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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  • Living in the Center of God’s Love

    John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.…

  • Psalm 65:8 (NIV) The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. Acts 16:34 The jailer and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. Your team wins the Super Bowl. Your company lands the contract. Your house…

  • Better than Comeuppance 

    Psalm 30:6–7 (NIV) When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken,” but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. 1 Peter 5:5–7 God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast…

  • Expressing God’s Praise

    Psalm 105:1 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. 2 Corinthians 10:16 Paul wrote: We may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you. The above very brief video is from the LCMS Mega-Church Conference opening worship service at Salem Lutheran Church. Diane and I are…

  • The Forgotten Sin

    Psalm 79:13 Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. Colossians 1:12 (GNT) With joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the…

  • Servants’ Prerogative

    Joshua 24:18 We also will serve the Lord, for he is our God. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Eugene Allen was a butler who served every president from Truman to Reagan and whose life was the basis for the film The Butler. Certainly he…

  • Better than Vigorous Minds and Resolute Effort

    Isaiah 43:16 The Lord makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters. Mark 5:36 Jesus said, “Do not fear, only believe.” When you’re faced with a challenge you find a way around it, tunnel through it, climb over it, or make it go away. So says the motivational speaker. Abigail Adams*…

  • Wanter Adjustment

    Jeremiah 31:14 My people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 9:8 God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. We have just begun the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University at our…

  • Knowing and Being Known

    Jeremiah 12:3 (NASB) You know me, O Lord; you see me; and you examine my heart’s attitude toward you. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one…

  • Venues of God’s Faithfulness and Occasions for God’s Goodness

    Psalm 91:15 The Lord says, “I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.” Hebrews 2:15 Through death Jesus might free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. We go to great lengths to factor fear and trouble out of our lives. We…