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.”

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  • Holy Week Day 2: Why did Jesus Weep?

    As Jesus approached and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, “If you knew this day what would bring peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come on you when your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side.…

  • Everyone Has a Bubble

    Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8 Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 Is…

  • “What about Me?” Said Jesus Never.

    It was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. Isaiah 45:12 In Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 Uncle Eugene was a…

  • Is there any hope for the church?

    Thus says the Lord: I will encamp at my house as a guard. Zechariah 9:8 Jesus said to Peter, “The gates of Hades will not prevail against my church.” Matthew 16:18 The state of the church in North America is not good. Congregation after congregation is reporting declining attendance. Our own Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod has…

  • Hope: Building Block of Faith

    My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. Psalm 130:6 Beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Jude 20-21 . Easter is just around the…

  • Is complete joy possible?

    My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:2 Jesus said, “Abide in my love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9,11 Diane and I have had a much-needed 5 day getaway/vacation. I…

  • It’s never too late

    They say, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.” Therefore prophesy, and say to them, “Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people.” Ezekiel 37:11-12 Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, the hour…

  • Preciously Perfect Perspective

    Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John…

  • Exfiltration

    When the Israelites cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer, who delivered them. Judges 3:9 Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, to him be…

  • Brave Heart Moments

    UO Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart. Psalm 10:17 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 I’ve never watched the movie Braveheart. I hear…