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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  • Jesus is the joy of man’s desiring

    John 1:9-12 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children…

  • An Unusual Christmastime Psalm

    Psalm 22:22-24 I will tell of your name to my brothers;    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,    and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!24 For he has not despised or abhorred    the affliction of the afflicted,and he has not hidden his face from him,    but has…

  • Clarity has consequences.

    Acts 17:22-34 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to…

  • Today’s Psalms – A Call to the Righteous

    Psalm 105:1-11 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 5 Remember the wondrous works that he…

  • Sometimes

    Acts 16:1-10 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and…

  • NWHPC Christmas Prayer & Song

    I am a member of the Northwest Houston Photo Club, and the default chaplain for the group. At our Christmas party each year I offer a prayer before the meal. This year, as in the past several years, I wrote out a poem/prayer. It is a bit light and somewhat whimsical, but I make it…

  • The Case for Minimum Standards

    Acts 15:19-21  Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath…

  • Centered in Grace

    Acts 15:1-11 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Sometimes you just have to stand up for what you believe. Hobby Lobby is doing that today as the Supreme Court will hear their case for allowing the company’s explicitly-Christian…

  • Thanksgiving Reminder

    Psalm 107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! A few years ago, Pastor Stephen DeMik spoke regarding Thanksgiving that we too easily give thanks for but fail to remember the One to whom we are giving thanks. We thank and praise the Lord. So on this day, let…

  • A mind is a terrible thing to poison

    Acts 14:1-8 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord,…