She Laughs. She Prays.

Songs of Ascents

Psalms 120-134

Since arriving in Alaska, my journey has often included mountainous terrain on which is easy to lose my footing. The slippery wet rocks or the loose gravel make hiking tumultuous. Bridges across deep water are sometimes small, rough tree trunks. Sometimes the larger, sturdy built structures can be slippery as well. Recognizing the best trail or path to take usually means planning ahead. We can understand life from a similar spiritual perspective. Traversing life with God means staying on the path despite mountains and valleys.

When I look back at my journey, I see that God created a steady plan for me, a pattern that I like David walked through. I realize that often, in my journey I traveled through a specific pattern of three thoughts.

I regularly admitted my need to God. When I made a mistake of being angry at a friend or family member or just frustrated by circumstances, I often needed God. Crying out in prayers was a regular occurrence.

Yet, even in my need I wasn’t in total despair, because I recognized that God’s provision has and always will be available. He always forgives, always moves in my behalf, and always sends me in the right direction. He’s a compass I can count on.

In the midst of crying out, like David so often, I rejoiced often over his provision. One time frustratedly, I stood at the end of my driveway pounding on the ice with a pickax in my hand. I asked God why had He brought me to Alaska? He surely didn’t have a plan. It doesn’t seem to be working out, and God certainly has forgotten me, I thought. Then as the pickax hit the ice sharply, I heard a quiet voice in my head say go find the goals you wrote down 10 years ago in college. I threw down the pickax and ran into the house. I dug through my box of college items long forgotten for an envelope. A friend and I had written down five goals and sealed them in separate envelopes to be opened later. I pulled out and tore open the sealed envelope. As I read, God pointed out that every goal had been accomplished while I had been in Alaska. God reminded me that in my need, he always provided, and I rejoiced.

The Songs of Ascents in Psalms 120-134 is a journey similar to my trip to Alaska that God has called all of us to take. The Jews at the time Psalms was written would take a yearly physical journey to Jerusalem which included ascending up Mount Zion to the 15 steps of the temple. As part of this journey, they would recite these Psalms written by their King David. So, their walk to Jerusalem also represented their spiritual walk that would ultimately lead to heaven. We walk at various paces and different paths along this spiritual journey. But when we submit to God’s will internalizing the hope of heaven that God has provided through His Word, we can reach the triumphant and final step of the pilgrimage.

The New Living Translation highlights each Psalm in this series as “A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.” They have traditionally been known as the “Songs of Ascent (NIV)” or “Songs of Degrees (KJV).” All come from the Hebrew word “maalah” meaning “a going up,” such as the physical journey to Jerusalem up Mount Zion and the spiritual journey of our lives ascending heavenward.

Historical Background

In general, the writing of these Psalms are attributed to David. Some scholars believe that Solomon may have written at least one, Psalm 127. Other scholars look at the contents and consider the possibility that Hezekiah, after God extended his life for 15 years, wrote some of them. Originally the “Song of Ascents” might have been sung as the Israelites returned from their captivity enroute to Jerusalem. Israelites may have sung these Psalms on the steps of the temple. There are 15 steps-15 songs or Psalms.

Spiritual Themes of Our Ascent

The 15 Songs of Ascents include five specific themes and each theme covers a pattern of three thoughts similar to the pattern I experiences in Alaska on my journey. The five specific themes each cover three chapters. These include:

1) Need for deliverance-Psalm 120-122

2) Need for mercy-Psalm 123-125

3) Need for God’s Blessings-Psalm 126-128

4) Need for Relief from Affliction-Psalm 129-131

5) Need for God’s Presence-Psalm 132-134

These themes or groups of three chapters also cover a pattern of thought we often experience in our encounters with God:

· Admittance of need

· Recognition that God will provide

· Joy over provision

As in all journeys upward, people choose varying paths and ascend at varying speeds. The number of rocks, ravines and chutes vary depending on trail chosen. The air current and weather when ascending all depend on the tiing of the ascent. These natural occurrences will either slow a climber down or provide the right circumstances for faster, efficient travel.

In our spiritual ascent, similar natural occurrences happen to either speed up our travel or cause a hand over hand struggle as we hope for a foothold. Our choices made on the ascent can either create doom or help resume the climb. Perhaps some Christians will nearly reach the last steop and find rest often in a portion of God’s glory on earth as seen in I Kings 8:11 or 2 Chronicles 7:1-2. Others will struggle on earth making poor choices that may mean when they finally admit they need Jesus, they will only attain, master or understand God’s glory when they stand before him face to face at the end of the journey, in heaven at our final resting place.

But all of us must begin the journey and all of us must stand before God.

So where is the beginning? The beginning is the first step of salvation, which includes reaching out to God in our distress,, and recognizing our need for deliverance.

Need for Deliverance (Psalm 120-122)

Admittance of Need: The Psalmist in the first chapter (Psalm 120) calls out in distress as he recognizes his plight. He lives in a land and among a people where sins of the mouth prevail. Words lead to war rather than a commitment to peace. His soul is overwhelmed. He expresses woe and a desire for deliverance.

The number of references in the Bible mentioning God’s delivering power, particularly the volume focused on praying for deliverance, sets up a basic deliverance theology. The Hebrew word for deliverance used in Psalm 120 is “natsal” meaning to be snatched or taken away. The Psalmist says take me away from the lies being told. Although in Hebrew about 20 different words or their variations refer to God’s power to deliver, “natsal” is among the top two words used. The volume of prayers for deliverance in the Bible and the Psalms give us a great example to pray when we need deliverance.

Recognition that God will provide: As the Psalmist begins his journey, his eyes suddenly take in the beauty of a city set upon a hill that represents God’s promise of deliverance. In Psalm 121 he says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills.” In Israel, to focus on the hills, meant to look upon the area where Jerusalem, the holy city, sat. The Israelites chose Jerusalem’s location because of its hilltop advantage. Their enemies could be seen coming from miles away. So here the Psalmist looks toward the holy city that represents the presence and love of God.

As he looks afar, he recognizes God’s past provisions. He doesn’t let our feet slip. Unlike man, God never falls asleep on the watch. When the heat comes whether it’s a physical or spiritual onslaught, God provides shade. His right hand keeps the direct rays away. In our journey, we can walk through the heat of sin, through the height of a sinful atmosphere, because God’s right hand, the hand that performs miracles, the hand at which Jesus sits, will shadow us, keeping us from burning and blistering. Unscathed we can walk through a sinful world. We can trust in God.

In Bristol Bay, many fishers and their families love to preserve their fish through canning. This keeps the fish without the need of an electric cooling system. In Psalm 121:7-8, the Psalmist uses the word “shamar.” In the KJV, it’s translated “preserve.” With a closer look at the meaning of “shamar,” the Hebrew word intends the translation to mean not only keep, but “observe and keep.” This adds the dimension of God’s personal involvement. He cares about us enough to be there for us, to understand our circumstances, to watch out for us, and when evil comes our way, he delivers us and keeps us from any perverse intentions. He preserves. He prepares us for long intended purposes.

When we preserve fruit in glass jars, we clean and prepare the fruit. We decide what type of spices and sweets need to be in the jar to provide the best result. We then enclose or protect the fruit in a jar. The preservation process includes covering the fruit with a seal and heating the jar. Then we know the fruit has been properly prepared and kept for the future purpose of eating. God brings us through a similar process of cleaning, preparing, and sealing with his love. His observing and keeping include much more than our minds and soul comprehend.

Joy over provision: As the Psalmist begins to look to the Lord for help and recognizes the help God can provide, in the third chapter (Psalm 122) joy wells up inside him at the anticipation of reaching Jerusalem. The city of God has always been a central focus for redemption, a place of joyful anticipation for the Jews. So much that many pilgrimage their yearly to pray. But the true anticipation is heaven.

If we consider our journey and our need, the focus of both becomes a walk with and towards God-heavenward. The Psalmist’s emphasis on the city in this passage creates for the spiritual wanderer a beautiful illustration of how to hone in on a purpose for life. In a world that seems to spiral endlessly without an answer for those in distress, Jesus says look to me and look to the that represents my love.

The Psalmist takes us on a journey in life from a moment of his distress and admittance of need, to understanding that God has the power to deliver, and lastly joyfully anticipating the redemption upon reaching His throne, His presence. (Continued Next Week)

Although I make reference to this in the questions below, I am so thrilled with the choices of Alaska Airlines in its history that I wanted to quote the entire article here for you to read. This is one reason I support Alaska Airlines-its part of His-Story. It's part of the ascent heavenward for all of us.

In 1949, Alaska Airlines took part in Operation Magic Carpet, the airlift of thousands of Yemenite Jews to Israel. When Alaska Airlines sent them on "Operation Magic Carpet" 50 years ago, Warren and Marian Metzger didn't realize they were embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Warren, a DC-4 captain, and Marian, a flight attendant, were part of what turned out to be one of the greatest feats in Alaska Airlines’ 67-year history: airlifting thousands of Yemenite Jews to the newly created nation of Israel.

The logistics of it all made the task daunting. Fuel was hard to come by. Flight and maintenance crews had to be positioned through the Middle East. And the desert sand wreaked havoc on engines.

It took a whole lot of resourcefulness the better part of 1949 to do it. But in the end, despite being shot at and even bombed upon, the mission was accomplished—and without a single loss of life.

Known as the lost tribe of Israel, the Yemenite Jews had wandered the deserts for at least two centuries after being driven out of Palestine. Nomads, they had never seen an airplane and never lived anywhere but a tent.

Ironically, their faith included a prophecy that they would be returned to their Holy Land on the wings of eagles. "One of the things that really got to me was when we were unloading a plane at Tel Aviv," said Marian, who assisted Israeli nurses on a number of flights. "A little old lady came up to me and took the hem of my jacket and kissed it. She was giving me a blessing for getting them home. We were the wings of eagles."

For both Marian and Warren, the assignment came on the heels of flying the airline’s other great adventure of the late 1940s: the Berlin Airlift. "I had no idea what I was getting into, absolutely none," remembered Warren, who retired in 1979 as Alaska’s chief pilot and vice president of flight operations. "It was pretty much seat-of-the-pants flying in those days. Navigation was by dead reckoning and eyesight. Planes were getting shot at. The airport in Tel Aviv was getting bombed all the time. We had to put extra fuel tanks in the planes so we had the range to avoid landing in Arab territory."

British officials advised them that Arabs, angry over the establishment of the Jewish state, would certainly kill all the passengers and likely the whole crew if they were forced to land on Arab soil. Many planes were shot at. Days often lasted between 16 and 20 hours and the one-way flights, in twin-engine C-46 or DC-4 aircraft, covered nearly 3,000 miles.

"We’d take off from our base in Asmara (in Eritrea) in the morning and fly to Aden (in Yemen) to pick up our passengers and refuel," Warren said. "Then we’d fly up the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba to the airport at Tel Aviv to unload. Then we’d fly to Cyprus for the night. We couldn’t keep the planes on the ground in Israel because of the bombings."

"One of our pilots got a little bit too close to Arab territory when flying into Israel from the Gulf of Aqaba and tracers started arching up toward the plane," Warren said. "Another one of our planes got a tire blown out during a bombing raid in Tel Aviv. One of our crews practically lived on their plane from the end of April through June."

Bob Maguire, another Alaska pilot, once had to drop down to several hundred feet above the ground, squirming through hills and passes, to evade Arab gunfire. What Warren and Marian thought was a temporary assignment turned into a seven-month mission of mercy. It also launched a marriage that has also celebrated its golden anniversary. Warren and Marian were married in Asmara in January 1949.

"I had met Warren when I started working for Alaska in July of 1948," Marian said. "We had both worked the Berlin airlift. I was sent to Shanghai and I didn’t know where Warren was. I landed in Asmara after one flight and when the door of the plane opened, one of the guys who knew I’d been seeing Warren from time to time said he was in Tel Aviv and he’d be flying in the next day."

Before her Operation Magic Carpet flights in the Middle East, Marian, who retired from Alaska in 1952, assisted on flights from Shanghai transporting Jews who fled to China to escape persecution in Germany. When communists came to power in China, the German Jews took flight again to Israel.

"We had been doing a lot of trips, a lot of different kinds of trips," Marian said. "We realized this was going to be part of the history of Israel, but it seemed like more of an adventure at the time."

In all, with the help of Alaska Airlines, charter carriers and the military, more than 40,000 Yemenite Jews were airlifted to Israel between late 1948 and early 1950.

Our One Year Bibles finally arrived at Bristol Bay Church, Dillingham, AK. We have decided to start on March 17, 2024, which means it will take until next March 17, 2025, to finish reading all the way through. If you asked for a soft cover copy or would like one, please see me on anytime this week or on Sunday. I have about 10 of these. You can also purchase the electronic copy on Christianbook.com The One Year Chronological Bible NLT - eBook: 9781414361628 - Christianbook.com I will have a few journals and notebooks as well in case you want one to keep your answers in to the questions below in a notebook. And/or send them to me and we can stay in contact: pastorval@bristolbay.church

For those who want to read along in your own Bible, I will publish the passages for the week in a special column to check off. I look forward to reading with you. Each week I will also send some study questions to go with your reading if you choose to use them. Reply with questions and answers. I look forward to reading God's Word with you daily.

July 8

Psalms 98-104

July 9

Psalms 105-106

July 10

Psalm 107

Psalms 111-114

July 11

Psalms 115-118

July 12

Psalm 119

July 13

Psalms 120-126

July 14

Psalm 128-130

Psalm 132

Psalm 134-135

July 8

1) Consider Psalm 98:1-3. The word "salvation" is repeated 3 times in the NIV. In the NLT version we see victory repeated 3 times. If we consider the etymology of these words in the Hebrew, what are these words telling us? We know that they are working for our good, our salvation and victory. But is there more?

2) In the NLT, Psalm 98:1 speaks of the right hand giving victory and his holy arm salvation. The NIV and KJV combine the subjects saying "right hand and holy arm," with the NIV saying they "have worked salvation" and the KJV "gotten him the victory." Why did the NLT separate these into two phrases?

3) Psalm 99 says, "He sits on his throne between the cherubim.

4) Psalm 102:6-7 gives reference to a loneliness David is feeling. I think we often feel like David and the little bird he references. "I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof (Psalm 102:6-7).

What else does the Bible tell us about his care for small birds and us?

July 9

1) How does Psalms 105:5-6 tell us to encourage ourselves?

2) Psalm 105 refers to a time when Israel is not a nation. When its people wanders from place to place. But verse 11 gives a covenant promise and God always keeps his promises. “I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession.” This speaks directly to the history of leaving Egypt, but we also know it was a future promise because it speaks of keeping his covenant to a thousand generations. When is this future promise fulfilled in your parents or grandparents history?

3) What is the specific history of Alaska in relationship to Israel becoming a state?

July 10

1) What does Psalm 107:2 tell us about our His-story?

2) According to Psalms 112, If we delight in the Lord and obey His commands, what will happen?

July 11

Specifically summarize the prayers of despair David has and how God's answers in Psalms 115-118.

July 12

1) In Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, what do each of the sections begin with?

2) What is the emphasis of Psalm 119 in a few words?

July 13

1) Psalms 120-126 begin the section of Psalms called the Songs of Ascents or Songs of Degrees. The NLT calls it the Songs for Pilgrims. What does these titles mean?

2) If these Psalms were broken into sections with titles, what would the section titles be?

July 14

1) Psalm 129:5 says that Jerusalem is hated? Who or what is Jerusalem?

2) In Psalm 132, it speaks of what Jerusalem (Zion when interpreted correctly) is in the sight of God? Read and describe this.

3) Psalm 132:17 says "Here I will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light for my people." Compare this to the KJV. How does this change the meaning of verse?

July 1

1) There are several people mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21. Give one sentence on each of the people in this reading. The sentence should connect the people to the events in the passage.

King Hezekiah-He reinstates the use of the Temple and it's purification.

Levites-The Levites carried out the purification and did what was needed to bring the temple into a renewed state.

Aaron -The father of all the Levites

Gad-Seer and prophet that served King David.

Nathan-Prophet during the time of King David.

King David-Example for King Hezekiah

July 2

Most of Proverbs was written by King Solomon and recognized as a book during his days. Proverbs 25-29 are associated with the revival happening during the time of King Hezekiah and his scribes 200 years later. King Hezekiah ordered the scribes to search the Scripture. As a result, they found or collected these additional writings that are now associated with Proverbs.

1) Proverbs 25:21-22 How do these verses tell you to treat your enemies and why? Treat your enemies by providing for their needs, so they will deeply regret it.

2) Proverbs 26:17-19 What do we learn about "lying" in this passage? You can't tell a lie then say you are joking.

3) Proverbs 27 What does this passage say about counsel and advice? It's better to listen to counsel and advice from a friend who cares.

4) Proverbs 28:11 Speaks of discernment. Consider other verses on discernment. I Corinthians 2:14; 5) Proverbs 3:17; Romans 12:2; I John 4:1 Discernment is better than riches. Only a person who listens with their spirit can have true discernment.

6) Proverbs 29:18 Compare various versions of this verse. Does one give you a better understanding of the verse? What do the verses say to you? The verses use the word vision and prophecy. Although if we have no prophecy or no understanding we won't know the next steps and will take steps without planning.

KJV-Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

AMP-Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].

RSV-Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

July 3

1) When I read Proverbs 30:1-31:31, I am inclined to stop and consider Proverbs 30:4. I love the descriptive words throughout. The end of this verse though asks "What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!" There are at least two views on the ending of this verse. Look online for the answers and consider them both. The Jews think that the son is Israel. Christians think the son is Jesus.

2) Proverbs 30:8-9 give a view on what is the best way to live financially. What do you think? He asks for neither poverty or riches, so that in the end he doesn't deny or condemn God.

3) Proverbs 31 describes a godly woman who gives help and safety to her family. Is there an area you can relate to? Is there an area that you do well in and one that you would like to improve? Is this Proverbs a valid one for women today to reference? (personal)

July 4

1) Compare Psalm 44 to Romans 8:34-38. Give at least one comparison. Psalm 34:22 and Romans 8:36

2) Why is Psalm 45 called a Messianic passage? If we take this as a Messianic passage, we understand Jesus' love for us. One reason we can take this as a Messianic passage is because of these references: 45:5-6 "the nations fall beneath your feet.

Your throne, O God endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice."

The King is described like our Jesus as gracious, divine, and warrior.

July 5

1) These Psalms are written by the descendants of Korah. If you do a quick study of Korah, you will notice both God's judgment and God's grace. Korah is known for his rebellion but his family for their faithfulness. The prophet Samuel is descendent of Korah.

2) All the Psalms in this reading were written by a group of Levites. Levites "waited on the Lord" in the temple. They took care of the house of the Lord. Their joy in doing this is evident in Psalm 84. When I read this passage, I can hear their love of their work. Read this passage and compare it to your desire to be in the house of the Lord. Do you look forward to being in church? Ask God to give you a new desire for Him, His presence, and being in His house with friends. (personal)

July 6

1) Psalm 10:1-18 notes that the wicked succeed. Psalm 33:1-22 speaks of the joy of serving the Lord. Which of these Psalms do you relate to the most? How would you answer someone who asks the same questions in Psalm 10:1-18. Two thoughts to consider: Would you mention final judgement? Romans 2:5? Or would you mention the joys of serving God and the hope of heaven? Hebrews 6:19? (personal)

3) Read Psalm 91 in KJV as well as NLT. What are some of the differences? Does comparing the two bring more understanding? One specific area that is easy for me to relate to has to do with our time of "Covid." Psalm 91 :3 says, "For he will rescue you from every trap

Psalm 91:3 says, "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence (KJV)". A pestilence is something I think would come from a literal bug, not a disease type bug. So I would not necessarily relate this to disease.

July 7

1) Psalm 92 focuses on what a person does on the Sabbath. What does this suggest we should do on the Sabbath? Sing praises. Play musical instruments.

2) Psalm 97 says, "The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth." Name some mountains in this world that melted before the Lord. What about your life? Pray over what needs to be melted? (Personal)

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The Iowa Chi Alpha team, a college ministries organization, will lead Summer Kids Day and Teen camps. The Day Camps will be in the low-income housing area in Dillingham from 11:30 am (lunch) to 2 pm. They will be taking the ministry where the kids live. We will provide the teens with transportation to their evening event at the Bristol Bay church at mile 3.3 on Kanakanak Rd. from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Please pray for Pastor Mark as he hosts this team and leads the transportation.

Please pray for the Alaska Chi Alpha intern Nathan as he leads the Day Camp programs.