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

  • More than a pea under the mattress

    You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:3 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. Matthew 10:29 When I was a young boy, growing up in my parents’ motel, my…

  • The So-What of Encountering God

    Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and he said to him, “What do you command your servant, my Lord?” Joshua 5:14 Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Matthew 13:16 I’ve seen the Grand Canyon. Stunning. I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. Elegant. I’ve seen the Great Rift…

  • Don’t Go There!

    If anyone secretly entices you—even if it is your brother, your father’s son or your mother’s son, or your own son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your most intimate friend—saying, “Let us go worship other gods,” you must not yield to or heed any such persons. Deuteronomy 13:6,8 For freedom Christ has…

  • Let Me Tell You

    I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters. Psalm 22:22 The women left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matthew 28:8 I recently had my car serviced, and following that got an email request to fill out a customer satisfaction survey. I declined. We regularly get…

  • The Blessing, Foundation, & Source of Faith

    I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is…

  • Examination 401

    In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8 Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4   I learned something the hard way when I took…

  • I had my hand on my wallet!

    You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5 Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 Diane and I once got onto a crowded…

  • God Almighty, God of Heaven

    David prayed, “Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness.” 2 Samuel 7:21 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 NIV You may be familiar with the Amy…

  • Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame, O God!

    Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Psalm 25:3 Paul writes: We were afflicted in every way—disputes without and fears within. But God, who consoles the downcast, consoled us. 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 I heard this morning of an Egyptian police officer being killed when…

  • For Our Good and God’s Glory

    See, I will refine and test my people. Jeremiah 9:7 NIV Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 The young man was conscientious about his faith. He read the Bible every day.…