Abstract: Psalm 145

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Psalm 145

In all times and places,

I will worship the Lord.

My mind is set on You.

For every generation has praised You,

and will praise You- even if only some.

No generation will pass without declaring Your goodness.

Thought the world is consumed with greed and fear,

those who behold You will always proclaim Your wonder.

You are gracious and merciful,

slow to condemn, and always faithful, even to the least of us.

Your glory is evident in our planet and universe, and in our hearts.

Your kingdom will endure all things.

For you answer our prayers and give purpose to our suffering.

You sent Jesus as the physical truth, that you are with us.

For your are near, a savior to all who call on you.

And, I will praise you all my life.

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Abstract: Psalm 144

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Psalm 144

Bless the Lord our God.

He leads us through the night and trains us to face our enemies.

He is my defender and counselor.

In Him, I find my purpose,

and it is suited to my talents and strengths.

What other god could be so kind?

We humans are an unruly bunch,

fearful and greedy, our lives our short.

Rescue us from evil thoughts and from cultures of death and destruction.

Lord, our Father, bless the hands and work of Your church.

Bless our sons and daughters to reclaim what we gave up.

May they flourish and find their home in You.

May Your glory shine on us and them,

for while I breath, I hope in you.

Blessings to all who desire You.

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Abstract: Psalm 143

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Psalm 143

I hope you hear me Lord,

and all my cries for help.

Forgive me and my broken heart.

The enemy invaded my being, to torture me, and turn my friends into enemies.

But, I know You and Your ways.

I will praise you, resist the enemy, and forgive my attackers.

I don’t know if should ask for a sign or not,

But, I need to see your hand today.

Show yourself to me and raise my soul from the way of the world.

Direct the eyes of my heart to your Love and Kindness.

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Vol III: #39 Pizza Is Good

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A heavenly aroma builds in my kitchen every time I knead pizza dough. The flour and sour dough mix with the olive oil to produce a smell unique to the pizza making process. A similar scent will hook your nose outside any legit pizzeria in cities like New York or San Francisco. It’s hard to describe but you know it when you smell it. Only frying bacon or freshly brewed coffee can rival its glory.

The origins of pizza are quite ancient beginning with flatbreads topped with herbs, fruits, and/or vegetables. Our modern version began when the Spanish introduced tomatoes to Italy in the 1600’s. Crazy as it sounds, the US love affair with pizza didn’t take off until after World War II when out troops returned from Italy. And, being who we are, America took our love of pizza to the rest of the world. (Our ability to sell what we love is unmatched. iPhones, Disney, McDonalds, and cheeseburgers are also universal.)

The most recent summer taught me how loved pizza is. It’s a truth I knew but didn’t understand, like gravity or the popularity of pumpkin spiced lattes. And should you travel anywhere, stop by a shop and watch the children, watch their reactions when the pie hits the table. In all my years in the food industry, no food or dish inspired more joy or enthusiasm. Pizza is the worlds most favorite food and I dare anyone to prove otherwise.

So, the next time you bite down on your favorite slice remember this: someone in Paris or Kathmandu is doing the exact same thing. (Or did early in the day. Timezones.) And the world is not as divided or big as it seems. God gave us the ability to find each other reagrdless of how wide the gaps appear.

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Vol III: #38 The Psalms

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I am five chapter (or individual Psalms) away from reading through the book of Psalms, having read one per day since the end of May. (Or course, the epic Psalm 118 took an extra day or two.) And what I find most interesting is how human the Psalms are. Some Psalms are upbeat and inspiring, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Some Psalms are full of self-pity and lament. And, I always get a kick out of the songwriters desire for the Lord to destroy my enemies. These types of Psalms would have an entirely different meaning if I were Ukrainian, I assume.

The Book of Psalms is full of every kind of human emotion, desire, and condition which make them an excellent place to “find oneself.” The first time I heard of this of concept finding oneself was last year. A wise old man was asked “how do you handle disappointment and grief” to which he responded,”I pray and read the Psalms until I find myself. Then, I stay in that place.” Now, I know why. I’ve felt forgotten by the Lord, belittle by my enemies, and hopeless. And more than those low moments, I’ve experienced His lovingkindness and generosity.

The only departure I have from the Psalms are when they ask the Lord to bring the hammer down on evil or wicked people, and the aforementioned enemies. Jesus explicitly gave us a new commandment during the Sermon on the Mount concerning hold to handle those who mock and/or attack our well-being: to love, bless, and pray for them.

I think my favorite part of the Psalms is the knowledge that what I experience in life isn’t new. My problems aren’t unique. We fly in metal birds and harness the power of charged particles but we not more sophisticated than the ancients. Our heart and minds and need to known the Lord is the same as it ever was. The best part of the Psalms is knowing the Lord is good and always will be.

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Vol III: #37 We Are All Hypocrites To Someone Else

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Last week, I listened as two of my friends complained about lazy people. One went so far as to condemn a looming wedding because the groom “doesn’t work.” And Friend Two jumped on the slander train as I kept my tongue. My thoughts were stuck between where is the grace and what do these two think of me? Long after the conversation ended, I felt attacked- as someone looking for a job and having a hard time finding one. I fell into a bad old habit and took a defensive position. You, Mr. International Student, could work too via telecommute. But, you choose to bemoan your lack of funds. And you, Mr. Smug American, you are one of the most miserable people I know. I hope no one follows your example. It wasn’t until the next day that I was able to find peace.

I am not a lazy person. I do not watching TV all day or complain about a lack of money. Sure, it would be nice to have more money. But I know how to live thick and thin. Each scenario creates opportunities. When I’m not looking for work I am active in other ways- writing, blogging, cooking, mentoring a marketing intern, cleaning, exercising, reading, learning a new language, etc. My biggest problem is these activities do not pay the bills…yet.

In truth, all I really want from a job is just enough money to pay my bills. I’m single and cheap and I can afford to take risks such as writing a book or traveling. One day I’ll be married and that lovely lady will want a home and children. And I will give her those things. But it is not this day. My opportunity is the time I have to create a new life.

And yes, my friends are hypocrites. But their faults don’t diminish who they are. Both men are great men and will do great things. And the pride they showed will either limit them or be yanked out of them by the Lord. Regardless of outcome, I will not let their words define my experience or my current struggles. I can’t. (And to their credit, they have no idea what my struggles are. We aren’t that close.)

I’ll close by admitting, I know I too look like a hypocrite, to someone. And, they are probably right. I’m guilty as charged. Who I am and the decisions I make are riddled with inconsistencies and flaws. What I choose to practice in this moment is what the kids call “stay(ing) in my lane.” Or, as Jesus as the Comedian put it, I choose to focus on the forest in my face rather than the branch of my neighbor’s. My age and experience tells me to relax and enjoy my friends for who they are, to be patient and kind, and to keep rolling.

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Abstract: Psalm 142

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Psalm 142

I bitch and complain to you Lord,

for I know you are the only one who can make it right.

For my soul suffers.

Who is else can rescue me from my enemies and mistakes?

You know all and see all,

And lead me through this moment, this “Valley of the Shadow of Death.”

You are my castle and my treehouse.

Release me from my sins and those who judge me.

I am helpless without you.

And always do you will in my life.

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Abstract: Psalm 141

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Psalm 141

Do you hear me Lord?

Are my words soothing to your ears?

I beg you to correct me if they are not,

Because I do not want to be like the men of this world or of this age.

Though they come for me, I trust you to guard me,

And carry me to higher ground, far from the storms men create for themselves.

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Abstract: Psalm 140

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Psalm 140

Rescue me Father, from the bickering and violence of my age,

from a culture that seek to destroy your wonder and glory.

Keep me from slipping into their traps and temptations.

For I prayed to the Holy Spirit and whispered,”I trust you. Do your will in my life,

And show me how to wade through all this shit.”

And Lord, I refuse to judge those around me.

Lead all of us to know you as Father-

the righteous yes, but also the poor,

And the single moms,

the addicts and stripper,

Lonely single men,

And abused children,

That all of us will praise your goodness.

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Abstract: Psalm 139

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Psalm 139

Lord, you know me better than anyone.

You know me better than I know myself,

and You understand my thoughts, emotions, and the intent of my heart.

You surround my life and being and anoint me with purpose.

And if I were foolish enough to try,

where could I hide?

There is no depth in the oceans or darkness of cave,

no drug or addiction,

philosophy or belief,

than can or will nullify You and Your presence in my life.

You made me in my mother’s depth and my spirit knows this is true.

You saw my face when you created light, all of my life and days,

and called it good.

I kneel in awe of the only God that matters.

As for haters and naysayers,

David wanted you to crush them. He hated his enemies, but Your Son Jesus taught us to be like You.

So I close my asking You to bless my enemies.

Surround them with Your Glory and Peace that they may know You.

And search me Lord.

Remove all the stumbling blocks between me and you.

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Abstract: Psalm 138

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Psalm 138

I will always return to you Lord,

and I will sing your praises in all places,

before empty rooms and jammed halls.

When I turn to you, laying down my ego and pride,

Your presence fills my soul and makes me strong.

Anyone who seeks you will say the same,

for your love and joy is without an equal.

What our god or person shows no favoritism?

Billionaires are but bone and blood at Your feet,

as is the addict in the alley.

You remain my life force and clutch my hands when I stumble.

You drive away my judges and rebuke those who take advantage of my kindess.

I will trust You to do what you Promised,

as you have for so many others- all the others,

And I will focus on Your goodness, not the lying shit-bag propaganda of the enemy.

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Vol III: #36 Figs And Fruit

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There’s a four verse story in Matthew 21 about Jesus and a fig tree. Our Savior is hungry and curses a fruitless fig tree for it’s lack of fruit and the poor tree obliges Him. My modern senses have usually, until today, recoiled at this story. How could Jesus just curse a tree like that? Seems like a rough judgement Jesus, geez whiz. The disciples seemed less concerned about the poor tree; instead, they wondered how Jesus could pull off such a neat trick. But, seriously, was that really necessary? Poor little tree.

It’s easy to judge Jesus for his condemnation of the plant as harsh or inappropriate. It’s easy because I have always had access to plenty of food and my body is proof that I never miss a meal. But, two thousand years ago…an unproductive fruit tree was a waste of time, resource, and energy. Ancient people had to make every plant fruitful and every harvest had to count. They were one famine or drought away from death, or at least a severe lack of calories. (And this is a big deal. Food scarcity leads to low birth rates and birth defects. For warring societies, this means they couldn’t keep their armies well fed and the reduces replacement troops in following generations. These are problems we will never know.) When Jesus cursed the tree to death, literally, he did so because it didn’t produce fruit and it was time for a new tree or bush to replace it.

I believe most humans hold onto our old trees long past their usefulness. I know I do and in many forms. Human nature is somehow prone to double down on bad practices and beliefs. What else explains the return of Marxist socialism or mom jeans? Shouldn’t the standard be- as Jesus taught- if it bears good fruit, keep it fed and happy? But, if it bears bad fruit or no fruit, it’s time to cut it loose? I think so.

The real hurdle in this is to know when to prune the dead branches or lay the ax to the trunk. Should I give up on strained relationships, or stay patient? Keep the business alive, or sink the ship? Partnering with the Holy Spirit becomes crucial at such crossroads. Difficulty of a task or goal should not be what defines our involvement. Jesus didn’t curse all fig trees or say to the farmer your tree is hot garbage, you should give up on growing trees. He was specific to the one tree. Accordingly, rather than scuttle a entire business, it may make more sense to shift focus to a new customer base, cut staff, or bad product lines. Another example is our first know interaction between Peter and Jesus. Remember, Jesus didn’t tell Peter to stop fishing, but to put his nets down on the other side of the boat.

My biggest take away of this discussion is every end is a new beginning, and it has to be. If all we ever do is cry over our losses and failures, then we’ve stopped being who were called to be. Seasoned farmers replace trees, cycle crops, and even leave some plots to rest. What we need is Wisdom, usually beyond our experience. And I can say with certainty, the Lord is good to give life-giving answers when we need them. This, I know.

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