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.”

Holding it All Together

Ephesians 1:1-10

 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

   To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Nativity (4 of 55)
Nativity (4 of 55)

There are times when we simply cannot hold it all together. The one player in the multi-party deal decides not to play: the deal falls apart. The critical stitch in the too-tight jeans gives away: the pants come apart at the seams. One critical person lets loose on you at the office: you won’t be gathering your friends for that promotion party after all. Illness, economic down-turns, unexpected death; even losing football teams can make our worlds fall apart.

That’s why it’s good to know that there is One who holds all things together. In Jesus all things are united, all things hold together. In him puzzle pieces fall into place. This is because of his grace, mercy, forgiveness, and eternal will and purpose. No matter how far from him we are, he still loves us. No matter how great our sins, his death prevails over them. No matter how out of control our lives may be, his will is eternally good and will prevail. No matter how confused we become his wisdom speaks into our lives.

If we are willing to put our lives into the perspective of the Lord Jesus Christ, his will, grace, wisdom, purpose, and timing, we will discover a path forward – no matter what challenge we may face. Praise be to God for Jesus! He holds it all together!

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