Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent

by Beth Moore

Takes a look at the pilgrimage theme found in Psalms 120 134 and explores the major feasts of Israel. For the ancient Israelites, pilgrimage was a three-times-per-year journey to the temple in Jerusalem; for New Testament believers all of life becomes a journey together toward the new Jerusalem. Contains homework for six sessions. Leader Kit, Leader Guide, and Audio CDs available separately. (7 sessions)

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Spirituality, Christian Non Fiction

175 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Beth Moore has written many best–selling books and is a dynamic teacher and a prolific Bible–study author whose public speaking engagements take her across the United States to challenge tens of thousands. Beth is focused on teaching women all over the world and is known and respected wherever she goes. She is a dedicated wife and mother of two adult daughters and lives in Houston, Texas, where she leads Living Proof Ministries and teaches an adult Sunday school class. Beth is one of the best known women in the evangelical Christian market.

Reviews

[Abigayle Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Psalms of Ascent are a very fascinating topic. I loved getting to study the beauty of the psalms and see the journey they represented as a whole, both for Jews traveling for the feasts and Christians traveling spiritually in life. However, Beth Moore also went into the depth of the metaphors, the meaning and practices of the feasts, and what it all represent for us as New Testament believers. Rich in history and deep in meaning, I thoroughly enjoyed this Bible Study.

[Becky Marietta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my fave Beth Moore study. I dunno--I had a hard time getting into it, for some reason. It was certainly no DANIEL (which blew me away).

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found several of Ms. Moore's study at a used book store in town, most of them with only one or 2 pages filled in. I'm so glad I bought them all, as this one at least has been a real blessing to me.

Five lessons particularly stuck out to me:

1. Psalm 122, Week 1 of Day 5: For the sake of my family and friends, I will say peace be with you. I tend to pray for individuals but not territories and this psalm and lesson inspired me to change that. I now pray for the community around me for the sake of my family and friends.

2. Psalm 125, Week 3 Day One: Beth said something on page 69 which has been speaking to me for the past several weeks: If our trust is in manifestations of God's favor rather than God Himself, we will crumble like dry clay when He calls us to walk a distance of our journeys entirely by faith and not by sight. True! Important! Life changing! For those moments when we don't feel God, we must remember He is still there.

3. Psalm 126, Week 3, Day Four: Some just eat the seed and never sow for a harvest. How often do we ingest God's love but never let it shine through us? How often do we receive God's blessings and not share them? How often do we take in God's wisdom and not enthusiastically share it? Too often for me. We all need to sow!

4. Psalm 129, Week 4, Day Five: The heart of prayer is communication, and not just receiving what we ask. True and often forgotten.

5. Psalm 131, Week Five, Day 3. Scripture is how you do life, whether at home, at work or on a date, at a baby shower, at a funeral or at church. Here is the Psalm that inspired that lesson:

131 Lord, my heart is not proud;
I don’t look down on others.
I don’t do great things,
and I can’t do miracles.
2 But I am calm and quiet,
like a baby with its mother.
I am at peace, like a baby with its mother.

3 People of Israel, put your hope in the Lord
now and forever.

Humility and peace: that's how we should do life.

Great book, great lessons, I highly recommend this study.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished week one...can't wait for the small group discussion. I almost wish that there was homework for every day, but I did learn what section I want to read first in my new study bible. The bible is a challenging book to figure out how to start reading it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful bible study on the Psalms. Great, great teaching on worship and the power of praising
God through every season of life.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how much more can be learned by actually studying the bible vs just reading it. Beth Moore makes our job easier by combing through commentaries and presenting us with viewpoints and insights that will stretch us. In particular, Moore draws our attention to the use of metaphor and provides good context/historical notes that aid with understanding.

In comparison to other Moore studies, these seem a little shorter, making them fit into life more easily. In addition, I really appreciated the presentation of two translations for each psalm, allowing us to easily see the richness of the original Hebrew language, along with nuances that aid interpretation. I also loved the challenge to memorize Psalm 121 (over the six weeks) and am proud to say I did it!

The DVD accompaniment provided some nice examples of how the psalms are currently woven into modern song. They also helped to emphasize the pilgrimage and feasts that the psalms of ascent were built around. Combined with Moore's high energy delivery and humor, the DVD's were a nice complement to the study, helping it all to come together and come alive.

I had known nothing about this collection of psalms, but I now appreciate their uniqueness. They connect with us on every day issues, but simultaneously challenge us into new responses.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you receive an invitation to take part in this newest Beth Moore study, don't hesitate to accept. Stepping Up is an excellent study on Psalms 120-134,although it is chiefly for ladies, as you'll see when you begin to enjoy her lively and humorous anecdotes!

As usual, the workbook is designed to be used in conjunction with the video lectures, available separately or online. "Homework" is completed five days during the week, and Beth's "live" presentation picks up on the theme and deepens it with further insights, which will be discussed in a small group setting. Beth is becoming more and more polished in her presentation and teachings. The study on the "pilgrim psalms" is enriched by a visit to Israel and studies on Jewish holidays and the Jerusalem temple site.

Many of us in my small group did note that the study was not as strenuous as some earlier entries in the series. In previous years, we have labored through hours of study, learning how to use Strong's concordance online to complete Greek and Hebrew word studies. This time around, it seemed we were looking up a couple of verses and reading some friendly insights. As a result, this would be a fine introductory study for those who find the other approach daunting.

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what happened to the title of this. It is Stepping Up: Psalm of the Ascent by Beth Moore. And it certainly is a book - more reading than a lot of other books out there. Anyway. I enjoyed this one but I have to admit that it isn't one of my favorites. It did come at a very appropriate time in my life as I am learning how to be a better part of our worship team at church and it taught me a great deal about how to step up to the next level in that way. I found that I connected more episodically than overall and that lessened the overall impact. But it still blows me away the power of the Word of God. So it's a three star but only relative to some of my other experiences.

[Sacha Calagopi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are currently using the book for our bible study and it is awesome! It comes with DVDs where Beth Moore gives very inspiring talks. I love how it taught me to get down on my knees, face down and pray to my King of Kings, my Lord of Lords. This book has a lot of substance too in terms of making you understand the psalms of ascent in its historical context. A definite must-read.

Here is my full review: http://healthyeets.wordpress.com/2013...

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is lots to learn from this study but there are indications along the way that make you wonder if this got rushed to press. In one chapter, there are abbreviations used that are not explained previously and in about the 3rd day's study it references the staircase, which after searching was found in the very back cover of the book. The reminders are inconsistent to fill out the staircase (one line summaries of each Psalm)so most of us ended up having to go back afterwards and re-read and fill it all in.

Overall, a worthwhile study, but not the most organized.

[Jessica Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

We just finished up with this study and it was amazing, just as I expected! I learned a lot about Psalms, which I guess I have never studied very much before. I liked the way it was tied to us as normal everyday people and showed us how we too are on a pilgrimage. I am disappointed that it is over but looking forward to our next study! I definitely felt that I grew in my relationship with the Lord during the time we did this study.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Beth takes a portion of scripture that most of us would read through and think little about and turns it into an intimate and meaningful journey. The Psalms of Ascent are based on the Jewish pilgrimage back to the temple in Jerusalem from their places of captivity. I completed Moore's study Breaking Free just previous to beginning Stepping Up and the sequence is great. Beth's studies are always intense and emotionally revealing to me. Personal growth and healing is her specialty.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

an awesome study through part of the psalms. it was so neat to learn more about the feasts of the Lord, and to see some of Jesus' life events through the perspective of those feasts in which these particular psalms were often sung. there's a big focus on pilgrimage, which i think is very relevant to the life of every Christian. this was so good, i hope to go through it again some time soon.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing journey! This was my first Beth Moore study and it won't be my last. The Psalms of Ascent was very uplifting and a wonderful way to get into God's word. This study is very applicable to life and our journey to Zion. I highly recommend this to anyone who would like to study some of God's words.

[Carla Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanna be like Beth Moore! She is great. She is so graceful and encouraging in this study. As she guides you through the Word, she also shares words of encouragement.

I gained a deeper understanding of my current struggles and how to overcome them through praising God and intimacy with Him. Applying the Psalms to my own life, personalized God's Word in my life.

[Holly Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more Beth Moore does an awesome job as she takes you through a journey of the Pslams of Ascent. This study is different from her typical Bible studies. You will spend two life changing days on each of the fifteen Psalms of Ascent. You WILL encounter God on this journey, no doubt about it. Prepare yourself for another awesome study that will change your walk with God.

[Nicolle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay. Yes, it's nice that it's only a 6-week study, and that makes it short and sweet, but I just didn't latch on to it and say wow, that's awesome. I think part of that has to do with the fact that our group sort of disbanded and I ended finishing it alone, so I'm not sure how much better it would have been if I'd had girls to talk about it with.

[Breath of Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Words: OH WOW!

This study by author Beth Moore is an absolutely outstanding walk through the Psalms. I would recommend it to Every Lady!

To read more of my review:
Breath of Life

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Psalms of Ascent are based on the Jewish pilgrimage back to the temple in Jerusalem from their places of captivity. She correlates it to our pilgrimage to Zion. Items that struck me are: the feasts, the love God has for singing and dancing, standing together through the pilgrimmage and a host of other topics you don't want to miss. Give this study a whirl if you get a chance.

[Cruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Beth Moore's books because she see things in a way that no one else does. She really makes me think outside of the box. This particular study gave me comfort and touched me more than any of her other studies thus far. I recommend it to everyone, but depending on your personality or need at a particular time different studies touch different people.

[Chiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Beth Moore's books because she see things in a way that no one else does. She really makes me think outside of the box. This particular study gave me comfort and touched me more than any of her other studies thus far. I recommend it to everyone, but depending on your personality or need at a particular time different studies touch different people

[Traca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Bible study from Beth Moore. This one has not required as much in depth studying as some of the others (Daniel, The Patriarchs), but has been just as revealing. Once again, I'm amazed at the perfection and revelancy of God's word!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a female and you are looking for a good, inspiring Bible study, I highly recommend Beth Moore. I have only been involved in this one study of hers, but I found it to be poignant and moving.

[Colorado Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

doing this new beth study at church - it is really intense. it helps you incorporate songs/psalms into your daily life - helps you see that god is with us on the journey and we are where we are at for a reason, and for a season. (this is a poor review - it is good - ok)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bible study that we did at WOW this fall. Very much enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. Remember to sow the seed, not eat it! There were a lot of points I want to go back to and reread, remember and act on. I would love to other Beth Moore studies after doing this one. She's fantastic!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly timely. Down to the day. Their is something about the journey that really ties into our preperations for moving to Indonesia this summer, but more than that, every day God meets me with exactly what I need.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful bible study! I only did part of it, but the psalms were very meaningful, and hearing about all the feasts mentioned in the bible was really neat! I've never heard so much about them before, and it helped show me what it would really be like to be at one.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Beth Moore, but this wasn't my favorite study of hers. Not to say that it's not good! Because it is. But for whatever reason, I didn't connect to this one as much as like, her study of Paul or Esther.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me yearn for the next day to read and delve deeper into the Word. I loved Beth Moore's voice - felt like a genuine friend. This journey stirred my soul and I can say my heart is set on pilgrimage! You will be blessed to read this.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, as are all of Beth Moore's books!