She Laughs. She Prays.

When God sewed the seams of this world together, He zipped in hope and joy. From the very creation of the world, He knew where you would lay your head be it in the depths or the heights. From birth He watched with care the cradle that bore you. He knew your midnight risings and placed stars at your feet. Though darkness surrounds, you his stars, the heavens, are there to light the way. In a world where no one remembers the tightness of their first resting place, the womb or understands the intricacy of their creation, God’s omniscience wraps a security blanket around you. His omnipotent arms rock you. From the safety of a cradle to the uncertainty of a decision-filled life, He anxiously wants to guide you. He knows when your feet meet the floor or when you can barely stumble out of bed. He knows the tears that stain your pillow. And yes, when He stitched that blood-stained quilt of pure hope, He laid it upon your bed. (Psalm 139)

After a short hike up following along steep cliffs and then back down along a primitive, yet well-worn path, our group reached the base of Thunderbird Falls. Everyone wanted a better view. From the lookout above, the falls peaked through enough to create a thirst, a desire to see it at its fullest. Grandmas and grandpas, preschoolers, families, couples, and lone hikers climbed down the steep, winding path, across a small log, through patches of mud, under low lying branches and finally reaching the falls. The view was better, but not good enough. If one followed the trail of rocks into Eklutna River, the majesty of the falls increased. But still . . . . There had to be a more complete view of the source.

Being adventuresome, I climbed out further stepping from boulder to boulder along the edge of the River, which butted against a cliff. I could see an outcropping of large rocks. If I could climb on one of those! When I reached the rocks, a perfect shelter out of the view of all the visitors left you alone with the water. Other saw me and tried to join me. Wait, I wanted to cry! I need a moment alone, but the moment had passed.

Later I encouraged a friend, who was currently facing a great challenge, who had joined us at the Falls to escape alone to the rock shelter. She described viewing the cascading water as a time of being near the Source. Here away from the bustle of the children and tourists, she began to cry and worship God. The noise of the waterfall blocked out all the commotion and gave her time to meditate and pray. At the water’s edge, she went to the Source of her hope and strength. She received not only a better view of Thunderbird Falls, but a better view of God’s love and mercy for her life.

God’s unfailing love is transliterated “chesed” in Hebrew. This one word encompasses “loving-kindness; steadfast love; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; and devotion.” It’s one of the most important terms in Old Testament theology and ethics, according to Vine’s Hebrew and Aramaic Dictionary. In a “chesed” relationship the weaker seeks the protection of the provider and the stronger remains committed to his promise. In all meanings of “chesed,” commitment to relationship is central. Abounding describes the “chesed” of God. “Abundant in goodness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6, KJV) “Abounding in love.” (Psalms 103:8, Nehemiah 9:17, Jonah 4:2, NIV)

In Psalms, David repeats the following phrase 27 times. “his mercy (chesed) endureth for ever.”

Many new Christians and even some older, more mature, ask me the question, “Why does God seem so far away?” They might ask, “Why do I feel cut off from God?” The only answer I have is draw closer to the source.

When one asks “Where’s God?,” we question the “chesed” of God. We question a fundamental truth that God will never leave us nor forsake us. We have a covenant relationship with Him. God keeps his covenant. Desiring more intimacy with God often means drawing closer to the source through Bible reading and prayer. We don't always have a waterfall to help us, but the River of God is always available. (painting by Zane Burgess)

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.

May 13

Psalm 68:1-70:5

Psalm 86:1-15

Psalm 101:1-8

May 14

Psalm 103:1-22

Psalm 108:1-110:7

Psalm 122:1-9

Psalm 124:1-8

May 15

Psalm 131

Psalm 133

Psalm 138-141

Psalm 143

May 16

Psalm 144-145

Psalm 88-89

May 17

Psalm 50

Psalm 73-74

May 18

Psalm 75-78

May 19

Psalm 79-82

May 20

I Chronicles 29:23-25

2 Chronicles 1

I Kings 2:13-3:15

Psalm 83

May 13

1) Psalm 68:5 describes several ways that God helps those that are alone. List these.

2) How does Psalm 68:33 effect you? What do you picture?

3) Have you ever felt like the beginning of Psalm 69? Describe this instance and how God rescued you or how He is rescuing you?

4) Psalm 101 is more than one sermon. Summarize what David says he will do?

May 14

1) Psalm 103:8-18 describes God's unfailing love. How do these verse refer to God's unfailing love personally for you?

2) Psalm 108:7-9 David lists many cities. What are the cities and the significance of these?

3) Psalm 122 Describes a pilgrimage. Use your words to describe this travel. Look up on the internet what this pilgrimage might be.

May 15

1) Psalm 133 describes Jerusalem. Is this description still true?

2) Psalm 139:13-16 describes a mother's womb and the resulting child. How does this relate to our understanding of abortion?

3) Read Psalm 143:10 and describe the significance of the verse.

May 16

1) Psalm 144:5-7 describes God's use of nature for our good. Do you deem this as true? Do you know of any time when God used the weather or nature to move an enemy of his people?

2) Psalm 88:10-13 talks of the fact the dead can not praise God or bring anything to pass? Why would David consider the power of the dead on earth?

May 17

1) Psalm 73 is a Psalm of Asaph. In 73:2-12, Asaph speaks of an issue that many of us deal with. What is it? 2) Describe the issue and help us understand how Asaph and you can deal with it.

May 18

1) Psalm 75, to what tune does Asaph sing this to?

2) Summarize the most important point or points in Psalm 77.

May 19

1) After reading Psalm 79 and maybe looking up on the internet, when did Asaph write this Psalm and what are the issues at hand?

2) In Psalm 80, Asaph repeats "Oh God of Heaven's Armies." In regard to what is he calling on God?

3) In Psalm 82, what does Asaph call on God to do?

May 20

1) I Chronicles 29:23-25 describes a change in Israel. Explain this change.

2) In 2 Chronicles 1 Solomon has a talk with God. What is the significance of the talk and what do they discuss?

3) In I Kings 2:13-3:15, who do we learn who Adonijah is and how is he related to Solomon? What does he ask for?

4) Psalm 83 lists many enemies of David. Who are the enemies and why are they listed here?

May 6

1) I Kings 2:2-3 describes how David told his son to "Take courage and be a man." What can we learn from these verses? He tells us to "Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses" so we can be successful. We can learn how to be successful.

2) In 2 Samuel 23:1-7, how are the righteous described or compared to? Compared to the gleaming bright light of the sun in a new day.

3) Psalm 5:7 and 6:4 speak of God's unfailing love. What does this mean? His love saves us and allows us to be in his presence.

May7

1) What can we learn from Psalm 12:5-6? God cares for the poor and the helpless. He rescues them. He keeps his promises

2) According to Psalm 15, how should our character be described if we want to worship God with pure hearts? Lead blameless lives, do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts, refuse to gossip or harm neighbors or speak evil of their friends. despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

3) According to Psalm 20:7, who do we boast in? Some people believe in chariots and horses. But we boast and believe in the Lord.

May 8

1) In Psalms 22-24, what parts point us to Jesus?

Christ the Suffering Servant

I. Psalm 22:1-5 Matthew 27:46

II. Psalm 22:6-11 Mark 15:29-32; Isaiah 53:4

III. Psalm 22:12-15 Isaiah 53:12 (Philippians 2:17, 2 Timothy 4:6—Suffering alongside, like Jesus)

IV. Psalm 22:16-21 vs. 18—Matthew 27-35; vs. 16 Luke 24:36-40

V. Psalm 22:22-31—All the nations (Speaking to Abraham--Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:4 ; David told Psalm 45:17; All Nations in final days Matt:24:14 and Matt. 25:32

2) Some of these are prophetic. Which are prophetic and where in the Bible are the prophecies fulfilled? All the prophecies of Christ the Suffering Servant were fulfilled in the stories of his crucifixion.

3) What does Psalm 26:2 mean? How does that apply to your life? Are you willing to put yourself to the test? It is awesome that God wants to test us. When he tests us, we grow. He challenges us to be the best version of us we can be.

May 9

1) What verse or verses resonate with you in Psalm 27? Why?

Vs. 13 & 14-

I remain confident of this:

I love David's confidence and how he remains strong while he waits.

2) David refers to the sanctuary in Psalm 28:2. The King James Version calls it the "holy oracle." The NIV calls it "Most Holy Place." The NIV capitalizes it. What is David referring to with these words? He is referring to the inner court of the Sanctuary, the most Holy Place. I think it is a physical place.

3) Psalm 29 refers to the strength of the voice of the Lord. Read and then describe the strength of his voice. Where else does God's voice show him strong? These verses talk of the strength of his voice over the current creation. In Genesis, we also find a strong voice from God when he created the world.

May 10

1) Psalms 35: 22-25 use words as if someone is on trial. Discuss who is on trial? Why did David use these words. David feels he is on trial including having witnesses speak against him. But he calls out to God for help.

2) Find the promises in Psalm 37. Which one do you need to remember? What is asked of us to see the promise fulfilled? There are several promises but here are two:

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Trust and do good and God will see that you are safe.

Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

3) In Psalm 38:18, David gives an example of something we need to do daily. What is it? He confesses his sin daily.

May 11

Psalms 39:7 describes our hope? Who is our hope? Are there any other words that describe our hope in today's reading? It says that God is our hope and the only one to put our hope in.

Psalms 53 speaks of an atheist. How is the atheist described? He is a fool.

Psalm 58:11 speaks of the opposite. What does it describe? Someone who lives for God will receive a reward.

May 12

1) In Psalm 61-62, what words does God use to describe how he protects us?

towering rock of safety, my safe refuge, fortress, shelter of his wings, my rock my salvation

2) In Psalms 66:5-6, What post miracle does these verses point to? These speak of the Jewish people crossing the Red Sea on dry ground. It's important to refer to how God worked in history.

Psalm 62:1-2

Volume 1, Issue 8, May 6-12, 2024, https://secure.smore.com/n/x4n6zd

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Volume 1, Issue 6, April 22-28, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/ke6mfb

Volume 1, Issue 5, April 15-21, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/ht0j9

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Volume 1, Issue 1, March 17-24, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/buyf6

May 17-19 Team: Valerie Burgess, Jania Stephan, Jana Birmingham, Brandy Everson, and Togiak Pastor Lucy Andrews

• May 17 -Valerie arrives, and we begin work on a Prophet's Room in the church for visiting speakers and ministry workers. The goal is to set up a microwave, small refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a space for an airbed or two. We still need to find a coffee maker for the room and coffee supplies, as well as a couple cans of paint. Also prayer the other supplies make it safely.
• May 18 -daytime work on the Prophet's Room, 6 pm Women's Event with tie-blankets, Bible study, prayer and prizes.
• May 19 - 11 am service and potluck

May 19-21 Team: Mark Burgess and Kevin Aleshire

• May 19 -Mark and Kevin fly into Togiak on the afternoon flight
• May 20 -Check out Togiak Church building physical needs, return to Dillingham
• May 21 -Kevin leaves out of Dillingham for home

May 24-26 Team: Mark Burgess, Dobie Weasel founder of Life Tribe, and Eric DeHart w/World Missions for Evangelism

• May 24 -6:30 pm Discipleship training with Dobie and Eric
• May 25-10 am-3 pm Discipleship training with Dobie and Eric
• May 26-11 am service followed by a potluck
• May 26 -6 pm service w/Dobie and Eric in Dillingham at Bristol Bay Church