The author, Eugene Peterson calls Psalm 124 "a song of hazard--and of help." It begins by stating that if the Lord had not been on the side of Israel, and again emphasized it by repeating that statement that they would be have destroyed. The psalmist tells us that Israel had been attacked by men desiring to swallow them whole, by flood waters that came against them as someone ripping them apart, by being ensnared by the enemy but through it all, help had come from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. We can identify with Israel as we have traveled and continue on our pilgrimage. There are times that we are attacked and feel as if the enemy will destroy us. It is at these times we need to realize that God is on OUR side. Think of the knight in shining armor, striding up on a white stallion, reaching down to rescue you -- you know every lady has envisioned this--well ladies, He exists and reaches down to you in love. He is there for you, protecting you from the enemy which desires to devour you. With Him at your side you know you are SAFE. Again as the psalmist said, if the Lord is not on my side, I will perish but He has promised to be on my side! Praise be to the Lord. Amen and Amen!

Psalm 123 is a longing to find favor with the One enthroned in heaven while enduring so much disrespect, contempt and hurt from others. We know that whatever we focus on becomes the BIG thing in our lives. If we focus on the problem, then the problem is number one. This Psalm reminds us to lift up our eyes to gaze into the Father's just as a slave would look to his master and a maid her mistress for acceptance, direction, mercy and lovingkindness. We do not really connect with the other person if we do not look into each other's eyes giving our full attention to each other. By focusing on the Father, who He is, and His love we can feel free to bring our innermost thoughts to Him irregardless of what they are. As we connect we are granted His total attention. Can you even imagine what that means? The God of the Universe, Creator God, Sovereign God cares about you so much as to desire this time of our coming to Him. He desires that we look up higher, deeper and broader than we do in normal circumstances. We are to look to Him and His Word for guidance at ALL times even when we are not treated with respect. I am so grateful that God, in His infinite mercy, looks down to meet me and grant me favor in His sight.

As I finished Psalm 122, it brings to mind that God does appoint so much in our lives. As we studied we know that He puts us exactly where He wants us so that we can fulfill His purpose there. I can state from experience that God does exactly that. We were in a situation that He basically removed us from to a better experience. Without that difficult situation coming into our lives, I know we would not have made the move on our own. Therefore we can see that God uses difficult times in our lives to better us and place us where He desires. It then comes to mind that we need to evaluate why we are where we are, how we can be used for God's purpose and our willingness to do so. Scripture states that we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem and that those who love it will prosper. I think it also means that we should pray for our cities, our communities for peace. Who knows what changes this study will bring about in my life and your lives. It also reminds us that we need to be together loving , encouraging and edifying each other. I am so grateful for the many church family members who do that for me. We are told not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We can be stronger together, learn from each other and grown spiritually. As the Psalmist said, I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord!!!

As I finished studying Psalm 121 there is a peace that overwhelms me. As I journey along life's path and encounter obstacles as I look for help, I can rest assured that my LORD (Yahweh, covenant maker/keeper) is MY PROTECTOR. From this scripture we know that the maker of all creation has set Himself up to be our protector. He isn't like pagan gods that must have time for sleep. He never sleeps but is always on the lookout for our every step. He keeps us from tripping, falling and getting off the path to our "Jerusalem". What a wonderful Lord! As we face even the natural obstacles along this pathway, He is there to warn, guide and protect us. He protects us always forever. Those are all inclusive words. Praise God! Remember to begin memorizing this chapter as our memory verses. Try to have the first two memorized by our next class. We can do this together. Remember you are loved and protected by the One True God.

Today, I finished the study of Psalm 120. Even though this psalm tells of crying out to the Lord for vindication against liars and those who do things behind our back even while they seem to care for us, I thought the main truth in the psalm was something entirely different. What about you? To me I was so blessed to know just the truth in verse l: "In my distress I called to the Lord and He ANSWERED ME". Just knowing that the Lord of the Universe, Sovereign God, answers me when I call Him. And next that He listens to what I have to say and is interested! How blessed we are to have the privilege and honor to run to Him, let Him take us up into His arms, hold us and love on us! Anybody else? Let's remember in our times of trouble to run first to Him. Have a blessed day!

Wow! What a wonderful time of being with such special ladies and Beth Moore learning more about our Lord! I am so thankful that God has "appointed" this time for us. I believe that there is a reason that everyone present last night was there. God has a purpose in each of our lives through this study. Isn't it great to see God work in our lives? He is personally connected with each of us and has the greatest love ever for us. It is sometimes hard for me to imagine how great that love is and what all it encompasses. I feel so unworthy yet I know I am worthy because our God, the maker of heaven and earth gave His ALL in the form of His son to rescue me from my sins and eternal damnation. If that doesn't make you feel worthy, I don't know what might! I am so glad that God provided through David the Psalms for us. I believe the Psalms of the Ascent have much in store for us. I am thankful for each of you. Don't forget to invite others to join us. We were challenged last night to step up -- into a more intimate relationship with God. Let's get "moving on up" through your study this week. As Beth said, we may be there in a difficult place but we DO NOT have to stay there. We must be "travelin on". Amen? Don't forget to get as flat (prostrate) and physically possible for a special time with the Lord before beginning each day's study and pray that God will show you exactly what He has for you that day in study. Also begin to memorize Psalm 121 - let's try to have at least the first two verses memorized before we meet again. Please know that I am praying for you daily.

Getting Started

I am so excited about the bible study we will be doing - Steppin' Up by Beth Moore. It is a study of the psalms of the ascent (psalms sung by the Jews as they returned from Babylonian captivity and as they entered worship for the three feasts to be held in Jerusalem). These psalms reveal so much about ourselves and our Lord. The Psalms are 120-134. Our first session will be held on Wednesday night and I welcome your prayers for me as I facilitate and the participants as well. It is indeed a time for spiritual growth and intimacy with the Father. If you have done or are doing this study, please feel free to add comments or things that were meaningful to you in your study. Members of the bible study will be asked to make comments as well. It is my prayer that God will be honored and glorified in everything that is done and we will grow both corporately and individually in the Lord.