The Greater Distraction

From anywhere but on it, a bicycle seems a near silent mode of transportation, exercise, and amusement. But anyone with a bike is familiar either with the largely metallic cacophony of scrapes, grinds, creaks, whines, and groans which accompany a ride, or the grease,...

A Challenge Old as Time | Episode 65

The idea that we have transmitted as much individualism and American heritage in our faith as we have gospel shouldn’t shock us. The early church faced the same challenge with Judaic tradition, which was delivered from God himself after all! So what does one do about...

The Light That Shines

I am accustomed to squint on eastward morning drives, but today the sun’s glare is diffused by a few stratus clouds. I can still track its otherwise invisible climb, though, as it illuminates the clouds’ crystals of ice in a blindingly garish display of refraction....

We Belong Now

I wonder if Saturn will continue to evade me when I rise from bed just as Friday becomes Saturday. Changing my pajamas for outdoor clothes, I venture to the driveway where, weather permitting, I will set up my scope and camera. As I squeak open the gate, an uncollared...

A Good Show | Episode 64

Given the choice between duty and authenticity, Barry talks about faithfulness less as the power to overcome our old nature and more as living authentically as the person we are going to be than the person we used to be.       Book: Groundwork for the...

First Glimpse of Mercy

Let’s take a field trip to see the mercy of God. It’s a short journey. We are already perfectly situated at the bottom of the deepest gorge any of us have ever seen. Although we arrived here together, the rest of the experience is for each of us as an individual....

Shouting to Waiting | Episode 63

Barry talks about the relationship between God’s faithfulness and our faith. Psalm 33 reminds us that miracles, deliverance, and the like are simply eruptions of God’s ongoing, underlying love and interaction with the world.       Scriptures: Psalm 33...

Open as His Hand

In our superstition, washing a car breaks a drought, commenting aloud on good luck (without knocking on wood) brings bad, and refusing to shave extends a win streak. As technology and conspiracy replace superstition, we believe our whispered thoughts reach the king’s...

I Can’t Unhear That | Episode 62

God knows how hard it is for us to hear what we need to acknowledge in order to change, which is why Jesus used the phrase “Let these words sink into your ears.” Barry talks about how challenging hearing can be for us, methods people use to be heard, and the lengths...

A Room for Real Altruism | Episode 61

Just as our Messiah did, we are to care for others even at our own expense. Barry talks about altruism, some of the hurdles it faces, why it is so important for the world, and what it should mean for believers.       Scriptures: Matt 26:39 Romans 5:6-8...