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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  • The Celebration of God’s Lavish Gift-Giving

    In the end, God could want to be known for his power, might, justice, and holiness. All these are good things. But the focus of God’s intent is that we are struck deeply by his grace and goodness in Jesus; that we join together in the eternal celebration of His lavish gift-giving in Christ Jesus.

  • Abundantly Alive

    There is something beyond beauty, exuberant expressions, and outward appearance that marks someone as truly alive. While these may be worthy manifestations of life, there must be something deeper that sustains us when the outward appearances give way.

  • Honoring God

    God’s greatest glory is in Jesus Christ and the salvation He won for us by His death and resurrection. We honor God most when we take that most seriously. We add to that honor when we pray to Him, keep His commandments, and seek to advance His kingdom in this world.

  • Centered

    Galatians 6:14 (ESV) But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. What is your center? Where do you go to find comfort, hope, peace, and life? Some turn to hard work. Some…

  • Revelation 14:13

    Judge Benjamin Shropshire was a warden at St. Joames Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Texas. He died of yellow fever in 1867 and his widow later raised $800 to buy a building which the church used for a number of years. (This information is from a brochure of the church’s history.) I am reminded of Revelation…

  • Psalm 23:5

    Regular referrs to two important characteristics of God’s people. We’re not all that different from the rest of the world; we don’t walk on water; we don’t glow with artificial sweetness; we’re just regulars. And God invites us regularly to come to His table of blessing and spiritual nourishment in the Lord’s Supper.

  • Taking God’s Goodness to Heart

    Psalm 107 is one of my favorites – especially because of the unchanging truth of verse 1: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!  – Psalm 107:1 [ESV] God is good – all the time – and His love endures for ever, never failing always sustaining.…

  • Isaiah 40:31

    Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV) 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Another translation of Isaiah 40:31 has,…

  • Ephesians 2:4-7

    While God’s grace is especially important to those things, frankly our experience of God’s grace, according to 2:7 is yet to be fully realized; it goes on through eternity “in the coming ages.”

  • Psalm 113:3

    It’s a daily ritual: the sun sets, they ring a bell, and the people (at least some of us) applaud. For our part, we are applauding the handiwork of God. Others may not be aware of Who they are applauding. God is the creator of all things.