2020 Bible Vision

Crystal Sanderson

3.3.2020

Joshua 6-8

Joshua chapters 6-8 tell the story of Israel’s first battles with Jericho and Ai as they begin to take over the land of Canaan. God’s instructions for taking out the defenses of Jericho were pretty odd, but because the Israelites obeyed it worked! The fortified walls of Jericho fell, and the city was sacked. The only survivors were a prostitute and her family, because they chose to be on Gods side. Unfortunately, one guy (Achin) chose not to follow God’s instructions completely and it affected the whole community. After they repent, God gives them victory again and renews His covenant with the Israelites, but this time includes “the foreigners who lived among them”, putting them directly into God’s plan of salvation.

What is one key verse? Why?

The verse that stuck out to me the most was:

Joshua 7:7- “And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign LORD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!”

Sound familiar? Joshua pulls up the old complaint that what they had before was better than what God has planned. Old habits die hard, even when one witnesses crazy big miracles. Thankfully, God is full of grace and mercy. He explains to Joshua why things aren’t going well and allows the Israelites to repent and re-establishes His relationship with them.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

My vision of God changed when I realized that even when I have sin, doubts and fears, God doesn’t. His love is bigger than all my mistakes and He is always there waiting for me to repent so we can re-establish our relationship and fulfil His plans.

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

Reading about Rahab (a prostitute) and how her decision to follow God had a huge impact for generations challenges me to see others through God’s eyes and not judge them for their actions or status in life. God’s plans and wisdom are so much bigger than anything I could imagine that there’s n telling who He has chosen to do something amazing.

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

I am going to Go With God by putting aside my fears/insecurities, step out of my comfort zone and trust that He knows the best way to get things done.

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

I saw Jesus at the end of chapter 8, when “foreigners” became part of the re-establishing of the Covenant. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just for Abraham’s descendants, it was for anyone who chooses God’s side, no matter their past.

Bill Sanders

3.2.2020

Joshua 1-5

These chapters are the first steps for Joshua and the Israelites to take the Promised Land. Joshua is the new leader, so God establishes His commission with him to take the land; the Israelites scout out the nearest city; cross the Jordan river, in the same way they crossed the Red Sea; they build a memorial; the men are circumcised; and Joshua meets the Commander of the Lord’s army. 

Joshua 5:13-14 “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?  This is impactful because the Commander of the Lord’s Army is neither for the Israelites, God’s chosen people, or their enemies. Even though they are His Chosen people, He is still not with them because they are still sinful but He still chooses to fight with them.  This just shows that only God is holy.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself and others? These chapters show what our walk with God and be like when we faithfully obey Him. These are one of the few sections were the Israelites faithfully obey God and He sends the Commander of the Lord’s army to fight in battle with them.

How will you go with God? The Israelites created a memorial to God after crossing the Jordan river. I will think of ways to better remember and celebrate the things God has done in my life. 

Where did you see Jesus? I see Jesus in His love for those we would consider the lowest in society. in Rahab’s story, Rahab, a non-Israelite and a harlot, fears God and acts faithfully by hiding the two spies.  She was rewarded by not just having her life saved but by being added to the Messianic line! This reminds of Jesus’ love and saving grace for the woman who was accused of adultery. This also seems to be an early sign that God would work to save all peoples, not just the Israelites.

Summary:

In Deuteronomy 31-34, God is telling Moses that God will go with his people into the promise land and that they should be strong and courageous. Then, Moses in turn, tells Joshua that God will be with him to lead Israel into the promise land and that he just has to be strong and courageous. God then goes on to tell Moses that the Israelites will turn away from God and break his covenant but God will teach the Israelites a song as a witness for God against them. God then brings Moses on top of Mount Nebo, where Moses dies and Joshua is filled with the spirit of wisdom and begins to lead the people.

Key verse:

Deuteronomy 31:21 

‘And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.’

How does what you read change your vision of God?

In these verses, I can see the love and patience that God has for his people. Even though he knows that they will turn from him and reject him, He never rejected his people but he allows them to learn a song so they can eventually remember where they came from, and turn back to God. 

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

This changes my vision of myself and others because this is an amazing example of God’s unconditional love. If God can still be patient with his people, whom he knew would reject him, then I can choose to be patient with those around me, no matter the situation.

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

I will attempt to think of this example in all situations throughout my day, and try to find ways that I can show more love to those around me.

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

I saw Jesus in these verses in the love that God showed his people. When Jesus was rejected by everyone, he still had love for the people and was patient with others.

Peter Hinsch

2.28.2020

Deuteronomy 27-30

This passage starts out in Chapter 27 with the people making an altar on Mount Ebal and calling down curses on those who would commit certain kinds of sins forbidden in the law.  Chapter 28-30 outline the blessings that would fall on Israel if they obey the covenant and the curses that will fall on them if they don’t.

Two key verses are 28:1 and 28:15:  “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth…v16 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:”

This section of scripture is called a Suzerain-vassal covenant, or conditional covenant.  This kind of covenant was a major type of covenant in the Ancient Near East.  In this kind of covenant, a much greater party, the Suzerain, claims absolute sovereignty and demands total loyalty and service from the vassal, the lesser party.  The Suzerain promised protection on the vassal, and the vassal pledged absolute loyalty to the suzerain and total reliance on his protection.

It is sobering to think about my total reliance on God for protection, and to know that he expects total loyalty and service in return.  

I definitely see Jesus in this kind of covenant.  He lived in total submission to the father, and in return God exalted him above all other names.  His submission was perfect!  Now I have pledged my service to Christ as my suzerain, and I know I am saved from the wrath of God by the protection of his precious blood shed to cover me.

Janelle Sabin

2.27.2020

Deuteronomy 21-26

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Deuteronomy 21-26 is a collection of rules and consequences for the people of Israel to live without evil in their midst. These chapters deal with events such as unsolved murders, birth right, sexual immorality and marriage and really tell how to handle situations to keep evil away from Israel. Keeping evil out of peoples’ midst and out of Israel is a big component of this chapter. These chapters really brought into perspective how much love is asked from us for God. Chapter 21: 18-21 tell a story of a disobedient son. When the parents bring this disobedient son to the elders they stone him to death. To me this brings out how strong our love for God should be. There are so many things that we can be attached to but that are pulling us away from God’s vision for us and this passage really shows me that we are asked to acknowledge those things and still be able to separate ourselves so that we can be closer to God. Another common theme in these chapters is how we should help our neighbors to show God’s love for all people and bring others closer to God’s love. 

What is one key verse?

Deuteronomy 24: 14 “You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of those sojourners who are in your land within your towns.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

 These chapters really showed me how much God challenges us but also how much forgiveness and love he does have for us. I love reading parts in the Bible that really show how strong God’s love for us really is. 

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

What I read changes my vision of myself because it makes me look deeper into myself and how I treat others around me to make sure that I am sharing the love of God in all of my actions, even when others are taking another route in life. It has also made me do a deep look inside myself to see what I have still trying to separate me from God and think of how I can change that. 

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

A separation I found within myself from God deal with First Friday Services. Some of my friends who are not in the church often make plans for Friday nights and don’t understand when I want to go to First Friday Service. I am challenging myself to start asking friends to come with me to First Friday Service instead of just saying I can’t do anything until afterwards. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)Deuteronomy 24: 19-22 tells of how to help people you may not know and this is where I saw Jesus the most. Specifically verse 21 “When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.” To me this just shows the overwhelming compassion of Jesus and how we should all serve those in need around us and not be greedy beyond our means. 

Mindy Richmond

2.26.2020

Deuteronomy 17-20

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

The book of Deuteronomy is believed to have been written by Moses, as a way to remind the people of the law and what was expected of them. In these chapters we learn about the laws and practices regarding sacrifices, criminals, judges, priests, property boundaries, and even warfare. While most of these will seem irrelevant to today’s times, there is one particular mention at the end of Chapter 18 that will always be relevant. This is where it is told that a prophet like Moses will be raised up for the people.

What is one key verse?

18:15 “The Lord your God will raise up a prophet like me from among you”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is merciful. In these chapters we are reading about the consequences of sin, and how to avoid sinning so as not to suffer those consequences. God is not punishing his people for their sin, He just can’t be in fellowship with them because their sin is contrary to His perfect goodness. So He shows them mercy by warning them and telling them how to live right. 

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

Reading this really reminds me of the seriousness of sin and the effects it has on our personal relationship with God.

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

I want to go with God by being more mindful on a daily basis of how my thoughts and actions might be hindering my connection with Him. 

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

I saw Jesus in chapter 18:15 when they talked about a “prophet like Moses” being raised up from among us. I am so thankful that Jesus Christ came to make the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from all sin. He is the reason we can have connection with God, anytime, all the time. 

Crista Reaves

2.25.2020

Deuteronomy 12-16

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Deuteronomy 12 is all about God’s commands on where the Israelites should go to worship. God stresses the importance of being fully obedient and showing that obedience by worshiping and offering sacrifices only at the place that God has designated. He warns the Israelites to not be swayed by what others claim is right. God tells them that once they arrive at the place chosen to worship, they should rejoice and be grateful for all that He has done and celebrate all the ways that He has blessed them. In Deuteronomy 13, God warns the Israelites that many (including parents, siblings, friends, and spouses) will try to tempt them into serving other gods… but to stand strong and remember to love God with all their heart and soul (Deut. 13:3)! Chapter 14 is all about what foods are permissible to consume and when to tithe crops, wine, oil, and the firstborn of the herds. Finally, in chapter 15, God tells the Israelites that after seven years they should forgive the debts of others and allow their slaves to be free. The chapter ends by informing the people to dedicate all the firstborn males of the herds and flocks to the Lord.

What is one key verse?

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:2 ESV

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is caring, compassionate, sovereign, and loves to take care of his sheep… because we are His! God provided guidance and instruction to the Israelites with every move they made, and if we listen, He is doing the same for us. These few chapters in Deuteronomy have really opened my eyes to see how much God cares for and loves His people. God loves relationships and desires a close relationship with us where we readily listen to him and obey His commands.

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

I think it is amazing that God tells the Israelites that He chose them out of everyone on the earth, that they were His treasured possession. In the same way God chose us! We are God’s treasured possessions and his chosen people! How grateful we should be.

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

I will be more aware of the world’s lies trying to tell me what to do. Instead I will seek to be deeply rooted in God’s word so He can instruct my ways. I also need to remember that I am His chosen daughter, and I must be His ambassador everywhere I go. God picked me to seek and save the lost and spread His love, I need to just go with God!

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

God tells the Israelites that they may eat the meat of the designated animals, but they must not eat the blood “…for the blood is the life” (Deut 12:23) and to “…pour the blood on the earth like water” (Deut 12:16). This reminds me of Jesus and how he shed his blood on the earth to save us from our transgressions.

Doug Reaves

2.24.2020

Deuteronomy 8-11

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

This section of the book of the law discusses several things. It starts by telling the Israelites to remember the Lord and the 40 years they have spent with him in the wilderness. God is telling them that things are about to change in the promise land, but even with the many blessings they are not to forget God’s commandments and God warns the Israelites of the consequences if they do. In Ch. 9 God warns them about pride. With much success over many nations God reminds them that it is not of themselves. It is by his doing and not because of their righteousness. He goes further even detailing what a stubborn people they’ve been and highlights their terrible sin of worshipping the golden calf. Moses reminds the people that without his intercession they would have been completely destroyed. Moses then proceeds back up the mountain for God to inscribe new stone tablets with the 10 commandments (because Moses had broken the first ones). The Israelites begin the journey from Mt. Sinai and Aaron dies and his son Eleazar takes his place as priest. Moses continues to remind the people of God’s awesomeness and the amazing blessing of the Israelites being His special people. The section finishes by reminding the people how important it is to obey God’s commands and to be different than the nations they remove. He warns of the consequences if they do not. However, it also highlights how amazing it will be for them to live in God’s grace should they obey, and the success they will have because of him. This is summarized at the end of ch. 11 by promising either a blessing or curse.

What is one key verse?

Deuteronomy 9:18 “Then I lay prostate before the Lord as before, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all the sin that you had committed, in doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord to provoke him to anger. 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

I’m so naturally against suffering and try to avoid it. God’s word constantly and somewhat uncomfortably reminds me that it is part of the plan.

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

Often when Christians sin, I can think “how could they do that?” I can have a judgmental attitude thinking they deserve the consequences of their actions. Moses example is amazing. He could have started over with a new people, but he chose instead to suffer because of them in hopes of having them regain God’s favor.

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

I have to be more patient and less judgmental. To hate the sin but still love the sinner. To be willing to suffer so sinners can be reconciled to God.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)Moses fasted in the wilderness 40 days and 40 nights because of the people’s sin. Before Jesus began his ministry, he did the same. It’s as if he knew what was in store and was preparing for himself a life and death of suffering to bring people to God.

Jason Powell

2.21.2020

Deuteronomy 1-4

Summary:

Moses reminds the Israelites of all the times God has helped them in their journey.  He reviews some of the past history of Israel like the Exodus and the wandering in the wilderness. Though they wander for 40 years, God still guides his people home. He then urges that they obey the Laws of God…how following God leads to reward and disobeying God leads to consequences.

One Key Verse:

Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV) says: Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as. You live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

By this I’m reminded to use hindsight (20/20 vision) to trust and believe that God is always guiding us if we stop and look for him.

How does what I read change my vision of God:

God allows us to question and doubt (when the people are order to send out spies to survey the land as they are questioning God), to use discernment, but not to disobey.  When we follow God, we will not be left to wander.

How does what I read change my vision of others:

I can see that others are just as deserving of grace and mercy as were Gods people.  That while we all wander or struggle at times in our lives, God promises to guide us and fight for us if we follow.

How will I go with God:

I will try to walk the walk; to be a man of action rather than words, as it is to be remembered what we have seen more importantly than what we have heard.  To see Gods works around me.

Where I saw Jesus:

The cities of refuge points to how Jesus is our refuge and hiding place.  Also, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and quotes Deuteronomy in the book of Luke. While Jesus did doubt and question God, he ultimately submitted and obeyed. 

Cassie Bryant

2.22.2020

Deuteronomy 5-7

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

This is the sharing of the ten commandments with all of Israel. He encourages them to learn them and follow them for God has promises for those who follow His commandments as well as consequences for those who do not. God’s promises reflected his desire God has to deliver His people. God’s covenant was made again to His people personally and not just reminders of the covenant made before them.

What is one key verse?

“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:5-9

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God wants us to be close with him and to be clear with his expectations. His covenant comes with blessing when we follow him. I appreciate God’s directness and clarity of how his people should be. As a christian I am so grateful to have God’s word to follow in my life. This actually takes a lot of pressure off of me to figure out what is right from wrong.

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

The fact that God needs to be so clear and have us continually reminding ourselves and other of his commands just reminds me that we tend to forget. I can use this reminder to have patience with myself and others when we do sin. It is possible to follow the standard and still have moments of weakness hence the need for binding it on our foreheads. We have each other in this church community to help each other stay on track.

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

I want to create physical reminders to have around my house, car, on my phone, etc. of the word of God especially in areas of struggle. Also, I want to impress the scriptures on my family with devotionals or worship songs.

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

Jesus was always quoting scripture when in times of temptation or to help others in times of temptation. He also left us with his mission to make disciples of all nations. We aren’t meant to just keep ourselves faithful but to do our part to strengthen the faith of those around us.