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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  • Music to God’s Ears

    Jeremiah 3:12–13 I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the Lord your God. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. One of the “Painted Churches” near Schulenburg, Texas…

  • The Hidden God

    Isaiah 45:15 Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.  Luke 18:32–34 Jesus said, “The Son of Man will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day…

  • Powerful Love

    Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.  Romans 8:28 (NIV) We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.    We have all experienced the unfortunate encounter with someone who thought they understood you but decidedly did not understand you.…

  • Poor English. Great Theology

    Genesis 18:14 (NASB) Is anything too difficult for the Lord? Mark 5:36 Do not fear, only believe. He lay in his bed at the nursing home in Springfield, Illinois. I would visit him on a regular basis while I was assigned to that home during my seminary training. He had some form of congenital disease,…

  • Justice True and Tempered

    Psalm 75:7 It is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. Revelation 16:7 Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just!     “No justice; no peace!” So goes the chant, and rightly so. Whether or not those who call for such justice is legitimate or true justice,…

  • Two Three-Cord Strands

    Psalm 25:5 You are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.   Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.    How good are you at waiting? What about praying? I’m not great at either; I’m inclined to be impatient, and my prayer life is no…

  • Love Does

    Psalm 17:7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge.  1 John 3:16 (NIV) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  Bob Goss has written a book titled, Love Does. He has taken the title to an extreme in his personal life, doing…

  • We have nothing to offer; God has everything to give.

    Joel 2:13 Rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God.  Luke 18:13 The tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” Where do you go in the face of difficulties and disappointments?…

  • Patriotism, Evil Plans, and God’s Protection

    Psalm 7:1 O Lord my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me. Matthew 5:11 (NIV) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. The concerns have been raised this Fourth of July about possible…

  • Seatwater, Bilgewater, and True Refreshment

    Psalm 63:1 O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you. Revelation 21:6 Christ says, “To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.” The dangers of drinking seawater in an attempt to quench your thirst are well documented. Bottom line,…