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.”

What are you spewing?

John 7:37-39

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given,because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Red Flower - David Bahn

Several obstacles stand in the way of even the Christian being a blessing to others. One would be our belief that we have nothing to give to others; what we have is far less than what others need. Another would be the tendency of others to reject us and the gifts and blessings we offer; people easily dismiss the blessings and belittle the intent of Christians toward them. So why give them? Still another would be our own sinful and selfish desire to live only for ourselves; we focus on ourselves, our needs, and our desires to the exclusion of others.

We must repent of all of these attitudes on our part. If we think we have nothing to give; we must repent: we have Christ in us, and the Holy Spirit overflows our souls with living waters to refresh others. If we think others will only reject our gifts, we must repent: the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of grace which flows to all – without regard to the person’s initial willingness to receive the gifts. That’s the only way we were brought to faith, for we are all sinful and have no desire for the things of God apart from the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. If we are being selfish and self-centered, we must repent: we do not live for ourselves, we live for Christ and seek his kingdom in all things by loving and serving our neighbor.

That’s the work of the Holy Spirit: changing our hearts, converting the godless, and inspiring a generosity and abundant graciousness in those who believe in Jesus that overflows into the life of others. So if you are spewing a you-don’t-need-what-I-have-to-give attitude, or an it’s-all-about-me approach to life be sure that such doesn’t come from the Holy Spirit. Repent and believe in Jesus and let the rivers of living water flow from within you to others. That’s our calling and our privilege in Christ!

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One response to “What are you spewing?”

  1. Sandy Bingham Avatar
    Sandy Bingham

    These words of Truth seem to be straight from God to my heart. Thank you for being obedient to speak His words through His word. Your blog blesses me!

    Reply

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