As promised, Barry provides a reflection on the book of Job. While we often think the book focuses on the righteousness and sovereignty of God, he suggests that mercy is the central point to the story. God’s answer to evil’s problem has always been mercy. The mercy of Job is his righteousness.       […]

Barry walks us through Psalm 101, a psalm with parallelistic properties that points out a daunting fact: a sure way to be excluded from God’s house is to treat other people badly. This is likely why God found Job so blameless. Job practices what his friends did not: mercy.   Scriptures: Psalm 101 Matt 5, […]

Barry talks about the crowded intersection of risk, control, and faith. In the moments we encounter problems, does empiricism or rationalism provide a better traffic controller? He answers that question, all the while pointing us back to the one who made both the intersection and the drivers.

Barry begins the conversation about Psalm 99 by reminding us about the stories of a few great leaders in Israel. These figures write a script for us with rejection and intercession—perhaps not the most cheerful invitation, but without doubt the most Messianic.   Scriptures: Ps 99 Ex 17:4, 32:31-32 Num 16:3, 45-48 1 Sam 8:4-8, […]

Barry finishes his series about the development of the self in the context of community. This episode of the series focuses on application and invites us to three important aspects of our walk of faith: humility, repentance, and self-doubt.     Scriptures: Rom 2:15-16 Ps 19:12-13 1 Kings 17-19

Barry continues his series about the development of psychological and forensic guilt in the self—a process that inevitably occurs within a community. This, however, is a busy intersection indeed with individuals, communities, and the world at large all playing a part in the process. It is in the midst of this congestion we must try […]

Barry admits three things: he is not omniscient (first time for everything), he is an individualist, and he spends a lot of time pondering cultural ethics. From personal identity, to Scripture, to the Overton Window, a lot of things come into play when thinking through how we become who we are and what that says […]

Barry talks us through Psalm 96 and provides a fascinating contrast with a psalm in 1 Chronicles. God has all the Creator work experience necessary to also satisfy the job description of righteous Judge. And this is great news because it means vindication for us and hope for everyone.      Scriptures: Ps 96 Daniel […]

Barry talks about the importance of perspective. The first step is to admit we are flawed perceivers. However, once we do that it doesn’t mean that we are wrong, that nothing can be known, or that someone else is right.     Link/Article: Target scales back on its LGBTQ+ merchandise ahead of Pride Month 2024, Target […]

Barry talks about political orientation and the workplace. Since so much of our lives can be devoted to our work, it is worth taking a moment to become aware of our sense of belonging and our level of intentionality about both our work and our coworkers.     Article: Effects of person–occupation political orientation misfit […]