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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  • Words that give grace

    Psalm 39:1 I said, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue.” Ephesians 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.  I will have the opportunity…

  • Not Easy, but Good

    Amos 5:14 Seek good and not evil, that you may live.  1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.  Sometimes the good we are to do is obvious: Forgive someone who has sinned against you. Help someone out of a jam. Provide a meal for a family who lost a loved-one. Help out…

  • Hellfire and God’s Grace

    Psalm 50:1 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV) In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. …

  • Neither Permission nor Necessity

    Jeremiah 1:7 (NIV) Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Acts 18:9–10 The Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you.”  When a soldier goes to war, he…

  • In Praise of Manly Men

    Zephaniah 3:15 The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;     you shall never again fear evil. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. The New Living Translation, as well as the updated NIV take the “man” out of the passage from 1 Corinthians. Although the…

  • “For all this it is our duty and joy…”

    Psalm 119:73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 1 Corinthians 1:4–5 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech…

  • In Praise of Singing

    Psalm 104:33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. Ephesians 5:19 Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts.  We went to the ball game yesterday afternoon. Part of…

  • 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NKJV) But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 2 Corinthians 8:14 (NIV) Paul wrote: At the present time your plenty will supply what they need,…

  • God’s Response to Sin: Grace, Healing, Comfort

    Isaiah 57:18 I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will lead them and repay them with comfort. Mark 6:12–13 The Twelve went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Not too long ago, I took a…

  • In Praise of the Goodness of God

    Deuteronomy 8:10 (NIV) When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God. Acts 14:17 God has not left himself without a witness in doing good—giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.  My view at this moment includes a newly blooming hibiscus…