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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  • Mercy and Justice

    He stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death. Psalm 109:31 When they kept on questioning Jesus, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7 These…

  • Horizons

    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. Isaiah 40:6,8 Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35 Several years ago I got an app for my phone…

  • Not For the Sake of Cadence

    I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak. Ezekiel 34:16 Jesus said, “What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains…

  • The Hospitality/Spiritual-Vitality Connection

    The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you. Leviticus 19:34 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of…

  • The Lord Cares About Everything

    “In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive. Jeremiah 50:20 NIV We even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans…

  • To the Praise of His Glorious Grace

    I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 Al is a baseball fan. He travels to far-away places to attend spring training games. He follows his home team assiduously: stats,…

  • Humility-Fueled Faith

    But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12 Jesus said, “Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37 My heart sank as I read the recent exposé in the Houston Chronicle about sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist church. Lord, have mercy! I can’t imagine the…

  • A Very Special Bible Verse and a Truth Revealed

    I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Psalm 143:6 Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 We recently had a little fun getting to know each other through an office scavenger hunt.…

  • Overflowing Refreshment

    My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your word. Psalm 119:81 Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.” John 8:31 When I was six years old each of the children in our Sunday School class were given a Bible. The pastor of First Baptist Church in Cape…

  • Glad Handers

    God wounds, but he binds up; he strikes, but his hands heal. Job 5:18 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 I’m not certain she was a glad hander: the…