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.”

Withering Grass and Eternal Words

Isaiah 40:6,8

All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

IMG_4123
My 92-year-old mother at the dining table at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. 

It got a phone call last night at 1:19 AM. My mother had fallen again and this time hit her head. Don’t know how that happened, but I do know her falls are becoming more frequent, and this time more serious. She had hit her head and was acting a bit strange. So, I’m not certain what will happen today, or the next few days. But I’m certain we are seeing up close and personal that “all people are grass.” Grass withers. Human life does not go on in this world forever. At nearly 93 years of age we are facing that reality “up close and personal.”

After that phone call, I couldn’t sleep. I wasn’t worried per se, but I was troubled. I had just seen her the day before last, and realized she was getting more frail and feeble. And I couldn’t put my prayers so eloquently as my sister expressed to me how she was praying, “That the good Lord will take her home if it is time.” That seems so appropriate to me. I tried to form the words for a prayer that expressed that sentiment, but couldn’t find them. So I did what I often do when I can’t sleep in the middle of the night: I prayed the Lord’s Prayer. Several (but not many) times. I prayed for about an hour before I finally fell asleep.

Grass withers. Flowers fade. But the Word of the Lord stands forever. That is why I can pray such a prayer, and why I pray the Lord’s Prayer. God has promised in his Word that our sins are forgiven, that Jesus Christ has overcome the sharpness of death, and delivered us from the realm and rule of the devil to the rule and reign of God – a gracious, life-giving, glorious, joyful rule and reign under his love.

So it goes. We will see today what my mom’s situation is. That is an ever-changing reality. But the words and promises of God are eternal. Thanks be to God for his grace and truth, and the glorious gift of Jesus!

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13 responses to “Withering Grass and Eternal Words”

  1. Chuck & Lori Ronnenkamp Avatar
    Chuck & Lori Ronnenkamp

    Our prayers are with you &. your Mom.

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Thanks Lori.
      Latest update: She has a cut in the area around her eye with 5 or 6 stitches. She says she’s not in pain. We’re hoping that she will be able to go back to the Lutheran Home soon.

      Reply
  2. Celeste May Avatar
    Celeste May

    ECC staff is praying for your mom as well.

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Thanks Celeste & ECC Staff!
      Latest update: She has a cut in the area around her eye with 5 or 6 stitches. She says she’s not in pain. We’re hoping that she will be able to go back to the Lutheran Home soon.

      Reply
  3. Lori Stube Avatar
    Lori Stube

    Praying for your mother as well David!

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Thanks Lori. Good to hear from you.
      Latest update: She has a cut in the area around her eye with 5 or 6 stitches. She says she’s not in pain. We’re hoping that she will be able to go back to the Lutheran Home soon.

      Reply
      1. Lori Stube Avatar
        Lori Stube

        You have my continued prayers for your mom! —- My mother will be 92 this year on Sept. 27th, she however is doing very well and still drives her car around St George, Ut! I would love it if you could pray for my mother, Pearl Maurer, for continued blessings in her life! — So great to be back in contact with you! God’s richest blessings on your ministry!

  4. dlbpandp Avatar
    dlbpandp

    Latest update: She has a cut in the area around her eye with 5 or 6 stitches. She says she’s not in pain. We’re hoping that she will be able to go back to the Lutheran Home soon.

    Reply
    1. Casey Pace Avatar
      Casey Pace

      Glad to hear she isn’t in pain. My thoughts and prayers for all of you Pastor.

      Reply
      1. dlbpandp Avatar
        dlbpandp

        Thanks Casey. Seems she’s doing better. Tomorrow will tell us more.

  5. Beverly Grace Avatar
    Beverly Grace

    That’s a great picture of a beautiful lady. We will pray for fast healing of her wound. You reminded me of when flood waters rushed into our bedroom during tropical storm Alicia and lying there saying the Lord’s Prayer over and over – the only means of comfort that night.

    Reply
  6. Martha Warnasch Avatar
    Martha Warnasch

    And that we are assured that Jesus intercedes on our behalf. To me it means that when I don’t know how to pray or words don’t come, that Jesus does and presents a perfect prayer to the Father. May the Lord strengthen you and grant you His Peace.

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Thanks Martha. You have said it well. I have great peace in Him.

      Reply

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