David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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about

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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  • Pentecost

    Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the church. It is the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out on various people in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. People from places all around the Mediterranean Sea heard the Good News of God in their own language. Three thousand people were converted, baptized, and…

  • When could that be wrong?!?

    It’s hard to believe that anyone would criticize Jesus for healing a man – on any day at any time. When could that be wrong?!? Matthew 12:8-14 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on…

  • Drawing the Line

    What do you tolerate? Where do you draw the line? It matters. Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing…

  • Self-shaped spirituality

    What if we took God’s word seriously? What if we didn’t just pick and choose the most convenient verses, or if we didn’t scour the Bible looking for those ideas that aligned with our sensibilities? What if we let God’s word shape us rather than using God’s word to prop up our self-shaped spirituality? Matthew…

  • Mercy!

    It wasn’t until our children were growing up and I saw them arguing and fighting that I began to understand Jesus’ words, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” I would rather our sons not fight in the first place than to have them offer each other even the most sincere apology after a quarrel. Matthew…

  • Greater than the temple

    Jesus is greater than the temple. Temples crumble and fall – eventually. Yet we build them, spending time, money, sweat, and energy to construct them. Is this wrong? Should Christians simply meet under a tree or in our homes? Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were…

  • I’m Glad

    “Something greater than the Sabbath is here…” I’m glad for that. Matthew 12:1-8 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what…

  • Light Burdens

    One thing concrete is not: Light. Strong: yes. Hard: without a doubt. Gray: no doubt, unless it is painted or colored. Heavy: to be sure. Light: not so much – not at all. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon…

  • Who has it all?

    I like things: computers, cameras, lenses, BBQ grills, TVs…the list goes on and on. But I try to live with this in mind: “He who dies with the most toys still dies.” Jesus, however, points out something here that we do well to keep in mind: All things have been given to him. Matthew 11:27…

  • Invitation

    Jesus invitation to come to him, together with his promise that those who do will find rest for their souls, may be easily misunderstood. It could sound like an invitation that we may easily dismiss; especially when we think we’re strong and energetic. But a closer look reveals a more important truth. Matthew 11:25-30 At…