by Daisy Reynolds | Jun 14, 2023
Barry begins a series about real change and how sometimes we stop short of it: instead of crossing a bridge, we pitch our tents in the middle. In this episode he lays that groundwork by citing some real-life (and real embarrassing) examples of this very thing in our...
by Barry Creamer | Jun 14, 2023 | Devotionals
Some things are hard to believe. Isaiah prophesies that the powerful kingdoms harassing Judah from the north will be overturned within a generation. All Ahaz needs is faith: “If you do not establish your faith, you will not be established” (Isaiah 7:9b). Knowing...
by Daisy Reynolds | Jun 7, 2023
Barry covers Psalm 51 in part two of our series on David’s (the man after God’s heart) most famous failures. In this song he points out the insanely good deal we are offered (good news): we beg for mercy, and God gives it, and transformation. Our only requirement:...
by Barry Creamer | Jun 7, 2023 | Devotionals
A genealogy culminating in Noah and his sons as the new hope for mankind is about its progenitor: Adam. “This is the book of the genealogy of Adam” (Genesis 5:1). A lineage arriving at the world divided in Babel is about its progenitors: Noah and his sons. “Now this...
by Barry Creamer | May 31, 2023 | Devotionals
Is a demon involved when something bad happens? Many of the people Jesus restores from physical and spiritual infirmities are oppressed by demons (e.g., Matthew 12:23, Matthew 8:23ff). Satan tempts Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), and Jesus warns Peter that the adversary...
by Daisy Reynolds | May 31, 2023
Barry starts a new series on King David’s famous failures and points out aspects of those failures that we commit regularly. Psalm 50 reminds us that while we prefer a talisman what we really need is a Judge whose mercy is as unlimited as his power. ...
by Daisy Reynolds | May 26, 2023
Barry finishes up a 2-part series about gun violence and gun control. The focus, as always is a way to get at a thoughtful and measured conversation, where we hear concerns from the other side, and come up with compromises that make things better, and hopefully make...
by Barry Creamer | May 24, 2023 | Devotionals
In ancient Israel, as much of the Mediterranean Basin, with no police, no formal court system, justice comes at the hand of a kinsman-redeemer, an avenger (same term). In one case, you are involved in the tragic but accidental death of your neighbor. His brother, the...
by Daisy Reynolds | May 17, 2023
Barry starts a conversation about mass shootings, inviting believers to think through narrowing the topic, developing parameters for response, and seeking clear-headed and soft-hearted means for conversing about challenging topics facing our culture. ...
by Barry Creamer | May 17, 2023 | Devotionals
Observing the sun through a telescope has blinded a lot of people and melted a lot of optics, and therefore requires a filter to eliminate 99.999%—that’s the real proportion; not hyperbole—of incoming light. So just before dawn I cover my scope’s aperture with solar...
