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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  • The Uncommon Blessing of Perfectly-Balanced Grace and Truth

    The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 (NKJV) All who obey his commandments abide in God, and God abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us. 1 John 3:24 Perhaps you’ve dealt with someone whose word cannot be…

  • What does it mean to believe God?

    Abram believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 Abraham grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20–21 I cannot remember a time in my life that I did not believe in Jesus…

  • The Water of Life

    I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people. Isaiah 43:20 Jesus cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me.” John 7:37 Have you ever been really thirsty? Mouth dry. Lips cracked. Ready-to-jump-into-the-nearest-mud-puddle-and-drink-from-it-like-a-dog thirsty? I have. I was young and working outside on a hot summer day.…

  • Forgiveness, Life, and Salvation

    My iniquities have gone over my head; they weigh like a burden too heavy for me. Psalm 38:4 The angel of the Lord said to Joseph, “Mary will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Amy and her older sister had…

  • The Problem with Sin

    I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22 God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17 Someone has identified seven social…

  • Justified.

    Even now, in fact, my witness is in heaven, and he that vouches for me is on high. Job 16:19 Paul wrote: At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength. 2 Timothy 4:16–17 Imagine…

  • “When they don’t have good news they get very vague.”

    Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. Isaiah 49:13 Christ Jesus became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 A friend of mine is battling cancer. It…

  • Prayer first…what a concept.

    I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. Psalm 63:4 Paul wrote: I urge first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:1 We – like many churches these days – are facing some financial challenges…

  • Kingdom Impact

    O grant us help against the foe, for human help is worthless. Psalm 60:11 Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. John 6:68–69 Diane and I are in Nashville for her PLI team meeting and Christmas…

  • Strength to the End

    The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5–6 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:8 I…