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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  • Here! Hold this.

    “Here! Hold this. Do you want to go back to this?” She was holding a brick, nearly shoving it into my face. I didn’t want to go back to that. She got her point across, and I got back to work. I graduated from college in December of 1974. Diane and I were married in…

  • The Seduction of Knowledge

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart,    and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge him,    and he will make straight your paths.7 Be not wise in your own eyes;    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.8 It will be healing to your flesh    and refreshment to your bones. – Proverbs 3:5-8 I recall the first time I encountered this passage in a meaningful way.…

  • 25 Commands of Jesus

    In preparation for Sunday’s message, I researched the commands of Jesus. That search yielded several different lists of Jesus’ commands. Some of those listed were implied commands, others were lists that included a number of duplicates. I settled on this list of 25 of Jesus’ commands. These are all direct commands (imperatives) recorded in the…

  • Well, Maybe…

    Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Psalm 119:143ESV The world would never agree with this assessment. The world knows about anguish and trouble. But the world also knows how to shift blame, deny responsibility, despise and ridicule godliness. St. Paul says it well, “Though they know God’s righteous decree…

  • Hope in our Suffering

    Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 NLT I’ve had opportunity to share with people on occasion, who have suffered incredible unjust pain. Some…

  • Silencing Evil with Good

    For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:15-16 ESV We’ve been challenged lately in a construction project the details of…

  • The King is Calling!

    The King is Calling – Kip Fox Come every beating heart that longs to find its worth Come every aching soul in need of something more Come with your questions come with your doubts Bring them to the Lord Come all you castaways left out of every crowd Come all you outsiders unwanted until now…

  • “Where There Is No Vision, the People Cherish”*

    This is part of the message that I shared with the people of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at the installation of Rev. John Moore. especially apropos is the reference to building (Place) in light of the fact that Our Shepherd lost its building in the Hurricane Harvey flooding.  If you’re familiar with the King James…

  • There’s danger in thinking out loud, but I’ll do it anyway.

    I have the privilege of coaching some newly ordained pastors through issues around leadership, mission, and personal spiritual health. In one recent coaching call one of the young pastors told of an encounter he had with two of the staff members at his church. He came into the office and commented on the “awesome A/V…

  • My Kingdom for a Theme

    Dr. Gerhard Aho was one of my favorite professors at CTS. He was one of the most godly and decent professors I’ve ever known. He taught homiletics – the art of crafting sermons. Dr. Aho was a master at crafting themes and outlines. His expertise was thematic preaching of the text. “The theme must unify…