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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  • Climbing the Faithfulness Ladder

    Isaiah 61:6 You shall be called priests of the Lord; you shall be named ministers of our God. 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul wrote to Timothy: I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you. Jerry was a junior in high school when I first met him. He introduced me to photography.…

  • God’s Faithfulness & Our Calling

    Zechariah 13:9 I will say, “They are my people;” and they will say, “The Lord is our God.” 1 Peter 2:25 You were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.  God has done all that is necessary for our eternal good. He has created us.…

  • The Best Fear-Buster

    Joshua 8:1 Do not fear or be dismayed! 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. According to Psychology Today, “Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger—if we didn’t feel it, we couldn’t protect ourselves from legitimate threats.” Then it goes on to say that “exposing ourselves to our personal demons…

  • God is no Coincidence

    Isaiah 60:16 I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the mighty One. Mark 5:41–42 Jesus took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about. The account of Jesus raising the little girl, with the…

  • Learn More About God

    Ezekiel 16:62 I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord. Colossians 1:5–6 You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has…

  • Patience, Joy, & Faithfulness

    Jeremiah 20:13 (NIV) Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. For the past few weeks I have been praying for Diane. She broke her ankle on a…

  • Listen carefully. For the world is loud and God whispers.*

    Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 Timothy 2:24–25 The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.  I have a personal list of three sermons I have heard over the past 40 years that have…

  • Who’s in charge around here?

    Psalm 46:1–2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Seldom do I want to accuse God of doing it all wrong, but there are times when his rule and reign…

  • Victory Tents

    Psalm 118:15–16 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” Matthew 13:43 The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. There might be those who say that the songs of…

  • Who Needs to Repent?

    Psalm 51:13 I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Mark 1:15 Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Martin Luther is famously to have said, “We live on earth only so that we should be a…