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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  • 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…

  • Saltwater Slaking and the Chief Rival God

    Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:33-34 “Can’t…

  • “Don’t take me on.”

    Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Deuteronomy 6:1 Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 It was a moment for a parental victory dance – or at least a high five with my wife. Our son was in a particularly rebellious mode. He was ready to do…

  • The Most Powerful Force for Good

    O greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong! Daniel 10:19 NKJV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27 We were at…

  • Sins of Youth and Seniority

    Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Psalm 25:7 God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by…

  • Loving God

    Your people say, “The way of the Lord is not just,” when it is their own way that is not just. Ezekiel 33:17 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15 Martin Luther is famously to have said, “Love God!?! I hated him.” He was being honest about his relationship with God…

  • Will Do!

    All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient. Exodus 24:7 Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50 A favorite imagined conversation between Jesus and a Lutheran goes like this… Jesus: Love your neighbor. Lutheran: O, Lord…

  • The H-Factor

    The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. Psalm 146:8 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 Diane and I are at the PLI…

  • TV Shows, Tractors and Stolen Pots

    Then all flesh shall know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer. Isaiah 49:26 The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. His slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding…

  • A Golden Rule to be Rejected

    Woe to those who make unjust laws, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed. Isaiah 10:1,2 NIV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans…