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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  • Led by the Spirit

    Matthew 6:9, 13 9  Pray then like this: “Lead us not into temptation.” What if we were actively to seek the guidance of God – not only when we are facing a difficult decision, but also on a daily basis? Wayne is one who had a “Kairos moment” (see below) or defining moment when God spoke into…

  • Lead on!

    Matthew 6:9, 13 9  Pray then like this: “Lead us not into temptation.” The devil is a wily deceiver. He started before the creation of the world – leading a group of angels in revolt against God. He continued when he insinuated himself against God with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. But when he met Jesus…

  • Beyond Sentimentality

    Some people say Mother’s Day and other such holidays are contrived by the greeting card companies and florists to sell cards and flowers. Others go to great lengths to make certain that they choose just the right card and get the most beautiful bouquet of flowers for Mom. On the other hand it would be good if…

  • The fullest experience of forgiveness

    Matthew 6:9-12 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Philemon 1:6 says (loosely), “I pray that as you share your…

  • The New Landlord

    Matthew 6:9-12 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. There is a story of a man who lived in a…

  • The Currency of the Kingdom

    Matthew 6:9-12 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Jesus calls his followers to store up treasure in heaven, which…

  • The gift of forgiveness

    Matthew 6:9-12 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. I didn’t see it coming as I sat in bed, away…

  • Every Day Faith

    Matthew 6:8-11 Do not be like [the Gentile], for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread,   Faith moves mountains. Faith saves. Faith emboldens…

  • When God’s People Pray

    Matthew 6:8-9 Do not be like [the Gentile], for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…give us this day our daily bread…forgive…lead…deliver us…” We gathered for prayer yesterday morning and evening around the flag poles at St. John Lutheran Church. Our National Day of Prayer…

  • Wanter Adjustment

    Matthew 6:1-15 Do not be like [the Gentile], for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, Jesus commands us not to be like the…