David Bahn - Reflections

I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today's readings are Luke 4; Deuteronomy 8; Numbers 15; 2 Kings 5 .

I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today's readings are Matthew 4; Psalm 91; Isaiah 9; 1 Chronicles 21 .

I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today's readings are Luke 3; Genesis 10; 11; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 .

I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today's readings are Mark 1; Leviticus 13; Isaiah 44; 61 .

I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today's readings are Luke 2:39-53; Deuteronomy 16; Psalm 48; Psalm 84 . In today’s readings, do you notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in? What do you learn about God, about yourself, or about the world? Is there one verse or thought that stands o...

I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today's readings are Matthew 2; Micah 5; Hosea 11; Numbers 24; Joshua 20 .

Today's readings are Luke 2:1-38; Exodus 13; Leviticus 12; 2 Chronicles 7 . In today’s readings, do you notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in? What do you learn about God, about yourself, or about the world? Is there one verse or thought that stands out to you today? Talk to God about it.

Today's readings are Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7; Psalm 130; Deuteronomy 22 . In today’s readings, do you notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in? What do you learn about God, about yourself, or about the world? Is there one verse or thought that stands out to you today? Talk to God about it.

Today's readings are Matthew 1:6-17; 2 Kings 3; 18; 19; 1 Chronicles 3 . In today’s readings, do you notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in? What do you learn about God, about yourself, or about the world? Is there one verse or thought that stands out to you today? Talk to God about it.

Today's readings are Matthew 1:6-17; 2 Kings 3; 18; 19; 1 Chronicles 3 . In today’s readings, do you notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in? What do you learn about God, about yourself, or about the world? Is there one verse or thought that stands out to you today? Talk to God about it.

Today's readings are Matthew 1:1-4; Genesis 38; 46; Numbers 7 Baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we carry the only name that ultimately matters. The name that saves. The people named in these genealogies testify of God's far-reaching grace. Shown in Jesus. Celebrated by saint and sinner alike.

Today's readings are from John 1:1-14; Psalm 36; Job 29; Exodus 40 When the Second Person of the Holy Trinity takes on human flesh he becomes more real for us. And so does religion, faith, truth, hope, love, and salvation.  The Word became flesh...full of grace and truth. So profound. So simple. Such a mystery. Such a blessing. This faith we profess and believe is not just a concept. It is emb...

Today's readings are Luke 1:39-80; 1 Samuel 2; Ezekiel 24 & 29 God doesn't smite people for fun - an overstatement to be sure. His ways are part of a more sweeping story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. The rise and fall of Babylon, Egypt, and Israel are part of the cosmic span of history. The manner of setting things right falls on the shoulders of Jesus, who will take...

Today's readings are Luke 1:14-38; Malachi 4; Leviticus 10; Jeremiah 33 Most followers of Jesus are willing to play second fiddle to Jesus. But as Christ-followers, we are also to be willing to play second fiddle to one another. Philippians 2:3 says, "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." In other words we ought alway...

When we go to worship in a church building we can thank God for those who built it and who make it available for us even today. Although God is present everywhere. He has promised to be present in a very special way where two or three are gathered in his name, and when we receive the Lord's Supper where Jesus' body and blood are present in a mysterious, miraculous, and merciful way. God de...

The Great Commission is recorded in some form or another in Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21-23; and Acts 1:8 . These words of Jesus reflect at least 10 references in the Old Testament ! This is no new commission. It is the Great Commission. Under the authority of the risen Jesus, for all people of all time to hear the Good News of his redemption and invitation into the r...

This is God’s gift - a peace beyond understanding, a peace unlike the world gives. A peace that is not just a greeting, salutation or closing. “Peace to you,” he says. Believe it. Receive it! Peace, dlb

Jesus' resurrection, profoundly good news, and the Holy Spirit's work through the two change hearts, hope, future, purpose, and people.   This is the heart-changing power of God at work—through the risen Christ, the truly good news, and the outpoured Spirit. And just as those first disciples were transformed from fear into joyful witness, so we too are called, equipped, and sent to live bo...

God's Word has created light where there was darkness, hope where there was despair, and life where there was death. Now, through His living Word—Jesus Christ—He calls us to reflect His light into the world. "For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthian...

God's promises are sure to be fulfilled. Our prayers in Jesus' name will be answered. Our sins have been forgiven. We have an eternal hope stored up for us. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus has also said, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak&quot...

I preached at Messiah Lutheran Church in Houston on April 27. The text is John 21:19-31. Enjoy this special edition of my podcast.

Jesus meets us right where we are—troubled, doubting, hungry for reassurance. He doesn’t shame us for our questions; instead, He offers Himself. His scars. His peace. His life. And just like the disciples in that upper room, we are invited not just to believe about Him but to know Him, trust Him, and rejoice in the living Lord who comes to us even now, saying: "Peace be with you.”

Your story may not be as dramatic as that of the Emmaus disciples. But it is the same Lord Jesus who has touched your heart and given you new life. We've all got a story to tell. If we tell it rightly we won't be the hero. We'll point others to Jesus and he will be source of praise, worship, and joy.

God moments. Spiritual awakenings. Moments of inspiration. Wesley spoke of his heart being strangely warmed as he read Luther's introduction to Luther's commentary on Romans. Luther said, when he discovered the gospel message, "It was as though I was born again, and entered into paradise itself." It is the inner peace of Christ, the peace that passes understanding. The Emmaus dis...

Scripture witnesses to the truth of all Jesus said. In one of his parables, Abraham tells the Rich Man, “They have Moses and the Prophets...If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” Jesus' resurrection validates the message of Moses and the prophets. What more do you need to believe?