Barry concludes his focus on David’s prayer for Solomon in Psalm 72. Our part to play in the Good News is both simple and challenging: look at God’s holiness, which is seen in his compassionate care for self-destructively debilitated creatures, and reflect it back to fill the earth with His glory. Scriptures: […]
Barry invites us to a poignant moment between David and Solomon, when the man after God’s heart passes the kingdom to his son. His number one reminder is to follow God through obeying his law, and what that law centers on is perhaps a little surprising. Scriptures: Psalm 72, 1 Chron 22:11-13, […]
Barry talks about the advantages and disadvantages of democracy. While it is certainly most comfortable blaming leadership, we must admit, our leadership simply reflects our desires and fickle decision-making. People may be the problem, but people are also the solution. Scripture: 2 Tim 4:3-4
Barry concludes the story of 1 Samuel 16-21 focusing on the Chosen one and how others respond to him. We do have a choice, which both Saul and Jonathan evidenced, but thank God there is no overcoming His purposes. Scriptures: 1 Sam 16-21 Luke 12:49-53 Gen 12:1-3
Barry highlights a few details in the story of David and Goliath that may surprise us. David’s strength lies in taking up the tasks he has been given and leaving God’s tasks to God. Waiting on God is sometimes the most challenging task of all. Scripture: 1 Samuel 16-21
Barry reads The Day from poet John Donne, where we are reminded of our value and God’s promises through the most somber of occasions. Funerals are just a believer’s step toward what’s next. Poems/Book: The Day, John Donne Scriptures: Psalm 44, 116; Mark 8:34-38
Barry explores John Donne’s poetry, revealing the dangers and hope associated with death. These poems are a great reminder of why Christ-followers celebrate Easter. Poems/Book: The Day, John Donne, Holy Sonnets 10 and 17, John Donne
Barry discusses something we should all know but can sometimes easily forget. The more we learn about things like belief, truth, relationships, wisdom, and maturity, the more we begin to realize all the things we don’t know about those same topics. Humility is what we need if we want to be lifelong students. […]
Barry talks about a less than pleasant human behavior—allowing fear to lead us to control others through rhetoric and conflictual interactions. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty allows us to let go of the “control” that we really don’t have anyway. Scripture: Philippians 4 Article: 2023 SBC: Constitutional amendment on women serving as pastors approved […]
Barry covers Psalm 71, highlighting that in David’s very best moments, what might have looked like his apparent strength to others was actually his dependence on God. In this description of David’s “strength” we see a golden nugget: the further we seem to be from God’s presence, the nearer we are to experiencing his power. […]
Barry covers the very good news of the gospel: God loves you. This love is the grounding for the commandment and invitation to love others. This “others” will include all kinds: those who are easy to love, those we are afraid to love, and those who don’t love us. If we don’t love others this […]
On this Valentine’s Day, Barry starts a series focused on love. How important is this thing anyway? What is it not? What does it produce? And what drives it? God answers all these questions in his son, and we ought to be taking notes in preparation for how we treat our neighbors. […]
Barry walks us through an addendum to the On Purpose episode (131), highlighting the differences between being human and being a human. While all humans are equally valuable, God’s purpose for each sets them apart. Scriptures: Psalm 139, 116; Gen 9; Lev 19; Acts 3, 2 Cor 1:4-6; Mk 5
We may prefer our day-to-day experiences, to understand and measure out our lives with coffee spoons. But Barry reminds us that God is beyond understanding. The fact that our relationship with God is the most fulfilling thing we can experience means we must also be intentional to welcome inexplicable encounters.
Barry revisits a well-known set of verses in a somewhat less known Psalm for Sanctity of Life week. While Psalm 139 does indicate that our beginning is “fearful and wonderful” it also explains why our end is sacred. Scriptures: Psalm 139, 119:105 Job 38:1-4 James 1:16-18 Gen 3:16
Barry highlights newsworthy events from 1984 to the present. These events gave shape to America. Will only the events shape 2024, or will we determine the outcome? Articles: The Biggest News Story Every Year Since 1950, 24/7 Wall St.; A Guide to Middle East Politics in 2014, The Guardian
Barry walks down Decade Lane a bit, starting with 1954 to talk about events occurring in the world that shaped America. As we look at our future through the past, a question comes to mind: is time hurtling us down the path, or do we have a say in the matter? Referenced Episode: Colorblindness Rehab […]
In Psalm 63, Barry traces a pattern that leads to praise through some very difficult times. Picture the context of a wilderness with the strength of a memory that enables us to relive the faithfulness of God. It’s strange that the loss of something creates room for its memory, which then opens a hidden path […]
Barry talks with Dr. Scott Bridger about Christians in Gaza, their struggles during wartime, and why their presence is necessary if peace is ever to come to the region. We must cheer the gospel on as we see the teachings of Jesus offer the world peace through his ambassadors. Article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/november/israel-gaza-ceasefire-palestinian-christians-west-bank-evac.html
Barry looks at Matthew 2’s account of the birth of the world’s King. His entry into the world brought down the powerful, lifted up the lowly, and invited in the outsider. And it still does. Scriptures: Matt 2, 4:12-17 Micah 5:2 James 4:1-10 Eph 3:1-7 Hosea 11:1 Jer 31:15 Is 11 John 1:46