Shows
David Bahn - ReflectionsFollow the Word: David’s Grief and Israel’s DivisionThese devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 17-19, Psalm 122.
2026-05-0805 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsFollow the Word: David’s Mighty MenThese devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey. Today's readings are 1 Chronicles 11-12, 2 Samuel 5, Psalm 119:49-72.
2026-05-0105 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsFollow the Word: David’s Victory – Saul’s Fear – Christ’s Greater TriumphThese devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 17-19, Psalm 111.
2026-04-2104 min
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 minDavid 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 - ReflectionsDefining and ConnectingPerhaps that's the lesson we are to learn when our prayers aren't answered while other's are. Our loved one is not healed, and someone far from God is. I don't think this is a punitive thing on God's part. But it may be a lesson to others about the far reach of God's grace and the breadth of his love.
When we do receive the special touch of God's grace we can be deeply thankful that God looked upon us with his favor. We don't deserve it. That's the nature of grace after all. But it is...
2022-02-2305 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhat do you need?We could spiritualize the things on the list Jesus references from Isaiah: spiritual blindness, captivity to sin, poverty of spirit. These are all real conditions we might consider in an honest moral self-inventory. I'll leave you to consider how that might apply to you.
But I want to suggest a different approach to how we hear and respond to Jesus' words here. There are people who are actually oppressed, poor, imprisoned, and blind. They need our prayers. They need Jesus' presence and deliverance. It all starts with the favor of God, and the Good News of his...
2022-02-2205 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHometown FavoriteI don't know too many people who presume upon God's grace. Or do I? Perhaps you and I do this all the time. Maybe we think we deserve special treatment because we're God's people. We think that because we believe in Jesus we get to go to the front of the line when it comes time for God to hand out favors. We might look at others less deserving in our own estimation thinking God owes us before he gives anything good to them.
One thing is for sure though. Jesus came to proclaim good news to...
2022-02-2105 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsNew Insights on the Lord's PrayerJesus was led into the wilderness, the abode of Satan, the realm of wandering. When the Israelites were led into the wilderness to escape Egyptian slavery, they gave into temptation. They fashioned an idol of gold. They grumbled. They refused to believe. They criticized their leaders. Jesus is being led to face temptation by the devil and he will not give in to it. He will be all that Israel was supposed to be.
I'm thankful for that, and have an ever deepening appreciation for Jesus' stalwart faithfulness, the urgency of praying against temptation, and undying thankfulness...
2022-02-1805 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsIt’s NOT all about the bassWe don’t have to be always in a defensive posture. It’s not that we wait for Satan to sneak up on us. We’ve got a calling to live under Christ in his kingdom and serve him in righteousness and purity (resisting temptation). But when Satan does come our way, we can stand firm with the armor of God, and fight him just as Jesus did with God’s word.
Whether it’s praying the Psalms, reading and memorizing Scripture, or meditating on God’s word daily, Scripture is a powerful weapon against Satan and his schemes...
2022-02-1706 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhat do you want it to say?Scripture interprets Scripture. There are some difficult passages in the Bible. Some even appear to contradict one another. The rule that Scripture interprets Scripture helps us here, pointing us to the clear teachings of the Bible in place of the sensational or confusing passages.
Satan will have none of that. He will use Scripture for his own purposes. He quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures. He twists truth to his own agenda: deceive Jesus, taking him down, thwarting God's plan. In every case - not just when Satan twists Scripture - Jesus appeals to the clear teachings...
2022-02-1605 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsAnother OpportunityWe cannot prevent the three enemies of our souls from intruding upon us. There is the devil. He will come and go. But we can use God's word to thwart his ploys. Then comes our own sinful nature, the flesh, in which "nothing good dwells" (cf. Romans 7:18). This we must daily drown by contrition and repentance, remembering that we are baptized into Jesus' death and resurrection, remembering that we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:1-6). But the world is all around us. And everywhere we turn it will seek to force us into its mold. Against that w...
2022-02-1508 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsTruth or DareJesus is truth incarnate. And his word embodies truth in every letter. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He promises that if we continue in his word we will know the truth, and by that truth find true freedom. And here's the mystery and paradox of Jesus' truth: "If we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).
To abide in Jesus' word and know the truth is to recognize our need for a Savior, to believe in Jesus of Nazareth as the one and only...
2022-02-1404 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsAppetite, Applause, or AmbitionWhether it’s appetite, applause, or ambition, the devil’s plays those to us in myriads of ways. A shortcut to success. A one-time fling to satisfy a deep yearning. Willingness to go along against our better judgment just so we can fit in. And Jesus withstood each one of these after 40 days of fasting.
Nothing is wrong with bread. God had promised to guard him with angels. And the temple was truly his abode. The problem with each was that Satan was setting the agenda. Satan was seeking to lead Jesus in this hour of temptation. And...
2022-02-1103 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSupposedlyLet's be clear: Jesus is God in the flesh. And that means we will have do deal with him. Not only as he speaks to the lost, telling them that they are forgiven and saved, but also in his harder sayings. Calling us to take up our cross and follow him. Commanding that we forgive someone 70 times 7 (most scholars believe this not to be a literal number, but a command that reaches as far as needed - 5000 times if need be). Confronting self-righteousness. Condemning self-serving religion. Pointing us to lose life in order to find it. Commanding us to...
2022-02-0904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsRound OneWhen Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat of the forbidden fruit, she was offered something that was pleasing to the eye, desirable for wisdom, and good for food. Glory. Fame. Bread. He has no new tricks. Jesus will not fall for any of these. None of them fill the soul - even though we need all of them to live and move and have our being.
But Jesus realizes that it is better to lose one's life than one's soul. He will not trade his true destiny for the best bread, the greatest fame or...
2022-02-0904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsA Real ManJesus was real. No fake. No illusion. No cardboard cut-out. A real air-breathing, heart-beating, flesh-laden, living being. This guy really happened. He really lived. He really taught. He really suffered and died.
Jesus was also true. True to God his Father in heaven. True to the Law of God. True to all God intended man to be. True to his friends. True to his enemies. True to all with whom he came into contact. Nothing false about him. No sham. No deceit. The truth, the whole truth, but truth coupled inexorably to grace and love.
...
2022-02-0804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsCheckered Past?Jesus has a checkered lineage. But that lineage will not define him in its failures. He is fully human, yet without sin. But he is also fully God. The mystery of the incarnation is therefore twofold. How could God become a man? I don't know, but he did. And Why did God become a man? This I know: to save and redeem us, to seek us and bring us with him into present purposefulness (apart from any human lineage), and eternal joy and bliss.
Thanks be to God!
2022-02-0705 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsA Ringing EndorsementOur sin has severed our relationship with God. All of us have done it. We've all sinned. We've failed to meet God's standards of perfection. So "the soul that sins will die," is not just a theological concept, it's a profound truth with which we must all deal. And because of that we fall short of God's glory.
But the word in Romans 3 is actually properly translated, "praise." All have sinned and fallen short of [earning, receiving] the praise of God.
But hear what God says to Jesus at his baptism: “You are my beloved Son...
2022-02-0404 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsBrothers and Soccer OpponentsHerod is using Satan's playbook. He will not give up. Not content with having Herodias as his wife, he will lock up John in prison, and ultimately have John beheaded in a foolish satan-inspired promise to Herodias' daughter (cf, Matthew 14:1-12). Not only is Herod using Satan's playbook, he's serving as Satan's shill. Satan is using Herod, and he will be the worse for it.
Josephus says that Herod, "feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it in his power and inclination to raise a rebellion; for they seemed ready to do...
2022-02-0303 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWinnowing Forks and Wheat BarnsWinnowing forks and unquenchable fire imagery conjures thoughts of judgment. But what of wheat barns? Judgment isn't just for the evil ones. It's not all about God giving us justice against those who wrong us. It's also about being saved, and finding an eternal home in God's storehouse of life and love. Jesus' first appearance would challenge the religious self-righteous (judgmental) ones. His second appearing will bring his own into that place of eternal safekeeping - free from every threat to body, heart, and soul. That's why Luke calls John's preaching good news. Jesus is coming to save. To...
2022-02-0204 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWho's got your GOAT vote?When Jesus makes his appearance he does little to trumpet is greatness. He requires no special treatment. He has no logo sown onto his tunic. He requests no special treatment, not even excusing himself from being baptized. This is the continuation of a remarkable journey. Jesus has come from the highest glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He has laid aside that glory, abandoned his heavenly throne, abandoned the worship of angels, and taken on human flesh. He became a baby. Unfathomable! Now he will step into the muddy waters of the Jordan River along with all...
2022-02-0104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsGreat ExpectationsSome people will tout one political candidate over another as the savior of America, freedom, Democracy, or peace in our time. Others may yearn for the superstar doctor to attend to them when they're ill. Still others long for a financial partner who will bail them out or solve all their retirement woes. Those may or may not be false hopes.
But we must be clear: Jesus, the Son of Mary, the Son of God is the True Messiah. He alone saves. Whoever points us to him is a great blessing and one to be appreciated. I h...
2022-01-3105 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsDo something non-religious for Jesus!The devil will attack us in both ways. He will try to lead us away from faith in Jesus and therefore to abandon the righteousness of Christ that saves. He will also tempt us to behave poorly toward others. Whether it's motivated by or an appeal to selfishness, fear, anger, lust, or greed, Satan delights to lead us to disobey God and harm our neighbor.
I'm a big fan of prayer, worship, giving, and all manner of godly religious practices. That's good. But the true evidence of that is the way I treat my neighbor. I hope t...
2022-01-2805 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHow long has it been?Next time you sit down to open up your Bible, why not take a minute (or 10 or 30) of silence. Think about all the people who invested in you and made you who you are today. Think about God's precious word and the promises and truths that shape your faith. And thank God for them all. For although God may be silent, he has spoken clearly in his word, and is always up to something - no matter how long it's been since you listened for him.
2022-01-2704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHigh and Low and the Great LevelingJohn is the one sent by God to raise the valleys and lower the mountains. He exalts the lowly and brings down those in high places. Jesus is the great leveler. No one has an exclusive hold on his grace and love.
Sometimes we need to be taken down a notch or two. We may be too puffed-up for our own good, and certainly for the good of others. Other times we may need a word of grace, hope, encouragement, and affirmation. Jesus provides that. Whether it is the form of Jesus calling the Jews whitewashed tombs...
2022-01-2604 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsBaptism...Is it really a big deal?Baptism was a big deal for the Jews of John's day. God was moving people to a right relationship with himself. It is a big deal today as well, for the blessings of Jesus await us in these waters. And we who have been baptized do well to listen to John. Remembering our baptism daily in repentance we must also "bear fruits in keeping with repentance." It's that big a deal.
2022-01-2505 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWho needs to repent?We have all manner of leaders and powerful people who care more about their power than their relationship with God. But even if they don't repent we must. And that is the second truth: now is the time for us to repent. Joe Biden is President of the United States. Vladimir Putin is President of Russia. Greg Abbot is governor of Texas. Matthew Harrison is President of the LCMS. Michael Newman is President of the LCMS Texas District.
You might have thoughts about each of these men and their need to repent. But that is for them...
2022-01-2406 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhat treasures do you hold in your heart?God has a big-picture view of life. He is writing a saga of redemption, salvation, glory, and blessing for all people through Jesus. And I believe that Mary knew this. I don't think she fully understood it, but she seems to have believed it. So she treasures the good and the bad, because Jesus, her son, is the Son of God. His birth was miraculous. His life would unfold in ways that would defy simple assessments of good or bad moments.
This is good for me to remember. What may seem like a set-back may be a...
2022-01-2005 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsNo Precociousness Here!When it comes to presumptuous behavior we human beings have that down to an art. Somehow we get the idea that we can call God into account for his actions toward us. We can question how God is drawing the lines in our lives and the lives of others. We can put God in the dock as C.S. Lewis speaks of. We can act as though God has to answer to us. But he does not.
Jesus would ask questions his whole life and ministry. "What do you think? A man had two sons... What does...
2022-01-1905 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsQuest for the Historical JesusMartin Luther famously said, "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ called us to repent, he meant that the entire life of the believer should be one of repentance." And when we repent, we will discover that Jesus has already come to us, is waiting for us, and has open arms (think the cross!) and an open heart. Just like Jesus' parents discovered that he was not lost at all, we will discover that he has never abandoned us. We've abandoned him. Thank God he's ready to be found, and welcomes us back into his heart whenever we repent.
2022-01-1806 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWho's doing what to whom?Jesus' actions are all about us. He was where he was because he had to be about his Father's business (or in his Father's house). Most translations have "Father's house." But the Greek says, literally, "about the things of my Father." Jesus shows that he is very clear about two things here. First that he knew there was a necessity to which he must attend if he was to be true to his identity as the Savior. Second, that Joseph as not his true Father. He was the Son of God. He knew where his allegiance lay.
2022-01-1705 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhat are you being prepared for?Jesus was the embodiment of all that man was created to be. And it was beginning to unfold in the sight of the world in these days. up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
But it would not come immediately. Jesus’ ministry would not unfold publicly for 30 years. He would grow up in his hometown of Nazareth, under the care and guidance of his parents, and as his age, wisdom, physical strength, and social stature progressed. Jesus was not delivered as a done deal, a complete package.
Jesus will grow up healt...
2022-01-1405 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHow many words do you have?It's easy to get into a conversation these days. Mention COVID. Ask about families' health. Comment on masks, vaccines, or mandates. You're likely to unplug a pent-up spew of words - all emotionally-laden and charged. But what if we would learn to see Jesus at work in our lives. What if we would marvel at his grace toward us? What if we made a point of bringing people words of grace and life.
Anna couldn't help herself in that moment. Perhaps you'll experience a moment like that as well, when God has shown up, and reminded you...
2022-01-1303 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHelp the Boy!We don't often think of Jesus as needing help. He is the Son of God after all. He is the Word who was in the beginning with God; who was God. He is the one to whom every knee will bow. He is the alpha and the omega.
But Jesus does need help. He cannot do the things required of in the Law of Moses. He had to rely on his parents to bring him to the temple. He had to rely on the priests to perform their duties. He had to live from his earliest age...
2022-01-1203 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsRelentless PursuitAnna is noted for her relentless pursuit: She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She pursued God. Day and night. In the temple. Worshiping and praying. And because of her habitual presence there, she was present when the baby Jesus was brought for his dedication and circumcision. She pursued God, and God showed up.
2022-01-1104 minDavid 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 - ReflectionsThis News is for YouJesus came not just for this small and insignificant, beleaguered and oppressed nation of people. And that out of that nation came the Savior of the world. And the Savior of the world, coming from the Jewish people came for gentiles as well as Jews.
So radical was this idea that there is an entire chapter devoted to the issue in Luke's Acts of the Apostles. This was radical. That a nation would share its god with other nations! That the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be the God of Greeks and Jews alike, not to...
2022-01-0704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Wrong SignA well-loved and ordered life is not a sign of God's favor. It may be a gift of his kindness and grace. It may be a hint of a better and even more full goodness to be experienced in the life of the world to come. But it is not a sign.
2022-01-0605 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Trinity of FaithJesus has appeared. And we are the richer for it. We can look back on what God has done in Jesus to save us. Yet we, too, must wait, hope, and trust. For although we have been saved by Jesus, we are yet being saved day-by-day through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. And yet we look forward to the time when we will be saved on the Great Last Day. Then all of God's promises will be fully fulfilled. Then we will be fully consoled. Then our hearts will have no rival god to woo us from...
2022-01-0504 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsTwo Turtledoves and a doveGod has acted. He has taken on human flesh. He has revealed this to shepherds in the fields. He has announced it with the praise of angels. The shepherds have told everyone they met of the message of the angels and birth of the Savior. Now he is letting Simeon know that he can depart in peace. He has fulfilled his promise. Jesus is God's salvation, and Simeon has seen it with his own eyes.
2022-01-0404 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe pathway to peaceful joyI need to recalibrate my spiritual chronometer. God does not work on my schedule. I need to align myself with his timing. I also need to be open to seeing just how he is working today through people who may seem inconsequential. There is only one Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, born 2000 years ago. But there are many people who God uses each day to further the cause of his kingdom. I wonder who I might see today? Those two perspectives go far to a life of peaceful joy.
2022-01-0305 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Second Song of Advent: Mighty, Merciful, & Mindful IIYou may recall my previous post regarding Mary's song. I used the Rick Warren, "If-my-bullet-fits-your-gun,-shoot-it" rule, although I applied it to the "bullet" supplied by Alistair Begg. He had an excellent message on Mary's song, and noted that she points us to a God who is mighty, merciful, and mindful. Those three words are actually in her song. Not all three words are in Zechariah's song, but the same three apply to his witness to God's character here.
2021-12-1003 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Second Song of Advent: The VisitIs there an area of your life you would wish Jesus would not visit? Is there a place you want to keep for your own purposes - no matter what he would call you to? Is there a time you wish to have it your way, apart from God’s way? If so, this is the time to repent. To recognize that you are in need of redemption. To seek God’s salvation from a self-seeking and self-destructive way of life.
And God is coming to you now through his word, to visit you with his grace and...
2021-12-0904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Second Song of Advent: Morning has Broken!Jesus has come to guide us to the path of peace. It is not found apart from his presence. Peace does not come in paths that turn from his commands. We will not find it seeking the fools gold of the world's glamor.
We might use the saying, "It suddenly dawned on me..." Like an idea popped into our minds. Jesus' appearing is like that - only more dramatic and far reaching. His is the light that shines on in the darkest night, and illuminates the pathway of true peace.
2021-12-0804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSPECIAL EDITION: NWHPC Christmas Party PrayerEvery December for the past several years when the Northwest Houston Photo Club holds its Christmas party, I am invited to offer a prayer. I take it as an opportunity to give a light-hearted witness to my Lord Jesus whose birth we celebrate. So, here is this year's prayer...
2021-12-0801 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSPECIAL EDITION: NWHPC Christmas Party PrayerEvery December for the past several years when the Northwest Houston Photo Club holds its Christmas party, I am invited to offer a prayer. I take it as an opportunity to give a lighthearted witness to my Lord Jesus whose birth we celebrate. So, here is this year's prayer...
2021-12-0801 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Second Song of Advent: Zechariah's Prophecy of SalvationWhat would you number as the world's greatest problems? War? Poverty? Human trafficking? Godless leaders? Human rights? Social injustice? Immoral political leaders? Financial inequities? To every one of these problems Jesus' grace and truth speaks. He is the prince of peace. He lifts up the poor and needy. He speaks truth to power. He points us to faithful suffering if need be and promises ultimate relief in the resurrection and the life of the world to come.
The world is a mess. And Jesus has come to redeem the world and all who are in it. He...
2021-12-0704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Second Song of Advent: Zechariah's ProphecyZechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. God opened his mouth to express his praise, and help the people look beyond even this current moment of great joy. After all, John has been born. She who was said to be barren has born a child. And no matter what anyone thought, his name would be John. As good as that was, Zechariah was moved to express praise to God for things reaching far beyond that moment.
So now the question is two-fold. Will we speak well of God? And will we recognize any good moment...
2021-12-0604 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsPraise! God Can Handle It!Mary's glorification of God is not for his benefit. It's so we will be directed toward the source of true joy, hope, life, and salvation. We may get distracted by celebrities and led astray by those who lack character. She is focusing our attention and directing our faith toward the Mighty One who has done great things. She is reminding us that the True God casts down the mighty from their thrones, and fills the hungry with good things. He is truly worth being magnified - not for his ego's sake, but for our faith and devotion.
2021-12-0303 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe First Song of Advent: The Power of PraiseHymns of praise serve purposes beyond their beauty. They set things in their proper perspective. When we praise God, we acknowledge his majesty, power, goodness, mercy, love, faithfulness, and holiness. He is like no other. And as we sing his praise, we realize - hopefully! - that there is no other who deserves such glory. The best athlete, finest artist, greatest musician, or most famous actor hold no candle next to God. He alone is worthy of all praise.
2021-12-0104 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe first song of Advent: God is mindful, mighty, and merciful. (Thanks Alistair Begg)God’s heart is tender toward us. He is not just present and powerful. He allows himself to feel our pain, and no trite manner. His Mercy is to those in need for each we can all say thanks be to God!
2021-11-3007 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe First Song of AdventMary’s song is the first song of Advent. We begin my learning from her about the grace and glory of God.
2021-11-2904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe first and the last wordGrace is God’s first wish for us and his lasting gift to us
2021-11-2603 min2021-11-2502 min
Lancefield on the LineAmii Barnard-Bahn: How to enhance your promotabilityWhat does it take to promote yourself in the best possible way? And how do you do it in a non-obnoxious way?Work on your self-awareness - explore your values, preferences and motivations. Get some insightful feedback (not forgetting your peers) on how you show up and understand what's valued by people who matter. Develop your executive presence, and your voice on topics that matter. And supercharge your strategic thinking. These are the elements of the Promotability approach pioneered by Amii-Barnard Bahn. More about Amii:Her work and profile...
2021-11-2438 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsSunday Message at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Port Isabel, TexasMark 13:24-37
2021-11-2119 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhen Justice is More than Balanced ScalesI see three ways beyond balanced scales that justice is reflected by God's people. Justice from the perspective of God is far more than balanced scales. In fact the notion starts with righteousness, which is a matter of faith. Genesis 15:6 is not a one-off. We are counted righteous by faith. And here we have faith expressing itself in three dimensions.
Humility and willing to help others
Willingness to carry our own load
Persevering in doing good
All of this is sustained by those who teach about God's justice. This also reminds me of Micah 6:8, "He has told...
2021-11-1904 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Both-And of Doing GoodIt is very easy to opt out of helping people in need. Take your pick: too busy. Too tired. Too poor. Too inept. Not really sure what is needed. Maybe sometimes we just don't care for that brother or sister in need. Maybe even within the family of faith there are those we'd just as soon ignore.
But the walk of faith is fraught with distractions, temptations, challenges, and missteps. If we think we can go it alone, we're dangerously mistaken. And if we think others don't need our help to stay on the straight and narrow...
2021-11-1804 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsHow important are you?Helping people can be messy. In fact Jesus got really messy when he helped us out. Obviously when he suffered and died it was a brutal mess. But even before that - early on and throughout his ministry he got messy. He consorted with tax collectors and sinners. He ate with prostitutes and people of questionable character. For that he got less respect. He was accused of improper relationships. Bad fellowship. But he changed people's lives by becoming involved.
We're certainly not more important than Jesus! And we've been saved. Forgiven. Redeemed. Made new.
Not...
2021-11-1704 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsThe Little Things that Fulfill a Great LawSometimes the littler things are more difficult to do than the big challenges. But we fulfill the law of Christ when we do the little things just as well as when we do the heroic ones.
2021-11-1604 minDavid Bahn - ReflectionsWhen God Is Not Quite MockedPerhaps few Jesus followers actually do cross the line of mocking God. But if James 2:10 means anything, it serves as a reminder that in fact, "there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We all need help once in a while.
Sometimes that help takes the form of sever intervention. Hopefully more often we intervene before drastic action is needed. But the purpose in every such intervention is to restore the sister or brother to the faith and fellowship of the redeemed. And that's the thing we must a...
2021-11-1505 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 Paradoxical Power of Self-ControlThose apart from Christ may have great storehouses of self-control. They may train harder, focus more intently on the task ahead, or manage their anger better than others. But apart from Christ and the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit they will not know true peace. Love will never be fully experienced. Joy will be momentary. Patience will have no God-factor. Gentleness will have nothing to do with faith.
Those who have the Holy Spirit, have Christ, and with him the truest expression of these gifts. Self-control helps us display that reality from a heart set...
2021-11-1105 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 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