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.”

All Things

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Lilac blooms hang heavy on this bush – a display of abundant beauty.

God is an “all things” God. He gives us all that we need to support this body and life. He forgives all our sins. He works all things together for the good of those who love him. He is over all things. He does all these things so that we may live lives that are all about honoring him in all things.

This morning radio talk show host, Bill Bennett (Morning in America) had a caller on who described going 2 weeks out of the month with no food so that his grandchildren could eat. I’m not certain just what that meant – even though the caller said he hydrated himself by drinking water and Kool-aid. But I do know that I have never had to miss a meal so that my children could eat. Not one. The grandfather’s expressive concern for his grandchildren and his story of sacrifice still echo in my heart and mind.

I wonder if today I need to give a few bucks to the homeless man on the corner. I wonder whether I need to reconsider how I will respond to Star of Hope, or Salvation Army, or LINC, or any number of other requests for help. I know I’m going to check on Feed the Children today and make a donation there.

I am convicted by that grandfather’s tears. But I am motivated by the all-providing goodness and grace of God. He has given me all that I have; and I have a lot. Today I want to express that in a real and tangible manner. The good news is that God has even more to give, and He’ll see to it that I have enough to abound in every act of generosity.

Prayer: You are my all in all, O God. You have given me all that I need to support this body and life. Thank you, heavenly Father. I will serve and obey you in all things. Give me an opportunity today, to abound in the good works you intend; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

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