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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  • Interesting Observation about the Observance of Christmas

    I receive a daily email from Hank Bitten, a Luther scholar from New Jersey. Here was his message today (12/18/16) Martin Luther brought Christmas into the home and making this a family festival of joy with the Christmas tree, manager, candles to remind us of the light of the Star, and Christmas hymns. Luther understood…

  • The Delightful Purpose of God’s Patience

    Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? – Ezekiel 18:23 Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? – Romans 2:4 This photo of a fir tree in Alaska with water…

  • Overflowing Delight in the Goodness of God

    The living, the living, he thanks you,     as I do this day; the father makes known to the children     your faithfulness. – Isaiah 38:19 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is…

  • Goad Kicking and God’s Work

    Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” – Nehemiah 2:20 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. – 1 Corinthians 3:9 It’s one thing to say,…

  • Do you see what I see?

    Show me your glory, I pray. – Exodus 33:18 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?” – John 14:8–9 We were in the middle of nowhere on a…

  • Advocacy and Defense

    Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. –Proverbs 31:8 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. – Hebrews 13:3 Diane and I had the great blessing of traveling during…

  • Angels & God’s Mistakes

    And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” – Joshua 5:14 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word…

  • Christmas Cheer at the Bahn Home

    “Glory to God in the highest,     and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:14 Diane and I hosted a party for the Northwest Houston Photo Club last night. It was great fun, with lots of good food, friends, and festivities. Each year I write a Christmas prayer for the…

  • Continuous Slouch of Lukewarm Wandering

    And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. – 1 Kings 18:21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on…

  • Honoring God with Songs of Praise

    Be glad, O children of Zion,     and rejoice in the Lord your God. – Joel 2:23 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,     for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us     in the house of his servant David. – Luke 1:68-69 Prior to November 2016, I was unaware…