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.”

A challenging prayer

Today one of my devotional readings had this prayer:

Dear God, Thank YOU that for every hurt, every fear, every worry, every need, there is a remedy–through the power of the Resurrection, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the care of the Almighty, everything is going to be all right. As long as you are in control of my life, everything is going to be all right. I cling the Savior’s invitation to “come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). I praise you Father, for loving me so much that you sent your only begotten son, full of grace and truth, to take my sins upon him that I might be made righteous in your sight. Thank you for the tremendous sacrifice, for your love and mercy, for life eternal, for being all that really matters–for being my Remedy. I love you. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Beautiful! Challenging! Right on. It is beautiful because it is true. In the midst of pain and difficulty the presence of God is so very sweet and precious. But it is challenging because of sin. I find so many other ways to deal with my pain and hurts than taking refuge in the love of God. I try to secure myself apart from Him.

This is too often a safe confession. It seems safer to confess this than to confess murder or adultery or stealing. But it is at the core of our need for the Savior. To live apart from God in any area of life is dangerous: you cannot deaden just part of your heart; the deadness will either spread or we will become spiritually schizophrenic: compartmentalized.

But there is a Redeemer! Because of His love and grace, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live confident, hope-filled, and abundant lives. In our Lord Jesus Christ we find rest, grace, truth, and life. Indeed I pray:

Thank you, Jesus, for Your tremendous sacrifice, for Your love and mercy, for life eternal, for being all that really matters–for being my Remedy. I love you. Amen.

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