recover the bodies of Saul and his sons and bury them. Saul ultimately perishes for his lack of faith in God; consulting a medium before this battle instead of God

In chapter 11 David is anointed king of Israel after Saul’s death; as Israel recounts how David led them even during Saul’s reign as king. David and all Israel then go and capture Jerusalem which becomes known as the city of David as David makes his home and stronghold there. The chapter describes David becoming greater and greater because the Lord of Hosts is with him.

Chapters 11 and 12 both recount David’s mighty men; including those who had been loyal to David even when Saul had been seeking his life and refusing to accept that God was going to give the kingdom to David. 

Chapter 13 sees David and his commanders attempting to bring the Ark of the Covenant back from Kiriath-jearim. They have it loaded onto a new cart and are celebrating along the way when an oxen stumbles. Uzzah reaches out to take hold of the Ark and in doing so angers God so he is struck down. David fears God after this and questions bringing the Ark home so he leaves it in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite whose household God then blesses.

Chapter 14 recounts victories over the Philistines God gives to David as well as the names of his children born in Jerusalem. 

Finally in chapters 15 and 16 the Ark is brought to Jerusalem and is carried by the Levites as God had ordained from the days of Moses. The Levites are ordained into a new ministry of praise, worship, and thankfulness to God before the Ark!

Key Verse:

1 Chronicles 16:41

“With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and expressly named to give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

The style of these chapters is largely a “chronicling” tone; recounting the events that transpired at the end of Saul’s reign and the beginning of David’s. So much awesomeness has transpired by the time we arrive at this verse- the Ark comes to Jerusalem and God is being celebrated by all Israel through praise, worship and instruments with all this being led by the Levites. The change in tone in the second part of this verse is almost as if the chronicler cannot hold back the awesomeness of God in a “chronicling” tone for any longer and must praise Him for His steadfast love that endures forever!

How does what you read change your vision of God?

So much is going on in these chapters and yet God is sovereign over all of it. We can see the bigger picture after everything has transpired through the recountings of the chronicler but many events must have been hard to understand at the time they happened. Israel saw their king (Saul) fall in battle which was incredibly demoralizing. Even David was afraid of God after He struck down Uzzah for touching the Ark and had doubts of how it could be brought to Jerusalem after that. With everything going on in the world right now with COVID-19 we can’t fully understand the big picture but we know God’s steadfast love endures forever and we can trust Him!

How will you go with God from this reading?

I want to trust God fully throughout this pandemic and whatever comes afterwards; knowing who He is and putting away any doubt of Him that may arise because of the limitations of what I can perceive.

Where did you see Jesus in this reading?

I see Jesus in David’s heart to glorify God. Jesus was always looking to glorify God his father and we see that heart in His ancestor King David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem and leading the people in celebrating God. Jesus is the perfect King leading us to glorify God!

Outtake Bonus Video – We love you John!

John and Chris Carlson

4.16.2020

1 Chronicles 1-9

Summary:

1 Chronicles is not only a genealogy of the families of the Israelites but also a political history and a history of the peoples religion.

Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. . .Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory, let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.   And God granted his request.            

How does it change my vision about God:

Reminds us that God answers the prayers of the honorable.   Also that God was in control of history just as He is still in control of what happens today!

How does it change my vision about myself or others:

I am reminded that I can please God by living honorably and to inspire those around me to do the same!

How will I go with God:

I will seek Gods guidance and wisdom in the choices I make and thee way I live my life.

Where is Jesus?

JESUS IS EVERYWHERE!!!   These genealogies lead us to down the line of the Israelites which eventually take us right to Jesus!!

Stacy Carstensen

4.15.2020

2 Kings 22-25

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Chapter 22 begins with Josiah’s reign at 8 years old. When he was around 26 years old, while the temple was being repaired, the high priest finds the Book of the Law and gives it to Josiah’s secretary. The secretary tells Josiah about it and then reads it to him. After Josiah heard the words of the Lord in this way, he tore his clothes because he knew of all the evil the people had been doing. He inquired of the Lord and  it was confirmed that disaster was coming because of the people’s actions. Josiah called the people together to form a covenant to follow the Lord and gets rid of all of the idols and false worship. Josiah dies in battle and all of the kings after him do evil in the sight of the Lord. Jerusalem is captured and the temple that Solomon built is broken apart. Judah is taken by Babylon into exile. 

What is one key verse?

2 Kings 22:2 “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is always willing to accept us, no questions asked, when we discover what is right in his eyes and we change how we think and act to make it line up with his word. No matter what Josiah had been doing before the word of the Lord was read to him, God accepted his repentance and promised that he would not see the ruin of the people but would rest with his fathers peacefully. No matter how we have been living, when we hear the teaching of God, we need to respond and make our lives align with his. 

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

We don’t need to feel guilty of our past sins or worry about what other people think of us, we just need ot make sure we are obeying God. God doesn’t care about our image or what we didn’t know, only that we change our heart to align with his when he calls us to, no matter the cost or time it takes to straighten things out. Think about how long it must have taken Josiah to destroy all of the idolatry! He kept at it until things were made right. 

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

I will listen to God more carefully and intimately. I won’t worry about what others will think or how it will affect them. When I know a change God is telling me to make, I will just obey. 

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

So many kings did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Josiah is the only one that followed God wholeheartedly in these chapters. What is said about Josiah not turning to the right or to the left, but following God all the way reminded me of Jesus as he followed God, never losing focus and never sinning in any way. 

Sharon Knox

4.14.2020

2 Kings 18-21

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Chapters 18-21, Hezekiah becomes king of Judah at the age of 25 years old. Unlike his father Ahaz, who was wicked, Hezekiah was “faithful to the Lord and never disobeyed Him” (2 Kings 18:6 GNT). He followed the example of his grandfather David. He had a very close relationship with God and trusted and obeyed Him.  During his reign, he completely destroyed anything in the land that was against God including the high places, idols, and pagan altars. Not only was he dealing with wickedness within Judah but received a letter about being invaded and destroyed by the Assyrians. In 2 Kings 19, Hezekiah goes to the temple and pours out his heart before the Lord. God responds and sends the Angel of the Lord to put to death 185,000 Assyrians.  In 2 Kings 20, Hezekiah becomes ill and was told by Isaiah he was to die. Again Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and God added 15 years to his life. Hezekiah’s life was characterized by his faithfulness and trusting in God. His son Manasseh was evil, however, and rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah destroyed and undid the good that he had done (2 Kings 21:2-9).

What is one key verse?

2 Kings 20:2-3

“Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,  ‘Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.’ And Hezekiah wept bitterly.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Reading these chapters reminds me that God is ALWAYS faithful to his promises even when we are not. In 2 Kings 19, He delivered Israel from the Assyrians when and how he said he would, even though they clearly did not deserve it and had been disobedient, worshipping and sacrificing to other gods. 2 Timothy 2:13 says “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” Faithful is who He is!

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

I have learned that the righteousness or unrighteousness of one person can change the course of a nation. Hezekiah’s righteousness and conviction lead to Israel’s deliverance. Manasseh’s wickedness and rebellion lead to their destruction.

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

Hezekiah had “wholehearted devotion” (2Kings 20:3). He completely destroyed ALL of the idols and high places in the kingdom, anything that was against God. He also went straight to God in the midst of the chaos.  Like him, I want “wholehearted devotion” and to completely destroy anything in me that is not pleasing to God, even those “high places”, those untouchable places, the “pet” sins that I try to hold on to. I also want to go to God in the midst of the chaos and lay my heart and my burdens before Him. I know He is the only one who can save me!

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

Like Hezekiah, Jesus was completely obedient to God and did everything that He wanted to, even to the point of death. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross” Philippians 2:8

Chris Knox

4.13.2020

2 Kings 13 -17

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:  

The Kings of Israel did not obey God and fought with the KIngs of Judah who sought God’s favor. God still helped his people when they cried out to him because he loved them. Then they abandoned all the Lord’s teachings to worship other gods and followed the practices of the other nations that God had driven out of the Land. They set up idols for themselves. God tore Israel from the house of David and exiled Israel in chapter 17. The Kings of Judah continued to do what was right in the eyes of God until King Ahaz.  He was influenced by the Kings of Israel and began to offer sacrifices on the high places to other gods. They all decided to imitate the nations around them and God told them not to. 

What is one key verse?

2 Kings 17: 13

The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” 

How does what you read change your vision of God? This shows me how patient God is and his incredible heart to love his people and wants to bless them and provide for them.   It shows me his commands he gives his people don’t expire. He is serious about what he asks me to do.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? I need to obey God and not give excuses.  I also need to make sure I do not have one foot in the world and one foot in God’s kingdom.  That will cause other people around me to imitate that and disobey God as well.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)When I read God’s word I am going to obey it and not give up.  I will be patient as God is working on my heart and character to refine me.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)I saw Jesus in where God was reminding his people to obey him.  It reminded me of Jesus in John 15:5-8 (remain in Jesus). That Jesus wants to do great things through me but I must remain in him.  That is what God and Jesus wants of me as well.

Clay Carstensen

4.11.2020

2 Kings 9-12

WOW!  These are some pretty brutal and gory parts of the bible!  From the killing of 70 princes to tricking the prophets of Baal and ridding the earth of them with 80 soldiers, vengeance was being had on the people who chose to worship anything other than the Lord God Almighty!  Throughout the reading, I was wondering what it was I would glean from this that isn’t already super obvious like not worshipping anything other than God. Then I came to the verse in chapter 10:31. For me, it is the key verse in this chunk of scripture.  

“Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart.”  

2 Kings 10:31

All of the conquests and zeal for the Lord yet he was not careful to keep the law of the Lord.  He fell short of the finish line in his quest to serve the Lord. It makes me wonder; Does the Lord have all of my heart?  Is there something else that is vying for it?

What I read, reminded me that God doesn’t want a part time relationship with us.  He doesn’t desire to be second place. He won’t sit idle and allow us to push him off to the back burner.  There are consequences for such behavior and blessings on the other side of it for those that give God all of themselves.  In this time of change, perhaps it’s a time to re-evaluate our priorities. Perhaps a time to really evaluate if we have given God ALL our hearts, ALL our minds, and ALL our strength.  

Going forward, I am needing to look at the different areas of my life and see if I need to make some adjustments. Repentance.  I am going to look at my priorities and see if they are in line with the gospel and the Jesus followers I read about in the Bible.  I will make sure myself and my family are truly “Going with God” in our daily lives. I may be calling on some of you for your honest opinion so please don’t hold back.  We need each other at times to point out where we may be going astray. I Praise God for people like you all in my life.  

I see Jesus show up in these scriptures in Chapter 11 and 12.  An unlikely king shows up. Under the radar, looking nothing like a king, far too young some would say.  During this holy week, we at our home celebrated Psalm Sunday when an unlikely king came into town in a very unlikely manor.  Riding a donkey. Nothing about him said Royalty…at least to the untrained eye. He would then be beaten, ridiculed, and the crucified with a mockery sign stating that he was King of the Jews.  Oh but the world would soon see that surely he was and is  the King of Kings, the son of Man, The Savior of the world.  

Tatiana Reinbrecht

4.10.2020

2 Kings 4-8

A lot is happening within these chapters! We are finding many miracles done through Elisha with all different types of people and situations. His character is continuing to be revealed and how he will be relying on God. Throughout 4 he is moving people’s faith through the four miracles throughout Israel. In chapter 5 we see a commander of the army seeking out help with his leprosy. After consulting Elisha, he walks away angrily and unwilling to obey. After talking with others, he chooses to obey and is cured! Within 6 we see a battle that is won for Israel, only through the help and watchfulness of God. As well as, a famine created by a siege in Samaria. Mourning from the people leads us into chapter 7. Elisha on the scene with a prophosey. Informing the king that the people will eat again but he will not eat any of it. Then four men with leprosy find a camp – empty- and full of supplies, money, and food. Sharing the wealth with the city under siege, the prophecy comes true and the king does not eat a morsel. Ending out in 8, Elisha notes the kingdoms in Aram and Judah doing right and wrong in the sight of the Lord. The end result, correlated to the king’s decisions.

A key verse in these chapters is: 

1 Kings 6: 15-17

“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

This verse is a wonderful reminder of how Sovereign our God is. He is watching over me and I do not need to worry about what I cannot control or situations that I think are “too big”. Especially during the Pandemic, I am reminded that as big as my ‘worry’ can be, it is not as big as God. Like the servant, I can only see with my eyes but what God has laid before me is better than what I could have planned for. God is watching over all of us – He is battling for us. I am blown away by encouragement! Jesus also gives us a reminder to not worry in Matthew 6:25-34. 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

I noticed how much God wants us in His plan. He is an amazing God (6:17-18) who can do everything in a snap of His fingers but instead, he calls for people to do His will. He wants us to be a part of the process. We GET to be part of God’s team, the best team!! 

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

In these chapters I see a call to be a vessel for God to work and move towards Him. Without Him, what am I really capable to do for the Kingdom? During all the miraculous events that happened through Elisha I see him as a vine that is so close to the branch (John 15:1-17), he knows what the will of God is. I continually yearn for a closeness to God like Elisha. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? 

My plan to Go With God, includes other people helping me and strengthening my relationship with God. Mirroring the many people who are going to Elisha and asking for help, I will also be asking for help. I know I cannot walk alone. I need wise eyes helping me. Closer to God and closer to the family of believers. n

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? 

The character of Jesus is evident in Elisha’s approach and interactions with the people. I see him changing the culture around him based on how he interacted with the Shunammite woman and the army that was blinded by God. He shows grace and compassion where most would not do that. Similarly how Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

Ariel Buckhannon

4.9.2020

2 Kings 1-3

Summary:

King Ahaziah sent officials to ask of Baal-zebub the false god of Ekron if he’d recover from his illness. God quickly intervened with Elijah the prophet. He gave him the blunt news that Ahaziah would not recover but would indeed die. Ahaziah the king died, and his brother Jehoram ruled in his place. After this, Elijah is preparing to leave earth and asks Elisha if he’d like anything done before he leaves. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit to be on him, which was a hard thing to ask according to Elijah. Elijah says to Elisha, if he saw him when he is taken from Elisha, his desire would be granted.Then the prophets saw a chariot of fire and horses of fire, which separated them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha was able to see it. Elisha is called to help three kings who go to battle against Moab; Judah(king Jehoshaphat), Samaria(king Jehoram), and Edom. He agrees to talk with them because of king Jehoshaphat.They played music for Elisha and he prophesied that they would have enough water to feed their animals. In addition, God would deliver the Moabites into the hands of the three kings.They did just as Elisha spoke; God set it up for them to destroy Moab and they did.

2 Kings 2:9 – “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” And Elisha said, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

I thought this verse was important because it shows where Elisha’s heart was, and what he truly desired. He could have asked for wealth, power, or a certain position in life, but he desired to follow in his teachers footsteps and continue God’s work.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

My vision of God was changed by seeing how the events in chapter 1 turned out. King Ahaziah sought out the help of a false God (Baal-zebub) to the result of no help. When the real God decided to give him an answer through Elijah. The answer was not what the King may have wanted to hear but God made it clear who we should seek when we need help.

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

I believe it reinforced the idea about the strength of relationships within the kingdom of God, and their impact on us as individuals. We need people to help us stay strong, keep us faithful when we lack the strength, and to teach us like Elijah taught Elisha. I think a great example of this is in 2 Kings 2:6. Elijah keeps offering Elisha a way out; but Elisha says “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” 

How will you go with God because of this reading?

These few chapters feel so important during this time of quarantine especially because of how God is working through my relationships with those in the kingdom (through phone calls or online) and those who I’m reaching out to. These chapters call me higher to check what my heart’s desires are, build up the relationships around me, and not let other things become Gods. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?

I saw Jesus in the Elijah and  Elisha relationship. Jesus had called all his disciples in a similar way to how Elisha was called in 1 Kings 19. Then the same dynamic is seen when Elisha carried on the mission of God, after Elijah ascended to heaven. This also occurred with the disciples when Jesus died and went to heaven. They continued sharing their faith and building up the kingdom.

Robert Buckhannon

4.8.2020

1 Kings 20-22

Summary: You can think of these three chapters as the season finale of King Ahab’s 22 year reign. The episode opens with the King of Syria declaring war on Israel. King Ahab comes back some choice words “Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off” [mic drop] and by God’s hand Syria is beaten back. Syria comes back the next spring and is defeated again; but like most kings, ya done messed up A-Ahab by not totally destroying them. Then Ahab spirals out of control with the help of his wife Jezebel and has a man murdered so he can build a garden. Despite his bad attitude, when confronted by the prophet Elijah about the incident he humbles himself in honest repentance only to return to his wicked ways going down in history as one of the worst kings. After a few more encounters with some interesting prophets, Ahab dies on the battle field fighting with Syria.

Key Verse: 1 Kings 22:7But Jehoshaphat said “Is there not another prophet of the lord of whom we can inquire?” 

How does what your read change your vision of God? God is not in the business of hardening hearts to dole out punishment. Ahab repented (momentarily) at the words of a honest prophet and God relented. God initiated with Ahab by sending multiple prophets and messengers so why would I doubt he would initiate with the hard hearted people around me? Maybe he wants me to be the prophet too.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? I’m not excited to be the prophet who gets punched in the face for speaking God’s word into people’s lives. I need to be willing to get hurt for God and his will. I need to trust him with my life.

How will you go with God because of this reading? I will pray for a soft and humble heart for myself and those around me so we listen to God’s word instead of brushing it off.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? Two spots! Jehoshaphat is always trying to inquire of the Lord. Jesus always did what the Father wanted him to say or do. Also, many good prophets were hurt by who they were sent to. Jesus received the same treatment.