136 - "God Will Repay Our Service and our Suffering" 2 Samuel 16-18; John 5:1-24

Cold.  Blue.  Calculating. Wooed.

Pressed daily with words.

God will repay not only our service but also our suffering. Here it is in this story of David and Shimei. David could have retaliated. Gallant David and his men walking through a prosaic valley. Empurpled with rage, Shimei walking on the mountainside. David: minding his own affairs. Shimei: Throwing rocks; throwing words. David's men long to rid the world of Shimei. David's humility prevails---what if? What if he is doing me harm because God told him to speak these derisive words. What if? "It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today." 2 Samual 16:12. 

Someone has been trying to hurt me in my life.  What if?

PHOTO:  Let them throw the empurpled chilling blue words at you.

What if?

God will repay not only our service but also our suffering. There's an intriguing story I just read in the Bible.

I am in Austin at the moment administering College Board AP Subject tests all month long. Bob is back in Fort Worth training in 50-mile bike rides for UNBOUND 100-mile Gravel Bike Race in Emporia, Kansas on May 31st with Barrett. My car has been in the shop since February 15 for overheating---took 7 tries to get it fixed and I drove to Austin on Sunday in that car, fresh out of the shop in May. Next day. Someone collided into that parked car in the high school parking lot. Started a hit-and-run several thousand dollar claim. Found out Tuesday night that someone came forward. The car was not drivable. So, back in the auto repair shop for a couple of weeks we go. Meanwhile, Bob calls. Somehow, he tried to miss a fence on his 50-mile bike ride and that beautiful Ventum bike slid right out from under him and he flew and landed on his hip. He is in the ER getting checked for a hip fracture and concussion. 

So, here's the intriguing story I read about David and Shimei. David and his men were walking through a prosaic valley. Empurpled with rage, Shimei walked along the mountainside hurling life-threatening words and rocks at David. David's men longed to rid the world of Shimei. David's humility prevailed: What if? What if God is allowing this and the Lord will look on my misery and restore to me a blessing not the curse from Shimei? What if? It may be that the Lord will restore a blessing rather than ...

Bob is out of the hospital---no fractures, strong bones. Just bleeding at the trauma site. He will try to race in 15 days if healing goes well. God is always doing us good. Things are going to happen. May I not throw rocks and words at auto repair shops. Leave everything in God's hands. It may just be that the Lord will restore a blessing to all of us rather than what is being hurled at you. 2 Samuel 16:12.

135 -"Pray Against The Words Not The Person" 2 Samuel 15; Psalm 3; Psalm 69

She's only in 3rd grade but she is learning about friends who have their own agenda.  May we all pray for our friends with grace-filled words. Pray against their actions not against the person.
David learns that one of his senator's is now a conspirator.  Against him and what David stands for.  So David prays these words in 2 Samuel 15:31 --- confuse the counsel of this senator.  David didn't pray against the person but against his words, against the advice of his soul.  And David prays with the strong knowledge of a Sovereign God Who holds all words and hearts in His Hand.  One commentary says we must second our prayers with endeavours.  And David did.  No man holds the corner of the market on truth.  We can think and live and move and love and still need forgiveness.  Yet, David!  Great in wisdom and patience when treated so cruel.  The David who had just sinned beyond his recognition.  May we follow the footsteps of the One and Only Who holds us tight, never to let go, never to fail.  The One Who lifts our head every single day. Psalm 3:3

#prayer

PHOTO:  Ezri and the birds at The Aquarium.  We go there every week. Hey Ezri---pray against their words not against the person.

134 - "Can We Over Grieve What We Love?" 2 Samuel 13-14; John 4:1-26

Pascal said it:  "True religion accounts for both the wretchedness and greatness of people."  David lived that out for and found the Glory of God.

And our God promises to defeat all of the evil in the world.  Through us.  In us.  In this world.  God is moving in the midst of all that is going on.  He wants to use us to advance His Kingdom in this world and that is just unbelievable!

Larry Crabb talks about how David "lived the new way"

* He didn't celebrate the death of Saul.  He mourned the father-in-law who tried to kill him.

* He waited patiently for 7 years in Hebron as king over only one tribe---all the while knowing that God had appointed him over 12 tribes.  He didn't make it happen.

* He invited Saul's house to his table---the lame Mephibosheth, grandson of Saul.

* He mourned wicked Absalom's death and cried out "if only it had been me."  

66 Love Letters

These two stories in today's reading are so gripping.  Grasped men who are grasping for straws.  The story of Amnon in 2 Samuel 13:4: “O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.” Heart wrenching.  Loving after something that can never be his.  David's valley.  Again.  This time, a son out to get him, not a father-in-law.  Oh the grief.

And Absalom slays the kings and takes the kingdom into his hands.  And David grieves.  Someone once said we can "over grieve" what we over love---wondering if that was the case for David.  He could not let go of Absalom.

Wretchedness and Greatness.  Here in this story
Father, may we never be afraid to listen to your promptings in our hearts for there is hope for our sin.  

Yes, there are wretched places.  

Yes, there is matchless grace covering like blankets of fresh fallen snow.  Fall fresh on me.

"The man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him and he went on his way." John 4:50 He was a nobleman with a very sick son. He came to Cana because he heard the word of others. Even the greatest of men becomes a beggar. Even noblemen hold no secret pass, no security over safety. Only God can word a miracle. "Go your way," says Jesus, so tenderly And now his faith has to go beyond what he can see. A trust in aid with no longer a aign of His Presence. And his faith was so strengthened. And a whole family ends up believing. Wonder if Houstonians feel that way sitting in Hurricane Harvey. Can we trust the Word that has been spoken to us? Tonight, I trust this Tender Word.

PHOTO:  The Valley.  Hill Country.  David is in another valley.  And it is being filled with rain falling fresh from heaven on him.  Going deep into the trenches of his heart.  His dependence soaks it all in.  Because David is "all in" now, or is he?

133 - Psalm 32; Psalm 51; John 3:16-36

  

Oh David! The first words out of his mouth: "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Psalm 32:1 God does not count this travesty against David. There is a rush of great waters for all of us. You are our Hiding Place. Psalm 32:7. Oh David! You moved through this under the Grace of God, the Power of God, the Goodness of God. Under The Mercy. Surrounded by the Steadfast Love of God.  Psalm 32:10

 Oh Father, there's not a person on earth who has not lived a day without being "curved in" on ourselves. In our secret hearts, forgive and Psalm 32:1 "You get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean. God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him." How foolish of me to think that there is any good greater than the good of know

"The struggle with fear and pain will continue. Only in the storm will you know there is an anchor...I've not wanted an anchor in the storm. I've wanted a quick trip to shore." No spiritual aspirin available. No anesthetic for my storms. Just a revelation of what life is like for the person who lives in the storm with his eyes fixed on Me. 66 LL 

PHOTO: Eatonville, Washington. The place where Bob's Mom & Dad lived. You walk down their driveway and expect to see them coming out. You hear those voices talking about life gone by. You see the snow-capped slopes from their windows. You long for one more conversation to say what's on your heart for them. My children's grandparents.

132 - "What Cry Comes From My Deepest Center?" 2 Samuel 10-12; John 3:1-15

David sends a faithful warrior to this place, his death.

The man who refused to go home to his wife,

camped on David's doorstep to protect his kingdom.

What on earth came from David's deep center?

2 Samuel 11:1 ... Then it happened ...

When kings go out to war ---
Privileged David stays home --- wonder why.
David was in the wrong place at the time he saw Bathsheba indiscreetly.
And she now carries his child.

So, he sends her faithful king's servant to the front lines.
The fiercest of battles.

Take. him. out.

Chilling.

The David who just wrote the beautiful prayer to Divine Providence.
The David who just hid in caves protected by Divine Providence.
The David who waited for Divine Providence to crown him.

What happens to us to get our attention?
Those Nathan moments when this Word of God reads our hearts.

This. David.

He is a man after God's heart. And we watch this story.
There is a cry for God's holiness arising from his deepest center.

It will be louder than the cries of shame and fear and privilege. 

PHOTO:  The Cross. What arises from my soul?

131 - "Our Worst Problem is Not Pain Nor Unreturned Love" 2 Samuel 8-9; Psalm 60; John 2

                                                             

“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9. A precious story!

Here is a beautiful place in David's heart.  

To whom may I show God's Kindness.

Reflecting back on all the Goodness.

Emptying himself into strangers.

So moving to initiate Giving.

Makes you long to be kind.

Makes you long to live.

Wondering how real.

Is this the Gospel.

Lived out here.

Or what is it.

Self-slain.

Selfish.

Love.

God.

He.

I.

And days, months later.  

When kings normally go to battle in war.

David stays home.

And he shouldn't have.

Wondering why.

Why did not David go.

And nights pass.  

When kings normally tend to their affairs.

David takes a girl.

And he shouldn't have.

Wondering why.

Why didn't David turn.

There are places in all of us.  

Dark places where Light wants to Shine.  

And it will.

If we are His!

2 Samuel 8: 1-6 David brought the Philistines to their knees and took control of their countryside.  He defeated Moab and executed two-thirds of them.  He killed 22,000 Arameans.  He plundered gold and looted large quantities of bronze. He struck down the entire army of Hadadezer.  He built a victory monument.  Set up puppet governments. 2 Samuel 1:14 "God gave David victory wherever he marched." This guy had courage that is so intriguing and admirable!

He lived well.  He suffered well.  He ruled well.  But did he love well?  It just so captures my attention, my heart that he had all those concubines!!!  How did he "miss" God on that?  How do I "miss" God?  Does it seem to you that if Christians today have a flaw like David did or even more culturally accepted flaws (if there is such a thing) like raging anger, then they are DQ'd from ministry, from respect.  No one DQ'd David for adultery and murder! 

Crabb's words come to mind:  "We naturally believe that our worst problem is personal pain occasioned by others who relationally fail us.  Because we fear that pain, we protect ourselves against it and think that our greatest good is our immediate satisfaction."  That's what David thought.  And we arrange for it any way we can, whether through sex or hard work or achievement or even worship (wow, I'm floored that he threw worship in there---doesn't seem to be a distractor, does it?)  So, what's my greatest good in my current situation?  Holiness?  God?  Whatever pain you own today, God is at work in you by His Power making you and me aware of just how far short we fall of relating like He does.  Colossians 1:29 - He is powerfully at work in you doing whatever it takes to get us to relate to others and move in to really love them and live for the Greater Good!  Wonder what my Greater Good is today?

PHOTO:  Santa Rosa Island where I have spent countless of summers walking the beach thinking about what is in my heart.  I vividly remember one June walk in 2006. I was just a few feet away from the pier.  A girl on a blanket jumped up and called out to me that God wanted me to know that everything was going to be okay because His Sovereign hand is on you.  It was the lowest point of my life. The Great Divide.  How could she have known? 

130 - "Find Courage To Pray Like David Did" 2 Samuel 6-7; Psalm 30; John 1:29-51

Who is over my affairs?

Pray.  Take courage.  It has been our dream to pray for our children and launch them into the world.  This day was the last day of our parenting days at home.  They all have moved on and we hope that they can never get over our prayers for them. 

So, what prayer of courage could I offer Him?  2 Samuel 7:27... "Your servant has found courage to pray the prayer in 2 Samuel 7 to a Sovereign Lord. All because You, oh Lord, have put me together. Psalm 30:2.

The Prayer of Courage: 

"Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?. And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant---and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human...

How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is No One like you!

So, find courage to pray today! You have a Sovereign Lord over all your affairs.

There was once a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way. The way to go, where to look, who to believe in. Every person who enters this life, God brings into Light. In the deepest sense, the Messianic Presence is in our thoughts, in our lives every single day. 

The words of John melt my hart. Life has been uphill all the way. Some of the best advice came from my counselor I supernaturally found when I faced a great divide in my life. He told me that in this world, communion with God is not defined by experiences or blessings.  To really live is to release the life of Jesus through our lives in any circumstance no matter what. Reading the New Testament paints the picture of relating as Jesus did. Giving when no one gives back. Loving in the face of unreturned love. Forgiving when it is not deserved. Suffering in the place of those who should suffer. 

Let’s look to Jesus together. He is able.

PHOTO:  A Mom & Dad's heart for their child. Take courage. Our son hits a milestone. Britt's graduation from UT.  May 2010.  Admiral McRaven speaks and writes a book from his speech. Keep on praying with courage. 

129 - "Overcome With Grief and Eli Cares More About God than Himself" 2 Samuel 3-5; John 1:1-28

129 Eli cared more about God than about the news of his 2 dead sons. 

Lay your head on your pillow and
you start thinking about what you've done today.
How we've treated those we love. And those who may not have returned our love.
How we've disdained this day, or maybe loved a little more than yesterday.
How we've distanced ourselves from one, or maybe stepped into fresh faith.
How we've forgotten the LORD of our lives, or fell forward in a deep dependence.
How His Good Grace covers all our moments. 

We cannot relive today but we can start fresh this very next second of life we have.

Eli led with integrity for 40 years. 

His men delivered devastating news:

 “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 1 Samuel 4:17

Eli cared more about God than himself. The Word that became flesh and blood moved into John's life in John 1:14. God-begotten. John saw the glory with his own eyes. This is the One, says the thunder in the desert...Make the road straight for God! John 1:23.

By the way that I act today, will I share that I care more about God?  Today, God sent someone to me who spoke like a messenger from God.  An affirmation beyond words.  All these things that we think are so important in our day---how important are they in light of eternity?  Trying to wrap thoughts around the Philistines take on such holy things.  We cannot treat lightly the things of God and be able to rest. 

We open the book of John. John presents a Glory that "though dimly visible now" will one day fill the earth.  Everything was created through Him!  "The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness (John 1:5)."   And John pointed the way for those who will believe. God will make you your true selves begotten of God.  John 1:13. Most people are living to make themselves a better version of who they are. God is making us our true self.

PHOTO:  It was so the Hand of God that shone through my moments today.  Just an ordinary day when I encountered the sound of God in my life in a way I never dreamed.   

128 - "Trust God To Take Care of the Evil in Others" 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 24:36-53

128 Trust God to take care of the evil in others. 2 Samuel 1:16. By the Power of the Holy Spirit in you. Luke 24:49. David & Jonathan overlooked the carnal mean in each other. What a way to live!                                                            

An Amalekite tells David that he killed the Anointed One King Saul, the one who was trying to murder David. David orders the man executed for killing a man anointed by God. 2 Samuel 1:16. David never took matters into his own hands. He trusted God to take care of the evil king. Trust in your darkness.  

Here David sat in a city with his 600 men.
Defeated and distraught.  At a low.
And that news came . . . Saul is dead.
"The blow which opened David's way to the throne was given about the time he had been sorely distressed.  Those who commit their concerns to the Lord, will quietly abide His will.  It shows that David desired not Saul's death, and he was not impatient to come to the throne."  Matthew Henry

David mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

Yet, the houses of David and Saul still warred against each other.

David's life is so beautiful.  And we know the rest of the story.  He is just a man who needs God just as much on a balcony secretly watching Bathsheba as in a cave hiding from a King, his own father-in-law.  No man is to be worshipped high on a pedestal.

David has already faced strong temptation in such distress and degradation.  What does it truly mean to encourage ourselves in the Lord, as David did?  What does it look like to not touch the garment of the anointed one, even when you could justify revenge.

The funeral song, "The Bow," says nothing of Saul's righteousness or goodness.  But it does speak of two souls knit together in a strong bond of love---Jonathan and David.  They both would overlook the carnal man that resided in both.  Love covered their sins.  It's interesting that Jonathan would never see the side of David that we are about to see.

Father, help us to live by those convictions that we hold dear.  Luke 24:49 God has sent the Power of the Holy Spirit to equip us for all good things. When we face haunting temptations this fresh new week, may we cry out for more of you and less of us.  Make us into the people you have called us to be.  May the song we sing this day be of praise to you and honor to all we know, even those who have done us wrong.

PHOTO:  Annette's Fig Tree.  Jesus cursed the fig tree when it would not produce.  Wondering about that story.  Wondering about life and letting go.

127 - "Strengthen Yourself in the Lord Your God" 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 24:1-35

127 Strengthen yourself in the Lord when your father-in-law and your children betray you---and the city wants to stone you for keeping them in war. How do I talk to myself? Will it be words like Psalm 18:28 Either we are moving toward dependence on Him or distance from Him.  

Is it a court compliment or a Divine word?

Saul slew his thousands; David slew tens of thousands.

1 Samuel 29:5
So, who is proven?
Of men or God?
Did David "cave in" to Achish?
One thing David did right.

And the people were "bitter in soul" for their own sons and daughters. And how I love David's response. May it become our holy privilege: "David strengthened himself in the Lord, his God." I Samuel 30:6. That's it!!! How do I talk to myself? What will I say to myself this day? Either I will move toward dependence or distance.

"Those who have the knowledge of Christ crucified, should seek to spread that knowledge. Our Lord Jesus reproved them for the weakness of their faith in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Did we know more of the Divine counsels as far as they are made known in the Scriptures, we should not be subject to the perplexities we often entangle ourselves in."  Perplexities of Life. Luke 24:14. They engaged each other to know Him more. And where two are gathered, here He comes. 

PHOTO:  To all our grandkids and future great-grandkids whom we will never meet:  Go to Peace.

126 - "Go 'To' Peace" 1 Samuel 28-30; Luke 23:26-56

126 David knows to always speak well of others to get the good out of the people you deal with. Achish says "Go to Peace" which is given with great affection. Go in peace is issued unhappily.

                                                           

The theme.

Look at this. 

"Saul has struck down his thousands. And David his ten thousands." I Samuel 29:5

You know, that looks good on paper that David's success looms large.

David's success also costs him greatly: His two wives have now been taken captive.

"And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him---those who hailed him as a hero. No more. You're too much of a risk to us, David.

Always behave well to get the good out of all the people you deal with---speak well of them.  Then, let it go.  It will go one way or the other.  That's not your control. For David, it went well.  His secret hope came true and he is more than relieved. And Achish says: "go to peace" and that's the best yet. 1 Samuel 29:7

The Jews distinguished between wishing a person to "go in peace" or to "go to peace."  The former means it is not issued happily; the latter means it certainly is given with affection:  "Go to peace." 

And they were "bitter in soul" for their own sons and daughters. 

Will I speak these words of Psalm 18, the ones that David grabbed hold of in deep distress, losing wives, friends, comrades, and his community. "I love you Lord, my Help, my Deliverer.

For it is You Who lights my lamp, the Lord my God lightens my darkness." Psa 18:28

PHOTO: The view from my bedroom window in the hill country.  It's dark out there.  And there are dark places in my own soul this night as I fold my apron.  And I think of the One Who folded his cloths in a tomb, saying "It Is Finished."  What He has done for me, that Resurrection, covers all my darkness.  I will see Light---a little more Light this day than the last one.  It's dark outside but a tad Lighter in my soul.  I know. This. This is the King of the Jews.

125 - "God Changes My Motivation from Self Protection to Selfless Love" 1 Samuel 24-27; Luke 23:1-25

125 Compelling stories about Abigail and David springing forward to love difficult husbands, finger-pointing families, fickle friends. It is God's business to decide what to do with those who hurt us. God is changing my motives from self-protection to selfless love. May we weep over our demandingness for God to cooperate with our agenda and see a rise of holiness from our deepest center.

                                                                              

1 Samuel 25: 18-19 Picture #1: Abigail flew into action when she heard that her husband Nabal had hurled insults at David's men. Abigail took the blame for her husband Nabal, the fool.  Not mentioning anything to Nabal, Abigail took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep dressed out and ready for cooking, a bushel of roasted grain, a hundred raisin cakes, and two hundred fig cakes, and she had it all loaded on some donkeys. Okay, did they have to bake the 200 loaves of bread and 200 cakes?  She had 5 personal servants but still this is a lot of work to pull together all this quickly.  What did the fast job amount to?  A husband like no other.  Abigail did what she could to love her own foolish husband.

I Samuel 26:3 Picture #2: David, still out in the backcountry, knowing Saul had come after him. His scouts find Saul and confiscate spear and jug from a slumbering Saul.  I Samuel 26:9 - Don't you dare hurt Saul! "Who could lay a hand on God's anointed and even think of getting away with it."  That's the attitude I want to have when people who are made in the image of God insult me, as it happened this very day!!  I Samuel 26:24 says:   It's God's business to decide what to do with each of us in regard to what's right and who's loyal.

I am so taken with how David and Abigail loved.  They didn't gloss over the wrongdoing and they called it what it was.  Truth.  Yet, both God followers chose to love those closest to them who were fools.  They didn't walk away.  They didn't keep silent.  They stayed close, "ALL IN."  Jesus died for them to have the power to change their motives from self-protection to selfless love. What would it look like to love those in our lives this day who are conniving and cunning and coy?  Those difficult husbands.  Those finger-pointing relatives.  Those fickle friends.  "Owe no man anything except to love him." -  Romans 13:8. 
And, what happens if you really love?  "You will hear yourself weeping over how you demand that I cooperate with your agenda, and you'll hear the cry for holiness arising from your deepest center."  66LL

124 - "After Whom Do You Pursue?" 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 54; Psalm 63; Luke 22:47-71

                                                              

How could David possibly feel when he learned of the news that people were dying because of him?  And Saul continues to pursue every day!  I Sam 23:14.  But God does not give David into Saul's hand.  I Sam 23:28.  A Rock of Escape. 

David has 400 men with him---the discouraged, the depressed, the down-and-out.
Saul has 3,000 men with him---the arrogant, the confident, the jubilant, the best.
Yet . . .
David wins.
David spares Saul's life when he has a chance,
screaming after Saul:
"After whom do you pursue?" --- The person who just saved your life!

What am I really pursuing? 
After whom do I pursue?

Psalm 54:4 - Look! God's right here helping me, just like He did for David. God is on my side.

Psalm 63:1 - I cannot get enough of Him!

Luke 22:62 Overlay Peter, friend of God, denying 3 times that he even knew Jesus. He is not my friend, says a plaque on a statue in Israel that I saw one time. 

No, Peter, He is your Friend. God is on your side and come Resurrection, you will know it and risk it forever. 

PHOTO:  Peter learns what real Love is and never stops pursuing God. After whom do I pursue?

123 - "Our Times Are in God's Hands Not in the Multitude of Our Friends" Psalm 52, 57, 142; Luke 22:24-46

David is "spent with sorrow." And He turns to the One Who orchestrates it all. Does anyone really know if Saul will catch David---only those who have read the ending of the story. And what would Saul do to David, his son-in-law? Our times are in God's Hands, not in the multitude of our friends, not in the safety of our family. Our God "lengthens or shortens, makes bitter or sweet, according to the counsel of His Will." M. Henry.  God's Mercy carries the day. Psalm 52:2

It's a Beautiful God that pours out of David in calamity. He runs to God for dear life. He calls out to High God, the God who holds him together. Psalm 57:2. David is ready from head to toe. Ready to sing, "Wake up, soul!" Psalm 57:7. His wife is not with him---could she save him from her dad? David's friends are dwindling---he's not the safest choice to have as a friend. But David believes deeply Psalm 27:13-14 as he pens the words. It's a verse I have thought about day-in day-out for the past 13,680 days. "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the Goodness of the Lord." Take Courage. Wait for the Lord, not for any man.  

What matters most for David, for me, for you is that we live and move out of sincere desire to know God and draw out of others the people God intends for them to be. So, what stirs in our heart most deeply as we read and pray and live and love and give? Does my heart stir to advance God's agenda or complete my own agenda this day? And just what is God's agenda for my life?  

"Is it closing the deal or revealing the character of My Son as you negotiate? Is it finding a way to get your spouse to understand how abandoned you feel or revealing the character of My Son as you deal with your troubled marriage?" 66LL

One would never know upon reading these psalms that David's life was in danger 24/7. David wasn't looking for answers, he was looking for God.  

"The LORD is my Light and my salvation.

The LORD is the Stronghold of my life." Psalm 27:1

There are places in David's heart that are being redeemed. And the same for each of us. Not based on merit.  Based on desire. 

COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers

II Thes 1:11-12

May God count you worthy of His Calling and may He fulfill every desire for good within each of you.  May He do a work of faith with Power in you and through you.

PHOTO:  Santa Rosa Island.  It is a Beautiful God Who pours out of the pearls who read these words.  Your desire to know God is so genuine and beautifully rabid.  Bitten.  Smitten.  Grasped. Glorious.

122 - "The Sun Rises on Both The Good & The Bad" 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 56; Luke 22:1-23

122 The sun rises on both the good and the bad. Our God is superintending our world. No accidents, Special supervision. Divine execution. Gracious provision. Undeniable grace. Providence is working,

Do I see that Providence works in the enemy's heart for my good?  

Psalm 56:1 "Take my side, God" ---- He is on our side. Always. 

Saul kills the innocent priests of Nob. 1 Samuel 22:18-19. The sun rises on both the good and the bad. God was moving for David even when it looks bad.  God's grace and providential care are extended to all people regardless. 

There's a verse in yesterday's reading that so made me wonder:  God detained Doeg so that he knew where David was.  Otherwise, Doeg would have never been able to tell Saul of David's whereabouts.  Saul pleads in front of Doeg:  None of you feel sorry for me.  None of you disclose that my very own son is stirring up David against me.  So, turn and kill all these priests of God who helped David.  And the King's servants say unequivocally, "No!"  So, Doeg does it.  The man God detained to spy on David.  Not only does he kill 85 men of the cloth but an entire city of Nob for the shelter provided David. Fast Forward to the New Testament Luke 22:1-2: the religion scholars were trying to do away with Jesus and at the same time they were looking to cover their tracks---Judas found the high priests. 

How could David possibly feel when he learned of the news that people were dying because of him?  

How could Judas possible feel when he realized Jesus the Lord would die because of his betrayal?

Father, may we see that nothing happens by chance in your government.  What appears as good.  What appears as evil.  You are superintending your world.  No accidents.  Just a Special Supervision.  Divine Execution.  Gracious Provision.  May we live this day under your Gorgeous Grace. 

PHOTO:  A golden sun outside of my airplane window somewhere between here and there.  A candidate for David's army.

121 - "Overlooked in The League of Life" 1 Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Luke 21:20-38

121 What happens when we're overlooked in the league of life? Do we still live to love? Live to give? Live to love.

, 

 Samuel 21:10 -
Saul has slain his thousands.
David has slain his tens of thousands.

Saul heard the women of all the villages collectively praising the one beneath his stature, beneath his superiority, beneath his success. Customary for those who come back from battle. All the women of the country come out and cheer as you march through the towns. And he couldn't stand it. What happens when we are overlooked in the league of life? Do we still live to love? Live to give? Live to love. our story like a watercourse, we will "let go" when others walk away with the medals. Let go. I see that Providence works in the enemy's heart for my good?  

The sun rises on both the good and the bad. God was moving for David even when it looks bad.  There's a verse in yesterday's reading that so made me wonder:  God detained Doeg so that he knew where David was.  Otherwise, Doeg would have never been able to tell Saul of David's whereabouts.  Saul pleads in front of Doeg:  None of you feel sorry for me.  None of you disclose that my very own son is stirring up David against me.  So, turn and kill all these priests of God who helped David.  And the King's servants say unequivocally, "No!"  So, Doeg does it.  The man God detained to spy on David.  Not only does he kill 85 men of the cloth but an entire city of Nob for the shelter provided David.

David has 400 men with him---the discouraged, the depressed, the down-and-out.
Saul has 3,000 men with him---the arrogant, the confident, the jubilant, the best.

I live and breathe God. Psalm 34:2

If you are crying for help, God is listening. 

PHOTO:  Don’t live 30,000 feet in the air. Live on earth. Live present. Deal with what is happening in your heart—-how you truly feel about things. Don’t ignore it. It’s there for a good reason. Maybe you’ve really never learned to “let go.”

120 "Find Deep Bonds That No Man Can Break" 1 Samuel 19; Psalm 23; Psalm 59; Luke 21:1-19

1 Samuel 19:41-42 After the servant was gone, David got up from his hiding place beside the boulder, then fell on his face to the ground—three times prostrating himself! And then they kissed one another and wept, friend over friend, David weeping especially hard.  Jonathan said, "Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God's name, saying, 'God will be the bond between me and you, and between my children and your children forever!

It's a beautiful story of true friendship. May you all find deep bonds that no man can break.  Jonathan said, "Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God's name, saying, 'God will be the bond be\tween me and you, and between my children and your children forever!

Whatever I walk through this season and even overall, You, O LORD, are guiding me on the right path to find You. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  There's such Mystery to this life.  Somehow, we've constructed stories of experience or morality or principled living.  There is a right path. God is leading us to know Him better not figure things out. No Greater Love. No other place to be.  May we find the Sovereign God in the midst of what tugs at our hearts.  Psalm 23:3. 

Psalm 59:10   God in Dependable Love shows up on time...
Whatever is happening in my life, it's right on Time.  I'm right on Time.

Psalm 59:17  Strong God, I'm watching you do it, 
      I can always count on you— God, my Dependable Love.

"Be killing sin or it will be killing you." John Owen

Stay with it to the end. Luke 21:19

PHOTO:  The bond between 2 grandchildren, Zekey and Ezri, is true and deep and real and beautiful. May it always be so! 

119 - "Finding God in the Low Whispers" 1 Kings 19-20

119 My testy circumstances matter in no Kingdom. May I care about those things that touch Eternity.

 

Elijah listens to God - I Kings 19:13 
And, Elijah found God in the "low whispers."

The common natural way of providing for the earth---rain.
It dried up.
The uncommon Providential way of providing for Elijah---ravens.
Never dried up.

Do I realize that the Providential Hand of God is moving in uncommon ways in my life this very day?

The vilest of creatures took care of Elijah, not the kings.
And Elijah was on a shelf for more than a year
The man who could breathe life into sons.
Patiently waiting on a Good God!!!
Eating from mouths of birds.
Trusting God's timing.
Under the Care.

Such a moving story to know God uses the lowly widow. She took Elijah at his word even before feeding her own family in famine. And that one act opened the jar for Elijah to feed the widow's family for more than two years. 

If I cannot see you and can only hear you, you exist for me not in space but in time where hearing happens. If I see you and can walk around you, I experience you as an object—-I can inspect you from all angles. Buechener says something of “extraordinary importance occurs when I more fully take you into myself by hearing you. “Hearing you speak brings me by the most direct of all routes something of the innermost secret of who you are.”  Buechner, Frederick Whistling in the Dark

He was the prophet who called down fire and rain. He knew. Yet, he hurt and wondered and just wanted to die in midst of glory and ministry.

And Elijah records: I have had enough, Lord. 1 Kings 19:7.  And I feel the same.  Problem is my testy circumstances matter in no kingdom.  

May I care about those things that touch Eternity. 

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” I Kings 19:10

And God responds: “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

And this spent seeking prophet finds his God in a gentle Whisper. God will do His Work in his time by His Spirit, a sweet and gentle blowing of the Spirit of God. Whisper by me. 

But He always comes.

And He is always asking:

What are you doing here?

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. I Kings 19:12. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

What am I doing here?

PHOTO:  I heard an audible Voice one day as I walked this beach.  A young lady stopped my stroll and said:  "I came up to this beach to read my Bible.  And God just told me to stop you and tell you that this thing you are going through is from Him.  He is with you.  You are going to be okay."  She could have never known.  I faced the biggest crisis, the Greatest Divide, of my life.  And matching the grandeur of the skies and sea, I heard an audible Voice from a mouthpiece of God. More than a match.

119 - "My Battle Belongs to God" 1 Samuel 17-18; Luke 20:27-47

119 My battle belongs to God. He doesn't save by sword or spear. 

Five small stones can kill the giants in my life. The truth is God-Alive is in me and is at work.

Meanwhile Goliath was taunting the troops of God-Alive.  Not a good idea.  I Samuel 17:47 God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. My battle belongs to God."  So pick up 5 smooth stones, I Samuel 17:40,  and watch what God will do.  Immeasurable Strength.  Unshakeable Hope.  5 smooth stones will kill the 10-foot giants in my life, in your life. God delivers.  The truth is God-Alive is in me. God-Alive is in you. Our Great High Priest is at work in us this very morning. The God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob. He is the God of the living. Luke 20:38

Do I hear the bleating of sheep in my life?  That's what Samuel said to Saul---what's this I am hearing? The mooing of cattle, the bleating of sheep. I Sam 15:14. Saul offers the sheep to God instead of doing what God told him to do. God-Alive is there to fight our battles. 

PHOTO:  God-Alive in your Momma. He has been Alive in her for a long time. All through her preschool and elementary days. All through her high school and college days. All through her marriage and having children. Bristol, you are growing up in your Mom's beautiful footsteps.  

118 - "What Matters Is How God Sees Our Soul" 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 20:1-26

118 It is far better to obey than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22. Am I more concerned about obeying the God Who rules over me than I am about giving up my time for Christian service? God is looking at my heart, The world is looking for our majesty in appearance and ambition. 1 Samuel 16:7.

Am I more concerned about obeying the God who rules over me
than I am about giving up my time for Christian services and ceremonies?
It is far better to obey than sacrifice. I Samuel 15:22

It is far easier to bring a sacrifice than to bring our lofty thoughts and prideful motivations and selfish ambitions into obedience before God. We are not competing with the High King. We have to let go of what controls us---it's idolatrrous. You've rejected the Word of the Lord and made nothing of it. You've brushed off the government of the Word, of your God. God made Saul the king. God can undo what He did. 

I Samuel 16:7 - God looks at your heart from the very beginning of your days.  The world looks for our majesty in appearance and ambitions.  God sees right through us and all our ways...and loves us so, as is. God looks at the heart; not at the outward appearance. David was a prince in his own right.  Yet, when God looked at the 7 brothers, he saw David's heart, even as a very young man.  In this world, it is all about the majesty of the person---their looks, their contributions, their success.  Even as a young boy, David treasured the Word of God, Psalm 119:97.  This was what he meditated on and lived out.  At first many didn't notice.  God never missed a frame.  So, whether we appear great or small in the eyes of this world, what matters most is how God sees our soul.  What about this heart of mine?  Doesn't matter who passes me by.  Only matters by the One Who passes me by every single day and fills this broken heart with Himself. Give to God what is God's.. Luke 20:28

PHOTO:  The uncomely pastures of Kansas.  Nothing spectacular here.  But something about standing in this pastoral place.  

117 - "Keep Your Appointment With God" 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 19:28:48

                                                                                                                                                           1 Samuel 13:12-14  Saul answered, "When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn't come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised to attack...I hadn't yet come before God asking for help.  So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering."   "That was a fool thing to do," Samuel said to Saul. "If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded...God is out looking for your replacement right now." How sad.  So what keeps us from missing that appointment with God this day?  

I love Jonathan's faith!  Saul had 600 soldiers with him.  Jonathan asks his armor-bearer in I Samuel 14:6-7  to go with him to the Philistine camp. "Maybe God will work for us. There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it."   His armor bearer said, "Go ahead. Do what you think best. I'm with you all the way." 
  
They killed only 20 soldiers that day, BUT they actually grew Saul's army from 600 to 10,000.  That is simply amazing!  God did it for Jonathan and his faithful armor-bearer. So inviting. Not for Saul though---Saul kept conscripting every strong and brave man he saw, using people. 

Our 66LL devo says it this way:  "When things go wrong in your life, or when you fear they might, you'll be tempted to sacrifice ethics for pragmatism."  The story of Saul.  "You'll hear your heart asking, what will work to make things better?  You'll not as clearly hear yourself asking, what is holy in this situation that will please the Lord?"

PHOTO:  It's a dark day outside.  It's a dark day inside my heart, too.  And I ponder on this beautiful Word of God about David's darkest of days hiding in caves, fighting wars with 600 soldiers.  But, alas, I believe David's days may turn dark again.  Enlighten our darkness, O God!  2 Samuel 22:29 - isn't that what David prayed many dark days ago.  You will, O God.  We know You will.

116 - "Don't Chase After Ghost Gods" 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 19:1-27

I Samuel 11:13  "So here's the king you wanted, the king you asked for. God has let you have your own way."  Why did they want a king? They already had a King. Why do we want someone to follow?  Why do people gravitate to those who are successful?  God is a gentleman---He won't force Himself on us.  If we want to walk by sight, not by faith, He lets us choose the path 

I Samuel 10:6 - You'll be transformed when you follow God.  You'll be a new person.  And if we are aren't being transformed, then we have to ask ourselves if we are following God's calling.  Saul moved quickly to follow God but found himself hiding in verse 22 in a pile of baggage.  I wonder why.  Don't chase after ghost-gods.  What would be a ghost-god to us today?  Success in ministry or raising children.  Ambition that leads to making a name for ourselves.  Wonder why our culture adores celebrities, even Christian ones.  We are such a celebrity-conscious community.  

PHOTO:  Transformed from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of Light. I was. I am. I will be. 

So, stop hiding in a pile of baggage. There is Light. There is Hope.

115 - "Interpreting Life Today in Light of Tomorrow---Thus Far!" 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 18:24-43

When things invade your territory.  When people infringe upon your rights.  When situations intersect life's plans.  This is our mantra.  Praying for each of you this day that it will always be about "thus far."  “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” I Samuel 7:12. 

All who follow Jesus, will never lose out. No one. Now one who has sacrificed home, spouse, siblings, parents, kids---whatever---it will be multiplied back many times over in your lifetime and then the bonus of eternal life. Luke 18:29-30.

They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice."  I Samuel 8:3.  It's plain to see the evil when it's blatant and disgusting.  But what about when Satan comes as an "angel of light."  And, we don't see the evil in our own motives and actions and ploys.  So, what's the point? Do we accept the Word of God as from God or men?  1 Thes 2:13.  We must interpret the evil that is happening in our lives in Light of what will happen when Christ returns.  Is this how we want to live?  Nodding at bribes.  A little dishonest weight on the scale.  May we live ready for the God Who is coming who will ask us the ultimate question about life. 

 

PHOTO:  The World's oldest museum. Rome.  Standing in this place.  Observing life's lessons.  Two words mean the world to me.  Thus far.  And I keep uttering them over and over today.  Because I'm not sure how to make it through tomorrow.  But, thus far.

114 - "Two Dead Sons and Eli Cares More About God Than Himself" 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:1-23

Lay your head on your pillow and
you start thinking about what you've done today.
How we've treated those we love. And those who may not have returned our love.
How we've disdained this day, or maybe loved a little more than yesterday.
How we've distanced ourselves from one, or maybe stepped into fresh faith.
How we've forgotten the LORD of our lives, or fell forward in a deep dependence.
How His Good Grace covers all our moments. 

We cannot relive today but we can start fresh this very next second of life we have.

Eli led with integrity for 40 years. 

His men delivered devastating news:

 “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 1 Samuel 4:17

Eli cared more about God than himself. It was persistent faith that God found in Eli. Luke 18:8. 

By the way that I act today, will I share that I care more about God?  Today, God sent someone to me who spoke like a messenger from God.  An affirmation beyond words.  All these things that we think are so important in our day---how important are they in light of eternity?  Trying to wrap thoughts around the Philistines take on such holy things.  We cannot treat lightly the things of God and be able to rest. 

PHOTO:  It was so the Hand of God that shone through my moments today.  Just an ordinary day when I encountered the sound of God in my life in a way I never dreamed.   

113 - "No More!" 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 17:20-37

113 Hannah leaves her grief with the One Who holds life in His Hands. 1 Samuel 1:18 She prays that God will remember her. She deals with what stirs within her. Her circumstance doesn't change; her heart does. And she is no longer downcast. No more!

                                                                

I find much comfort in this story.  Hannah is childless. 

I went through that kind of grief trying to get pregnant with my youngest, Britt.  Lost 3 babies the year before he was born. The grief is real and this is what you do with it.  

Hannah leaves her grief with the One who holds life in His Hands.  And it's an interesting prayer in I Samuel 1:18 that she may find favor in the eyes of those over her.  And that God may remember her.  And she deals with what stirs within her.  Her circumstance doesn't change; her heart does.  And she is no longer downcast.  No more!  

Two words that speak volumes to my story.  No More!  

And then God reverses the story.  

It is never meant for us to reverse our circumstances.  

He was crucified scores of years ago.  No reversal of those circumstances.  A Resurrection to new life.  He is making something new out of you.  

112 - "Undisturbed By The Overwhelming Sorrows of Life" Ruth 1-4; Luke 17:1-19

"The Lord grant you that ye may find rest." Ruth 1:9.  

A life of rest undisturbed by the overwhelming sorrow of being a widow; 

a life of rest untouched by the cares of this broken world and my broken story.  

What steals my peace?  May you find rest in the house of your husband." 

Both of their husbands are gone. 

They stood tall and did what they had to do to make a living.

Oh, God, help us all stand tall. 

Naomi's two sons and husband are now in heaven.  What loss for these three women to embrace.  The love of their lives.  God invites them to "rest" in the midst of their tragedy.  God is always beckoning us to "rest," not in our circumstances, but in Him.  Isaiah 30:7 - we rest by keeping still while Egypt's help is empty.  We are not empty people.  When we've been depleted, our God is filling us up.  Naomi and her two daughters found that kind of rest in Providence---seemingly simply story with a grand finale.  Another baby was born from the descent of Ruth---and that baby in a manger changed the world.

"No matter what happens in your life, God can reach into your heart with Power to form you into someone who values God above everyone and everything else.  God is determined to reverse our values."  66 LL

Ruth 4:15 ~ My God has not left me without a Redeemer. He has not left you. He shall be our Restorer of Life and a Nourisher in our old age. Hanging on to this verse with all my spiritual might. This love story of Boaz and Ruth whose child will become the grandfather of David. God never forgot Naomi and He hasn't forgotten me either. There are 3 intractable obstacles I must overcome to make you holy:  I deal with three in Ruth:

1. Natural Disadvantages that to you seem more important to overcome than an unholy value system.         Do I see in my every day life how I focus on the natural disadvantages that come my way? Or am I more concerned about holiness?

2. Shattered Dreams that bring so much pain into your life that it is difficult to welcome the opportnity they provide for new levels of trust.  What do I do with my shattered dreams. Are the trails welcomed?

3. Material Resoures that make it easy to disguise narcissism behind non-sacrificial generosity.  What do I do with the material resources I have been given?"

66 Love Letters - Larry Crabb

PHOTO: Found while tending to my menial job, my assigned responsibilities, my ordinary life.  

111 - "Everyone Did What Was Right In Their Own Eyes" Judges 19-21; Luke 16

                        

What if we didn't follow the law? 

The last 3 chapters are the saddest narrative of the story since Caleb died. Judges 21:25 "In those days, there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Joshua was dead.  No judge in Israel.  No restraints.  No punishment.  Idolatry. Concubines.  Killings.  Rape.  Lawlessness.  No king.

The individual became king and culture re-oriented around individuals.  No faith community.  No ultimate holy Authority over their lives.  Goodness and evil both are dictated by what is pleasing and useful to the individual.  

Either Jesus is our King or we hold the crown.  Will I live today in awe and repentance before my King? You can't serve both God and money. Luke 16:13. 

If you do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, you will never be convinced, even by someone who rises from the dead. Luke 16:31

PHOTO:  33,000 feet in the air.  What do we do with all this majesty?  What is actually going on in the unseen world?  How can I justify living by doing what I think is right in my own eyes.  How do I know I am walking in truth?

110 - "Either You Hold On Tight In The Wilderness or You Lose Your Hold on God" Judges 16-18; Luke 15:11-32

110 Present in Moses and Deserted in Samson---Either you Hold on Tight in the Wilderness or You Lose Hold of Your God" 

                                              

Brian MacLaren in his commentary talks about: The light on Moses' face and the strength in Samson's arm represent the most noble of character. Present in Moses and deserted in Samson because we either hold on tight in the wilderness or lose hold of God. And, He lets us go. And these two poles of perfection, beauty and strength, are given by Only One. It wasn't really about Samson's hair in these verses---that was just a symbol of God's strength let slip through his lofty fingers. MacClaren goes on to say: "There have been in the past, and there are today, thousands of simple souls, shut out by lowliness of position and other circumstances from all the refining and ennobling influences of which the world makes so much, who yet in character and bearing, ay, and sometimes in the very look of their meek faces, are living witnesses how mighty to transform a nature is the power of loving gazing upon Jesus Christ....There is no influence to refine and beautify men like that of living near Jesus Christ, and walking in the light of that Beauty which is the effulgence of the divine glory and the express image of His Person." This whole thing gives me much peace as I've been shut out, at times, throughout my life---but it is not my job to seek beauty and strength in this celebrity world of ours. My utmost goal and privilege is to live near Jesus Christ, the One I love. Judges 16:20 - may it never be of any of us. Samson did not know the Lord had left him. He just didn't know. Moses did not know that his face shone like the sun, either. So, what's the point here? It's our calling to live near and trust. The nearness of God is our only good.

NOTE: I just have to write this down and document it somewhere---and it fits here... When the Great Divide happened in my life, a beautiful world began responding to me in the most unexpected way and it happens day-in, day-out.  Ask me about it sometime.

PHOTO:  Place where I work: our high school campus where I've found the nearness of God in ways I never imagined.  

109 - "Sin Hides From Your Eyes the Things that Belong To Your Peace" Judges 13-15; Luke 15:1-10

Here we go...one more time into the hands of the Philistines.
And right smack dab when Israel was in distress,
Samson was born.
Son of a long childless mom.

Judges 13:3
"Mercies often waited for, often prove signal mercies,
and by them others may be encouraged to continue their hope in God's mercy."
Matthew Henry.
When you feel your trouble the most,
God often sends comfort.
There are answers to prayer I hold closely---

the compassion of God after a gang rape,

the healing of perceived childhood harm,

the loss of 5 babies to miscarriage, maybe twins, 
the birth   of Britt after 7 years,

the victory over cancer after 15 years,
the amazing freedom from a felt betrayal.
All Signal Mercies.

Matthew Henry wrote: 

 "Sin dispirits men; it hides from their eyes the things that belong to their peace." 

When the Spirit of God came upon Samson, his cords were loosed.  The victory for Samson was common means---the sorry jawbone of an animal slew a thousand.

PHOTO:  Copyright Free Stock Photos. 

108 - "Dare Not Play Fast and Loose with God" Judges 11-12; Luke 14:25-35

Vow and pay. Psalm 76. This vow story belongs to each of us who live and breathe and vow.

According to Henry's commentary, Jephthah’s sense of the powerful obligation of his vow must always be ours: "I have opened my mouth unto the Lord in a solemn vow, and I cannot go back,’’ (Judges 11:35) that is, "I cannot recall the vow myself, it is too late, nor can any power on earth dispense with it, or give me up my bond.’’ 

We deceive ourselves if we think to mock God, says Henry. 

What a powerful argument a marriage vow is against my sin,

we have by those vows bound ourselves out from,

"what a strong inducement to our duties we have hereby 

bound ourselves up to, and what a ready answer to every temptation."

I must therefore go forward.

I have sworn, and I must, I will, perform it.

Let me not dare to play fast and loose with God."

This daughter did not.

Instead of dancing at her wedding,

her closest friends mourn in the mountains her hard fate.

Her grievances belonged to her friends. 

And to her father:

"I know I am dear to you, but am well content that God should be dearer."

PHOTO:  I know I am dear to you. Solemn vows made 46 years ago this year.  Standing on a suspended bridge on a train stop through the most scariest Colorado mountains