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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  • Return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God. Hosea 12:6 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 A call to return implies that people have wandered. Sometimes that is a long and well-worn path. They turn their backs on God,…

  • Easy Targets & True Deliverance

    Psalm 9:19  Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail. Luke 18:7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?  Violence continues in Europe with the horrific death of Father Jacques Hamel, the French priest who was martyred at the hands of ISIS. The Democratic National Convention…

  • Helping us in Prayer

    Isaiah 50:7 The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 On him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, as you also join in helping us by your prayers. I’m having a conversation with a couple of followers of Jesus bemoaning together the current state…

  • Everyone Out of the Car!

    Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth. Acts 17:25 (NIV) God is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. “Everyone out of the car!” Our son…

  • 176 Ways

    Psalm 119:24 Lord, your decrees are my delight, they are my counselors. Luke 2:46 Jesus’ parents found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. How honestly can you say that God’s decrees are your delight? Have you read Psalm 119 and gotten nearly bogged-down with the 176…

  • He’s as Good as His Word

    Ezekiel 12:25 For I am the Lord; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord God.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts…

  • Blessed to be a Blessing

    Deuteronomy 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. I’ll never forget the day I walked to the mailboxes…

  • This is not about being a Lutheran

    Isaiah 55:8 My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Mark 9:38–39a,40 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him. Whoever is not…

  • After the Cultural Earthquake

    Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery. Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor. I once heard a radio talk show host opine that 75% of married couples had cheated on one another – that is that at least one had done so. I remember hearing caller after caller agree with his assessment. I…

  • Deliver us from evil!

    Psalm 97:10 (NKJV) You who love the Lord, hate evil! 1 Peter 2:15–16 For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Does the juicy bit of gossip…