David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

Yea God!

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Rainbow at Masada - one of eight (8) we saw that day
Rainbow at Masada – one of eight (8) we saw that day

As I’ve always said, “Yea God!” Well…sort of. On the one hand the phrase wasn’t original with me. I heard Bill Hybels use it at a conference I attended. But it caught my fancy, and I began to use the phrase whenever it seemed appropriate to express thanks to God in a more informal setting or manner. “It’s a yea God day!” I would say – to almost anyone. Let’s give those children a “Yea God!” I might say after a musical offering at a VBS closing. We would all applaud. The glory goes to God. First. Last. Always. Thanks to Bill Hybels (or whoever inspired him) for sharing. Here’s the drill: You say it the first time, “As Bill Hybels says, ‘Yea God!’” The next time you say, “As I’ve said before, ‘Yea God!’” Then you can say, “As I’ve often said, ‘Yea God!’” Or, “As I’ve always said…”

And there’s the rub. We don’t always say, “Yea God” or any more formal manner of expressing praise and thanks to him. We don’t always give him the glory he deserves – even in the church. We complain. We moan. We lament sometimes as though there is no hope. But if we will remember that God can do more than we ask or imagine, and if we believe God is a God of grace, love, and goodness – along with his mighty power, we will surely fill our speech more and more with thanks and praise to him. “Yea God!” will be the tip of the iceberg of praise that we will offer as we see and anticipate his grace and goodness in our lives.

This has been a good three days at the Best Practices for Ministry Conference in Phoenix. Diane and I have gotten to share insights about leadership, marriage and ministry, and changing church culture at several of the break-out sessions. The attendees have been eager and appreciative. The keynote speakers have been inspiring. We have been encouraged. For all this I say, “Yea God!” To him be the glory – now and forever! Yea God!

Discover more from David Bahn – Reflections

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Posted in

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.