David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”
  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 53: What a Promise!

    49 Week Challenge – Day 53: What a Promise!

    NOTE: I will have limited access to internet for the next two weeks. Be assured, however, that even if I don’t post here I am keeping up the 49 Week Bible Challenge. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are John 6; Nehemiah 9-10; Job 9.

    John 6:35-40

    Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

    Backyard Daylily – 7 of 10 | Cypress, TX | April 2025

    I’ve probably recounted this here before, but the impact of the incident – brief as it was – has stayed with me for 48 years.

    I served my vicarage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It happened one Sunday at the end of the service as people were filing out, shaking hands with the pastor and me. “Oh pastor,” she said, “that was the most wonderful message. I so needed to hear it.”

    His text was from John 6:37 where Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me I will in never cast out.” It was one of four or five sermons I can recall hearing over the past many years. But it left a lasting impression. The pure good news of God’s grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ is sweet to the ear and salutary to the soul. It obviously impacted her greatly.

    Just now, thinking about it, I wonder whether there is another promise in these few verses that is profound and impactful – if we but take it to heart. For the promise of being received by Jesus requires that he be gracious, forgiving, and loving. What’s more, it is necessary for the second promise to come to pass. For Jesus promises to raise us up – we who come to him – on the last day.

    Eternal life is sometimes little thought of. Too often we think it’s little more than pie in the sky in the sweet by and by. But if you take the idea of life to the fullest, it’s more than just existing, breathing, eating, sleeping and having as much fun as you can. Life in the fullest sense – Jesus calls it life in abundance – is a full experience of every good thing God has to offer.

    Today’s readings included a chapter from Job. Job makes a point of lamenting the unapproachable nature of God. There is no way we can defend ourselves before God.

    “Truly I know that it is so:
        But how can a man be in the right before God?
    3 If one wished to contend with him,
        one could not answer him once in a thousand times. – Job 9:2-3

    Then comes Jesus. “Whoever comes to me, I will never cast out.” That’s quite a promise. And a second is remarkable as well: “Everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” What a promise – both of them!

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 52: The True Source of All Things

    49 Week Challenge – Day 52: The True Source of All Things

    NOTE: I will have limited access to internet for the next two weeks. Be assured, however, that even if I don’t post here I am keeping up the 49 Week Bible Challenge. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Luke 9:1-27; 2 Kings 4; Ezekiel 10.

    2 Kings 4:25-37

    When the man of God saw [the widow] coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. 26 Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.” 27 And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.” 28 Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” 29 He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child.” 30 Then the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. 31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”

    32 When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. 33 So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. 35 Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” 37 She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.

    Backyard Daylily – 6 of 10 | Cypress, TX | April 2025

    My grandson gave me an executive summary of the Harry Potter storyline. There are many parallels to biblical themes of the forces of evil, the spiritual powers in the world, and even the resurrection. As I listened to him, I remarked that it is easy to understand why some people look at the Bible as a collection of fairy tales, myths, and superstitions.

    The record of these encounters with Elijah might be candidates for such conclusions. A servant is to lay his staff on the dead boy as though it might heal him. Elijah’s elaborate actions – laying on top of the boy, walking around the house, laying on him again, and the child sneezing seven times all cause me to wonder what’s really going on. You might easily dismiss all this as superstitious shenanigans.

    But I see a couple different themes here, and it’s not just some sort of literary finesse. The servant’s staff doesn’t do the trick. The healing will come from a much more intimate encounter with God’s servant. I notice also that Elijah prayed to the LORD. He knew that neither the staff or he himself was the source of life.

    And that’s the point. God is the source of all things. Life over death. Righteousness over sin. Faith over fear. Hope in the face of despair. Some people want to pick everything apart. Some will even make a big deal out of the staff and Elijah’s act of laying on top of the boy. I’m not so inclined. I’m much more willing to admit that I don’t understand some things in the biblical narrative. There are plenty of things I do understand and which call me to faith in God who is the source of life, hope, forgiveness, love, and salvation.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 51: Forgive us, Lord, for Feast that Knows No Fast

    49 Week Challenge – Day 51: Forgive us, Lord, for Feast that Knows No Fast

    NOTE: I will have limited access to internet for the next two weeks. Be assured, however, that even if I don’t post here I am keeping up the 49 Week Bible Challenge. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Mark 6:24-56 and Esther 7-10.

    Mark 6:30-44

    The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

    Backyard Daylily- 5 of 10 | Cypress, TX | April 2025

    Forgive us Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness, is a hymn with deep expressions of confession (“forgive us”) and exhortation (“teach us”). We enjoyed a time of great celebration last Saturday, with feasting of many kinds. It was a time for true and deep thankfulness to God – not only for the gifts, but to the giver – God himself.

    Jesus’ act of feeding the 5000 is an example of a feast unlike any other worldly feasts we might experience. It’s certainly different from the feast at which Herod would foolishly put himself in a position to have to behead John the Baptist. It is dramatically different from the feast at which Haman experienced a turn of fate that no one would ever wish to encounter.

    It was also different from most feasts we would consider as such. Fish and bread! That’s it?!? Can’t you do better than that? The only thing similar to most feasts these days is that there were leftovers!

    We are a sated lot. We Too often and too easily complain when the steak isn’t cooked to our liking, our coffee is not piping hot, or the dessert doesn’t meet our expectations. But rather than needing a different entree, we need a new “wanter” – that part of us that sets expectations and presumes to wish for things our eyes find appealing but our character cannot handle.

    Jesus fed the 5000 and they were amazed and no doubt thankful. Perhaps we need to sing the hymn – or at least pray it today:

    Words By William Watkins Reid Sr.

    Forgive us, Lord, for shallow thankfulness,
    For dull content with warmth and sheltered care,
    For songs of praise for food and harvest press,
    While of Your richer gifts we’re unaware:

    Teach us to thank You, Lord, for love and grace,
    For life and vision, for a purpose clear,
    For Christ your Son, and for each human face
    That shows Your message ever new and near.

    Forgive us, Lord, for selfish thanks and praise,
    For words that speak at variance with deeds;
    Forgive our thanks for waling pleasant ways
    Unmindful of a broken brother’s needs:

    Teach us, O Lord, true thankfulness divine,
    That gives as Christ gave, never counting cost,
    That knows no barrier of “yours” and “mine,”
    Assured that only what’s withheld is lost.

    Forgive us, Lord, for feast that knows not fast,
    For joy in things that meanwhile starve the soul,
    For walls and wars that hide Your mercies vast
    And blur our vision of the Kingdom goal:

    Open our eyes to see Your love’s intent,
    To know with minds and hearts its depth and height;
    May thankfulness be days in service spend,
    Reflection of Christ’s life and love and light.

    Words © 1965, Ren. 1993 The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Company)

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 50: For Such a Time as This

    49 Week Challenge – Day 50: For Such a Time as This

    NOTE: I will have limited access to internet for the next two weeks. Be assured, however, that even if I don’t post here I am keeping up the 49 Week Bible Challenge. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Mark 6:22-23; Esther 4-6.

    Esther 4:10-14

    Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”

    12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

    Backyard Daylily- 4 of 10 | Cypress, TX | April 2025

    Diane and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary yesterday and what a celebration it was. So many family members. So many friends. So many church members! And the food! WOW! Great job Dana Bahn! She outdid herself. We had a great time.

    And it was time to be sure. For Such a Time as This was the name of a stewardship campaign we undertook several years ago. The phrase comes from this passage in Esther – the only book in the Bible where God is not mentioned(!). But the providence of God is all over every turn of the plot of this delightful account of Queen Esther’s bravery and Haman’s duplicity.

    As the story unfolds we see a dramatic turn of events as God orchestrates things in such a manner that greed, deception, and pride run their self-destructive course toward ignominy.

    Esther interceded in behalf of the Jewish people. They were saved from destruction at that time.

    In the New Testament we learn that Jesus was born at just the right time (Galatians 4:4-5). God’s insertion of himself into the drama of our redemption has resulted in the ultimate deliverance. Our sins are forgiven. Death has been swallowed up in victory. Satan is defeated. We have been eternally spared.

    For such a time as this: perhaps you will have an opportunity to step into the breach in behalf of God’s grace and truth to thwart the work of the evil one.

    For such a time as this: it’s more than a slogan. It is the way of God who offers kairos moments and sets up divine appointments (cf. Ephesians 2:10). For his glory and our neighbor’s good and our eternal joy.

  • Today’s Psalms for June 22, 2025

    Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

    Psalm 22

    O Lord, 

    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
        Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
    2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
        and by night, but I find no rest.

    3 Yet you are holy,
        enthroned on the praises of Israel.
    4 In you our fathers trusted;
        they trusted, and you delivered them.
    5 To you they cried and were rescued;
        in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

    6 But I am a worm and not a man,
        scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
    7 All who see me mock me;
        they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
    8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
        let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

    9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
        you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
    10 On you was I cast from my birth,
        and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
    11 Be not far from me,
        for trouble is near,
        and there is none to help.

    12 Many bulls encompass me;
        strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
    13 they open wide their mouths at me,
        like a ravening and roaring lion.

    14 I am poured out like water,
        and all my bones are out of joint;
    my heart is like wax;
        it is melted within my breast;
    15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,
        and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
        you lay me in the dust of death.

    16 For dogs encompass me;
        a company of evildoers encircles me;
    they have pierced my hands and feet—
    17 I can count all my bones—
    they stare and gloat over me;
    18 they divide my garments among them,
        and for my clothing they cast lots.

    19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!
        O you my help, come quickly to my aid!
    20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
        my precious life from the power of the dog!
    21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!
    You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

    22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;
        in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
    23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
        All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
        and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
    24 For he has not despised or abhorred
        the affliction of the afflicted,
    and he has not hidden his face from him,
        but has heard, when he cried to him.

    25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
        my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
    26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
        those who seek him shall praise the Lord!
        May your hearts live forever!

    27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
        and turn to the Lord,
    and all the families of the nations
        shall worship before you.
    28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,
        and he rules over the nations.

    29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;
        before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
        even the one who could not keep himself alive.
    30 Posterity shall serve him;
        it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
    31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
        that he has done it.

    Psalm 52

    Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?
        The steadfast love of God endures all the day.
    2 Your tongue plots destruction,
        like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.
    3 You love evil more than good,
        and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah
    4 You love all words that devour,
        O deceitful tongue.

    5 But God will break you down forever;
        he will snatch and tear you from your tent;
        he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
    6 The righteous shall see and fear,
        and shall laugh at him, saying,
    7 “See the man who would not make
        God his refuge,
    but trusted in the abundance of his riches
        and sought refuge in his own destruction!”

    8 But I am like a green olive tree
        in the house of God.
    I trust in the steadfast love of God
        forever and ever.
    9 I will thank you forever,
        because you have done it.
    I will wait for your name, for it is good,
        in the presence of the godly.

    Psalm 82

    God has taken his place in the divine council;
        in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
    2 “How long will you judge unjustly
        and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
    3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
        maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
    4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
        deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

    5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
        they walk about in darkness;
        all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

    6 I said, “You are gods,
        sons of the Most High, all of you;
    7 nevertheless, like men you shall die,
        and fall like any prince.”

    8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;
        for you shall inherit all the nations!

    Psalm 112

    Praise the Lord!
    Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
        who greatly delights in his commandments!
    2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
        the generation of the upright will be blessed.
    3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
        and his righteousness endures forever.
    4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
        he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
    5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
        who conducts his affairs with justice.
    6 For the righteous will never be moved;
        he will be remembered forever.
    7 He is not afraid of bad news;
        his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
    8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
        until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
    9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
        his righteousness endures forever;
        his horn is exalted in honor.
    10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
        he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
        the desire of the wicked will perish!

    Psalm 142

    With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
        with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
    2 I pour out my complaint before him;
        I tell my trouble before him.

    3 When my spirit faints within me,
        you know my way!
    In the path where I walk
        they have hidden a trap for me.
    4 Look to the right and see:
        there is none who takes notice of me;
    no refuge remains to me;
        no one cares for my soul.

    5 I cry to you, O Lord;
        I say, “You are my refuge,
        my portion in the land of the living.”
    6 Attend to my cry,
        for I am brought very low!
    Deliver me from my persecutors,
        for they are too strong for me!
    7 Bring me out of prison,
        that I may give thanks to your name!
    The righteous will surround me,
        for you will deal bountifully with me.

    The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.
    ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by
    Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

  • Special Edition: Rejoicing Along the Way

    Special Edition: Rejoicing Along the Way

    Romans 12:9-12

    Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

    Yes, That’s us 50 years ago!

    On June 21, 1975, Pastor Robert Lange preached our wedding sermon based on Romans 12, focusing on the verses I’ve included above. His theme was, “Rejoicing Along the Way.” He emphasized the need for hope, prayer, and love as we walk with Jesus, along the Way. The Way was first used to describe the earliest followers of Jesus, and he encouraged us to remain true and faithful to Jesus throughout our lives.

    We’ve had our fits and starts Along the Way, but Jesus has been our constant, and he has never failed us. We arrive at our 50th wedding anniversary deeply thankful for each other, committed to each other, and ever more thankful for his commitment to us and his perfect faithfulness to us.

    To that end a prayer and a verse…

    Dear Heavenly Father we join today in giving you thanks and praise for your great love and faithfulness toward us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. By his faithfulness we have weathered some difficult times, faced some great challenges, and overcome some hard obstacles. But our overwhelming praise to you is for the years and years of blessing, love, and joy we have experienced together as husband and wife. I would never even have made it through seminary without Diane. And Diane might list blessings she has experienced from me. But we both rejoice in the four sons you have given us, their wives, and children: ten grandchildren and one great grandson! And the people you have sent into our lives over the years! Church members we have grown to love, church staff we have bonded with, friends all over the world – such a gift, blessing and joy! As we celebrate today we give you the honor, praise, and glory even as we rejoice in our mutual love for each other. Thank you for all these gifts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

    In Christ Alone – with apologies to Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

    In Christ alone our way is made;
    He is our hope, our strength, each day.
    Our lives are his, his joy is ours –
    He gives us grace and staying power.

    His love sustains, his mercy binds,
    Our boundaries drawn with pleasant lines.
    We praise him for gifts from his hand;
    Here in his grace and love we stand.

    In Christ alone our future’s sure.
    We walk with him – safe and secure –
    Not in our strength or in our might;
    We need his grace to walk in light.

    His grace and strength to carry on,
    Forgive each one the other’s wrong,
    Give us true hope and confidence;
    We thank him for our love and bliss.

    So here and now, we celebrate
    Christ’s love and ours on this gold date.
    For fifty years we’ve sung this song,
    Loving each other kind and strong.

    What joy is ours, what grace divine!
    Dear God above let your love shine
    Into our hearts and lives so we
    May sing together eternally!

    – David Bahn
    June 20, 2025

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 47: Little or Great Faith

    49 Week Challenge – Day 47: Little or Great Faith

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 14; Leviticus 18; Genesis 40; 1 Chronicles 10.

    Matthew 14:22-33

    Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

    28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

    Backyard Daylily | Cypress, TX | April 2025

    Sometimes faith is heroic. You get out of the boat and walk on water. You touch the fringe of Jesus’ garments. You tell Jesus that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. You hear Jesus say, “Great is your faith.”

    Then other times faith is weak, frantic, almost ashamed. Peter flails in the water, sinking fast, yelling, “Lord save me!” Disciples exclaiming to Jesus when he tells them they must forgive someone 70X7, “Increase our faith” (cf. Luke 17:5). The father of the demon-possessed boy saying to Jesus, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” (cf. Mark 9:24 ).

    Sometimes faith simply waits. Joseph in prison, having interpreted the Baker’s and the Cupbearer’s dreams, and being forgotten for a time (cf. Genesis 40), until the cupbearer remembers him. Hannah waiting for the birth of a son. Sarah and Abraham waiting (sometimes not waiting) for the birth of the son of God’s promise.

    But when faith is placed where it belongs – not in our strength of will or fervency of prayer, but in God – it finds a solid base. But faith falsely-placed is like investing in a Ponzi scheme. You will be left with nothing in the end.

    I had that thought today as I reflected on Peter’s cry for help as he was sinking. Jesus reached out his hand and saved him. Joseph was ultimately saved. The woman was healed. The father’s child was healed. Even doubting Thomas was shown a living Lord.

    Rather than trusting our own strength, convictions, understanding, or holiness, best we trust in the One who saves, heals, and honors even the weakest faith.

    PS: I’m listening to a book called, The Widow Spy, by Megan Campisi. It’s a historical novel about a woman who has hidden her identity and smoothed her persona, including her speech and mannerisms. A line caught me today that may apply indirectly to the issue of faith. “A person gives up a lot to be so smooth.” We don’t have to be smooth to be accepted by God, but we do have to give up on the idea that we can save ourselves in any way other than faith in Jesus.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 46: Finding Peace Amidst Division

    49 Week Challenge – Day 46: Finding Peace Amidst Division

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 10; Micah 7; Jeremiah 50; 1 Samuel 14.

    Matthew 10:34-42

    [Jesus says,] “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

    40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

    Back Yard Day Lilies | Cypress, TX | April 2025

    Oh that peace would come to the Middle East. If only the fighting in Ukraine and Russia would cease! Might there be an end to the violent demonstrations in San Francisco and Chicago? Seems everywhere we turn there is war and rumor of war. Our troops and bases are on high alert in the Middle East for fear of Iran’s attack. Many think it’s just a matter of time before another terrorist attack is leveled against the United States.

    When Jesus was born the angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth. Good will toward men!” When Jesus appeared to the disciples that first Easter his first word was, “Peace!” When the wind and rains buffeted the boat, Jesus stood up and said, “Peace! Be still.” And all was calm.

    But now he tells his disciples that he did not come to bring peace to the earth, but a sword. How can this be?

    The fault lies completely with man. Men and women deny him access to their hearts. They want nothing to do with Jesus’ teachings. People within our own households will be divided: some will believe Jesus. Others will reject his claims on their lives.

    Jesus knew this would be the case. He knew there would be conflict over him and his teachings. He tells the disciples that right out. If we preach and teach only peace we will be leading people astray. Jesus would not do that.

    But neither would he leave his followers without peace, hope, and comfort. There will be those who welcome Jesus’ emissaries. Someone will give a child a cup of water. People will receive the truth of God through his prophets.

    So as we take to the streets, we can be sure of God’s provision – even as we should not be surprised by rejection and even persecution in the face of our good intentions and faithful witness. We need not go looking for trouble, but we can be assured of Jesus’ faithfulness, protection, and provision as we join him on his mission.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 45: Sometimes we carry, our friends. Sometimes they carry us.

    49 Week Challenge – Day 45: Sometimes we carry, our friends. Sometimes they carry us.

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 9; Hosea 6; Numbers 27; 2 Chronicles 35.

    Matthew 9:1-13

    And getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

    9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

    10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

    Tattered Bloom | Cypress, Texas | February 2025

    Two Sundays ago I preached at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas. I used passages from Proverbs, Job, and John’s gospel which speak of friends. I also named some names: Jerry, Lloyd, Gary, and Jim, among others. I spoke of how each of these friends blessed me. They helped me see the truth about myself. They encouraged me to stay the course. They helped me see things more clearly. They refreshed my spirit. Friends are a great treasure. You might say, sometimes our friends carry us through difficult times.

    That is certainly what is happening in this encounter with Jesus and the lame man. His friends carry him to Jesus. What a blessing he received from Jesus through their act of merciful service. They literally carried him to Jesus.

    Sometimes we need to be carried to Jesus. A friend will pray for us in the time of our illness. A friend will sit with us in our time of grief. A friend will remind us of Jesus’ promises in the face of loss. A friend will turn us back to the paths of righteousness when we wander.

    Sometimes we may need to carry others to Jesus. A friend may need a hug and an assurance that she isn’t alone. A friend may need a Bible verse to remind him of God’s love and grace. A friend may need a nudge back to God, or even a strong push toward repentance.

    I have certainly been carried to Jesus by friends for whom I am deeply thankful. I have had the occasion to carry a friend to Jesus in an hour of trial.

    But, honestly, sometimes we don’t want to do this. We don’t want to bring our friends to Jesus, allowing him to comfort, love, and forgive them. In the moments of anger and conflict we would rather our friends just shape up and fly right. We would rather not have to relate to them through the cross of Jesus. We would rather keep the log in our eye as we try to take the speck out of our friend’s eye.

    Thankfully we have a friend in Jesus who laid down his life for us, who forgives sins (our biggest need), and who welcomes all those who come to him in brokenness and repentance.

  • 49 Week Challenge – Day 44: The Touch of Jesus

    49 Week Challenge – Day 44: The Touch of Jesus

    Click here for an audio version of this podcast

    I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Mark 5: Leviticus 15; Psalm 142.

    Mark 5:21-43

    And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him.

    And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

    35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

    Purple Daisies | Glacier National Park, Montana | August 2024

    Two touching events happen that impact three people directly, as well as several bystanders, and a multitude of people through the ages.

    The father of the child who lay sick in bed is impacted in many ways. He was concerned about his daughter’s illness. He was no doubt also distressed by the interruption of the woman with the issue of blood and Jesus’ attention to her. How relieved and joy-filled he must have been when Jesus healed his daughter.

    The woman with the issue of blood was not touched by Jesus but instead reached out to touch the hem of his garment. I love this imagery. This is testimony to both her desperation and her faith. And in that touch through faith she was healed. After 12 years of misery and shame.

    The touch of Jesus as he took the little girl by the hand and said, Talitha Cumi, the interesting touch of Mark recording the Aramaic. “Little girl, arise.” This particularly touches me as I think of the tender care Jesus took her by the hand. I think of my sister Kathy who died in our home at the age of just under 7 years. I love the thought of Jesus reaching out to take her hand and bring her back to life in the life of the world to come.

    Perhaps you can identify with the woman who had a chronic illness and sought to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe. Maybe you can feel the anguish of the anxious father seeking help for his little daughter. Maybe you’re like the disciples, who said “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”

    The touch of Jesus is precious, healing, freeing, and saving. May his grace touch our hearts and bring us healing, hope, peace, and joy.

    PS: If you wish to hear my sermon from June 14, 2025 Trinity Sunday/Father’s Day, click here.