David Bahn – Reflections

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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.”

Glory to God

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.

Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea

When the angels announce the Good News of great joy to all the people, they sing,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

When the whole company of heaven gather before the throne in heaven to praise the “Lamb who was slain” in Revelation, they sing:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)

God could wish to be known for many things. He could want people to honor him for his power, justice, holiness, might, wisdom, creative genius, or even require it of us as the Divine Sovereign. But God chose to woo us with his Son. He chose to come to us as a baby in a manger. He chose to redeem us by Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death. And we are the recipients of grace and peace – all for “the praise of his glorious grace.”

As I am tempted to blast away and rail against sin of every kind – though indeed sin must be called out – I must think of God’s grace. It is his calling card, his signature, his true essence. For God is love, and we do well to give glory to him for that!

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3 responses to “Glory to God”

  1. Melba and George Dodson Avatar
    Melba and George Dodson

    Hi David,

    Reply
  2. Melba and George Dodson Avatar
    Melba and George Dodson

    Greetings David and family. Everyone up here in Michigan is deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara. I had spoken to her recently about coming down to the Cape. We know she lives on in her daughters and all relations and friends that knew her. I always laugh when I think of her. Even during our talks on the phone her vibrant and loving nature came through. Bill, for all the Dodsons of Michigan

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Hi Bill! So good to hear from you again. It was very sad to lose Barbara. When I think of you, Darcel, and John, I imagine Darcel saying, “Barb! Get in the car! We’re going to the park!” – all with that Michigan accent (you probably think we have a southern accent, but we’re the normal ones -GRIN). Do greet your family for us. Many great memories flood through my mind of visits to see you in Detroit and great times together, even watching “Dick the Bruiser” wrestle on TV! Many blessings for a joy-filled Christmas!
      David

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