Plastic is ubiquitous. It’s everywhere, infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Pick up a pen. It’s plastic. Open up a cereal box. Inside the cereal is packaged in plastic. Get a cup of coffee at […]
Tag: God and life and stuff
The generosity of nature & the nature of generosity
Three feet above me, perched atop a ponderosa pine branch, squats a chipmunk no taller than my thumb. She embraces a pinecone slightly larger than herself. With nimble twists and turns and rapid flurries of […]
Life is a role-playing game
Online gaming has brought a whole new life to the role-playing games I knew growing up. Back in the early 1980s, Dungeons and Dragons had an air of mystique and a reputation of leading unsuspecting […]
The Vine (or When I become God’s enemy)
Every now and then I pause and ask myself: What if I’m on the wrong side here? Is it possible I’m the bad guy in this situation? I have stepped back to gain some perspective […]
When we lose (or, From the hurting to the healing)
I hate losing. I’m a competitor. And I win a lot. I’ve coached undefeated volleyball teams and when my family does game nights, their main goal is to keep me from winning. I’m not a […]
God & the injustice of war
War is evil. There is no greater source of human injustice in the world. War robs more from the poor than any thief. War kills more people than any mass murderer. War displaces more people […]
Among fake friends
How do we pray when faced with fake friends who betray us?
Creation is my church
“Nature is my church.” “I feel close to God when hiking the mountains.” In my work as a hospital chaplain, I’ve heard those and similar statements hundreds of times. Sometimes they’re excuses for skipping out […]
Widening the circle of prayer
When life crushes us, many turn to prayer. But not everyone. Even among the seemingly religious, prayer isn’t the first resort. The overall secularizing of our culture over the past few hundred years since the […]
Waiting for a Covid vaccine & waiting for Jesus
As a kid, I couldn’t wait for Christmas. I ached for it to arrive. Growing up in Southern California, we didn’t get snow like we do where I live now in Bend, Oregon. But in […]
A better dad than I am
Like all dads, I make my fair share of mistakes. I try my best with my kids, but I am quite far from perfect. But despite my imperfect parenting, I think I’m a pretty good […]
The ugly side of grief
There’s no fun side to grief. There’s nothing about it that makes me break out in cheers. There’s a reason why we try to avoid it and, when we can’t do that, why we try […]
The holes we leave behind
We all leave holes behind when we die. But not all holes are good holes. Some are more like bullet holes, gaping wounds that scar over badly. But as I look at the holes my […]
Everyone, Everything, Everywhere
My career as a bully was short-lived and thankfully so. I was probably 13 when I decided to try pushing around a kid a year or two younger but half my size. I figured he’d […]
Revenge!
Of all the superhero movies churned out over the last two decades, the ones arising from the Marvel Cinematic Universe have dominated. And the centerpiece of those movies is a band of characters who call […]
The King and the chaos that beats us like pounding waves
As a kid, I grew up near Los Angeles in California. The beaches were spectacular and inviting. Every year, I got an equally spectacular sunburn since sunscreen was a fairly new fangled idea at the […]
A Sabbath perspective
“Frank is mowing his lawn! He’s breaking the Sabbath!” My son was just five years old at the time and scandalized by our neighbor’s flagrant disregard for observing the Sabbath command. His dismay mirrors most […]
The three-step process to justice
We are living during a time where there are repeated calls for justice. That’s good, but it’s not enough. And I’m worried that the current emotional fervor will be wasted and the opportunity lost for […]
1 Peter 5
A side note to church leaders. I write to you as a fellow leader, as one who saw firsthand the sufferings of the anointed king of the world, and as one who will get in […]
1 Peter 4 (a rendering)
Since even the anointed king of the world suffered physically, you need to prepare yourself for the same and think like he did. Going the way of suffering like that means you’ve chosen not to […]
1 Peter 3
Thinking and acting in the same way, wives don’t fight with your husbands. Not-fighting is the key to “winning.” And the goal here is that unbelieving husbands would be won over. It’s your beautiful and […]
1 Peter 2 (a rendering)
So take a look inside yourselves and toss out everything with a hint of malice, deception, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. All of it. Babies are satisfied by one and only one thing: milk. Be like […]
1 Peter 1 (a rendering)
From Peter, specially sent by Jesus the anointed king of the world. To God’s hand-picked people. Even though you are aliens and exiles scattered all over the place (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia), God […]
Why the system is broken
I take breaks from the news and social fairly often. What I read can be too much for me. So, I need to walk away for the sake of my emotional and spiritual health. There’s […]
Where is God when I lose?
My son had been practicing the Mozart piano concerto for three months. He’d put hundreds of hours into it. But when it came time for the competition, he made just a few mistakes. But they […]
Are white evangelical Christians racist?
I was raised in a very conservative Christian church. I remember at one point in the early 1980s my Dad saying he embraced the term Fundamentalist. The term has changed a lot since then and […]
The Naughty List meets Psalm 87
Some people rub us the wrong way. And in some cases, they’ve been rubbing us the wrong way for a long time. That history pulls us into negative patterns like ruts in dirt road. It’s […]
Social distancing & the call to holiness
We’ve been in a weird time where our culture has required us to separate ourselves from one another. At the same time, we’ve been incredibly focused on cleanliness. As a hospital chaplain, I wander all […]
The necessary violence of God
I like me the idea of pacifism and especially a nonviolent God. But human pacifism is impossible with a nonviolent God. Too many people have a theology centered on a God who cannot cause pain. […]
Praying for personal revival
Revival. The word inspires images of tent meetings and manipulative preachers for some. For others, it’s an image of God’s people waking up and coming fully alive while drawing others into the kingdom of God. […]
The Horns & the Cup
I used to check the news daily and often times throughout the day. I had an urge to know what was going on in the world around me. I’m not exactly sure why, but I […]
Some translation choices I made in Everyday Psalms
Writing anything requires a whole host of choices. We know and expect that, but it doesn’t keep us from questioning certain choices writers make. For instance, in the masterpiece The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame […]
The prayer of a maturing faith (Ps 71)
I’m actually enjoying getting older. Sure, there are some new creases on my face and I’m not the athlete I was before. Sure, I get tired earlier and forget things easier. But I’m less anxious, […]
Why pray? 33 reasons why I pray
A friend recently asked the question, “Why do we pray?” I’m not sure what was behind the question, but I decided to take it seriously. If we’re honest, there are times when praying feels […]
Praying when life goes to hell
There are times when life falls to pieces that can’t be put back together. It’s happened to me and I’ve watched it happen to others who are close to me. The doctor believes the cancer […]
The place where you live
As a kid, going to church meant getting dressed up in uncomfortable clothing. Wool pants. Shirts buttoned up to the collar. Clip on ties. Dress shoes. My Sunday best was my Sunday torture. I didn’t […]
Among haters
She defined her life by her enemies. And I watched her move from one to the next and the next. As her pastor, I had a front row seat to it all. First, there were […]
I blew it again! (or, Psalm 85 and the restored life)
There are times when I get down on myself, having blow it yet again, doing the same stupid thing one more time. I forgot to pick up my son from school for the tenth time. […]
Even here — Psalm 57 and the unexpected presence of God
Some corners of culture, some places, some people seem both godless and god-forsaken. Some parts of our lives feel either fenced-off from God or ignored by our Maker. A quick look at the news or […]
Deepen your prayer life
Doing the work on Everyday Psalms: Ancient Prayers in Everyday Language was one of the greatest prayer experiences of my life. I’m excited to share it with you that it might be a good companion […]
Counting our days
I think about my death a lot. I imagine what it might be like to be on my death bed, so weak I need a machine to breathe for me. I wonder who might gather […]
Psalm 99 & the King of the World
Kings and queens don’t mean much to us today. The British royal family makes the news from time to time, but it’s usually because of their clothing styles and romantic escapades. They are almost completely […]
Journey with Jesus 8 — As one with authority (Mark 1:21-22)
“Why should anyone listen to you? What authority do you have?” The questions hung over me and I had no answer, so I just sat there in silence. John Zimmerman, my preaching professor, sat across […]
Journey with Jesus 7 — Fishing for people (Mark 1:16-20)
When I was a kid, there was a group of boys on our short, dead-end street who would play together. Among the many outdoor games we’d play was, of course, follow the leader. And Greg Smith […]
Thermometers or thermostats?
Thermometers measure the temperature around them. Thermostats change the temperature around them. Every day and in every situation, I have the choice to be a thermometer or a thermostat. I can join in with those […]
Psalm 119 (V is for Taw)
A rendering of the final stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Taw (verses 169-176). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (U is for Sin/Shin)
A rendering of the 21st stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letters Sin or Shin (verses 161-168). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (T is for Resh)
A rendering of the 20th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Resh (verses 153-160). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (S is for Qoph)
A rendering of the 19th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Qoph (verses 145-152). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (R is for Tsadhe)
A rendering of the 18th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Tsadhe (verses 137-144). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (Q is for Pe)
A rendering of the 17th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Pe (verses 129-136). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (P is for Ayin)
A rendering of the 16th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Ayin (verses 121-128). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (O is for Samekh)
A rendering of the 15th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Samekh (verses 113-120). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (M is for Mem)
A rendering of the thirteenth stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Mem (verses 97-104). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (L is for Lamedh)
A rendering of the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Lamedh (verses 89-96). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (K is for Kaph)
A rendering of the eleventh stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Kaph (verses 81-88). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (J is for Yodh)
A rendering of the tenth stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Yodh (verses 73-80). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (Teth)
A rendering of the ninth stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter Teth (verses 65-72). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (G is for Zayin)
A rendering of the seventh stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter zayin (verses 49-56). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (F is for Waw)
A rendering of the sixth stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter was (verses 41-48). A further exploration into hearing the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (H is for Heth)
A rendering of Psalm 119:57-64 (each verse starting with the Hebrew letter Heth), which continues an immersion into a life lived in response to the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (E is for He)
A rendering of Psalm 119:33-40 (each verse starting with the Hebrew letter He), which continues an immersion into a life lived in response to the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (N is for Nun)
A rendering of the 14th stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter nun. Here, the psalmist pushes through rejection by the cultured haters of faith.
Psalm 119 (D is for Daleth)
A rendering of Psalm 119:25-32 (each verse starting with the Hebrew letter daleth), which continues an immersion into a life lived in response to the Voice of God.
Psalm 119 (Part C)
A rendering of the third stanza of Psalm 119, where each verse starts with the Hebrew letter gimel. Here, the psalmist pushes through rejection by the cultured haters of faith.
Psalm 148
A rendering of Psalm 148, which calls on all creation to praise God and then watches as God shares his strength with his people.
Psalm 147
A rendering of Psalm 147, which worships God for his Word that brings life to the natural world and life to our souls.
Psalm 145
A rendering of Psalm 145, which praises God for his kindness and compassion to all humanity and all creation, leading to a response of praise.
Psalm 138
A rendering of Psalm 138, which thanks God for his love that considers the lowly in the face of gods and kings.
Psalm 144
A rendering of Psalm 144, which considers the role God has in shaping a happy, prosperous nation.
Psalm 141
A rendering of Psalm 141, which asks God for help avoiding temptation with the help of a kindly slap in the face.
Psalm 140
A rendering of Psalm 140, seeking God’s help from violent and slanderous people.
Psalm 137
A rendering of Psalm 137, a graphic and painful desire for revenge from a disheartened exile longing for ruined Jerusalem.
Psalm 136
A rendering of Psalm 136, which tells of creation and salvation with the refrain “His relentless love never stops” 26 times, driving home the point that everything God does emerges from his tenacious love.
Psalm 135
A rendering of Psalm 135, a call to praise the real God who created the world and is actively involved in the world, unlike the empty concepts of “God” people make for themselves.
Psalm 134
A rendering of Psalm 134, which calls on those who do the menial jobs of taking care of the sanctuary to use that time to pray and praise.
Psalm 132
A rendering of Psalm 132, which soaks in the joy of God’s covenant with King David., establishing the kingship and the Zion temple.
Psalm 131
A rendering of Psalm 131, which pops the ego bubble, seeking contentment in God.
Psalm 130
A rendering of Psalm 130, where the light of a new dawn offers hope that Yahweh will bring a new day during a dark time of life.
Psalm 128
(A song for pilgrims on the road up to Zion.) All of you Living in a God-ward direction, Living the life he gave you In the way he gave it to be lived Are living […]
Psalm 129
A rendering of Psalm 129, a prayer that those who have pushed us around will go away and never bother us again.
Psalm 127
A rendering of Psalm 127, which considers the value of work and rest and the the greatest legacy you can ever have: kids.
Psalm 126
A rendering of Psalm 126, reflecting on the joy of those returned from exile, looks forward to God turning current crying into future laughing because of how God will turn things right-side up again.
Psalm 125
A rendering of Psalm 125, which envisions God surrounding his people, protecting them so that they don’t resort to the bad behavior our leaders often exhibit.
Psalm 124
A rendering of Psalm 124, reflecting on God’s faithfulness to help when we were in a powerless position and fearing the worst.
Psalm 123
A rendering of Psalm 123, which looks to God for favor in a culture where we experience so much contempt.
Psalm 122
A rendering of Psalm 22, a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, whose name means City of Peace and home to Yahweh’s temple.
Psalm 120
A rendering of Psalm 120, a prayer of helplessness by someone longing for peace but living among people clamoring for war and whose words are violent.
Psalm 118
A rendering of Psalm 118, which looks forward to the celebration parade for salvation he’s expecting from God.
Psalm 117
A rendering of brief Psalm 117, which praises God for his love and faithfulness to all people, not just his favorites.
Psalm 116
A rendering of Psalm 116, exuberant in gratitude for being saved by God from certain death.
Psalm 115
A rendering of Psalm 115, which considers the truth that we become like the “God” we worship, so we’d better worship the loving and powerful God and not some lifeless “God” of our own creation.
Psalm 114
A rendering of Psalm 114, which sees the Exodus through a creative lens, as if the creation itself was being playful as it aided God’s people in their escape from Egypt.
Psalm 113
A rendering of Psalm 113, which considers the greatness of God and yet his willingness to be involved in the lives of those who are the least and the last of us.
Psalm 112
A rendering of Psalm 112, which sees the best king of life lived by those who orient their lives toward God and intentionally copy what God does.
