Shows
How I Invest with David WeisburdE306: Can VCs Actually Pick Winners? w/Eric BahnWhy does execution velocity matter more than pedigree at the earliest stages of company building?
David Weisburd speaks with Eric Bahn about the concept of “hustle,” why early judgments about founders tend to persist, and how throughput, learning speed, and grit outperform traditional signals in pre-seed investing. Eric explains Hustle Fund’s wide-net strategy, its community-driven platform model, and how changing startup timelines are reshaping venture economics.
Highlights:
Why early founder rankings tend to persist over time
Defining “hustle” as execution speed and learning velocity
Why hustle is difficult to fake but easy to observe in practice
Quantity of experim...
2026-02-1730 min
David Bahn - Reflections49 Week Challenge - Day 63: David's Path to and from AnointingI am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today's readings are John 7; 1 Samuel 16; Psalm 114; 129.
2025-07-0705 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsDavid's Son and David's LordToday we recognize Jesus not only as David’s Son, but also as his Lord. He is our Lord, too, the very Son of God. In fact if Jesus isn’t God he should be dismissed out of hand. But he is God in the flesh - a mystery of profound grace and truth. We worship the man Jesus who is God. We worship the Son of God, Jesus who took on human flesh for us. He is both David’s Son and David’s Lord, and our Savior from sin, death, and hell.
2024-12-2304 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPaul's Mighty MenPaul will not have 30 like David did. But he will have four who will stand in the gap with and for him. They will complete a vow and vouch for Paul's faithfulness. There may not be a war in the same way as David fought, but there is a spiritual war going on. And the devil will use anything he can to derail God's mission. Thank God for those who stand with their leaders and fellow servants to defend, protect, pray for, and encourage those servants of the gospel. They are a blessing!
2024-06-1804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsA Man After God's HeartDavid shows that he is a man after God's heart because he repents. He will not hide behind an unbelieving heart with outward shows of piety. He won't harumph himself up before others in self-righteousness. He calls out to God,
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. - Psalm 51:15
And,
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! - Psalm 51:1-2
2024-01-1906 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPartners in MissionElijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan. Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two. Even Jesus himself had Peter, James, and John; John being especially close. Do you have a partner in mission? Is there someone who is allied with you in sharing the message of Jesus, living under Christ in his kingdom, loving God and neighbor to the fullest? You are blessed if you do. If you don't you can make that a matter of your personal prayer, and make an intentional effort to find that person of peace; that partner in mission.
2023-12-2004 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 51: The Joy of God's SalvationWhether the sting of death has bitten hard, or you are crawling out of a dungeon of your own sin, when you seek God's grace there comes along with it, the joy of God's salvation. And what a joy it is! Jesus earned it for you and all people when he died for the sins of the world. He secured it when he rose from the dead. God promises it to all who believe in him. And like David, if we continue that prayer we will recall that the joy of God's salvation is to be shared so that...
2023-02-2405 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 42: Holding on to HopeA hope devoid of lament is shallow and easily set aside. It sets us up for catastrophic disappointment. Lament without hope is a prescription for depression. It robs us of the joy of God's salvation. God calls us to both lament and hope, and this psalm expresses that beautifully. Let your cries of anguish, pain, discouragement, and lament call out to God. But in the end, join David in speaking of our eternal hope, found in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. This will be fully experienced on the Great Last Day when the salvation of God will be fully...
2023-02-1704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 42: Thinking About the Woman at the WellI've been thinking about the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (cf. John 4:1-42).
Whenever we face taunting, isolation, fear, sleeplessness, and deep discouragement, God is only a prayer away. We're in good company if we lament our hardships and our sins, and seek God's steadfast love. Whether it's the long way around we take to avoid the taunts of others, the anxious and sleepless moments of dread as we think about possible future happenings, or guilt and shame over past choices and present temptations, we can pray this psalm: with David. With t...
2023-02-1405 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 23: When "He" becomes "You"Whatever may happen in our lives we can talk about God, "He..." But we can also talk to God, "You..." That's what David does in this psalm. And so did we during various times of challenge, danger, anxiety, and uncertainty in our lives. So can you. Whatever you are facing, you can talk about God. And you can talk to him. He listens...even though he has much to do. Last night we closed our choir practice with prayer. One choir member prayed, "God, you have so much to do. Thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them."...
2023-02-0304 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 23: The Fullness of God's BlessingsThe first step in the AA 12-Step recovery program is to admit that you have a problem. That's an attitude of humility. Other steps require confession, obedience, and even helping others along the way. That's the path of obedience. That's nothing new. These are God's ways from of old. Blessed is the one who will humble himself before God, and who will fully experience the blessings of God in following his paths of righteousness.
Consider this also: David sought to help others along the way of God's blessing. That's why we have this psalm. The fullest experience...
2023-02-0104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 23: Who is leading you?David - 1000 years before Jesus was born - writes about the LORD being his shepherd. And all that he does is good. Safety, security, and rich supply are the LORD's gifts. Eternal joy in his presence is his hope. Confidence in the face of challenge and danger is his fortune.
David identifies the One who supplies all this: the LORD. This is the holy name of God, the One who is, who revealed himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM." (Exodus 3:14) He was to tell the children of Israel that "HE WHO IS" had sent...
2023-01-3104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 22: It all comes together in JesusThe imagery of suffering and torment in this psalm surely reflects that of Jesus on the cross: bones out of joint, pierced hands and feet, lots cast for his clothing, people mocking him. Jesus endures this for us because of his love for his Father and for us and all sinners. He perfectly fulfills all this - not just symbolically. I don't know of a situation when David's hands and feet were pierced, but Jesus' certainly were - literally. Jesus also fulfills this most telling of hope's expression:
Posterity shall serve him;
it shall be told...
2023-01-2707 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPsalm 19: An Even Better DeclarationGod’s word adds to the testimony of creation and points us to the LORD God and his ways. David speaks of God’s Law, precepts, commands and rules. They revive the soul, give wisdom, joy and enlightenment. They endure forever, are perfectly righteous, precious and sweet. There are great blessings to be had in their keeping.
Creation sings a song of praise to God. Those who hear and read God’s word are blessed so that they too join that song of praise. An even better declaration of praise pours from the hearts of those who hear...
2023-01-1705 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsMary Did You Know: Finding FavorWe may put our yearnings in categories of disease, guilt, shame, disappointment, loneliness, emptiness, hopelessness, betrayal, or death's looming shadow. But we're all empty vessels, and sadly we too very often seek to fill ourselves with all the wrong things. Mary may have been different, and for that reason chosen to bear the Son of God. Salvation comes to us by God's grace - from first to last. But those of noble character - though no more saved by grace than you or me - find God's favor in unique ways. And although Mary found favor with God, she...
2022-12-0705 min
David Bahn - ReflectionsHow would you be known?We don't know much about Anna. We know she was a prophetess. But we don't fully know what that means, and how that would compare to John the Baptizer. We know she was devoted, and regularly and often in the temple. But we know little of in what capacity she was there; though we might surmise that she was there to worship and pray and prophesy. We know she saw the baby Jesus and immediately began to tell everyone about him. So Luke tells us that Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher...
2022-01-1003 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhy is this so difficult?!?The difficulty we have in keeping on the straight and narrow and consistently displaying the fruit of the Spirit, and being distressed about this is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts and lives. If we did not have the Holy Spirit. We wouldn’t care. But we do care. And we are distressed when we discover we’ve forfeited the fruit of the Spirit in any situation. Thanks be to God that Jesus welcomes us back. And we can pray with David, “take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvatio...
2021-11-1204 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Humility FactorGentleness and humility accompany those who recognize their deep brokenness, need for mercy, and potential for falling prey to the devil's charms. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. And a great encouragement to me is that the older I get, the more aware I become of my own brokenness, need for mercy, and potential for falling prey to Satan's pull - or the pull of my own sinful flesh. Maybe you can identify with that. If all that makes us more gentle, more aware of our need for the mercy of God, the forgiveness of Jesus and...
2021-11-1005 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsAngry Young ManThere are times when gentleness is not called for. Jesus gave us one when he overturned the moneychanger's tables in the temple courts. Paul gets pretty close when he talks about the circumcision party, suggesting a slip of the knife toward them would be welcome (Galatians 5:12). It's interesting that this verse is in the same chapter as these verses on the fruit of the Spirit! When it comes time to stand firm, to protect the weak and vulnerable, to prevent harm to another we may need to assert ourselves. It may not be gentle in that moment.
...
2021-11-0904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsNice and Easy Does ItGentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Sometimes a stern warning may be needed. If a child is running into the street, yelling may well be appropriate. But to do the work of the Holy Spirit we must not interpose our anger and brash bluster upon others. God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. And when it comes to touching our hearts with his love, the message may be quiet and gentle. But the impact will be profoundly good.
Gentle now, dear reader. Gentle. Let the Holy Spirit have his way with you, and through...
2021-11-0804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Whole Package - Take 2When it comes to our need for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our lives and influencing our hearts, we need the whole package of God's armor. For there is a foe who wants to sow seeds of hatred, misery, discord, agitation, and harsh bitterness. And he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to take us down. To remove the joy, undercut the peace, destroy the love, incite rebellion, and bring death.
That's one reason holding onto the fruit of the Spirit is so challenging. Not only do we lose sight of...
2021-11-0503 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Whole PackageWhen it comes to our need for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our lives and influencing our hearts, we need the whole package of God's armor. For there is a foe who wants to sow seeds of hatred, misery, discord, agitation, and harsh bitterness. And he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to take us down. To remove the joy, undercut the peace, destroy the love, incite rebellion, and bring death.
That's one reason holding onto the fruit of the Spirit is so challenging. Not only do we lose sight of...
2021-11-0503 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Holy Spirit's Evidence and InfluenceWe must live under grace not law - especially when it comes to the influence and evidence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We don't often go even through our waking hours with only kindness, patience (don't forget that commute!), or gentleness in every personal encounter. We'll never get this all correct and proper day in and day out. Hopefully, on the balance, we will, however, display the evidence and influence of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. Hopefully we'll be more like Sally than the harsh and bitter, impatient, and disturbing folks who might cross our...
2021-11-0404 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPatience and the Timing of GodPatience is the ability to keep in mind the myriad of connections with others and within the spiritual realm while we struggle against the currents and obstacles of life in a fallen world. The movie Bruce Almighty is a cute but irreverent movie about God giving Bruce all the powers and prerogatives that God has (but not the wisdom). In frustration at one point of the movie Bruce decides to answer all prayers, "Yes." Chaos ensues. God's wisdom shapes his prayer answers, his moving through life and death, and his providential care for us all.
Patience is...
2021-11-0305 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPatience and the God FactorGod is the key to true patience. He models it for us. And he requires it of all of us...unless we have molded for ourselves a false patience. I would call that passivity, denial, or surrender. For patience is not a matter of giving up hope. It's not a matter of waiting someone out. It's not a matter of grinding your teeth. Patience is a matter of waiting for God to give the best. It's a matter of trusting in his goodness. It's a matter of looking forward with anticipation and humility to what God has in store...
2021-11-0204 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPatience, Hope, and TrustRemembering God's goodness, faithfulness, and love, his good will and power over sin, death and the devil, and having a view that sees beyond the immediate next moments are the building blocks of patience. And this is the realm of the Holy Spirit's work. The Holy Spirit helps us become more aware of these things as he focuses our attention on Jesus. Our preoccupation with the things of this world will lead us to works of impatience, frustration, and anxiety.
My mind is definitely not focused on the spiritual realm and the promises of God when I'm...
2021-11-0104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsReformation Sunday sermon at Saint Mark Lutheran Church in Conroe, TexasThe gospel commission of God is for all of his followers, given with all authority, for all people. And his presence will be with us for all time.
2021-10-3124 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPeace of Heart and MindI've struggled recently with worry. The reasons are not important. In fact they have no eternal weight at all. Either they will simply dissolve over time, or they will be resolved justly. Even so, I worry. That means I am not experiencing the peace which is the fruit of the Spirit. And to some extent I have been captive to the idea that I cannot stop. I have no control.
And therein lies the solution: giving up the illusion of control, and giving it all to God. Or, it may be taking control of those things I...
2021-10-2903 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsJustice is the Foundation of PeaceJustice has been established in the foundations of reality through Jesus' death on the cross. His resurrection proves this to be so. And his first word to his disciples on that Eater morning was, "Peace." More than a greeting it was a blessing, a gift, a legacy that followers of Jesus are to treasure and embody.
The Holy Spirit's work is to bring glory to Jesus (John 16:14). Certainly when we are reminded of Jesus as the Prince of Peace, and the One who has made peace between us and God, Jesus is glorified. I hope somehow to...
2021-10-2804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsJesus. Others. YourselfJesus is first. Others are second. I am last. And Jesus promises that whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for his sake and the gospel's will save it (Mark 8:35). The most miserable people in the world are those consumed with their own happiness, rights, and blessings. Jesus offers joy of a completely different kind.
2021-10-2704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsGod did that!When the situation is dire and God shows up we find the strongest expressions of joy. The dark hours of deep contrition give way to the glory of sin's weight lifted. The restrictive bonds of worry are loosed by the peace of God in a moment of prayer and Scripture. The gloom of despair is cleared by the revelation of God's goodness. These come as the Holy Spirit has his way in us. Moving us to repentance. Opening our eyes to a path of blessing. Reminding us of the hope we have because of Jesus' resurrection. Rescuing us from...
2021-10-2604 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsJoy in the SpiritJoy reigns in the believer's heart insofar as he has crucified the sinful flesh. When we're consumed by sexual immorality, excessive indulgence in sinful pleasure, anger, envy or drunkenness, joy is far away. And although these do not bring joy, they appeal to a side of us that will never be satisfied by their pursuit. Drunkenness of any kind is never satisfied and yields only the rue of hangover or the disappointment of poor choices' outcomes.
Experiencing joy of this kind is a two-fold process. First is to crucify the sinful flesh. Denying the impulses to self-service...
2021-10-2504 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsCelebrating God’s work through Pastor Steve Henze at his 40th anniversary of ministry.This message was delivered at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Houston Texas on October 17, 2021.
2021-10-1821 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsGod's Daily and Miraculous ProvisionFew times in life are we tested to the extent God tested Abraham. If we are, we who wait, hope, and trust in God will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Perhaps we can find strength to wait and hope in him as we recall his daily provision, along with those special touches of his grace along life's way.
2021-10-1503 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThis is a testAbraham was being tested by God. But the stakes were much higher than passing an ESL test. His son was on the line. His faith, too, was being tested. And so was his willingness to obey. Abraham passed the test. According to Hebrews 11 he believed that God could even raise someone from the dead if Isaac had actually been killed. Abraham is, after all, the Father of Faith.
James tells us that God does not tempt anyone. He never seeks to lead us away from himself. But he may test our faith. To make us stronger. To...
2021-10-1403 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhen you've 'got nothin'God will provide. What a powerful promise. Isaac saw that up close and more personally than any of us could every imagine. He saw it at the last moment. When there was no way of escape. Except God provided. It was a dramatic show of God's providential care and faithfulness - even as it was a test of faith and obedience for Abraham.
But we don't call this mountain The Mountain of Obedient Faith, we call it On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided. We remember Abraham's faith. But we are pointed toward God's fa...
2021-10-1305 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Long Trek of Faith and ObedienceAbraham's trek from his home to the mountain that God would show him is anything but a slouch. Nor is it toward Gomorra. This is a long trek of faith toward an incredible test of faith and a resolute devotion of obedience to God. Three days. If it's me, my stomach is in knots after the first day. I am thinking through every possible scenario. I'm planning contingencies. I'm working out explanations. I'm wondering deep in my soul, is this really the voice and command of God? Did I hear him right? Did he really say that?
T...
2021-10-1205 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsIs God a Maniac?We want to domesticate God. We make him our personal place of safety, comfort, and security. But While Jesus came as a servant, he is not our personal assistant. We don't order God around. We do not demand that he answer us. We must remember who is God and who is not. Sometimes his demands might seem unreasonable. But who are we to judge?
The only thing that anchors my soul in times of turmoil, God's unpredictability, or my confusion is the belief that God is good. He is faithful and true. He is gracious and loving...
2021-10-1105 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsExtra Grace Required #4: Four men bring their friend to JesusWe may not always understand how in need of God's grace we are. That is made clear, however, by Jesus' initial gift to the paralyzed man. Whether he was disappointed at being told his sins were forgiven - as opposed to being healed by Jesus - is not clear. But Jesus makes two points in his action on this occasion. First of all he sees and responds to our greatest need: the need for forgiveness. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation (Luther). And he makes the point that he has the authority to...
2021-10-0805 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsExtra Grace Required #3: The Woman Caught in the Act of AdulteryGrace will always look for a way other than judging and condemning. Grace will free people. Grace will put people on a different path.
Grace will even challenge the self-righteous. For they will either have to become even more judgmental and discredit others' kindness, or give in to their own need for it. Grace opens the door to the latter. And when people walk through that door they walk into freedom.
That was certainly true for the woman caught in adultery. She was free to go her way, her sins were forgiven. She was to...
2021-10-0704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsExtra Grace Required #2: The Woman at the WellJesus didn’t have to tell the woman at the well that her current living situation was sinful. She knew it. But he did invite her to expose this need for grace. When she did, he didn’t condemn her, but continued his conversation with her. He didn’t have to talk with her in the first place, but he did. He could have done what so many others surely had done, looking past her rather than seeing her and talking to and with her. He even broke two social barriers by this. He spoke to a woman. And the wo...
2021-10-0606 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsExtra Grace Required: Elijah, the First of Four Biblical ExamplesElijah's actions around the sacrifice to the LORD God set up a dramatic display of God's power and control over all of creation. Even after the altar is prepared and drenched with water, God rains down fire from heaven and consumes everything. "The Lord, he is God; The LORD, he is God!" goes up the cry after this mighty display. Elijah seizes and kills the prophets of Baal.
You'd think that this would put Elijah on a high that would never end. But it is not so. He had defeated the Prophets of Baal, but King Ahab, a...
2021-10-0505 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsExtra Grace RequiredWe need to understand, first of all, that we all need grace. Some people, however, may be extra challenging in their attitude or actions toward us or the gospel message. Those people are called Extra Grace Required people (EGRs). They may live next door, work with you, or be part of your family. In fact, you may be an EGR! They push our buttons, manage always to illicit a negative response in us, try our patience, or turn us away. We all need grace. And God's supply is limitless. EGRs, however, need extra grace, humanly speaking: more than we...
2021-10-0403 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsA Mother's Love & The Father's ProvisionThe love of a human being is a thing of great blessing. I am thankful for the love of my wife, family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and my friends. But human love - of a mother, sister, brother or even a spouse - has its limits.
The love of the Heavenly Father has no limits. He sees all. He knows all. And he is writing a narrative that stretches from Hagar to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jesus, and to you and me. Whatever plot lines or twists, the end of the story is of eternal blessings...
2021-10-0104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWho's Watching?God does not turn his head or heart from pain and suffering. He does not ignore difficult and distressing situations. He draws near. And 2000 years ago he took on all of that in his Son, Jesus. Jesus embraced the pain, suffering, sickness, and sin of the world. He also experienced it himself. And although God forsook him at his darkest hour, the true hero of our faith, Jesus, still called out to his Father, "My God, My God..."
We too often judge God's goodness based on what we see or do not see. But we're all too...
2021-09-3005 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWaiting...We may think we know what we’re waiting for. But truth be told, we have only an inkling of it. Sometimes we may be exactly correct. The result comes back negative (good for medical tests). The wedding day gives way to the honeymoon. The judge calls your name and you’re on the jury. Or not.
But sometimes there comes a Crazy Ivan. Sometimes God breaks in in unexpected ways. Like here…God opens Hagar’s eyes and she sees a well nearby. It was there all along. But she did not see it. Maybe God is waiti...
2021-09-2904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsDeliverance writ small and largeThere will be times of sadness and distress along life's way. We may be put into difficult and near hopeless situations. At those times, the slightest breeze can cool our sweaty brows, and a kindness of someone may be as a cup of refreshing water. Then we must take courage, stand again, and move forward with the assurance of God's presence, and the hope of the ultimate deliverance.
I'm wondering who will bring that refreshing cup of water to me today. And I'm thankful for Jesus who give me grace and hope.
2021-09-2805 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsJoin the CelebrationIf we're consumed with our own desires, and constantly worried about getting our due, we'll forfeit joy. If we see the good things others experience as testimony to God's goodness and grace, rather than resenting them for their good fortune we'll begin to touch the edge of joy. When we celebrate God's goodness to others with them, we come even closer. And when we see that God's goodness is the source of every good gift, we will find true joy.
I hope you join the laughter and the celebration. God is good!
2021-09-2404 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsLaughter and JoyWhen was the last time you laughed because God brought joy to your heart? It need not take bearing a child at the age of 75 to bring joy. In fact, joy is a byproduct of hope, community, and grace. When God's grace visits us, and we enjoy that grace in the community of others who know the blessing of grace, hopes are kindled for a better tomorrow. And that brings true joy.
Perhaps we need to reclaim such joy. That's God's gracious gift. It's best shared in community ("everyone who hears will laugh..."). It brings us hope...
2021-09-2303 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhen God Comes ThroughMuch of this Abraham and Sarah narrative is not about the delivery of the promised child. It is about the struggles, foibles, and setbacks that come along the way. Life is not a series of yay God days, one after the other for most people. We can easily identify with Abraham and Sarah in their times of testing, waiting, struggling, questioning, and nearly giving up hope. The Bible is clear about that.
The biblical record is also clear about God's good will and trustworthy nature in those times of waiting. God will make good on the good t...
2021-09-2204 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsCuarto y Quinto and BeyondThere is no hiding the fact that sin had been committed. Although Abimelech had not "approached" Sarah, there had been deception, and a dangerous path was afoot. And everyone had excuses for his behavior. Nevertheless Abimelech did what he could to rectify the situation. He returned Sarah to Abraham, and provided gifts meant to show his and Sarah's innocence.
On some level you'd have to say that Abimelech made it right. And God healed Abimelech and his wife and the women of his household. Because Abraham prayed for him, much had been and subsequently was set aright.
2021-09-2105 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWe Preach Best What We Need MostOne of the foundational truths of God’s word is that he is creator of all that exists. His creation is fallen, broken, and corrupt(ed). The devil has been at work and had his way with us. And whenever we give into the temptations of the evil one, our own sinful flesh, or the world’s allure, we sin against God.
Maybe that’s not profound to you. But it is to me. I need God’s forgiveness. And so do you. For all my sins, great and small. Sometimes God prevents us from sinning, just as he di...
2021-09-2005 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsGod's Grace Abounds!Sunday's message at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Port Isabel, Texas
2021-09-2019 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsFear, Forgetfulness, and Faith: Faith Wins!Abraham and Sarah succumb to the same temptation that is recorded in Genesis 12:10-13. Now more than 25 years later, they try the same scheme. Abraham's and Sarah's fear and forgetfulness conspire to take this path of deceit. Thankfully that path is cut short by God. His intervention takes the form of the dream of Abimelech, and the stern warning to him. Why not Abraham? Why not Sarah? It is not clear. What is clear, however, is that the intervention works and Sarah is restored to Abraham, and this episode passes. Another chapter in the long saga of a fallen...
2021-09-1704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsGod's People Are Real PeopleGod's people are sinners. They are forgiven sinners. And they are also the ones God uses to intercede for others. We serve the Father as broken vessels of God's grace. And if, once in a while, our brokenness becomes evident, we can be thankful that God's grace abounds. And perhaps it will leak out from us and be a source of blessing and favor to others.
2021-09-1605 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWho are you in this story?We will certainly not place ourselves in this story as the One who orchestrates it all. We're not the One to whom everyone else must answer. We are not the One who holds life and death in our hands. We are not the One who saves and destroys.
We are, however, his. And that identity is most important of all. We are the children of God. His beloved. His redeemed. His precious. His delight. His joy. And from whomever else's perspective we may view the events in this account, our true identity is found in his loving...
2021-09-1404 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSin has its consequences, and yet we hope.The sins of the world in which we live do not escape his attention. And this is where we live. This is no fairy tale world. Whether it's the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the horrific destruction of earthquake, famine, or hurricane, God's people are not exempt from life as it really is. These may be direct acts of God's judgment or the real and harsh consequences of life in a fallen world. But in any case these are God's call to repentance and fair warning of a more grave and ultimate judgment.
Thanks be to God...
2021-09-1305 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSunday Message: Will You Pray for Your Chrissy?I'm serving at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Port Isabel, TX during September 2021. This message is about the Priesthood of All Believers and our calling to pray for the lost and erring.
2021-09-1220 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsDo the right thing!Perhaps Zoar is a symbol for Jesus: a little town, a man of little human consequence (cf. Isaiah 53). But his commitment to doing the right thing never wavered. He never flenched from loving God. He never failed in his pure and perfect love for sinners. He is our refuge from the coming destruction of every evil power, plan, pretension, or place known to man and the powers of this world. But step through the door of this city and discover just how large is God's heart and love, his grace and kindness. The joy of his salvation knows no...
2021-09-1004 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsLet Not God's Warning Go UnheededHow easy it is for us to dismiss the urgent call to repent, reorder our lives, abandon evil pursuits, or escape judgment or destruction! Lot almost falls prey to the lure of waiting and ignoring the imminent danger that will soon befall Sodom and Gomorrah. Had the angels not compelled him - taken him by the hand - he likely would have perished.
I suspect there are some lessons for me here. There may be a sin to confess, a promise to claim, a warning to heed, a hope to embrace, a vice to abandon that I...
2021-09-0904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWeakly Whispered PrayersWe may have a lot in common with Lot. His prayer is weak and pleading. We might occasionally feel very weak. While there may be times for us to claim a faith like Abraham's, we can lean into the goodness, mercy, and kindness of God in every situation. In those weak and uncertain moments, we can remember this encounter with Lot and the promise of Isaiah 42:3, which says that God "will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle." Knowing that may make even the weakest prayers stronger.
2021-09-0804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsMercy!Here in Genesis, God's mercy delays the city's destruction to allow Lot and his family to escape. Ours may not be as dramatic or obvious. But one thing remains: God's mercy is a precious gift. If grace is receiving something we don't deserve and mercy is being exempted from punishment we do deserve, we can rejoice in both. We see it here in Genesis. We ought to look for it every day of our lives and give thanks to God for it.
2021-09-0704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsTake Heed!Is there a warning you’re ignoring? Are you too ready to conclude that people are crying wolf when they sound the alarm? I have no strong opinion about the current crises call about climate change. I’m pretty certain that the COVID-19 crisis is real. But I’m totally convinced that God’s call to repent and believe the gospel is absolutely vital. It is a message that must be heard. And believed. And heeded.
Maybe it’s a relationship that gets patched up. Perhaps it is a sin to be abandoned. It could be an overall la...
2021-09-0605 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHow to Multiply God's KingdomIt may not be obvious that we should care to multiply God's kingdom...until we give thought to what Jesus did to bring us into his gracious reign and rule, and why he did it.
2021-09-0523 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsTruth and Grace: What if they don't receive it? What if they do?Some people, for fear of rejection or other loss simply don't speak up. They don't want to look silly in the eyes of others. They don't want to sacrifice relationships for the sake of a clear witness. They don't want to sound extremist, or alarmist. Or fanatical. Maybe I'm one of those people.
I haven't always been. In college I took my Bible to a philosophy class and shared Jesus' words from Matthew 5. I was jeered at and summarily dismissed. The girl I was really interested in dating told me, "Don't be a fanatic, Dave." That hurt. I...
2021-09-0304 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsYeah. Yeah. Yeah. NO!We might think we can distance ourselves from a dismissive attitude toward God. We might assume that we always pay attention to God's warnings. We might even labor under the false idea that since God hasn't done one of his direct and dramatic acts of retribution in our recent memory, he won't deal summarily with us. We've skated this long. We've been able to bend God's will to ours all this time. He won't come down on us. If you know how this story unfolds, you'll recall that the sons-in-law and Lots's wife's nonchalance will not be well-rewarded.
2021-09-0204 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsRescued by the Hand of the LordMaybe you've seen or felt the rescuing hand of God. Maybe you've not. But the angels of God watch over his people. And sometimes circumstances unfold that can only be the providential care and rescue of a loving God who wishes none to be lost, for all to be found and be saved from eternal doom.
2021-09-0104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsRelentless PursuitLet no one misunderstand what Jesus did when he died on the cross. He stood the devil down. He did not give in - even when forsaken by his Father. He did not let their jeers, taunts, and torture dissuade him from his perfect love for God and lost sinners reaching its pinnacle. He died in faith, sacrificing himself for the sake of sinners. And he destroyed the power of the devil. We may wish for a more obvious and dramatic show of God's judgment. But when it does not come we must remember why God seems slow. He...
2021-08-3105 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSurely You Don't JestA life of gluttonous indulgence of any kind certainly does not honor God. And pride in any sort of lifestyle that does not honor God is idolatry of the worst kind. I have no doubt that the most obvious sin of Sodom seen here is a lustful homosexual desire. But I know from my own heart that sin too easily deceives. And warnings that we might dismiss as excessive and unnecessary ought not to be taken lightly, nor spoken in jest.
2021-08-3005 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSalt and LightWe are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We can have a positive impact in the world. We can enlighten people about the reign and rule of God. And in the process, perhaps we can prevent the catastrophic consequences of sin from having free reign and destroying our communities and us.
There are times we need to stand in the gap for loved ones and difficult situations. Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and others have done this. Maybe you have too. Thanks be to God for Jesus who stood in the gap for us...
2021-08-2705 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWeighed and Found...Nothing less than 100% purity is sufficient for our standing before God. James 2:10 tells us clearly that, "whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." And Paul tells us, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, and do them" (Galatians 3:10). Jesus himself tells us that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees if we are to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20).
So what are we to do? I don't know anyone who is 100% without...
2021-08-2604 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWho has the inside scoop?We have been told by God of his intent for the future of the whole world. We've learned of this through his word. This is no trivial factoid. There is a weight that goes with this knowledge. As we think on that, it might even shape our desire to know of our neighbor's latest bit of gossip. Knowing of our neighbor's need brings the weight of acting in love toward that neighbor. Helping him. Praying for her. Listening to their stories. Walking with her through the dark valleys. Rejoicing with him on the mountaintops.
2021-08-2504 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsStanding Before Powers and AuthoritiesLook at Abraham! He is not only willing to speak out, he's willing to speak out to God! He stands before the Lord: "Abraham still stood before the Lord." That's bold. That's brave. That's gutsy! Or maybe, just maybe that's what bold faith looks like.
It's called Fides Heroica (Heroic Faith). And the Father of Faith (Abraham is known by that name) is exercising it here. Heroic Faith will stand up to God. Not in defiant arrogance, but in expectant boldness. Not in inopportune insistence, but in confident expectation.
2021-08-2405 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWill God tell us? What lesson are we to learn?God may let us know of things so that we may be warned. It could be that his intent and even his revelation of that intent (consider the book of Revelation for example), is so that we may be warned. It might also be so that we are prepared. In other words, as we read the prophecies of Scripture (think again of Revelation), those ought to prepare us for the challenges we may face, and remind us of God's justice, holiness, and most of all his love.
I may need that reminder now and again. And I...
2021-08-2306 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsAt the Appointed TimeThe timing of God is an elegant and marvelous thing. He is seldom in a hurry. Never late. Never early either. And while we wait for his promises to become reality we must do all we can to live into them, and act on those things over which we do have control...all the while imagining how wonderful it will be to experience the fullness of their fulfillment.
And experience them we will. For that is God's promise to us, secured in his Son, Jesus Christ, to be fully and completely realized at the end of all...
2021-08-2004 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsIs Anything too Marvelous for God?God is over all things. And while that is not the center of my theology, it is a immutable truth connected to the central hub of God's grace. And the translation of the NASB helps get at that. I believe, more than anything else, that God is gracious and merciful. He is forgiving and good. God is love. And he has all the power needed to do the good things he has in mind for Abraham. And for you. And for me.
I need to remember that. For there are times when his ways are difficult and...
2021-08-1903 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Privilege and Honor of HospitalityToday we took our granddaughters to the Children's Museum in downtown Houston. Then we went to the "It's my pleasure," place (Chick-Fil-A) for lunch. I don't know who came up with that idea. Try it sometime...say thank you to a Chick-Fil-A worker and you're sure to get, "It's my pleasure," in return.
I wonder whether we need to be more like those workers. More like Abraham. More like the best Hotelier. The most sincerely-accommodating maître d'. Lydia. Check out her story in Acts 16:11-15. Who knows what kind of good news you might hear!
2021-08-1803 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhen God Speaks to Our SoulsSometimes God shows up in power and might. Think Elisha and the prophets of Baal. Or Isaiah in the year King Uziah died. Or God talking straight with Job. Think the crossing of the Red Sea. There can be no mistaking the power, majesty, glory, and dominion of God in those moments.
But think, too, of the still small voice. Remember Jesus' silence before Pilate. Call to mind God walking in the Garden in the cool of the day, and asking simply, "Adam, where are you?" This moment in Abraham's life is an encounter with God. And...
2021-08-1704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsEntertaining Angels UnawaresThere's something about real people communicating real truth to real people. On this occasion the angels assume all the properties of real people. And their message is a message from God. We may think of angels as winged creatures with etherial appearance. But the message makes the angel. For the word angel itself means messenger. How many times have we heard a message from God and not recognized the messenger as an angel from God?
2021-08-1605 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsNew Testament CircumcisionWhether child or adult, the blessings of baptism come from God through the word. And whether adult or child, they remain in the water apart from faith. Martin Luther rightly says, "Baptism is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's word." It offers the blessings of God: forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. And it does all this because the word of God is connected with the water. And those blessings are received by "faith that trusts that word of God (again, Luther).
2021-08-1304 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsEven when no one is watchingAnd God is gone. We don't have a clear expression of God's omniscience at this point in the biblical narrative. God has not revealed himself as redeemer. God has not necessarily even revealed his name. There is no threat either. No, "or else." No, "if you don't..." Just a promise and a command. You will have a son. Circumcise all the males of your family. Perhaps here we need to read "family" as "household," a very extended grouping of people related to Abraham in any manner whatsoever.
2021-08-1203 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsNaming NamesPerhaps you are an Isaac: a child of God with whom God has established his covenant. Maybe you are a Sarah, one who will yet deliver a gift to the world. Are you a laughing boy, the child of promise, the fruition of your parents' hopes and dreams? If so, fulfill your destiny and become all God intends for you to become - under his gracious favor - no matter what your name may be. You might be an Ishmael, one who is not part of the covenant, but whom God will bless. Will you receive the invitation to...
2021-08-1106 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsLaughing Matters, Part 2Maybe you've thought as I did that it was Sarah who first laughed and who therefore triggered the naming of Isaac (his name means, he laughs). Funny thing (pun intended!). I had it wrong. Abraham laughs first. So did Abraham. Sarah will have her time later, and will be called on it. God's word will be accomplished. What he says happens. From, "Let there be light," to "You will have a son," when God speaks, things happen.
2021-08-1009 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsNo Laughing MatterIs there a promise of God that would invite your faith? Your tears? Your laughter? Believe this: God's promises are absolutely reliable, good, profound, and life-saving. That's no laughing matter.
2021-08-0904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Part I do not LikeDo you believe, trust, hope in, and wait for the eternal blessings of Jesus? Do you believe he is your righteousness? Are you baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Do you repent daily and daily drown the old nature? Do you rely on God's grace in Jesus? It's that simple. Faith in Jesus gives eternal life. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
2021-08-0504 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsI Know the Future......God wins! That's good news for all who yearn for God's grace in Jesus.
2021-08-0505 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhite SUVs and Discoveries of GraceThe more aware we are of our identity as children of God through baptism, perhaps the more aware we will be of others who share that identity.
2021-08-0303 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsCounsels and Consequences of God’s GraceThe idea of God’s grace is no new idea, originating even in the times of Abraham. It springs from eternity, from the heart and character of God. And this covenant of grace is eternal in its consequences: God’s grace impacts every aspect of our lives throughout all eternity.
2021-08-0203 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsFaithful LivingWhat does it mean to live by faith? It is a beautiful braid of waiting, hoping, and trusting in God’s promises.
2021-07-3003 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsCovenant and KingdomGod has a claim on us because of his love. He calls us to a life of faithful obedience. The more we learn about God’s character, the better we will be able to express that in our daily lives.
2021-07-2903 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsCovenant and KingdomGod has a claim on us because of his love. He calls us to a life of faithful obedience. The more we learn about God’s character, the better we will be able to express that in our daily lives.
2021-07-2903 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsOur Proper but not Permanent PostureThe place of utter humility on our face before God is not meant to be a permanent place. We need to go there to the extent that God convicts us of our sins. But we need, also to hear God's call to walk with him faithfully, and live to his honor. And trust his promises. He will not fail you. Or me. Or anyone who puts her faith in him.
In the end, our posture will be hands raised in joy and praise to God for his glorious grace. That will be quite a day!
2021-07-2803 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhat's in a name? Ask AbrahamOn this occasion God reveals a new name for himself. He is God Almighty (Hebrew: El-Shaddai). This is the first time God reveals this name. There is something new here. The term is quite properly translated God Almighty. This will be a revelation of God's power. Sarah will bear a son.
2021-07-2605 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsOnce is Not EnoughTimes pass slowly as we wait to see the fulfillment of these promises. That's why God has repeated them for us to hear and believe. As we wait, we who are both saint and sinner, need also to be reminded to live up to our identity as daughters and sons of God.
God has reminded us of this many times. Because once is not enough.
2021-07-2604 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhen God shows upThere are choices and consequences we all make and face. But we have been found by God. God's first action is to seek and save the lost. While we thank God for his rescue, let's not ignore his commands, nor fail to heed his warnings.
2021-07-2305 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHis eye is on the sparrowThe One whose eye is on the sparrow has a heart for lost and hurting people. He sees. And he saves.
2021-07-2104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSin does not stop GodSin causes great and grave harm. But God is not prompted by sin. He conquered it.
2021-07-2004 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Rule of the Hole and the Rule of Sinful ForaysFaithlessness always leads to sin of one kind or another. And sin begets sin. Repent! Believe! Bring forth the fruit of repentance!
2021-07-1905 min
Golden Hour PodcastDerek Bahn (Hurley In-House Photographer)Derek Bahn is a multifaceted artist who is the Senior In-House Photographer at Hurley International as well as a freelance photographer and graphic designer. Derek is skilled in portraiture, fashion and action sports photography from skate to surf. CONTACT UShttps://www.ghp.fm/contactFOLLOW DAVEhttps://linktr.ee/davemazeFOLLOW CONNORhttps://instagram.com/connor_mccaskill
2019-10-2952 min