Steve Bezner
@bezner.bsky.social
Longtime pastor turned Truett Seminary prof of Pastoral Ministry. Trying to take Jesus seriously. Peacemaking and BBQ enthusiast. Author Your Jesus is Too American.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom
of heaven is theirs.
—Matthew 5:3
The kingdom is not for those who think they have it all.
It’s not even for those who think they have some.
It’s for those who recognize they have nothing—and need the grace of God.
for the kingdom
of heaven is theirs.
—Matthew 5:3
The kingdom is not for those who think they have it all.
It’s not even for those who think they have some.
It’s for those who recognize they have nothing—and need the grace of God.
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom
of heaven is theirs.
—Matthew 5:3
The kingdom is not for those who think they have it all.
It’s not even for those who think they have some.
It’s for those who recognize they have nothing—and need the grace of God.
for the kingdom
of heaven is theirs.
—Matthew 5:3
The kingdom is not for those who think they have it all.
It’s not even for those who think they have some.
It’s for those who recognize they have nothing—and need the grace of God.
“I will be ready to witness…
against those who oppress the hired worker,
the widow,
and the fatherless;
and against those who deny justice to the resident alien.
They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies.
—Malachi 3:5
against those who oppress the hired worker,
the widow,
and the fatherless;
and against those who deny justice to the resident alien.
They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies.
—Malachi 3:5
November 24, 2025 at 1:02 PM
“I will be ready to witness…
against those who oppress the hired worker,
the widow,
and the fatherless;
and against those who deny justice to the resident alien.
They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies.
—Malachi 3:5
against those who oppress the hired worker,
the widow,
and the fatherless;
and against those who deny justice to the resident alien.
They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies.
—Malachi 3:5
My cousin recently moved to Bend, Oregon, and their Turkey Trot is named “I Like Pie.”
Now that’s a race I can get behind.
Now that’s a race I can get behind.
an apple pie sits on a white plate next to a fork and knife
ALT: an apple pie sits on a white plate next to a fork and knife
media.tenor.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:28 AM
My cousin recently moved to Bend, Oregon, and their Turkey Trot is named “I Like Pie.”
Now that’s a race I can get behind.
Now that’s a race I can get behind.
I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
—Zephaniah 3:19
When we gather to enter the Kingdom, we may be surprised to see who Jesus puts at the front of the line.
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
—Zephaniah 3:19
When we gather to enter the Kingdom, we may be surprised to see who Jesus puts at the front of the line.
November 22, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
—Zephaniah 3:19
When we gather to enter the Kingdom, we may be surprised to see who Jesus puts at the front of the line.
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
—Zephaniah 3:19
When we gather to enter the Kingdom, we may be surprised to see who Jesus puts at the front of the line.
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
—Habakkuk 3:17-18
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
—Habakkuk 3:17-18
November 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
—Habakkuk 3:17-18
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
—Habakkuk 3:17-18
Think of some truly evil people. People who hate God and everything holy—people you genuinely despise.
Now: Imagine them repenting and receiving grace and love from the LORD.
How would you feel about such lavish grace?
Angry? Disappointed? Frustrated? Cheated?
This is the book of Jonah.
Now: Imagine them repenting and receiving grace and love from the LORD.
How would you feel about such lavish grace?
Angry? Disappointed? Frustrated? Cheated?
This is the book of Jonah.
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Think of some truly evil people. People who hate God and everything holy—people you genuinely despise.
Now: Imagine them repenting and receiving grace and love from the LORD.
How would you feel about such lavish grace?
Angry? Disappointed? Frustrated? Cheated?
This is the book of Jonah.
Now: Imagine them repenting and receiving grace and love from the LORD.
How would you feel about such lavish grace?
Angry? Disappointed? Frustrated? Cheated?
This is the book of Jonah.
Killed two spiders, hung some curtains, and got JB a peppermint shake from CFA.
Racking up the Husband Points™️ over here.
Racking up the Husband Points™️ over here.
November 20, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Killed two spiders, hung some curtains, and got JB a peppermint shake from CFA.
Racking up the Husband Points™️ over here.
Racking up the Husband Points™️ over here.
For three sins of Israel,
even for four, I will not relent.
They sell the innocent for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
They trample on the heads of the poor
as on the dust of the ground
and deny justice to the oppressed.
—Amos 2:6-7
God cares about the needy, poor, and oppressed.
even for four, I will not relent.
They sell the innocent for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
They trample on the heads of the poor
as on the dust of the ground
and deny justice to the oppressed.
—Amos 2:6-7
God cares about the needy, poor, and oppressed.
November 19, 2025 at 12:20 PM
For three sins of Israel,
even for four, I will not relent.
They sell the innocent for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
They trample on the heads of the poor
as on the dust of the ground
and deny justice to the oppressed.
—Amos 2:6-7
God cares about the needy, poor, and oppressed.
even for four, I will not relent.
They sell the innocent for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
They trample on the heads of the poor
as on the dust of the ground
and deny justice to the oppressed.
—Amos 2:6-7
God cares about the needy, poor, and oppressed.
Was excited to return from a few days travel to resume “Mistletoe Murders” with JB, only to discover they went behind a paywall while I was gone.
a man in a green elf costume says you sit on a throne of lies
ALT: a man in a green elf costume says you sit on a throne of lies
media.tenor.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Was excited to return from a few days travel to resume “Mistletoe Murders” with JB, only to discover they went behind a paywall while I was gone.
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
—Joel 2:28-29
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
—Joel 2:28-29
November 18, 2025 at 1:03 PM
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
—Joel 2:28-29
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
—Joel 2:28-29
One of my favorite things to do as a pastor was to serve the Lord's Supper.
I loved looking around the room from the Table, thinking about how I would spend eternity with those people.
On Wednesday I get to teach on how to serve the Supper.
Genuinely giddy.
I loved looking around the room from the Table, thinking about how I would spend eternity with those people.
On Wednesday I get to teach on how to serve the Supper.
Genuinely giddy.
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 PM
One of my favorite things to do as a pastor was to serve the Lord's Supper.
I loved looking around the room from the Table, thinking about how I would spend eternity with those people.
On Wednesday I get to teach on how to serve the Supper.
Genuinely giddy.
I loved looking around the room from the Table, thinking about how I would spend eternity with those people.
On Wednesday I get to teach on how to serve the Supper.
Genuinely giddy.
Regarding what you say on social media, be sure to think about:
* Your tongue (the words you use)
* Your tone (how you say them)
* Your timing (is this the right time?)
--Niki Roberts
* Your tongue (the words you use)
* Your tone (how you say them)
* Your timing (is this the right time?)
--Niki Roberts
November 13, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Regarding what you say on social media, be sure to think about:
* Your tongue (the words you use)
* Your tone (how you say them)
* Your timing (is this the right time?)
--Niki Roberts
* Your tongue (the words you use)
* Your tone (how you say them)
* Your timing (is this the right time?)
--Niki Roberts
His dominion is
an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.
—Daniel 7:14
an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.
—Daniel 7:14
November 12, 2025 at 12:19 PM
His dominion is
an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.
—Daniel 7:14
an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.
—Daniel 7:14
Pastoral care is discipleship.
It models Christlike character for the church, and it models how those receiving care (and those observing the care) might one day provide care if or when they are in a position to do so.
"Follow me, as I follow Christ."--1 Cor 11:1
It models Christlike character for the church, and it models how those receiving care (and those observing the care) might one day provide care if or when they are in a position to do so.
"Follow me, as I follow Christ."--1 Cor 11:1
November 11, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Pastoral care is discipleship.
It models Christlike character for the church, and it models how those receiving care (and those observing the care) might one day provide care if or when they are in a position to do so.
"Follow me, as I follow Christ."--1 Cor 11:1
It models Christlike character for the church, and it models how those receiving care (and those observing the care) might one day provide care if or when they are in a position to do so.
"Follow me, as I follow Christ."--1 Cor 11:1
In pastoral leadership, there are times to be pragmatic, but there should be certain principles you would never surrender, even if pragmatism demands otherwise. Once a church loses those principles, it begins to lose its soul.
November 11, 2025 at 4:08 PM
In pastoral leadership, there are times to be pragmatic, but there should be certain principles you would never surrender, even if pragmatism demands otherwise. Once a church loses those principles, it begins to lose its soul.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.—Daniel 2:21-22
The LORD, the giver of insight. Seek Him.
The LORD, the giver of insight. Seek Him.
November 11, 2025 at 12:18 PM
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.—Daniel 2:21-22
The LORD, the giver of insight. Seek Him.
The LORD, the giver of insight. Seek Him.
The vision of the river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel 47 is a powerful reminder:
That which flows from the house of the LORD should bring healing.
Foul water turns to fresh. Life multiplies. It feeds trees whose fruit feeds the hungry and leaves heal.
The LORD is a God of life.
That which flows from the house of the LORD should bring healing.
Foul water turns to fresh. Life multiplies. It feeds trees whose fruit feeds the hungry and leaves heal.
The LORD is a God of life.
November 10, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The vision of the river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel 47 is a powerful reminder:
That which flows from the house of the LORD should bring healing.
Foul water turns to fresh. Life multiplies. It feeds trees whose fruit feeds the hungry and leaves heal.
The LORD is a God of life.
That which flows from the house of the LORD should bring healing.
Foul water turns to fresh. Life multiplies. It feeds trees whose fruit feeds the hungry and leaves heal.
The LORD is a God of life.
A few closing thoughts on SNAP:
November 6, 2025 at 12:27 PM
A few closing thoughts on SNAP:
If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
November 6, 2025 at 12:04 PM
If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
November 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.—Ezekiel 33:6
A few random things we are enjoying these days:
Show: “Mistletoe Murders”
Book: “Demon of Unrest”
Music: The Band CAMINO, Charlie Puth
Snack: Brown Butter Sea Salt Rice Krispie treats
Show: “Mistletoe Murders”
Book: “Demon of Unrest”
Music: The Band CAMINO, Charlie Puth
Snack: Brown Butter Sea Salt Rice Krispie treats
November 6, 2025 at 2:25 AM
A few random things we are enjoying these days:
Show: “Mistletoe Murders”
Book: “Demon of Unrest”
Music: The Band CAMINO, Charlie Puth
Snack: Brown Butter Sea Salt Rice Krispie treats
Show: “Mistletoe Murders”
Book: “Demon of Unrest”
Music: The Band CAMINO, Charlie Puth
Snack: Brown Butter Sea Salt Rice Krispie treats
Then all the trees
of the field will know
that I am the LORD.
I bring down the tall tree,
and make the low tree tall.
I cause the green tree to wither
and make
the withered tree thrive.
—Ezekiel 17:24
of the field will know
that I am the LORD.
I bring down the tall tree,
and make the low tree tall.
I cause the green tree to wither
and make
the withered tree thrive.
—Ezekiel 17:24
November 5, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Then all the trees
of the field will know
that I am the LORD.
I bring down the tall tree,
and make the low tree tall.
I cause the green tree to wither
and make
the withered tree thrive.
—Ezekiel 17:24
of the field will know
that I am the LORD.
I bring down the tall tree,
and make the low tree tall.
I cause the green tree to wither
and make
the withered tree thrive.
—Ezekiel 17:24
The word of the LORD came to me:
“Son of man, you are living among a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.”—Ezekiel 12:1
“Son of man, you are living among a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.”—Ezekiel 12:1
November 4, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The word of the LORD came to me:
“Son of man, you are living among a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.”—Ezekiel 12:1
“Son of man, you are living among a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.”—Ezekiel 12:1
Those slain by the sword
are better off
than those slain by hunger.
—Lamentations 4:9
LORD, as we come to your Table hungry for the Bread of Grace, let us be reminded to extend that same grace by sharing our bread with the hungry around us.
are better off
than those slain by hunger.
—Lamentations 4:9
LORD, as we come to your Table hungry for the Bread of Grace, let us be reminded to extend that same grace by sharing our bread with the hungry around us.
November 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Those slain by the sword
are better off
than those slain by hunger.
—Lamentations 4:9
LORD, as we come to your Table hungry for the Bread of Grace, let us be reminded to extend that same grace by sharing our bread with the hungry around us.
are better off
than those slain by hunger.
—Lamentations 4:9
LORD, as we come to your Table hungry for the Bread of Grace, let us be reminded to extend that same grace by sharing our bread with the hungry around us.
I am increasingly convinced that many of the issues we see plaguing today's evangelicalism stem directly from an impoverished understanding of the Trinity.
Flat monotheism leads to a hierarchical vision.
Trinitarianism leads to an interconnected vision.
The implications of each vision are legion.
Flat monotheism leads to a hierarchical vision.
Trinitarianism leads to an interconnected vision.
The implications of each vision are legion.
October 31, 2025 at 7:54 PM
I am increasingly convinced that many of the issues we see plaguing today's evangelicalism stem directly from an impoverished understanding of the Trinity.
Flat monotheism leads to a hierarchical vision.
Trinitarianism leads to an interconnected vision.
The implications of each vision are legion.
Flat monotheism leads to a hierarchical vision.
Trinitarianism leads to an interconnected vision.
The implications of each vision are legion.