David Bahn - Reflections

God moments come at God's pleasure. We may, sadly, sometimes miss them. But we should never pass up the opportunity to do good, offer kindness, or receive help when we are in need. Who knows how the spark might ignite into a flame? Who knows how far the ripples will spread? If God has set the appointment, surely we must not limit its impact.

God sees through every mask and veil. He knows us for who we are. And he loves us. Truly. Ne also loves that cranky neighbor, uncooperative co-worker, constantly-happy friend, and even that stern pastor. He loves you. Let's keep that in mind as we relate to those we meet today.

Trusting God's promises, seeing his hand of protection and provision, and watching Paul's faithful leadership and commitment to God's mission are fertile grounds for our spiritual growth. I'm reminded of Romans 15:4. Paul had not yet set foot to Rome when he wrote these words: "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Seems pretty clear to me that he took those words to heart. I want to do the same. How about you, dear Reader?

God has promised we who believe in him, and who seek his kingdom first, that all things will be added to us. He will take care of us. So whether in times of desperation, or just in this moment of awareness, thank God for his daily provision. Thank, praise, serve, and obey him. For not only has he promised to take care of us, he does so every day.

Click here for the ⁠Martin Luther Heretic Movie⁠ on YouTube.

Take care of your body. Eat more (or less???) food. Get more rest. Learn more about God. Good advice - whether Staupitz actually advised Luther to do it. And use the strength you gain to serve Christ more faithfully - not to mention enjoying a foretaste of the eternal rest and the feast to come. 

In the case of the shipwreck Paul’s intervention on behalf of the people on the boat, and the centurion’s intervention in behalf of the prisoners both saved lives. All 276 were kept alive and reached land. When we turn around, away from sin, and toward Jesus, our lives are saved for all eternity, and we will reach the eternal Promised Land.

We may need to get out of the boat to experience the fullness of taking our faith seriously. But we need to stay in the church to nurture our faith and encourage others in their faith in the One who is the original Water Walker.

Whatever fear looms large in your mind, or paralyzes your heart, know that God knows your name, and is at work in your life. Sometimes we see that more immediately than at other times. But take heart! God has this. He has you. And he is good. He is the one whom we should fear, love, and trust above all things.

No matter how dire the circumstances may be (brutal facts), there is always hope. Always. The tomb is empty. Our salvation has been won. We will rise with Jesus on the Last Day. That is the kind of hope that withstands even the most dire circumstance and brutal despair. 

Face the brutal facts - whatever they may be in your life; and

Hold onto hope - in Jesus' help here and now and in his salvation in the life of the world to come. 

Mother Nature isn't the one in charge of the weather. That's God's department. And since the creation of time, the weather has testified to God's omnipotence and man's limits. We may not like to face storms of any severity. But when we do we best look to God for help and salvation. Storms may well remind us of our human limitations, and our need to rely on God. We may need to take action to secure our lives and property in these storms, but we can take comfort in knowing that God is over it all.