193 - "Hope For Our Sin" Ezra 9-10; Acts 12

This is the city where I live, Austin

All our days are made up of brief moments.

May they be brief moments of grace shown by God.

God has appointed our times and places.

He is giving us a peg in His Holy Place opening eyes.

Ezra 9:8-9 But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the Lord our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving. For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us!!! I think we all live in far more bondage than we realize. What stirs within in the city where you live? C.S. Lewis said it: "We are far too easily pleased."

Dear God, We can be swept away by terrors in a moment. We can be filled with grace in that same one. Come Lord Jesus in our brief moments of this life You have appointed. Show us this day in the city where we live, a brief moment of grace.

There is Hope for our Sin. Ezra 10:2.  Oh my goodness.  This so speaks to me right where I am today.  I may be 10 percent wrong in an argument, a disagreement, an exchange---however---if they are 90 percent wrong, I can only deal with myself.  And God says it right here...hope for our sin.

“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.  From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt.  Ezra 9:6.  And the LORD listened to them.  That's it.  God is listening to me this evening as I want to give up on Christmas and it hasn't even happened yet.  What am I really saying?  Sometimes, I think I'm saying that the pain is too great.  And just how did I get to this place?

 “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” We will never forsake our God.  So, what's the alternative----either God's Hand is on us or not.  And His Hand is on each of us this day for good.  I have to believe that.

Ezra made confessions. Begged forgiveness.
Ezra 10:1
Therein lies the beauty of his obedient life.

Father, here is a telling story of Your mercy and kindness and love toward the life of this Ezra.  May we apply ourselves to study the Word, to do the Word, to teach the Word.  Help us this day dig deep within to make confession to you for missing the mark.  Oh God, we long for Your Hand on our lives.  Acceptance with peace for what You have gifted our way.  I'm so shaken tonight by my own mess.  Help us find a beautiful hope to press in, press on.

PHOTO: The city where I live. Austin. Peg by peg. Hope for our sin.

192 - "Make Confessions" Ezra 7-8; Acts 11

 

Meanwhile.
This Ezra...
Skilled in the Law of Moses.
The Hand of the Lord his God was on Him.
Ezra 7:6

Yes, the Good Hand of his God was on him.
Ezra 7:9
For Ezra set his heart
to study the Law of the Lord,
and to do it & to teach God's Word in Israel.
Ezra 7:10

They took courage knowing the Hand of God was on them. Ezra 7:28. Wondering what God is saying about His Eye on my little life, on your little life this day.

Ezra read the Bible to the town from daybreak to noon and they listened attentively. Neh 8:3. What did they know that we don't? 

PHOTO: A scroll from Jerusalem.

191 - "Plunged Into A Sea of Joy" Ezra 6; Acts 10

One version says:

They were plunged into a sea of joy.

If I had to choose one verse about this school year,

it would be just that.
EZRA 6:22

The temple work was INTERRUPTED.
RESUMED.
The temple was COMPLETED.
DEDICATED.

EZRA 6:22 And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

One version of the Bible says:  They were plunged into a sea of joy.  This is where I sit today.  Plunged.  Joy.  Because God has changed the attitude of those directly over my life. But is that the best reason for joy? Circumstances? Joy is the presence of God not the absence of troubles. 

For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel. Ezra 6:22

190 - "Don't Offer People Insights and Principles; Offer People a Redeemer" Ezra 4-5; Acts 9

                                                

Ezra 4:4-5 The Samaritans reared up their ugly heads at the building of the temple.  Satan shows up to discourage and undermine and bribe those who want to do good.  These returned revived revelers were beautiful exiles and so full of joy.  But, they were so targeted by the enemy of their souls.  Let us remember that that the god of this world seeks to devour our attempts to walk and worship.  He is out looking for good intentions.  And our fatal flaw is not looking into our own souls when opposition bombards our temples.  

We are all looking for a Redeemer.  But the nails and mortar and curtains and boards trap us into finding our worship on paths that are going straight to destruction---like the offer of these Samaritans. "We must not offer people a system of redemption, a set of insights and principles. We offer people a Redeemer."  Paul David Tripp

The Redeemer in the New Testament. Seeing the face of Christ dazzled Paul to the things of Another Country. It took his eyes off of this world and what he was doing to make this world work. Dazzled by the Holy One. Blinded and offered eternal hope. And Paul cooperated to the fullest extent with the One Who held his hand. Acts 9:9

Who are You, Lord?" asks Saul in Acts 9:5---this one who asks is:
the unmerciful young man who applauded Stephen's stoning, 7:58
the proud Pharisee who wreaked hail and havoc on the church, 8:3
the heartless blasphemer whose very breath slew slaughter, thrashed threats, 9:1.
No one would believe that this wretch could now be a follower.

Now.
"A chosen vessel unto God."  Acts 9:15.
And I weep.
I weep for myself
who has been saved from myself.
I weep for my children
who need to be saved from themselves.
I weep for us all.
That we may bear The Name.
"This Signal Token of the Divine Favor of God, 
by inward working of His Grace" (M. Henry)
in all of us!

We all admire things on this earth more than God.
We all want things more than we want God.

That's evident of the problem of man.

PHOTO: Graffiti in Austin. The graffiti of our soul. What words will we write today in this story we live.

189 - "Don't Look for Coaches, Look for Elders to Lead You into the Presence of the Lord" Ezra 1-3

 

1:1 "In the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia, God prodded Cyrus King of Persia to make an official announcement throughout his kingdom." God stirred up Cyrus to permit any willing Israelite to return HOME after 70 years of Babylonian captivity.  I just wept as I read names of clans of over 50,000 people who had been held captive.  There's something in me that is moved when I hear of captives like my friend Cyd and her driver were taken captive and murdered in Afghanistan --- and her body was just sent back to the U.S. from Afghanistan, 15+ years later. These 50,000+ stable people of substance (remember how they didn't take the very poor captive but allowed them to work the land) are on their way home.  Oh my!  Restored physically.  But there already has been a spiritual restoration or they wouldn't come home to praise God like they have!  Ezra 3:11 "God is good; He will never quit loving us."

As we close the book of 2 Chronicles, we find a restored people in the book of Ezra longing for holiness, His Presence.  Something happened to them in captivity---"suffering is necessary until evil is finally banished...suffering opens the holy space in your soul that will be filled only when you're dancing with Me..."  66 LL.  And I'm reminded of Crabb's quote that ended the chapter:  "Don't look for experts to coach you in how to make your life work before you follow elders who will lead you into My Presence."  What are we really looking for in life?  "I want My people to know this:  if even in small ways you live to 'fix your life,' to arrange for your own pleasure in ways that violate holiness, your love for a better life now will eventually corrupt your love for Me."  66 LL.  The question Jesus will ask in about 400 years comes to mind:  John 1:38 - "What do you seek?"  What do I seek this day?

Ezra 3:11 - And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord,

“For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”

And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But the old men wept loud. Duplicity of voices coming out of captivity. What it must have felt like.

And Jeremiah's prophecy lives. And the prophets reign while the crowns fall off the head of kings. And these dry bones live again, love again. 

What about my own dry bones.

 Have we inquired of God today to come alive, stay alive. 

What stirs in my heart tonight?   Ezra 3:13

So much joy in my heart---it is God, if you only knew my circumstances.
It's the end of another year and a time of reflection.
I am so overwhelmed with what God has done in my life this year.
Col. 1:29 - What stirs in us?  The Power of the Energy of Christ,
if we just let it be. 
God stirred Ezra to rebuild the temple.
When they saw the foundation laid,
the people wept.  Loud!  Wonder why?
They loved Someone more than the blessings.
The priests and Levites, people who so desired to be holy,
they wept so hard, it was indistinguishable.
What beautiful passion if it was for God and not for themselves.
Who knows?
But I come back to the question . . .
What stirs in me today?
It's been one of the best years of my life.
And we've been stripped of quite a few things.
Stripped and filled by God. 
Oh, to live like Ezra did:
"Ezra was deeply distressed by My people's compromise
more than by their troubles.  His burden for holiness led to tears
of repentance and to his refusal to eat or drink as he grieved
My people's evil."  66LL
Oh, to live like that.

PHOTO:  A tiny country church. Wish it were my husband’s church.

188 - "Urged to Return to God and Move Forward" 2 Chronicles 34-36

Sitting on a dock in a bay ... reflecting on moral evils vs. natural evils. II Chronicles 36:22 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, King of Persia, and put His Words in his mouth.  May the Lord be with each of us and let him go up.

The chronicles of these kings are heart wrenching.  So many lived for themselves. The words of 66LL resonate deeply in II Chronicles.  God wants me to think more about how I relate to Him and others more  than how to get my life together.  He wants me to look deep inside, look into my motives, look to see if I am really looking out for myself when I think I'm living for God. 

"There is an evil greater than bombs, tsunamis, and cancer.  Those are natural evils.  But when people live to get their own way, when they determine what is good for them and live to get it, all hell breaks loose within and between them...frenzied grabs for happiness with no concern for how others are impacted, more interest in making one's point than listening to another's, the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival, ugly parodies of community-like courtesy without connection, laughter without love---these are moral evils" (Gal 5:19-21 The Message.  

Psalm 81:10

O, God, open our mouths and fill them with Yourself.  

All those plans that we inwardly demand happen, 

help us to see where we live for ourselves.

O, God, may we listen today well.
And recognize Your stirrings.
Not our will but Yours.
Nor our own plans
Have Mercy!
Col 1:29

2 Chronicles 36:13 Zedekiah, one more evil king, never gave God a thought; repentance never entered his mind. What do I do on days like today when repentance doesn't enter my mind?  When was the last time I repented? I have been consumed today with how my family and friends do not value me as a person---how very little interest they show in my life; how very little interest they have to spend time with me, much less just pick up the phone and call. I have thought only of myself today. It is quite lonely when you are older and community dwindles. I hope to find a church in our new move back to Fort Worth. But more than anything, I hope to return to God to live for Him in the midst of what I perceive as unreturned love---probably most of it really is. 

I LOVE how today's reading ends in 2 Chronicles 36:23 - "All who belong to God's people are urged to return—and may your God be with you! Move forward!"  

PHOTO:  The Dock where I go to pray.

187 - "The Lord Sent An Angel" 2 Chronicles 31-33; Acts 8

King Hezekiah faced harsh words from the king of Assyria. 

Blasphemy. Terror on every side. 

So 

What did Hezekiah do?

He prayed "because of this"

And cried to heaven. 2 Chron 32:20

And what did God do?

The unimaginable. For them. For us. 

"The Lord sent an angel 

Who cut off all the mighty warriors & commanders & officers

In the camp of the king of Assyria. 2 Chron 32:21

In truth, The Lord saved Hezekiah from

The hand of all of his enemies

"And he provided for them on every side." 2 Chron 32:22

Won't He do the same for us?

You did this centuries ago. You can do it this day, too. For my friend who lost her husband today. For my child who is in a hard place. For my friend who just lost her teen-age boy. For my husband who embraces impossible odds. Send an angel, Lord. 

Acts 8:1 "And Saul approved of Stephen's execution."
Great persecution among the church in Jerusalem.
Disciples scatter.
And Samaria believes and receives the Word of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These disciples were not afraid to preach the Word. hears an angel giving him a direction to go.  Not so much as a detailed plan of what to do.  But, to go!  And he does.  Acts 8:26

When Jesus was with the disciples, they had a hard time following directions.  For example, Thomas---I will not believe until I see His nail-scarred hands.  No direction taken.
The disciples moved in fear.  When asked a question, Peter cowered and said he never even knew Jesus. But here's, a courageous Philip asking if a court official understands what he is reading.  May I jump in your chariot? Philip opens his mouth and tells the good news!  And the eunuch wants to be baptized! Acts 8:30

Then the Spirit carries Philip away! That's most unusual and scary to me. Not so, though.  Philip finds himself in Azotus and starts preaching! Acts 8:40

This story amazes me.  Jesus had been with most of these guys for 30 years.  One day, He is gone.  A grave is empty.  And no one sees Him up in the air.  They are grieving over the loss and He starts appearing from the Other Side---the inside of them.  He now lives inside. And look what is happening in these men that didn't happen when He was physically present.   And!  He still lives today, inside me and you if we invite Him in!  Am I listening for the stirring of the Spirit of God in me?  What is so of God this day that I know I can't explain it any other way?  May I jump in your chariot?

PHOTO:  A dark day in Florida when the heavens opened up. Whatever darkness we face, may our first words be prayer. 

186 - "Seek Not Great Things" 2 Chronicles 26-30

What does our world look like?

The sins of the kings that went before King Uzziah was that of turning their back on God---

forsaking the things of God.  But, this King embraced the things of God.  

But, he wanted them a little too much.  A little too high.  

Uzziah enters the Holy of Holies with pride.  Seeking what God has not given.  

Forbidden Knowledge.  

Why do I seek a door God has not opened. 

 "But when Uzziah became strong," his heart became corrupt, 

and he did things he should not have done. II Chron 26:16. 

 Uzziah. Pride of heart. 

Live the Life that is before you---what God has called you to.

 Seek not great things for yourself.

Two Verses jump off the pages of today's reading:

2 Chronicles 26:16 - "But then Uzziah's strength and success went to his head. Arrogant and proud, he fell. One day, contemptuous of God, he walked into The Temple of God like he owned it and took over, burning incense on the Incense Altar.   

2Chronicles 27:8 -  "Jotham's strength was rooted in his steady and determined life of obedience to God."

Is life about our choices?  Do we really just choose to serve God and it happens.  Do we really just choose to love others and it happens? Am I really trying to choose to make the best out of what has been handed to me in this world?  Of course obedience is a choice---Joshua 24:15 - Choose this day whom you will serve...as for me and my house.  But there is Mystery in God moving His Plan forward.  One of my favorite quotes from 66 LL follows:  "No matter how great your path or how confusing and intense your suffering, live in the Mystery of My Love.  Struggle to trust Me.  Do not live with the priority of making your life in this world as good as you can make it.  You will suffer, at times unfairly, but you will be given what you need to enter strongly and wisely with Supernatural Love into every circumstance you face."  I've spent way too much of my life living with a priority of making my life as good as I can make it.  So what is God calling me to "let go of" where my priorities actually reflect a drivenness to accept my lot and make it as good as I can?  I've struggled lately with feelings of not being wanted---my perception, my interpretation from constructive feedback.  So do I deal with that by making my priority to make my life as good as I can in light of the pull on my life?  Romans 7:24---oh no.  Someone is setting me free from this mess I am in, praise God!

185 - "Do I Hold Godliness with No Power?" 2 Chronicles 24-25

Be still.  O My Soul. 

Do I know godliness with no power?

They have a form of godliness...looks good on paper.
Looks awful good in person, in speech, in action, in song.
But their lives deny the power of God.
Have nothing to do with such people.  That's II Timothy 3:5.
They act religious but reject the Power that could make them godly.

What happened to this king?
What happened to those we know who veer off?
"The gold becomes dim..."

King Joash appears more zealous to repair the Temple,
Than his father, Jehoida.
A form of godliness.  
This pious pristine prince murders his son in a fit of rage.
The prophets try to bring him back. II Chron 24:19.

Be careful who you surround yourself with.
"They made obeidance to King Joash."  II Chron 24:17.
The King who murdered his very own son.

A form of godliness denying the Power.
O God, what about my own life?
Where do I hold a form of godliness with no power?
Thank you for prophets and prayer and peace.

PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 34:14
O God, help me.
Turn from evil.
Do good.
Seek peace.
Pursue it.
Help me to see the forms of godliness,
with no power in my own life.

OVERVIEW:  II Chronicles 21-24
Photo Credit:  www.flickr/commons/HackingRiver

184 - "An Evil Greater Than Cancer & Bombs" 2 Chronicles 21-23

2 Chronicles 21:4 Jehoram killed all 6 of his brothers---courageous Elijah wrote him a prophetic letter about his upcoming painful and fatal disease.  Oh to have courage to stand up and speak against moral evil when God calls us to do so, not fixed on our good life.  
2 Chronicles 22:1  Jehosheba kidnapped Athaliah's son, one-year-old Joash, and protected his life.  Jehosheba hid Joash for 6 years from his queen mom in his mom's own castle.  His queen mom laid her eyes on her seven-year-old after six years---what did she think?  She was worried only for her own success.  And Joash, in his early years, trusts his God.  Amazing.  

These are horrendous stories.  66 LL says:  "Only when you see the moral evil in the human heart will you surrender to the mystery of My plan.  In this world, I am destroying moral evil in My people."  There is moral evil in all of our hearts when we live to get our own way and determine what is best for us and live to get it.  "Greed, loveless sex, frenzied grabs for happiness with no concern for how others are impacted, more interest in making one's point than listening to another's, an inability to give or receive love, the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival, ugly parodies of community like courtesy without connection, laughter without love, weeping without worship---these are moral evils."  Galatians 5:19-21 The Message.  God, what are you saying to me as I walk through this life.  Oh LORD, help me to listen to your Voice.

183 - "All Is Well In Loss & Love --- Broken Alliances" 2 Chronicles 18-20; Acts 7

The sun rises on this brand spanking new day, new year. 
It's a gorgeous view outside of the window where I sit, trusting.
Do you need Courage to face some things today?
In any personal or public matter, anything that bothers you, seek help from God first.  My default is to try to fix it.  No! Give it up.  Go to God.  Whatever the loss, God is doing us good.  Appeal to God first.  "Our trials will prove our gain."  M. Henry

Victory. Wealth.  Power.  Jehoshaphat did it right, had it all.  Until...he united with an evil king. 

2Chron 18:3 ~ I am as you are, as you wish, replies Jehoshaphat to the conniving king. Oh, what a truth that stings me, those times when I cannot stand up to another person who is clearly not following God. 

Jehoshaphat comes to his senses, comes to his knees. Surrenders. Breaks the alliance with the wicked king. May we have no share in evil. Would God stay angry with Jehoshaphat? I wonder if Jehoshaphat  wondered.   

"Let us be thankful for any losses which may have prevented the loss of our immortal souls.  Let us praise the LORD Who sought after us, and left us not to perish in our sins."  M. Henry
I am so beautifully "taken" with this quote---lifted up to the One Who allowed such loss in my life.  All is well in the manner of loss and Love.  

Jehoshaphat in full regal armor went to battle yet was protected by God.  
King Jehu who went disguised---who thought he was protected---an arrow slipped right into the joint of his armor.  You cannot outweigh outguess outdo our God.  Surrender and he will surround you.

Jehoshaphat was afraid. Like me.

He saw what he was up against. The impossible.
And he turned to God in prayer.  
May that be me, may it be you.

Standing in prayer.

"O Lord, are you not God in heaven? In your hand are power and might...
If disaster comes upon us----and it will,

the sword, judgment, pestilence, famine---

we will stand before You and cry out in our affliction 

and You will hear and save."  

2 Chron 20:9

"For we are powerless against this great horde

that is coming against us.

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

2 Chron 20:12

Stephen infuriated the freedmen.  Those freedmen were "sawn in two" over Stephen's stunning soliloquy ~ Acts 7:54.  So very upset, yet, Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit.  How very Kind of God to give Stephen a Glimpse of the Opened Heavens in his dying hour.  A Merciful Kindness.  While the Freedmen stopped up their ears with their fingers and stormed this saint and stoned him cold.  Lifeless.  Asleep, but so alive in Him.  They may take his body but God has his soul forever.  Stephen will wake up again. 

The witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul (Acts 7:58) who will remember this day for the rest of his life.  Saul was one of them there.  Casting stones.  Saul was dead, too.  He is about to wake up.

Wake up, o my soul. 

PHOTO:  Sun rise on Rush Street. We are moving back. God sought after me and moved us to Austin. Best thing that ever happened to me. We are back!

182 - "The Powerless Against the Mighty" 2 Chronicles 14-17; Acts 6

And Asa's mantra: There is No One like God to help the powerless against the mighty. 2 Chron 15:11
The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:2

As soon as Asa heard the words of the prophet, he took courage and changed!  That's beautiful!  "He took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land of Judah..." 2 Chron 15:8.  I read as much as I can grab hold of. All the blogs, articles, books I read talk about deep change.  Here it is.  Deep waters of change in Asa's heart that caused him to no longer tread the way.  What really makes us change our direction.  Not just the behavior but the intentions of our heart.  I Cor 2:3-4 says it is the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit within us that changes everything.  Makes us no longer wish to engage in idle talk, idol worship.

What caused this Asa revival?  I mean, Asa had just faced the scare of his life.  The Cushite Invasion of one million men and 300 chariots coming against him.  That's daunting!  But Asa's response was not anything but beautiful:  ""Asa cried out to the LORD his God:  LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength.  Help us, LORD our God, for we depend on You, and in Your name we have come against this large army.  Yahweh, You are out God.  2 Chron 14:11

The Spirit of God.  When uncountable, unpredictable, unimaginable things happen this day, this week, this year, may we call upon You.

PHOTO:  Tracer, the future generation.  Walking with a past generation.  His Pops in Spring 2023.                  No matter what you come against, may you depend on God Alone.  Your dad and mom did when they first met you at 3 small pounds. Against the odds.  Here you are!  God bless!  

181 - "Is Your Life Established and Smooth?" 2 Chronicles 10-13

"When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him."  2Chron 12:1  He who is faithful with much will be held responsible.  Oh God!  They abandoned God, so He abandoned them.  The only people who will be in heaven are the ones who want to be there.  

It wasn't when things were going south for Rehoboam that he jumped ship.  Life was established.  Days proved strong.  No need for dependence on God.  Rehoboam's kingdom sailed smooth.  When no one is standing in our way, when God is not standing in our way.  When those we love allow us to live curved in, beneath our holy calling.  Who calls you on things in this life?  Am I willing to call my adult children, my trusted friends, my devoted family to their holy calling?  When we contently phlegmatically move through our days without thinking about what we are really doing, forgetting about God and His Ways.  We may feel.  We may look.  Established and Strong.  But are we, really?  

Either we are living dependent this day or abandoned to His way. Father, help us to name what we are doing in this life.  Call it what it really is, this day.  May we hold fast to You, Alone.  Hold on to the things that truly matter. 

PHOTO:  Zilker Botanical Garden.  We can get so lost in the beauty of things that we forget about God.  What will I do with this Christ?

180 - "God Says: I Owe You Nothing. I Give You Everything." 2 Chronicles 7-9; Acts 5

                                                                

2 Chronicles 9: 5 - The Queen of Sheba:  "It's all true! Solomon's reputation for accomplishment and wisdom that reached all the way to my country is confirmed.  I perceive that her confirmation is based on what the eye can see.  And Solomon's wisdom---for what?  To confront injustice (like two mothers fighting over the same baby), to end poverty in his country, to heal wounds?  And just how did he amass such a fortune?  What about Solomon's heart?  

The quote from this chapter catches my eye:  "I owe you nothing.  I give you everything.  Your desire to fix things to relieve suffering, to confront injustice, to heal wounds, to end poverty, and to generate joy is commendable.  But your desire is too weak and misguided.  [Was that Solomon's problem?]  If I were to fix all you see that is wrong and paintful without first destroying evil, not one would dance at My party...I must do whatever is necessary to destroy the evil within your depths, where you desire the good life more than you want Me, and I must replace that idolatrous desire with the holy yearning to know Me at any cost in the midst of your worst pain."  Oh my!  I wonder where I desire the good life more than my Good God?

If.  If this is from God. 

If. Then you won't be able to stand. 

If.  "If God is the 'Author' of this religion. From this it seems that Gamaliel supposed that it was at least possible that this religion was divine. He evinced a far more candid mind than did the rest of the Jews; but still it does not appear that he was entirely convinced." John Gibbs

How could a witness to a Resurrection not stagger our life?

How could a lame man of 40 years walking into the Sanctuary not bewilder us with wonder? 

How could an angel unlocking a cell to free the apparent innocent not shock unlocked?

The Almighty is Here.  Oh Father. Help our unbelief. Only explanation: it was God.

PHOTO: Haiti, a country where so many with good intentions are trying to confront injustice, end poverty, heal the wounds. But first! The evil must be destroyed. In you. And in me. 

179 - "Do The Undertaking for the Glory and Honor of God" 2 Chronicles 3-6; Acts 4

This undertaking...

He did it for the glory and honour of God;

 this was his highest and ultimate end in it. 

It was for the name of the Lord God of Israel 

2 Chronicles 6:10

The God of Israel is a being of incomparable perfection. 
He is, and will be, true to every word that he has spoken;
 He, and he only, knows the hearts of the children of men. 
On this particular "Day, I am very grateful for that!

Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They SEE the boldness of Peter and John healing a lame man then preaching about the Christ that THEY crucified.  3,000 respond in baptism.  5,000 respond to Peter's sermon.  You know Peter, the one in the square who cowered when asked if he even knew Jesus...while Caiphas was passing the verdict of crucifixion.  Caiphas sees strength in Peter that wasn't there when our Christ died.  

Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They KNOW they cannot stop the power of the Risen Christ. So, Caiphas asks: "By what power or by what name did you do this?"  Acts 4:10 ~ The Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified. Whom God raised from the dead.  Who makes this man stand well.  Who makes you stand well this day.  

Rulers. Elders. Scribes.  They HEAR Acts 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."   So, why do men go on living for this world as though this is what life is all about?

Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They RECOGNIZE that these disciples had been with Jesus ~ Act 4:13.  These leaders of Jerusalem couldn't deny that the man was healed so they ask the disciples to not speak in His Name.  Acts 4:20 ~ "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Do you recognize when you have been with Jesus? Do others recognize it?  I'm struck by the thought that what matters most is that God walks with us.  That's why we will be faithful.  That's why we can stand well.  God walks with you!\

PHOTO: The beauty of the glassy seas lift us to the God of incomparable perfection.

178 - "Put Some Iron in my Soul" 2 Chronicles 1-2

Huram-abi knew how to work with iron, stone, gold, silver, bronze, wood.  He could do it all---engravings.  But all I can think of this day is that I want some iron in my soul.  I'm far too flappable, malleable, slippery, flacid.  The Holy Spirit knows how to put that iron in my soul.  

PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 119: 175 
Invigorate my soul , O God, 
so I can praise You well, 
use Your Decrees to put iron in my soul.  Chronicles 2:2 - Solomon assigned seventy thousand common laborers, eighty thousand to work the quarries in the mountains, and thirty-six hundred foremen to manage the workforce, plus he fed them all.  153,000 workers to lead.  Unbelievable.  A stunning spectacular structure, a showcase for Sheer Wonder!  And even in Solomon's splendor like never seen before, there still is a satisfaction only God can provide.    "God was awakening their appetite for the glory yet to come." 66 LL. 

I love Solomon's humility in 2 Chronicles 2:6 - "And me, who am I to think I can build a house adequate for God... .  Yet, Solomon embraced the command.  I'm still wrestling through the what is God's part, what is our part thing.  I think I don't think deeply enough, though.  I'm seeing that my selfishness is where I need to look more deeply, my motives for doing 'my part.'  Why am  I so driven to do the work of the ministry?  Why am I so frenetic in my goals to live right?  

The opening paragraph of the 2 Chronicles chapter in 66 LL speaks to me: 
"No matter what happens in our lives---- tornadoes, divorce, cancer, whatever----You want me to think more about how I'm relating to You and others than about how to get my life together.  And you want me to look deep inside, into my motives, to see if I'm really looking out for myself when I think I'm living for You."  I wonder if when I'm stuck on considering what is my part, if I'm really saying--- I'm concerned about getting my life together.  I've had a few too many people step on my toes in my lifetime.  Am I more concerned about what's happened to me than my own selfishness?  May we all deal with the deep issues God graciously brings to our minds this day, this week.  Romans 2:4 says it's the Kindness of our God that brings us to repentance.  Repentant Worship in the Temple.

177 - "Calm and Quiet My Soul" 1 Chronicles 28; Acts 3

         

I Chronicles 28:20. A close member of our family passed away in his sweet sleep Memorial morning. Committed to God and the Church. Dedicated to his family. Determined to do the work of the Lord at home, at church, wherever. So, today's reading is a memorial to a man who spent his days in search of truth---and found it.

"My son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you...be strong and do it." I Chron 28:9-10.

So, my son, "be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." I Chron 28:20.

And these words are penned by King David who began his journey as a shepherd boy, not looking for greatness, but responding to a cause.  His journey is dotted with moments of greatness with no armor to face a giant, in a cave sparing his father-in-law, or in a valley honoring the House of Saul.  This same man, marked with moments of wretchedness, loving his son Absalom more than God's will, taking another man's wife and setting up his demise.  

This elderly King, who just wrote Calm and Quiet my soul like a weaned child, this king ends his life well.  Oh! It's what we all hope for.  The day we live for. 

Peter said to the lame man. Rise Up and walk. May we turn to our limping world and offer the Author of Life Who has raised each of us up from our wayward ways.  Rise up.  Stand straight.  Live tall.  Love well.  Psalm 20:8 ~ while others are polishing their trophies, stand tall, alive in Him.  What do I have to "let go" of to rise up and stand tall? Live in this moment. Truly live. It's the most important moment you have. 

PHOTO: The sun sets on the corridor of our lives. May we end our lives well.

176 - "May We Be Found Trusting Not Found Wanting" 1 Chronicles 26-27

No magic formulas in this galaxy. Chron 27:23 ~ David learns to never "count" his kingdom again.  Yesterday, it was Satan standing up to move David..  Today, it's David standing up to say, no more.  And Joab decides to "count" his people and Israel paid for it, big time.

There's a mess I'm right in the middle of---counting sheep---and parts of me say, "No More."  
Yet parts of me keep mulling over the current scenario ... and I wonder why I cannot get it off of my mind.  
And God knew I would be reading this passage, while this incident reads my mind through my waking day.  

And in chapter 27, what happens that pertains to this "thorn in my flesh?"  Found:  Mighty Men of Valor. O God, that's it.  I want to be found mighty in You not mighty in society.  I Chron 26:32~ found trusting, not found wanting: for every matter that concerns God!  So what if Satan sends incessant thoughts all day.  They have no home here.  Wisdom!  Courage!  Strength!  Holy Energy!  Constancy of mind!  God is moving powerfully in my weakness.

Photo Credit:  Smithsonian.  Milky Way Galaxy.  www.flickr/commons

175 - "Rise Up Shoulder to Shoulder" 1 Chronicles 23-25; Acts 2

                                                            

"David was old and full of days."  I Chron 23:1.  And my ears perk up.  Because I am full of 20,000 days.  He made Solomon his son king over Israel.  So, here's the son acceptable in the eyes of God no more, no less than his father---a man after God's own heart.  May we all do the work before us today, fitting together, because we are:  letters of Christ, 2 Corinthians 3:2, cared for by many, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God.  Not on tablets of stones but on tablets of human hearts.  Oh God!  May God find us faithful in our corners. Arise and. Build.

1 Chronicles 25:9 - 24 men are part of this remnant and they are needed to worship God in the temple.  Each had 12 sons and brothers.  Amazing plan.  Fast Forward.  Each of us is part of that chosen remant today.  Part of God's Plan A.  Romans 11:5 - a "chosen remnant of grace" for this moment to worship our God.  Repentant Worship! 

Why is it I think we are judged by how we grow our own kingdoms?

I don't see life that way anymore.

Randy Alcorn writes: "Let's face together what Satan can do to us.

Lie down face to face with your spouse and

wake up shoulder to shoulder.

Dispatched to serve.

May God's Kingdom Come Quickly and

may He find us faithful."

Acts 2 - There was a rushing great and mighty wind that fell on the whole town, on that singular waiting room. Acts 2:1-4. That city felt the supernatural touch of a Powerful God. They had to know Something was happening in their midst. And the wintry blast of that Holy Wind prepares 11 souls and their close friends for the Gentle Gales of a Good God. 

That Gentle Flame of Fire on each head signifying the Spirit burning up the dross of our lives and kindling deep devotion in our souls and filling us with Himself. That Holy Spirit, like fire, melts our hearts. Isa 6:7.

PHOTO:  Rome. Circa 2014.

175 - "It was the Time Kings Go Out To War" 1 Chronicles 22; Acts 1

David did not join in the season and his heart is captured by his surroundings.  May we be at the right place at the right time with blinders on to this world of ours tugging at the skirts of our hearts.

Quicken my heart to be as swift a runner as this seasoned heart of David, the king after Your very own heart.  Oh God!  Change me!

" I Chronicles 22:1 shows this restored community that everything, even their failures, points them to the priority of putting Me first in their lives.  My Son made that possible.  He is your ticket to the party.  You will enjoy that hope only in the temple."  66 LL.  And where is the Temple today?  I Cor. 6:19-20 says our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.  Not our own!  Bought with a price!  Therefore glorify God and worship Him alone~

"When you feel empty tomorrow, when life's troubles and disappointments continue, you will be tempted to devote more energy to making your life better than to drawing closer to Me.----- [Wait!  I feel awfully empty today wrestling with those who don't want to be in my presence]---- It is not easy to practice the priority of rebuilding the temple over rebuilding your life.  And it's difficult even to know when you're violating it."  So, what captures my energy?  Am I trying to make my life better or more concerned about drawing near to God?

"Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave..." I Chron 22:11

If we set our face like a flint.  If we surrender in sweat and tears.  If we humble ourselves to look within.  If we live in the moment not the past or future.  If we abandon control and trust braving the wind. That is so many "if's" and I can't keep them all.  All I can do is try to live courageous.  And never let fear or discouragement define my life.  Because the Lord is with us, we can build our houses and follow Him pushing through the fear and discouragement.  

 No big people and no little people in His Kingdom.  Keep the charge this day, no matter where you are.  David kept on building the temple.  Keep on keeping on building this temple in which we live---to our dying day.  For etched in David's mind was I Chronicles 22:19:  Set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.  Arise and Build.

You will receive power. Acts 1:8

It is a specific energy only from God. 

For time and eternity. 

We are made new in strength. 

 

"This energy would be given in such times and seasons, and in such measures, as should appear best to the infinite wisdom of God." John Gill

It is Enough in this life that God has spoken to me through His Word. 

It is Enough in this life that God has given to me the strength to live what He has brought my way. I would not have made it otherwise. 

It is Enough in this life that God has given me power to be His Witness. "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority." Acts 1:7 Then and Now. We are to live what is before us. When trifling about how life has left me lonely and empty, Look to the Northern Sky. He is coming Again. 

PHOTO:  The Gulf of America where I've dropped a few tears and longed to draw closer to Him. 

174 - "Stumbling Down Paths Never Meant To Be" 1 Chronicles 20-21

I've sinned greatly by doing this.
I beg You, my God, to take away my guilt.
I have done a very foolish thing: to number my fighting men.
I Chronicles 21:8

Ownership!
Oh! That we all respond like this king of old when we stumble down paths that were never ever meant to be.  Joab tried to talk David out of numbering his fighting men.  Joab knew it was wrong; David knew it was wrong.  But, the King's word overruled his subject.  Trumped by an evil thought. Stunned by a very Good God, David responded with a swift surrendered heart.  And, it was the time when kings go out to war.  David did not join in the season and his heart is captured by his surroundings.  May we be at the right place at the right time with blinders on to this world of ours tugging at the skirts of our hearts.

DEAR GOD, PLEASE CHANGE ME IN ONE OF MY 10,000 MOMENTS IN THE SEASON WHEN KINGS GO OUT TO WAR:  Quicken my heart to be as swift a runner as this seasoned heart of David, the king after Your very own heart.  Oh God!  Change me!

PHOTO:  Sitting on the rocks. Contemplating staying where I am and letting go and not letting life run me over. 

173 - 1 Chronicles 16-17

I just sat at this riverbank to watch the metallic sun set,

and I asked this question of the God we adore:

Who am I, O Lord God, that you have brought me this far?

I Chron 17:16

I so want things to be different than they are.

I've hit a place I never expected to be.

As I sat and listened to the God Who creates out of nothing,

I heard t.h.i.s.

Hope in me, not the change in circumstance.

Live in the Mystery of My Metallic Love.

Seek the Lord and His strength;

Seek His face continually.

I Chron 16:11

Not His Hand.

His Face.
He understands.

PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 105:4 ~ Seek the Lord and His Strength.  Seek His Face.
Psalm 27:8 ~ My heart says of you, Seek His Face!
Then, Your Face will I seek.  All we have is this moment.
This new day.  This new year.  Let's start over again and never stop loving You.
No matter what pain, no matter what gain.
Psalm 24:6 ~ Such is ... the generation of those who seek Him.
So grateful to have heart friends who understand in the midst of all that blows our way.

172 - 1 Chronicles 14-15

"As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”  So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army. 1 Chron 14:15

It would seem beautiful to know that all we had to do was listen to the tops of the poplar trees.  God calls us all to faith, not sight.  Even in this text.  What did David do?  He inquired of God about the attacking Philistine army.  May that direct us in all our ways to acknowledge Him who directs our paths, our every step.  "In distress, fly to Him; when wronged appeal to Him; and when we know not what to do, ask counsel at His oracles to put ourselves under His direction and beg of Him to show us the right way."  Matthew Henry.

And may the sound in the tops of the going in the tops of the mulberry trees, direct us "to attend to God's motions both in His Providence and in the influences of His Spirit." 

171 - "The Measures of Success or The Measures of My Heart" 1 Chronicles 13

I Chronicles 13:4 The entire assembly agreed that it was the right thing to do to bring the Ark of God back.  Did the soon-to-be King listen to the people rather than his God?  God makes it known in this book that David sinned in how he worshipped his God.  His drive to do it right, to be efficient and effective was stronger than his desire to please God.  I keep thinking about how he had 300,000 eager, seasoned warriors following him to defend him and make him a king.  Verse 15 says that one of them was worth 100 lesser men; the best of them were worth a thousand.  Verse 36 says: His band of men seemed as large as God's own army. Did he struggle with pride in being able to lead all these valiant men of God?

One cannot "cave in" to the best way to carry out God's plan.  Easy to say.  David was too busy rebuilding their lives not the temple.  I find myself this very day way-too-occupied with taking care of my life and health problems.  Good health.  Good success.  Good conversation. Good health.   Good connection.  Good responses.  Good health.  Good Night!!!  "Ever since Eden, we no longer desire relationship with God on His terms above every other good."  66 LL.  Well, that's it for me.  Do I want Him more ... or is experiencing my well-being, my highest good this day?  I walk in for diagnostic tests in a few hours to see where I am with cancer this day.  "Since Eden's failure, we are all narcissists, willfully self-centered to the core, often sociably well-disguised but still obesessed more with ourselves than with anyone or anything else." 66 LL.  Have Mercy, God!  May we not claim this day the right to define our lives and write our own scripts.  "So many 'goods' seem more desireable than the good of knowing, honoring, revealing, serving, and pleasing God." 66 LL.  So what will I value this day?  I will soon find out what my goals really are by the way I live today.  My prayer for you and me---make us holy as You Are, for you are holy and we are not.

170 - "Another Counselor Comes" 1 Chronicles 12

Still waters.

Like glass.

No ripples there.

How can I learn to live still?

Don't explain life away.

Trust God in this current circumstance,

a Good God Who is working, moving, silently.

"What help came in to him in Hebron,'

 to make him king over all Israel, seven years later."

  I Chron 12:23.

David waited patiently to become king.  

He did not push for what was not his.  

And when the time came, what help was there.  

God does not leave us helpless.

But sends Another Helper.

A Counselor.

May we wait on a Mighty Presence.

An always Available Help in Present Times.

PRAYER FROM PSALMS
May we live still and wait patiently for You, O God, to act in our behalf.

169 - "Wait Patiently for The Lord" 1 Chronicles 11

This is the view out of my window

at the high school where I teach.

Seems like I'm waiting on some things to happen,

or am I waiting on God?

Thinking this night of fishermen and shepherds

who were doing what they were called to do.

Waiting on God, not on circumstances to change.

I Chron 11:3 ~ The elders of Israel came to David.  Samuel had prophesied a long time ago that David would be king.  David waited on no man to move.  David waited on God.  They crowned him at just the right time in history.  Tonight, I asked a friend about what God could possibly be doing in my life.  Her response staggered me.  Just trust in the pain.  How an we figure out God and what He is up to.  Love the truth that David lived in the present moment, not trying to figure out the best position to become a king.  Oh God, help us all find You this present hour.  

PRAYER FROM PSALMS

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way or even because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.  Rest, Bev.  God is doing you good through even t.h.i.s.  Help me, God, to see things from your perspective.  Psalm 37:7

168 - "I Want To Be Greater Than David" 1 Chronicles 9-10

The valiant men stripped Saul of his head and armor. I Chronicles 10:8.  On a mount separating two unfriendly regions. And Saul's body is hung on the fence.  No more breath. I stood there on Mount Gilboa where you can see as far as the eye stretches both east and west. I stood at the spot where they hung Saul's body. And I so wondered as I stood there what it would have been like to have a father-in-law that wreaked so much havoc on you; and I wondered what it was like to live in those days.  Did they struggle with being invisible or independent.  Did they try to manage their lives to just make things work.  And the words of Saul haunt me---you remember the dancing in the street party where the women sang to Saul and he contemplated:  "They have ascribed unto David ten thousands but to me they have ascribed thousands."  I Sam 18:6-9.  From that day and forward to his very death, Saul never dealt with what really went on in his own soul.  May I deal this day with these misgivings that plague me. I struggle with everyone having a place, a space, an ace in the hold.  Things are not that tidy for me.  May we be a people known for surrender.  May I repent of anything that is not dependence on my Lord. 

I wrestle today, my LORD, with this mantra of Saul. Someone I trusted with my heart once told me: We will see who is right by the results of your life and church growth. I didn't think it was right then nor now. We are here for your glory, not numbers and prestige. Saul wanted to be somebody better and greater than David.  Father, help me to put on the full armor of God not just a shiny armor of protection.  Clothe me in this chink that I may learn to think better than this.  Thank you for detaching us from anything that makes us want to look for credit and praise for ourselves. 

The crowd comes to Capernaum in John 6 with a calm and pleasant passage by sea.  Not so for the disciples tossed to and fro.  What can we learn from that?  John 6:26 says they found Jesus on the other side of the sea.  Christ will be found by those who seek Him.  Search for Him for more than what this crowd wanted.  One commentary says: Have more to show for your love of Christ than running after preaching and prayers and pages of affection.  This crowd wanted a show.  Christ uncovers the corrupt principles they acted on to follow Him. John 6:26. Christ knows why we do what we do. The crowd followed because Jesus fed them. Maybe some had not eaten a good meal in a good while. John 6:27 Labor for meat that endures. 

PHOTO:  Reminds me of Mount Gilboa where you could see forever.  Something contemplative about miles and miles.  Something going on in my heart where I feel invisible and have found Something far better and I was looking for the wrong thing. 

167 - "God Takes Notice of You" 1 Chronicles 7-8

    

Took a long walk tonight along these tracks behind our high school

thinking hard about life.

Wondering about these lists of people.

Wondering about my own life.

Does God notice? 

Do we go from sea to sea to follow Him?

Do we cross the river and go to the ends of the earth?

And why do we come?

Do we follow Him for loaves or love?

My life is not mine to control;

it is not for me to direct my steps.

Come Lord Jesus,

walk with us and help us leave our names on the Good List.

Disgrace.                                                                                                                                                      Idolatry.                                                                                                                                              Fruitfulness.                                                                                                                                       Faithfulness.
Men of Might. I Chron 7:2
Honorable kings.
First fathers.
Sons of Jacob.
Minglers.
Inconveniencers.
Great breaches.
Great wealth.
Strong cities.
God's Providence.
God's Promises.
Burdens carried old.
Houses of mourning.
Shattered families.
Sure promises.
Virtuous women.
Mighty militia.
Chief of princes.
Illustrious men.
Buried in oblivion.
Low ebbs in time.
Swords of injustice.
Pedigree higher
Numerous issues
One man's posterity
Covenants forever
Place in the sacred
Taken notice by God.

PHOTO:  Sauntered on these railroad tracks behind the high school where I taught. We lived a stone's throw down the tracks. So powerful when the train bursts through yet no one notices me. 

166 - "For What Do I Wait?" 1 Chronicles 6

It's terribly Quiet here at the Quarries.

For what do I wait this night?

Psalm 39:7

Do I wait for things to turn around?

I'm at the Hyde Park Track Banquet setting things up for the season awards.  By myself.

I am feeling worse as days progress.  

I hit an all-time low today. 

Here is the tribe of Levi in today's reading. I Chron 6:1. It's a long chronicled list.  Here are names we recognize astonishingly with such respect:  

Aaron and Moses---instruments in God's Hand to deliver Israel.  Faith.  Forbearance.  Foreshadowing.  Moses the Prophet.  

Aaron the Priest.  And we know them.  

And they are right next to Abihu and Nadab in the genealogy---your remember the terror they brought, the very strange fire. 

One rebuilt the temple and lived for God; the other tried to rebuild their lives---and lived for themselves.   "Devote your first energies to rebuilding the temple, not your lives." 66LL.   To the exiled but still proud community in this list, God underlined sin.  To the restored but discouraged community in this list, God aroused hope.  66LL.  

That's it, God.  Arouse my hope.  I have it. 

We come down so hard on ourselves for being discouraged, but I wonder if the real question is this---do we have hope this day?  

We are no longer exiles. 

We are living in hope. Delivered. Adopted. Beloved. 

PHOTO:  Megan and Hannah have meant so much to me over their high school career.  We are all letters written not with ink but with heart. 1 Cor 3:2.  As the ink dries on this track season, may God pass on things from our lives that matter for Eternity.

165 - "How To Win The War on Souls" 1 Chronicles 5

109 You may be a brave warrior, a famous person, or a head of a successful family---all the reasons for success in our world today. But what did you do with your soul? #60000thoughts #talkingtomyself 

                                                              

Warriors.  The Famous.  The Heads.  They all look good on paper.  But God looks at their hearts.  And He is looking at my heart and yours.  This very day.  

I may not know all the right things to win the battle but I know how to win the war on my soul.  Satan has no hand, no snatch, no grip, no clutch.  None.  May that Warrior Spirit from within rise up to fight our battles this day, forward!

I am reminded of the NT verse: What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your soul? 1 Chronicles 5:24-25. "But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land."

PHOTO: Outside my classroom window of 14 years where I stopped to pray each day. I walked away from it May 2022 because of the stress of it all in a 10-hour per day job with no breaks. I have missed it way more than I dreamed but not for the reasons I left. This year has been one of the hardest years of my life. May I not ask for a thing before I utter the awe in prayer.  They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. All the measures of success in the eyes of this world.  But what did they do with their souls?