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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  • It’s a great day for refreshment

    John 7:37-39 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out,  “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39Now this he said about the Spirit, whom…

  • There came a man whose name was John

    John 1:6-8 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. Yellow Flower at Nearby Nursery I have begun a discipline today…

  • What will you say?

    Psalm 118:1-4  1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!  2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” In the photo club…

  • Where do you go?

    Psalm 26 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 3For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. (Click here to read the…

  • The Ultimate Sacrifice

    Psalm 22:1-2 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. If you have read Psalm 22 you will already have…

  • Service – The Great Leveler

    John 13:1-5 1Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas…

  • All creation declares the glory of God

    Psalm 19:1-3 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. To read the whole psalm click here. There is a beautiful and inspiring…

  • How could they?!?

    Read Psalm 78 It’s a long psalm. And it’s somewhat discouraging as a descriptor of Israel’s lack of faithfulness. God’s faithfulness and the truth of his ways, however, are on clear display. The saga of Israel’s failure to honor God on a consistent basis and God’s punishment and call to repentance is not mere history.…

  • The Animal Lover’s Psalm

    Read Psalm 104   “Did you know that there re unicorns in the Bible?” This question came from a youth at St. John who approached me last night. I didn’t know/remember that, but sure enough, in the King James version of the Bible the word Unicorn is found nine times. She was delighted. I was…

  • The Lost Art

    Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery. It’s a lost art: sexual decency, faithfulness, and purity. And while it’s only anecdotal evidence, my experience of people coming to me to be married provides a sad commentary on our obedience to this commandment.  Fewer and fewer young couples come to me to be married, while clearly…