David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

recent posts

about

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.”

Category: Uncategorized

  • Well-Placed Hope & Confidence

    Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip. Psalm 66:8-9 We, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:12 I’ve been listening to Andy…

  • Remembering

    Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me. Isaiah 46:9 Let us look to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 Recently World founder, Joel Belz, offered this observation in a commentary about remembering the works of God.…

  • I AM is your Father

    You, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name. Isaiah 63:16 Jesus said, “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Matthew 6:9 We exposed our children to the Star Wars saga very early in their lives. In fact our oldest son was just weeks…

  • Reflections of God’s Mercy

    The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving. Daniel 9:9 NIV Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 I was standing in the stairs of Loehe Hall at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our oldest son was 18 months old at the time, and I was holding him as I…

  • The Key to True Joy

    In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 Several years ago a 10-year-old boy was struggling with his parents’ divorce. For good cause: his world was being ripped apart. He…

  • What Storms May Come

    Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation. Psalm 38:22 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and…

  • Fruit of Lasting Impact…

    The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. Psalm 1:3 Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” John 15:8 I shared the unbelievable and incomprehensible conversation I had many years ago with…

  • Speaking Truth to Power

    O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord! Jeremiah 22:29 So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 I hear the call to “hear the word of the Lord” as an urgent warning. I think of prophets confronting kings of the Old…

  • The Problem with Strongholds

    The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? Luke 18:7 We visited Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, WA when we were visiting family there. It…

  • Perfection, Wisdom, & Knowledge

    The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Psalm 19:7 In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3 I am not a perfect guy. That comes as no surprise to anyone who knows the truth of the fallen state of man. We’re all sinners. We all fail. But there are…