Day Thirteen--July 13, 2026--"But God.."

 

Isaiah 40:1-8

Hinge Verse: Isaiah 40:8

Isaiah 40 starts with words of comfort from the only One who can truly comfort--God Himself.  He tells Isaiah the prophet to comfort the people of God.  They are in captivity in Babylon because they refused to turn from their wicked ways and trust in God.  The message from the LORD is one of tenderness, hope, comfort, pardon, and blessing.  

In verse 3, there's a prophecy of John the Baptist, given 700 years before he was born, as he will come before Jesus to prepare the way for Him and His ministry on earth.  I love the imagery of verses 4-5--

"Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled;

the uneven ground will become smooth and the rough places, a plain.  

And the glory of the LORD will appear, and all humanity together will see it, 

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

All humanity has an expiration date; we are like grass and like the flower of the field.  The grass withers, the flowers fade, the effect of God's interaction with them in their seasons.  And then it's repeated to double down on the truth of the statement; Indeed, the people are grass.  The grass withers, the flowers fade, BUT the word of our GOD remains forever."  

The second continental Congress met on July 4, 1776 and adopted the Declaration of Independence, cutting ties with Britain officially.  Arguably, the most famous line from the document is this--

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

One ancient nation held captive in a foreign land because of rebellion against their Creator.  One newborn nation in a new land to stand for the right for all humanity to enjoy the rights bestowed on them by their Creator.  

But neither one of them got it right.  

Israel returned from exile in Babylon, rebuilt the temple, lived through 400 years of silence from the Lord.

America declared independence from Britain, only to find themselves entangled in slavery, civil war, savagery between them and the people native to the land.  

Isaiah 40:4-5 speaks of a time of equality for all.  But we don't see that in Israel or America.  Or anywhere else.  Why?

Because our freedom doesn't come from humanity.  We cannot level the playing field.  We can try.  Israel tries.  America tries.  Other countries try.  We want freedom, equality for all.  But inevitably, someone gets less.  Some are on a high road of success.   Some live in a valley of disappointment after disappointment.  Some have nothing but uneven, ankle-breaking ground of unfairness all their lives.  

Freedom only comes from our Creator.  Only He can grant us equality, all of us standing on even ground.  But it's not for the reason you think.  It's not so everything is fair.  He gives us level ground so we can all see Jesus.  Jesus came in on a straight highway in full view.  The glory of God appeared, and all humanity together has seen it.  

We see people treated unfairly everyday; by others, by their circumstances.  But one day, humanity will reach our expiration date set by the breath of the LORD from the beginning of time.  Elohim, God's Name in verse 8--singular yet plural--will level the fields forever.  Because He is wise, faithful, gracious, good, holy, just, loving--He will make all things fair.  And we--all humanity--will see Jesus, returning on a straight highway.  We--those who trust in Him-- will finally have our unalienable rights in the presence of Jesus--life, liberty, and happiness evermore.  His Word Endures Forever.  

The Declaration of Independence

Day Twelve--July 12, 2026--"But God.."

 

Psalm 94

Hinge Verses:Psalm 94:21-22

The Just Judge is the headline of Psalm 94.  The Psalmist (thought to be King David, although he is not credited specifically.)  is asking for the True Judge to rise up and judge the earth.  He is pleading for the proud to get what they deserve.  Echoing the Psalms we've already read with this study, the cries are directed toward the easy life the wicked seem to be living and the unfairness of it.  Not only are they wicked, they crush those who are trying to follow the LORD.  They kill widows, aliens who live among them, fatherless.  Not only do they kill them, they're not one bit concerned with whether God knows it or not.  The author is livid that the killers and murderers think the "God of Jacob" isn't paying attention to their wickedness.  "Pay attention, you stupid people!  Fools, when will you be wise?" the author rages.  Of course God hears, of course he sees.  He's the creator of both senses!  God created us and He wrote the instruction manual on how His creation can live the best, abundant life.  He knows that takes discipline (not necessarily the spanking we think of when we hear discipline, but training.)  But the thoughts of His creation are useless.  They don't see the happiness and relief that comes from the teaching of the One who  loves us and knows us best.  The LORD will win in the end, bringing justice for the righteous.  

The author turns his thoughts for himself and how unfairly he's been treated.  Who stood up FOR him?  Who stood AGAINST the wicked?  One answer--The LORD Himself.  Even the righteous are in danger of their foot slipping as they navigate life, but God's faithful love supports.  

God has no harmony with corruption and evil.  Corruption and evil join forces against the righteous and sentence them to death.  But God...He is the hideaway.  He is home base.  He will take their sins and evil, destroying them, because they have stored up wrath for themselves for that day.  Romans 2:5

The Salem Witch Trials are a stain on the fabric of American history.  They took place in the late 1600s in colonial Massachusettes.  I have done a deep dive into the stories behind the trials, and it's really hard to discern rightly the mindset that drove this.  Especially with the use of Google, AI, Wikipedia, and others, which allows people to interject opinion, which then allows the story to be skewed a certain direction.  So I'm going to follow the story of two people. 

Rebecca Nurse was a well-respected member of the Salem community.  Rebecca, together with her husband, Francis, had 8 children.  Francis was an artisan who was frequently asked to be a mediator in community matters.  Rebecca was considered to be untouchably loyal, reverent, and benevolent; as a wife, mother, and community member.  In March of 1692, only a month after the Salem Witch Accusations and Trials started, Rebecca was accused of being a witch.  When an accusation was made, the magistrates  (judges) in charge would usually claim that if someone was accused, they were probably guilty.  But for Rebecca, they prayed if she was innocent, that the Lord would make it obvious, because "It is a sad thing to see church members accused."  At the time of her arrest, Rebecca was 71 years old and frail.  She was not allowed to have a lawyer, yet many spoke on her behalf.  "The afflicted"--those who showed signs of "fits" in response to the presence of a witch--had outbursts in Rebecca's presence, to which Rebecca responded "I have got nobody to look to But God." (emphasis mine.)

Rebecca Nurse was hanged on July 19, 1692.

Ann Putnam Jr., as a 12 year old girl, was a primary accuser in the Salem Witch Trials.  Some of Ann's closest friends claimed to be "afflicted"--physically and mentally tormented by the dark magic of the witches.  Ann followed their lead, also claiming to be tormented.  Ann alone accused 62 people, which resulted in the execution of 20.  One of those accused by Ann was Rebecca Nurse.  

14 years after Rebecca's death, Ann consulted with the pastor of their church, who helped her write a public confession of the part she played in the trials.  Rebecca's son, Samuel, was allowed to read the confession ahead of time and deemed it satisfactory.  

Ann desired to read her confession and declare her faith at the same time.  On August 25, 1706, a large crowd gathered, and Reverend Green read the confession to them while they sat and Ann Putnam Jr. stood.  

"I desire to be humbled before God for that sad and humbling providence that befell my father's family in the year about '92; that I, then being in my childhood, should, by such a providence of God, be made an instrument for the accusing of several persons of a grievous crime, whereby their lives were taken away from them, whom now I have just grounds and good reason to believe they were innocent persons; and that it was a great delusion of Satan that deceived me in that sad time, whereby I justly fear I have been instrumental, with others, though ignorantly and unwittingly, to bring upon myself and this land the guilt of innocent blood; though what was said or done by me against any person I can truly and uprightly say, before God and man, I did it not out of any anger, malice, or ill-will to any person, for I had no such thing against one of them; but what I did was ignorantly, being deluded by Satan. And particularly, as I was a chief instrument of accusing of Goodwife Nurse and her two sisters, I desire to lie in the dust, and to be humbled for it, in that I was a cause, with others, of so sad a calamity to them and their families; for which cause I desire to lie in the dust, and earnestly beg forgiveness of God, and from all those unto whom I have given just cause of sorrow and offence, whose relations were taken away or accused.

[Signed]

"This confession was read before the congregation, together with her relation, Aug. 25, 1706; and she acknowledged it."

"J. Green, Pastor."

After the reading, Ann confirmed that this was indeed her confession and her signature, and received communion.  

"They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death."  Human Nature.  "But the LORD is my refuge; my God is the rock of my protection."  The nature of God.  Rebecca Nurse said when accused, "I am innocent as a child unborn but surely, what sin has God found me unrepentant of, that He should lay such an affliction on me in my old age."  Ann Putnam Jr begged forgiveness of God and from all she had wronged.  

The Salem Witch Trials will forever be a stain on our history.  But these two women--from opposite sides of the crisis--both ran to Yahweh, eternal God, and found refuge and protection.  

"All the wreckage of my choices You have turned to life from ashes.  

Lifted from death, risen with Him.  Now I stand in confidence.

Oh, but God."  --"Oh, but God" by the Worship Initiative

*Shout out to my own Salem Witch Trials expert

 --Kayla Priebe--for allowing me to talk this through with her ♥️ -

Day Eleven--July 11, 2026--"But God.."

Psalm 86

Hinge Verses:14-15

Within Book III, which spans Psalm 73-Psalm 89, Psalm 86 is the only one attributed to King David.  Experts in scripture think the timing of the writing of this Psalm is during a time of crisis in King David's life.  Possibly when he was running for his life from King Saul, who was jealous of the king-to-be.  Or  later, when he was running for his life from his own son, Absalom, who was trying to overthrow David's reign.  Either way, David is in full lament and prayer mode.  

When we did the Misery to Music series on lament, our working definition for lament was "Crying out, to God, with a list, and returning to praise."  King David follows this formula to a T.  He cries out "Listen!" "Protect!" "Be gracious!" "Teach me!" "Give me!" "Turn to me!" "Show me!"  Definitely cries for help.  But King David isn't just screaming into his pillow, his cries have a target--"Lord", "My God", "LORD", (notice the difference between the first Lord, which means "master"; and LORD, which is the personal name of God--"Yahweh") "Lord My God".  God is not opposed to us organizing our lament and petitions into lists; the book of Lamentations itself is written in alphabetical order!  King David isn't asking for much--protection, joy, an undivided mind, grace, strength, salvation, a sign of goodness, help, and comfort. As he cries out to God with his list, David promises in return to live according to faith, trust, prayer, truth, fear, praise, honor.  He sums everything up in these pivotal verses: 

"God, arrogant people have attacked me; a gang of ruthless men intends to kill me.  

They do not let you guide them.

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, 

slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth."  

These are King David's problems, and God is the solution.  

`According to Psalm 86:9, "all nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name." America, with all of its problems and failures, has certainly tried at times to do this.  National Days of prayer have been declared many times as the United States struggled to come to terms with various crises.  They cried out to God with a list.  I can't necessarily  speak to their returning in praise.  Because the difference between American history and the History that is scripture is we know scripture is divinely breathed into the authors as truth, while all other history is subjective to human nature.  I hope they were sincere in their return to praise.  

Here are some notable examples of calls for prayer in America's History--

Early America--Pilgrims/Colonists regularly declared days of prayer and fasting to address droughts, threats from other nations, Indian attacks.  

In 1668, the settlers proclaimed August 27th as a day of Humiliation, fasting, and prayer, to implore God's mercy.  

October 16, 1746, Massachusettes governor William Shirley called on the people to fast and pray for deliverance.  

On May 24, 1774, Thomas Jefferson drew up a request to deem June 1, 1774 a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer because the Boston harbor was under the rule and blocked by the British.  George Washington wrote in his journal on June 1, 1774--"Went to church, fasted all day."

November 16, 1814, James Madison called for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to God for safety and welfare, confessing sins and requesting pardon.  

President Zachary Taylor set aside the first Friday in August, 1849, to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer for America, who was suffering from a cholera epidemic.   

April 1970, President Richard Nixon called for a National Day of Prayer for the Apollo 13 astronauts.  

When President Ronald Reagan officially made the national day of prayer the first Thursday in May, he said "Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer.  We have acknowledged our dependence on Almighty God." 

It's easy to be discouraged as we see America seem to move farther and farther away from humiliation, fasting, and prayer to God.  Ruthless people seek to lead our country astray; arrogance runs rampant.

Guidance from heaven seems a last resort.  But God...these are America's problems.  God alone is the solution.  

History of Prayer in America

 

Day Ten--July 10, 2026--"But God.."

 

Psalm 73

Hinge verse: Psalm 73:26

The heading of our reading today says "God's Ways Vindicated--a Psalm of Asaph."  Asaph is the chief of musicians (and cymbal player) for the tabernacle, appointed by King David in 1 Chronicles 16:4-7.  He and 9 others are to minister before the once stolen, newly returned ark of the covenant, where the LORD's presence dwells.  Their main focus is to the celebrate the LORD God of Israel, and to give thanks and praise to Him.  

Psalm 50 and Psalms 73-83 are all attributed to Asaph.  Above Psalm 73, there's a heading that reads

"Book III", which covers Psalm 73-89.  The Psalms were actual songs sang by the Israelites,  arranged and performed as their worship set; later referred to as Psalter.  Many churches still sing from the Psalter to this day.  

In Psalm 73, Asaph and the men sing about the goodness of God, and in contrast, their clumsiness before Him.  Much like our Psalm from Day 9, there is grieving over the arrogance, violence, prosperity, pride, malice, and blasphemy of the wicked.  Asaph wonders if there's any use in staying clean--heart and body. (And as a Levite, that would be a huge question.)  He struggles with the questions swirling around in his mind. (Reminds me of the lyrics of the Caedmon's Call song--"No one would love me if they knew all the things I hide.")  It all seemed really hopeless.  Until he entered into God's sanctuary.  Nothing the wealthy have would be worth trading for the presence of God.  Asaph recognizes his bitterness, stupidity, his lack.  He is human, his heart and flesh have failed, and will fail again.  BUT GOD will strengthen him again and again.   

 Because of the wide range of events referenced in Psalm 73-83, the songs written by Asaph were probably not all written by him, but maybe in homage to him or in his style.  The Psalms were sang in the Tabernacle, and also the temple built by Solomon.  Which means that these songs were being sung while the nation of Israel was being divided into two nations.  From the time David joyfully danced into Jerusalem as the ark of the covenant was returned, to the time the nation divided soon after King Solomon's death, 90-100 years passed.  1 Kings 12  King Rehoboam, King Solomon's son, and King Jeroboam, part of King Solomon's trusted inner circle, through a series of events--both saw themselves as the rightful king.  These men, both Israelites, essentially brothers--their flesh and their hearts failed.  They refused to truly lift their voices in unity, and march together toward one goal; giving thanks to God and praising Him.  They failed to see the pivotal moment--But God is the strength of my heart.  And so they led their two nations, Israel and Judah, into rebellion against God and each other.  

In 1776, America declared it's independence from Britain.  During the battles of the American Revolution, there were several popular marching songs, including the famous "Yankee Doodle".    Marching songs were meant to keep the troops united in step and morale.  (I remember my dad talking about marching songs--cadences--he learned while in Vietnam.)  They were often accompanied by fifes which provided the melody for singing along; and drums which kept the beat for marching.  They helped pass the time during long marches, and helped combat boredom.  There was a comaraderie, a brotherhood in the songs.  

But in 1861--85 years after the signing of the declaration of independence--the Civil war began.  A war not like the American Revolution.  This one was brother against brother.  

President Lincoln vowed to keep the union together, even as the south demanded independence.  The war began in April and in November, Julia Ward Howe visited Washington, DC with her husband.  As the troops were marching around the area, she heard them raise their voices in comaraderie and unity.  They were singing John Brown's Body who was a famous abolitionist.  Julia Ward Howe told a preacher nearby that she'd always wanted to write new words set to this tune.  The next morning, the poem started coming to her and she wrote it down before she forgot.  Mrs Howe was a very strong abolitionist (anti-slavery) herself, so she made sure the lyrics included a slap to the ones who were fighting against their own brothers for the right to own slaves.   We know this song today as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".  

"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; 

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; 

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; 

His truth is marching on. 

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; 

They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;

His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;

'As you deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal;'

Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel, 

Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;

Oh be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant my feet!  

Our God is marching on!

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

with a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; 

As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,

While God is marching on.

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!  While God is marching on!!"

We are human.  We choose violence, our feet slip, we are arrogant, we feel hopeless.  In Asaph's day, in Julia Ward Howe's day, today.  But God offers a marching song.  A song that, when we lift it together  in unity, comaraderie, solidarity--under Elohim (His Name in verse 26), under Jehovah-Nissi "The LORD is our banner"--it will strengthen our failing hearts.  We will know as one that God's presence is our good.  We have made the Lord God our refuge, so we can tell about all He does.  #goals

Battle Hymn of the Republic--The story behind the song

Day Nine-July 9, 2026--"But God.."

 

Psalm 49

Hinge Verse: Psalm 49:15

Psalm 49 is written to all the inhabitants of the world, no matter their social or economic status.  The psalmist has the gift of speaking knowledge, truth, and wisdom in a way that is understood.  He even sets his questions and riddles to music sometimes, as a way of working through his thoughts.  His first riddle--comparing the way he handles times of trouble, contrasting his reaction with that of his rivals.  He sees them trusting in wealth, bragging about how much they have; yet he knows that they can't buy their way to God.  It's a useless struggle they couldn't ever afford.  If they'd give up their earthly pursuit, they may actually find the truth of redemption and eternal life.  

The psalmist has noticed the circle of life for a wealthy man--obtain things, die, leave it to others.  For all the properties that bear his name, his permanent address is the graveyard, and he can't take his riches with him.  And he's not alone; the cemetery is full of arrogant people who have lived their lives for possessions and death shepherded them to a wasteland.  

 Korah's story is found in Numbers 16.  Korah was jealous of Moses's calling from God to be a leader over the Israelites, so he organized a rebellion against him.  So Moses challenged Korah to a test to see once and for all if God's calling on Moses was real or self-imposed.  The outcome of the challenge was the ground splitting open and swallowing Korah and his household, all Korah's people, and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all that belonged to them.  The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. 

But God...the psalmists who wrote Psalm 49 are identified as sons of Korah.  While their whole family was taken down into Sheol alive, generations later, here are his descendants--alive and leading worship in God's temple.  By His grace, God redeemed them from the power of Sheol.  The arrogance of Korah was not passed on for generations.  God reclaimed Korah's story for the good of His people, and for His own glory.  

Jonathan Edwards was (and still is) a very famous theologian and preacher.  He was born in 1703, the son and grandson of ministers.  He entered Yale college just before he turned 13. Upon being ordained in the ministry, he devoted himself to study of God's Word--usually for 13 hours a day.  Jonathan Edwards was instrumental in the First Great Awakening and other revivals in the colonies.  He gave a sermon in 1741 called "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", which is still respected and quoted to this day.  

Edwards' stance on wealth and poverty can be summed up in his own words--

""The great men in the world... kings, princes, and lords, when they die are as much deprived of all their outward prosperity as Job was: tis lost at once, and gone forever, never to be possessed more... how poor a treasure really! To look for happiness in a happiness which doesn't last".

Aaron Burr, Jr was born in 1756.  He is a famous player in the earliest days of America.  (Although most of what I knew of him before this day was learned from "Hamilton--The Musical".)  Aaron Burr, Jr wasn't afraid to work, and he was a talented contributor to the laws, politics, and businesses of his day.  But he was greedy and jealous of the wealth and positions of others.  This greed and jealousy guided his actions, eventually leading him to murder his rival, Alexander Hamilton.  After the murder, he lost most of his wealth, fame, and the respect of his peers.  He had run-ins with the law; he married a wealthy widow and drained her savings. He died in poverty in 1836, never having turned to the God of his childhood.  

Aaron Burr, Jr.--famed politician--was the grandson of Jonathan Edwards.  The man who to this day reaches people with the gospel has a famous grandson who died an impoverished murderer.  Why?

Because God--Elohim in verse 15--singular yet plural, one God with many attritubes, does not accept payment into His presence.  Wealth is meant to be a gift from His hand not a curse.  Korah's descendants understood what Korah did not.  Jonathan Edwards understood what his grandson would not.  But God will redeem you from the power of Sheol, He will take you.  If you are willing and surrender to Him.  

Day Eight--July 8, 2026--"But God.."

 

Nehemiah 9

Hinge verse: Nehemiah 9:17

Nehemiah was promoted to cup bearer to the king while he was in exile in Babylon.  He was given the opportunity to speak to the king about the state of Jerusalem and it's temple as reported by some of the exiles, who had returned to their home country.  Seeing how sad Nehemiah was, the king gave him permission to travel to Jerusalem to see the ruins for himself. The king generously supplied letters of authority for Nehemiah to cross into certain territories; he provided a protection for him; and he provided the timber needed to rebuild.  

Once Nehemiah arrived, he assembled teams and set to work repairing and rebuilding.  They faced opposition and discouragement along the way, forcing them to take weapons and, while one crew worked, another crew kept watch over the workers.  

When the wall was rebuilt and the doors back where they belonged, the exiles started returning.  42,360 exiles in total, not including servants and singers.  (This number matches the account in Ezra 2:64 exactly.  God cares about the details. ❤)

The people gathered together and, while men, women and all who could understand listened intently, Ezra read from the book of the law for about 6 hours.  Their response--they lifted their hands and said "Amen, Amen!" Then they knelt low and worshiped the LORD, the Great God, with their faces to the ground.  (Nehemiah 8:6) {Side note--I LOVE this detail of the change in their posture. #goals}

As Ezra was reading to them, they realized they had not celebrated the festival of shelters--commemorating the 40 years their ancient ancestors had wandered in the desert in centuries.  So they sent out a proclamation, built some shelters and, for the first time since Joshua, they celebrated as a huge assembly in the prensence of God.  And there was tremendous joy.   (This has made me cry along with them.  In His presence is fullness of joy.  Then and now.)

About 3 weeks later, they assemble again--fasting, wearing sackcloth, and with dust on their heads.  They read from the book of the law for 6 hours, and spent time in confession and worship for 6 hours.  (12. HOURS. TOTAL.) The Levites lead the congregation in a prayer for their nation.  They praised the LORD and recognized all He had done for them.  "You created.  You gave life.  You called.  You found. You fulfilled.  You saw.  You heard.  You performed.  You knew.  You rescued.  You protected.  You led.  You came down.  You spoke.  You gave.  You revealed.  You provided.  You directed."  

Their ancestors had acted arrogantly, stubborn, and unteachable.  Their ancestors forgot.  Their ancestors chose slavery again and again.  BUT. GOD.  He is forgiving.  He is gracious.  He is compassionate.  He is slow to anger abounding in steadfast love.  (This is EXACTLY how God introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7 ) The prayer finishes with more of the back and forth between the wickedness of man and the faithfulness of God.  (Nehemiah 9:33)

The people swore an oath to follow the law of God and to carefully obey.  

The first continental Congress met from September 5-October 26, 1774.  They decided they should open with prayer, and invited Reverend Jacob Duche of Christ Church in Philadelphia to lead.  According to documents and journals of those present, he opened the book of Anglican prayers and led the assembly in several prayers.  Then he went off script and prayed a conversational prayer over the men who were leading the 13 colonies, a group who wouldn't declare independence from Britain for almost 2 years.  John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that the prayer "filled the bosom of every man present. It has had an excellent effect on every body here."   They then read Psalm 35 , the selection for that day--September 7th--in the Anglican Daily Bible Reading.  There were rumors weighing heavy on their hearts that there was an attack brewing in Boston, and John Adams conveyed to Abigail that this Psalm seemed divinely appointed just for them.  In fact, he encouraged Abigail to read Psalm 35 herself, read it to her friends, read it to her father.  It is said this prayer meeting lasted for 2 hours.  

This is a portrait depicting the prayer meeting.  

This is the prayer of Reverend Duche:

"O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who does from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires, and Governments; look down in Mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee.  To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, who Thou alone canst give.  Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle!  

Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation.  That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony, and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people.  Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come.  All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.  Amen."  

America today is much like Israel then.  Divided, arrogant, disobedient, forgetful, rebellious, unteachable.  

But God...His name in verse 17 is "Eloah", the singular of Elohim. One God bringing unity, harmony, peace, wisdom, justice to the many gathered in His Name.  Devoted as one.  United as one.  For His Glory.  For our good.  Please Lord, let it be so.  

Letter from John to Abigail Adams

The prayer of Reverend Duche

Day Seven--July 7, 2026--"But God.."

 

2 Chronicles 32:1-8

Hinge Verses:32:7-8

Hezekiah is one of my favorite kings of Judah to read about.  There is a series of books called "Chronicles of the Kings" that covers Hezekiah's life and reign and it's one of my favorite series of all time! From our list yesterday, which listed and labeled the Kings of Israel and Judah--Israel never had a good king after Solomon and Judah only had 8--Hezekiah is listed as "the best".  Hezekiah's dad, King Ahaz, is labeled "heinous".  In fact, Hezekiah was likely never meant to be king, because Ahaz had sacrificed his son in the fire to foreign gods.  (2 Kings 16:3)  So when Hezekiah takes the throne as a 25-year old man, he is left with a country far from God.  His first order of business--in the first month of his reign--is to open the temple doors and repair all his father had broken in his final defiance as king of Judah. Once King Hezekiah had given order to the priests and the people to get busy and right the wrongs of the generation before them, restoration happened quickly.My favorite part of Hezekiah's story! "After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done",  he and his country are invaded by Assyria.  Hezekiah came up with the idea to divert the water that was coming into the city, so the king of Assyria could not use their water source to gain entry.  He worked hard to complete this tunnel before the coming attack.  {Side note--I could write about this for hours because it fascinates me.  There have been recent discoveries tying Hezekiah to this tunnel, including a seal with the inscription "Belonging to Hezekiah, son of Ahaz King of Judah".  I have a file on my computer filled with recent archaeological finds that prove time and time again that God's Word is TRUE!!!}

As King Hezekiah assembled military officers, he encouraged them with our pivotal, hinge Verses today:

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.  With him is only the arm of the flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to helps us fight our battles." But God is with us.  

We learned about the Battle of Long Island yesterday.  It was the first major battle fought in America after they declared independence on July 4, 1776.  The situation seemed dire going into the Battle, no one doubted that.  The Battle took place in August, and as early as May, troops were repositioned and strategies were planned out.  On July 2, 1776, George Washington rallied his troops with this encouragement:

"The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves... The fate of unknown millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army... We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die. Our own Country’s honor, all call upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion, and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world. Let us therefore rely upon the goodness of the cause, and the aid of the supreme Being, in whose hands victory is, to animate and encourage us to great and noble actions."

But God...His Name in verse 8 is Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....I'm standing on Your faithfulness.   You are the same God.  You are the same God.

Day Six--July 6, 2026---"But God.."

 

2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Hinge Verse--20:15

Jehoshaphat is the 4th king of Judah.  Solomon, king of Israel, was his great-great grandfather.  Solomon's son, Rehoboam took the throne after Solomon's death, leading to a rebellion that split Israel into two nations--Israel and Judah.  Israel never had another good king after Solomon and Judah only had a few.  Jehoshaphat is listed as a righteous king.  (List of the good and bad kings of Israel and Judah)

When Jehoshaphat inherited the throne, he spent some time strengthening Judah against Israel.  He built up the military and dispersed them to strongholds throughout Judah. 

 "The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him." 

2 Chronicles 17:3-6

Jehoshaphat also restored education in Judah.  He appointed officials, Levites, and priests to teach from the Book of the Law of the LORD all throughout the towns of Judah.  

King Jehoshaphat was also a missionary.  He lived in Jerusalem and would travel from "Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim" which is the southernmost and northernmost towns, respectively, of Judah at the time, turning people back to the LORD of their ancestors.  

King Jehoshaphat brought reform in the judiciary department of Judah.  He appointed judges with the wise counsel "Consider carefully what you do, because you are judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict."  2 Chronicles 19:6

So when King Jehoshaphat hears that 2.5 to 3 armies were coming to attack, he was of course alarmed.  His first order and action?  Pray and fast.  The people came from every town to seek help from the LORD.  (Attitude reflects leadership.)  Jehoshaphat stood in front of all who had assembled and prayed with humility and allegiance to the LORD.  Jehoshaphat's prayer  One of my favorite verses is in this prayer "LORD, we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You."  

Through the power of the Spirit of the LORD, King Jehoshaphat received our hinge verse 

"The Battle is not yours But God's."  

He was given a divine battle plan, his response was to bow in worship.  

As the army convened, a group of appointed singers led the way into battle singing,

 "Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever." 

As they began to sing, the LORD fought the battle and the enemy was defeated.  

The Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, could have been the end of the American Revolution.  In August of 1776, the British mostly defeated American troops, outnumbering them 2:1. America saw 300 troops killed, 800 wounded, and over 1,000 missing and captured. It was a humiliating battle for Washington and the defeat left Washington's troops trapped at the river with British troops quickly approaching.  A secret rescue was planned, but by morning there were still many soldiers waiting to be evacuated to safety.  A dense fog, rare in this area, descended on the river.  The fog blocked the view of the British soldiers, allowing Washington's soldiers and equipment to escape unharmed.  Just as the last of the troops stepped into the rescue boats, the fog miraculously lifted.  

But God...His Name in verse 15 is Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....You freed the captives then, You're freeing hearts right now.    You are the same God.  You are the same God.

Day Five--July 5, 2026--"But God.."

 

1 Kings 5:1-6

Hinge Verse --1 Kings 5:3-4

When David was king, he built a cedar house for himself but felt guilty that God's presence still lived in a tent.  (2 Samuel 7) The prophet Nathan at first said to David "Then build a house for God."  But God came to Nathan and told him to go tell David that He has never complained or asked any leaders to build Him a temple.  And furthermore, because David had shed so much blood as a warrior, he would not be allowed to be the one to build God a temple.  Instead, David's son--not yet born--would be the one to build a temple for the Lord.  David, rather than being hurt that he would not be allowed to build a temple for God,  immediately broke into a prayer of gratitude "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?"  

Years later, King Solomon, king David's son, is preparing to build the temple his father only dreamed of.  Hiram, King of Tyre, was a friend of King David's, and had even furnished materials when David's palace was being built.  (2 Samuel 5:11) Solomon recaps David's desire to build a house for the name of the LORD his God, but could not because he had been a man of war.  And then Solomon sees the pivot-- 

"But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side.  There is neither adversary nor misfortune."

Solomon has  a love and allegiance for God--likely learned from his own father --and made it his own.

When the temple was complete, this was part of the prayer King Solomon prayed:

 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive". 1 Kings 8:27-30

We learned about Rev. Robert Hunt on Day 1.  Upon arriving in America, he erected a cross and led the first prayer service in America.  The settlers had brought the cross from England to keep the glory of God forefront of their mission.  They then moved inland and settled in Jamestown. They met  twice a day for prayer under an old sail in the middle of town until a permanent church could be built.  They finally were able to build a sort of barn which could barely keep out the elements; but according to John Smith:

"We had daily prayer every morning and evening, two sermons every Sunday, and every three months we took Holy Communion..."  

Part of the daily prayer included these words:

"Our desires are now to serve and please Thee, and our purpose is to endeavor it more faithfully, we pray Thee therefore for the Lord Jesus sake seal up in our consciences Thy gracious pardon of all our sins past, and give us to feel the consolation of this grace shed abroad in our hearts for our eternal comfort and salvation." 

But God.. His Name in verse 4, is Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....You answered prayer back then,  Lord You will answer now.   You are the same God.  You are the same God.  

Faith of Our Fathers article

A blog I wrote on these verses many years ago

Day Four--July 4, 2026--"But God.."

1 Samuel 23:1-14

Hinge verse: 1 Samuel 23:14

David was secretly anointed king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16 by the prophet Samuel.  However, David waits 15 years to take the throne, as Saul continues to reign.  Saul knew that David was God's anointed king, and he sought to kill him multiple times.  In our verses today, David is on the run from Saul.  King Saul calls for Ahimelek the priest and asks him why he helped David by giving him food and weapons (Goliath's sword!!!) and prayer.  Ahimelek answers "ummm yeah I did, and I'm not sorry." {paraphrase} In retaliation, King Saul ordered the priests killed, along with men, women, children, and livestock.  One son of Ahimelek escapes to David, who takes him in and protects him.  

David is a warrior preparing to be king, so he gets involved in different circumstances as he and his men travel.  David asks the LORD about a certain skirmish, and the LORD says go and help.  David's men said (and I completely relate) "Hey we are scared here in our own country, we won't make it in a foreign land!" David prays and God again says "Go, I'm fighting for you."  

When Saul hears that David has entered into a perceived trap, he assumes God has taken Saul's side in the pursuit.  The LORD warns David that the city he just saved has zero loyalty to him and will turn him over to Saul in a heartbeat, David and his men escape.  

Day after day Saul searched for him, But God did not give David into his hands.  David prayed and trusted, prayed and trusted, over and over again.  What looked like running away was David pursuing God's own heart.  A king in the making.  

On July 9, 1755--during the French/Indian war, George Washington was only 23 years old, and mostly an unknown soldier, a colonel over American troops.  He and his men joined forces with Britain during this war.  The top British commander, a seasoned veteran, went against the recommendations of the younger Washington and led the men into an ambush.  Over half of their soldiers were killed.  There were around 86 English officers on horseback and, during this battle, Washington was the only one not shot off of his horse.  George Washington later shared with his family: 

"by the miraculous care of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation.  For I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me." 

A famous speaker of the time, Rev. Samuel Davies, caught news of the Battle of Monongahela as it was called.  As he related to a crowd of soldiers about Washington's But God moment, he concluded that 

"because God had saved George Washington's life that surely this young man was destined to be a great leader in the rising America." 

 

Davies was correct.  George Washington, because of God's protection, was a president in the making, serving as the very first president and nicknamed "The father of his country". 

But God...His Name in verse 14 is Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....You were a Savior then, You are a Savior now.   You are the same God.  You are the same God.  

The Battle of Monongahela

 

Day Three--July 3, 2026--"But God.."

Genesis 37:17-28; Genesis 45:1-8; Genesis 50:15-21

Hinge Verses: Genesis 45:7 & Genesis 50:20

I think it's a little awkward to say I have a favorite Bible story but, if I had to pick, the story of Joseph would be one of my favorites.  It has key elements of an epic drama--love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, romance, struggle, forgiveness.  Joseph is the favored child of Jacob and his beloved wife, Rachel, from our story yesterday.  (Day 2)  Jacob had 10 sons before Joseph, yet he couldn't--and didn't even seem to try to--hide his love for this son.  The older brothers realized they didn't measure up, and plotted to kill Joseph.  Instead, they sold him into slavery, telling their father he must've been killed by wild animals.  Joseph ended up in Egypt, where--just like his father in Laban's household--everything he touched turned to success.  He rose to the second in command in all of Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh.  When a famine hit Canaan, where Jacob and his 11 remaining sons lived, the older brothers traveled to Egypt to plead for food.  The narrative is so exciting as Joseph sets up different situations to see if his brothers--who didn't even recognize Joseph--had had a change of heart.  When Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he says "Don't be angry with yourselves for selling me, because it was God's plan to save lives.  Many will perish by famine, BUT GOD sent me ahead to preserve and save your lives by a great deliverance."  (My emphasis and paraphrase.)  He brings the family to him in Egypt for an even greater reunion, and years later, Jacob their father dies.  The brothers are nervous because surely Joseph has been waiting until this day so he can finally get his revenge. So they send word to Joseph that --Surprise--Jacob left instructions that Joseph was actually supposed to forgive them of all their wrongs.  Joseph cries that they still don't fully see the hand of God in bringing them to safety.  So he doubles down with the famous words--"Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  After years in slavery, Joseph is the one who is able to look back over all of the circumstances and see the hand of God over it all.  Joseph so kindly explains to his brothers that a story filled with jealousy, murderous thoughts, lies, guilt, regret pivoted completely on two words--BUT GOD...

Over the span of 1730-1770, the pre-born United States experienced a great awakening --an evangelical movement--that started in Britain and spread to reach Britain's 13 North American colonies.  I can't begin to summarize a decades-long religious movement that was so foundational in just a short blog, so I will directly quote an article I read and I will link the full article at the bottom.  

"The movement produced positive changes in many areas, including the growth of a more personal faith that was applied every day and not just on the Sabbaths. But more importantly, the First Great Awakening undeniably provided the foundation upon which American Independence was later erected. In fact, every grievance raised in the Declaration of Independence had been preached from the American pulpit prior to 1763. Founding Fathers such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin attest to the national unity produced by the Great Awakening, specifically through the influence of the famous “Father Abraham” sermon of George Whitefield. As a result of the Great Awakening, America was no longer 13 jealously-divided nations, but had started becoming 13 individual states within one nation and faith."

12 brothers--riddled with jealousy--brought together by a pivotal movement of a loving, sovereign Father, and many were saved and a remnant of faith was preserved.  13 colonies--jealously divided as well--brought together by a pivotal movement of a loving, sovereign Father, and many were saved and a remnant of Faith was preserved.  We see evil all around us---and most of it is intentional "You MEANT it for evil".  But like Joseph, we can choose to see what God means for good, for the good of those who love Him.  

But God...His Name in verse 50:20 is Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....You moved in power then, God move in power now.   You are the same God.  You are the same God.  

The Great Awakening Wikipedia

A blog I wrote about Joseph a few years ago

Day Two--July 2, 2026--"But God.."

Genesis 31:1-53

Hinge verse: Genesis 31:42

Genesis 25 records the birth of Jacob and Esau, twins born to Isaac and Rebekah, grandsons of Abraham and Sarah.  Jacob is born after Esau, grasping Esau's heel with his hand.   The circumstances of his birth are reflected in his name, which means "the deceiver".  Years later, after greatly deceiving his own father, Jacob is sent to his mother's family to find a wife from among them.  While there, the deceiver is deceived and finds himself with not one but two wives.  Nevertheless, God blesses Jacob and everything he touches turns to success.  Jacob's cousins/brothers-in-law are livid, and they turn their father, Laban, against Jacob.  So Jacob---at God's command--- gathers his wives and his children, all his livestock and possessions, and flees back home to his father.  When Laban realizes they've left, he gathers HIS relatives, chases Jacob down and confronts him.  Rachel, Jacob's second wife, lives up to her married name and deceives her father by stealing and hiding his household gods.  Jacob turns the tables on Laban's accusations and brings up every wrong treatment of the past twenty years.  (I mean, that's kinda my trademark move, too. 😕)  In spite of all the mistreatment, Jacob can look back and see the hand of God taking his affliction and hard work, and using it for good for his future.  When Laban and Jacob build a heap as a witness, Laban calls on the God of Abraham and also the gods of Nahor, but Jacob is single-minded in his worship to God alone.  Along the way home, Jacob meets God and wrestles with Him (!!)  God changes Jacob's name to Israel because he has struggled with God and with men and prevailed.  Jacob/Israel's family struggle is an emotional roller coaster from then and still today, Jacob's picture is hanging in the "Hall of Faith" of Hebrews 11.  Jacob in the Hall of Faith

In the 1600s a baby girl was born to native Americans and named Matoaka, which means "willful child".  She later was given the nickname Pocahontas, which means "little mischief".  Pocahontas was a member of the Powhatan people, who lived in the same settlement as the Reverend Robert Hunt we learned about yesterday.  Pocahontas was considered royalty as the daughter of the chief (by the colonists, not among her own culture).  As a result of hostilities between the colonists and the Powhatan people, Matoaka/Pocahontas was kidnapped in 1613 and held hostage.  While in captivity, she was taught the Christian faith and converted to Christianity.   Upon her conversion to Christianity,  she changed her name to Rebecca.  One year later, her marriage to John Rolfe brought peace, temporarily at least, between her people and the settlers. The oldest known portrait of her hangs in the office of the Secretary of the Senate, where she is identified by her Christian name, Princess Rebecca.  Princess Rebecca

But God...His Name in verse 42 is Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....He heard His children then, He hears His children now.  He is the same God.  He is the same God.  

 

Day One--July 1, 2026--"But God.."

 

Genesis 7:11-8:19

Hinge verse: Genesis 8:1

We are starting day one with a famous story to most, if not all, of humanity--The Great Flood.  The main character, Noah, has spent anywhere from 50-120 years building an ark that will rescue him and his family--8 total people--from the coming flood.  They took with them clean and unclean animals (which always intrigued me because we are only 8 chapters into the story of the Bible timeline; the law won't be given by God to Moses for nearly 1,000 years!)  Noah's family were shut into the ark by the LORD Himself and, for 40 days and nights, springs below and floodgates above burst open, flooding the earth in judgment from God against His creation.  Every living thing perished.  All of it.  

But God...He remembered Noah.  He remembered the animals that were with him.  God closed the floodgates and sent a wind over the earth.  Slowly and surely, the flood started to recede.  The flood started on the seventeenth day of the second month, and by the first day of the tenth month, Noah and his family could just start to see the tops of the mountains.  The family celebrated a new year on the ark, and by the twenty-seventh day of the second month the earth was completely dry.  So Noah came out, with his family and the animals, built an altar, and worshiped.  

Noah was a man who was found faithful, but he could not rescue himself.  He trusted God, and he obeyed God.  But Noah found himself floating above the world as he knew it on a boat he built himself on rain unlike he'd ever seen. Since we know our own bent to anxiety, fear, and doubt; and since we know that started with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden; since we know the sin that so easily beset them then besets us now; we can do the math and understand that Noah was not perfect.  He just trusted with all of his heart that--in God's perfect timing--there was a BUT GOD moment in his story.  

Reverend Robert Hunt was a chaplain in the 15-1600s who left some skeletons in his closet in England to come to America.  He was by no means perfect.  Rev. Hunt, along with 105 other men and boys, disembarked from the Susan Constant after an unusually long journey from London to Chesapeake Bay.  "Coming ashore in the New World, Rev. Robert Hunt and the original Jamestown settlers erected a cross and had a prayer ceremony dedicating the new land to the Lord in what is considered the first English Christian worship service in America."  Reverend Robert Hunt

But God...Elohim, singular yet plural.  One God with many attributes.  Eternal, faithful, good, gracious, holy, just, sovereign, wise....He loved His children then, He loves His children now.  He is the same God.  He is the same God.