Psalm 51 is a prayer from David to God after his missteps into murder and adultery. The outcome was horrific. Even with God’s forgiveness we are stuck with memories of the harm we have caused. The psalm is full of outcomes and more detail but I see another formula. What are the steps to tell…

I grew up in one house. My children, for the most part, grew up in one house. I like staying home but it can be selfish, at times, to center any life on me me me – my stuff, my choices, my plan, etc. I’m on my first holiday since retirement that is not with…

When I got to Psalm 45, the introduction said, “For the choir director: A love song to be sung to the tune, ‘Lilies.’ A psalm of the descendants of Korah. Pow. My curiosity exploded – what did that special melody called ‘Lilies’ sound like? I wondered and prayed and then began to sing. I am…

The days are long but the years are short. It feels like a short time ago that Greg Jarvis died as an astronaut. He was a friend’s brother-in-law. Because he was my uncle, when John Orahood crashed and died on the Mohave Desert, while flying an experimental early shuttle design, emotion was attached to those…

How rich they are. Here is a brief look at Psalms 24-39 – just a few thoughts. Psalm 23 stands alone and I have written much and received so much at YWAM on the study of Psalm 23. It is important to God that we do not worship idols nor tell lies. The answer to…

I’ve been enjoying the Psalms since January 1st but need an attitude adjustment. How do I compete with someone about whom God says the following: I Sam 13:14, (Samuel speaking to King Saul), “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord…

I never thought I would say I WAS A BARISTA IN BERLIN, but more on that next. Funny thoughts roll around in my head, but I have been focusing on writing about Dietrich and on the Psalms – both worthy endeavors – but today I digress. Volunteering in Berlin was memorable but one quirky aspect…

I was re-reading the account of “The Bubble Boy” in Our Daily Bread devotional book. It is about protecting life and reminded me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings. He felt helpless to solve the evil in the world that was closing in on him. The clock was ticking for David Vetter, who died at age 12,…

I did not invent God. I believe He invented me. I live near a Hindu Temple and when I walk by I pray Jesus. I have been past so many times that I can describe some of the idols and their placement on the exterior decor. I have many Hindu neighbors and friends. In discussion…

While I’ve been visiting family I am enjoying the Psalms. Let’s group 17-22. There is God and there is Pam. Not much to compare except that God brings comfort to those who ask. King David is just asking. Psalm 17:1 reads, “Here a just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry; Give ear to…