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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  • Humility Elixir

    Psalm 94:11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Romans 12:16 Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Sometimes it’s good to have a Mom. OK, it’s always good to have a mom. But sometimes it’s good to have a dose…

  • What are you talking about?

    Numbers 23:12 Must I not take care to say what the Lord puts into my mouth? Acts 4:20 We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard. Recent events have people talking. Whether it is about the terrible mass shooting in an Orlando nightclub, the over-abundance of rain and flooding in Houston,…

  • The Level Path of God’s Blessing

    Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me on a level path. Colossians 2:6–7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.  When we come…

  • This is Interesting…

    A recent Open Letter, and official response by the LCMS Presidium, and the follow-up to that by the California-Nevada-Hawaii District President shines some light into the innermost political workings of our LCMS church body. It isn’t pretty folks, but that’s why we need a Savior. For Him (Jesus, just to be clear) I am very…

  • To-Do List and Rock Solid Foundations

    Deuteronomy 3:24 What god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds and mighty acts like yours! Matthew 7:24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  I have my to-do list for today (my day off); everything from…

  • Saved and Thankful

    2 Samuel 14:14 God will not take away a life; he will devise plans so as not to keep an outcast banished forever from his presence. Mark 2:16–17 The scribes said to Jesus’ disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well…

  • Today’s Names

    Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.…

  • House to House Woe

    Isaiah 5:8 Woe to you who join house to house, and add field to field, until there is room for no one but you, and you are left to live alone in the midst of the land! Luke 12:15 Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not…

  • The Precious Presence of God

    Exodus 33:15 (NIV) Moses said to the Lord, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”  John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.  Perhaps you have had the opportunity to watch your child as she wanders away from you…

  • His Favorite Song of All

    Ezekiel 33:11  Turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die?  Luke 15:7 There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.  Phillips, Craig, and Dean song His Favorite Song of All is a beautiful expression of God’s delight and joy in heaven…