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.”
49 Week Bible Challenge – Day 171: Godly and Sanctified Waiting

49 Week Bible Challenge – Day 171: Godly and Sanctified Waiting


Click here for an audio version of this devotion.

I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are 1 Thessalonians 5; Numbers 23; 2 Chronicles 14; Psalm 97; Ezekiel 13.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-26

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

25 Brothers, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

Orchid Cana | Mercer Arboretum | August 2025

Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith from the 1980s TV series The A-Team would famously says, “I love it when a plan comes together.” He was played by actor George Peppard and often delivered the line after his team’s elaborate schemes succeeded against odds.

But I’m not talking about TV programs, or the success of elaborate schemes. I’m talking today about how these words from 1 Thessalonians 5, our recent Live Group meeting, and my current experience at the Harvest Partnership Retreat come together in the words, “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and…esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”

Diane on Sunday evening asked us to mention people in our prayers who had a formative impact in our spiritual growth, thanking God for them. Today we shared experiences from our lives when the blessings of God came to us from others (focusing on one of the Harvest Partnership’s values, No one left alone). I shared the sense of solidarity I’ve experienced in church staff relationships and church members. Others shared how people came along side them and lifted them up in times of discouragement and struggle.

I relayed the flying pointer incident to the others in our group of four who were discussing this. I learned of extraordinary acts of kindness and support, of the need for brothers and sisters in Christ to help us in our walk with Christ, and of aspirations to discern God’s next chapter for ministry through prayer and conversation with other believers. I mentioned my vicarage supervisor, Rev. Dr. Will Sohns, who was a great spiritual mentor and leader. I thank God for them all.

Paul says, however, we are to do more than thank God for these people who lead (and encourage and serve) us. We are to respect them, honor them, and esteem them highly because of their work. They point us toward Christ. They give us hope. They wait with us for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. They need our prayers.

This is a timely reminder for us these days of challenge, opportunity, blessing, and struggle. Thank God for those who help you along. Thank God for those who point you back to the straight and narrow. Pray for them. And may the God of peace sanctify you together with all who wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus.

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