David Bahn - Reflections

When a love of truth is combined with an attitude of humility great beauty unfolds. Discarding truth sullies humility, turning it into sentimentality. Truth held without humility is like a noisy gong and clanging cymbal (cf. 1 Corinthians 13). We have both of these in these few verses. I hope to display that beauty in my  teaching and life. I hope you will too.

The word of God, and the conviction that I stand on God's word, clearly expressed and conveyed gives me the strength and will to continue. I wouldn't suffer much resistance for any other reason. No political affiliation, no human association, no club oath, no ethnic identity deserves such complete and total allegiance.

My message at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Port Isabel, Texas

Jesus is at work in us. He even now offers supplications before the Father's throne, and seeks our good. He works also through those who serve his kingdom's goals, and sometimes in spite of us.

And his work is not in vain if we daily repent of our sin, and take up our cross and seek to "walk in a manner worthy of God."

Paul speaks of his attitude toward the people at Thessalonica when he says, "We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children" (v. 7). There is a time for tough love. There were times when Paul was harsh. But on this occasion especially, his tone is kind and gentle, reflecting the very nature of God's tender love for us. That soothes my soul and comforts my heart. I hope it does yours as well.

Some people don't feel the need for God's grace. Their consciences are seared. Some reject the idea that he is the sole repository of truth and the only way to God. Some people reject God's word. Some people want nothing to do with what they call, "your truth." But this is our confession, our delight, and our joy: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father apart from him. We need not look elsewhere. No one else has died for us. No one else has conquered death. No one else offers the pure joy and peace that he offers. And that's the truth. Let it be told!

If I am to order my life around pleasing God, I will be true to his word. I will obey his commands. I will encourage others in their walk. I will look to him for guidance. I will trust him above all things. That will sometimes mean suffering. I may be ridiculed. I may forego some worldly pleasures. I may miss out on some so-called fun. But I am choosing to align myself with God's will and ways. When I fail, I repent and God forgives. How about you, Dear Reader? What pleases you?

I'll be away from the microphone this week so there will be no audio version of my blog posts. I look forward to getting back to recording soon. Blessings in Jesus!

We’re not God. We don’t have the wherewithal to speak things into existence. We cannot know all there is to know. We don’t see the whole panorama of history. We don’t have a full grasp of even our own sins or motives. We cannot take the place of God and try to improve on what he has revealed. Nor are we well served by taking out things that God has said. There are only two religions in the world: that which God has revealed in Scripture, and that which man imagines. God’s religion is the far better choice.

Have you heard this invitation? Heed it. Invite others to join you as you come to Jesus and receive his free gift of the water of life.