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.”

  • Credit Where Credit is Due

    Philippians 2:14-20

    Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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    I recall vividly an event that occurred almost 40 years ago. I was going to the mail box in our apartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We were early in our second year of seminary and facing some financial challenges that were nearly insurmountable. I had considered dropping out of school and getting a job, saving up for a return as soon as possible.

    That morning, however, began a series of events that changed all those plans. It started with a plain white envelope in the mail with no return address and a type-written note wrapped around three $100 bills saying, “The Lord cares about everything.”Later that week we learned that anonymous donors were giving us gifts that made it possible to stay in the seminary and complete my second year in preparation for my vicarage (internship) and final year of school.

    Fruit increased to people’s credit whom we will never know through this kindness. It was truly a fragrant offering. It was evidence of God’s promise to satisfy our every need according to his riches.

    Note well, also, how Paul ties this to Jesus Christ, and focuses all the praise to “our God and Father.” I am convinced that gifts such as this are meant not only to relieve immediate needs and testify to God’s present goodness, but also to provide us with a foretaste of the complete provision of God’s salvation that is to come on the Great Last Day. This supply will last for all eternity – a supply of praise to God, joy for the saved, and glory unlike anything we have ever experienced in this life.

    Somehow these gifts increase to the credit of those who give them. But ultimately all credit goes to God, with those who have received the gifts and those who have given them saying, To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen!

  • Beyond Situational Contentment

    Philippians 4:10-13

    I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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    Many years ago my parents were shocked when friends of theirs got a divorce after 25 years of marriage. “They got through all the difficult times and now they had it made,” my Dad said. “Why would they get a divorce now?” Why indeed. This was no play for a trophy wife. This was not a matter of kicking out the philandering husband (as far as we knew). Something, however, was obviously missing. There was something out there for which one or the other longed that they concluded couldn’t be experienced in marriage.

    Paul speaks of contentment that is not tied to one specific situation or another. He is able to be content in times of plenty or want. These words echo the marriage vows, “for better or worse.” But Paul is not speaking only about marriage; he was speaking about life. Sometimes he had received great and generous support from the brothers and sisters in Philippi. For a while, however, the support dried up. Now came the renewal of their expression of love – probably in the form of a financial gift for his wellbeing.

    Paul knew what it was like to be brought low and how it felt to abound – having more than is necessary. He held onto the strength of Christ, the promise of his faithfulness, the forgiveness of his sins, and the hope of eternal salvation in the face of plenty or little. He knew and relied Christ’s strength in all things. This was his life.

    Those who live under the rule and reign of Christ – a gracious reign in the heart of the believer – will embrace this same approach to every moment of life. We will remember and rejoice in God’s provision in our lives with thankfulness when it is obvious and hopeful anticipation when we are in need.

  • Better than “BARF”

    Philippians 4:8-9

    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

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    A friend recently shared his interactions with someone who was “full of BARF” (Bitterness, Anger, Resentment, and Fear). The focus of thoughts offered here are not only better than such negatives, these thoughts will also shape our lives toward a better end. These describe a mindscape of god-honoring emotions, noble attributes, and things which enrich the mind. These are the beautiful decorations of a clean and noble mind. They are also spiritual, emotional,  and mental antioxidants working to rid our hearts of BARF.

    There are those who practice deep meditation, employing a mantra – one simple thought, syllable, word, or quasi-verbal utterance meant to cleanse the mind and offer spiritual insight or peace of heart. These tend to focus on ones own inner being and encourage escape from the physical world around us.

    These words, however, are not meant to transform us into people who are merely more spiritual aware, but to shape our prayers, and enable us to put our faith into action. Rather than withdrawing from the world, we are to embrace the example of others who are deeply involved in the lives of others here and now – though with an eternal perspective and impact.

    As we clear out the clutter, garbage, and distractions from our minds, replacing them with thoughts of good, true, lovely and commendable things, we are promised the blessings of God’s peaceful presence. We are also better able to bring the love of Christ to people who God brings into our lives.

  • Guarded Hearts & Blank Checks

    Philippians 4:4-7

    Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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    Recently a number of people I know and love have experienced losses and challenges. One lost an elderly mother. Another a middle age friend. Another struggles with her sister’s extreme mental illness and drug addiction. Friends had an emergency room scare with their son. Under such circumstances it would seem difficult to rejoice. How am I to rejoice in such circumstances?

    There’s the key: our calling as Christians is to rejoice “in the Lord.” That can happen in the midst of all circumstances. We are called to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). But our joy is not to be tied to circumstances, but to our relationship with our Lord. In his presence, goodness, faithfulness, and gift of eternal salvation we find true joy. Those aspects of the life of the believer never change.

    That is also shown in the invitation in these verses: we are to pray about anything and everything. Rather than worrying about anything, we are to pray about everything on our hearts. This is a blank check; “anything” and “everything” are superlatives. These two words throw open the windows of heaven so that we may voice our prayers with confidence that God will hear and answer.

    This knowledge will guard our hearts from feelings of anxiety, anger, bitterness and despair. An intentional expression of joy toward God will bring a peace that we can never manufacture by the greatest efforts of positive thinking. It’s more than the human mind can do. Jesus’ greeting on that first Easter is more than a greeting; it is a gift, “Peace.” That is a gift for which we may rejoice eternally.

  • Oiled Beards & Lotioned Feet

    Philippians 4:1-3

    Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

    2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

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    Diane teaching pastors wives in Kenya

    Psalm 133 extols the virtues of brothers dwelling together in unity, saying it is like oil flowing down Aaron’s beard. So I was wondering how to describe the richness of sisters dwelling together in unity. The best I could come up with is a reflection of the incident of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet in John 12:1-8. I’m thinking that women dwelling in unity as sisters in Christ is a fragrant lotion poured on Jesus’ feet: the smell will fill the whole house.

    I am thankful to have experienced such a fragrant atmosphere for most of my ministry; something for which I thank God. I am thankful for the women who have labored side by side with me in ministry for many years. Starting with Diane, my wife and soul mate, my ministry partner, and love of my life, the list goes on and on…Barbara Pederson, and several several faithful women at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Vernal, Utah, and Trish and others at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rangely, Colorado, and Sandy from Roosevelt, Utah. Gloria, Cherrie, Trish and Sylvia, together with many others at Trinity in Pine Bluff, Arkansas served the cause of Christ with me. In Arlington, Texas it was Carol, Jaime, Carole, and especially Tina who served along side of me at Holy Cross. Lorene, Rhonda, Celeste, Suellen, Yevonne, Karen, Sarah, Becky, Doris, Martha, Sue, and others are sisters in Christ who celebrate, live, and share Jesus’ gift of abundant life with me at St. John in Cypress. There are others as well, Gail, Rita, Jackie, to name a few, from all over the United states have helped shape me as a servant of Christ. Sue, Carol, Pam, and Linda are fellow servants of Christ on the LCEF Board of Directors, all serving the cause of Christ in unity centered in Christ.

    The danger in making a list like this is that someone will be left out and feel unappreciated or forgotten. Thankfully, none of the women who serve the cause of Christ are unappreciated or forgotten by God. Each has added to the fragrance of godly service and gospel partnership in her own unique way. Each, moreover, would wish that her service would accrue to the glory of God and the advancement of the rule and reign of Jesus in more and more hearts.

    May they and we all find our true place together at the foot of the cross, and at Jesus’ feet, filling the church with the fragrance of faithful service and extravagant love.

  • Better than a zealot in the cause of error

    Philippians 3:17-21

    Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

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    Antonin Scalia gave a commencement speech at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, where his granddaughter Megan graduated in 2015. The former Supreme Court Justice (who recently died) took on some platitudes often offered at high school graduations. From “we face unprecedented times,” to “to thine own self be true,” and “never compromise on your principles,” Scalia offered a different spin. Especially with regard to the latter his advise is worth repeating:

    “It is much less important how committed you are than what you are committed to,” Scalia said. “If I had to choose, I would always take the less dynamic, indeed even the lazy person, who knows what’s right rather than the zealot in the cause of error.”  (From an article in the Washington Post).

    Being convinced and committed to the wrong cause will not advance the cause of the rule and reign of Christ – no matter how zealous or even religious you might be. There are those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. They may propose things and ideals with great conviction – even wrapping those arguments in the cloaks of faithfulness, truth, and propriety. But if they do not lead to the cross of Jesus as the source of righteousness (and that not just by claim, but in fact) they are to be ignored.

    We are called to take note of those who live in humble love, repentant faith, and hopeful anticipation of Jesus’ return in glory to “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

    Consider the current state of the political landscape in the United States. There are dangerous and harmful principles and promises being offered, and vitriolic and hateful aspersions being cast back and forth by the various candidates. This causes me great concern for our nation. But I am reminded here that our citizenship is not in this world, but in heaven. I join Paul and all those who call Jesus Savior and Lord in anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. I greatly anticipate the transformation of my body into a glory untainted by sin. Will I vote next November? I certainly will – God willing! (cf. James 4:13-15) But the rule and reign of Christ in my heart and in the hearts and lives of others is far more consequential than the rule of any political party will ever be. May I never be a zealot in the cause of error, but known as a servant of the cause of Christ.

  • Dressed in Overalls and Looking Like Work

    Philippians 3:12-16

    Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

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    I’m pretty certain Thomas Edison never imagined these kinds of lights when he invented the incandescent light bulb!

    Thomas Edison is known for his inventions – among them the incandescent light bulb. He is said to have tried more than 1000 combinations of gases, electrical currents, filament wire, and whatever else went into his efforts. Of his efforts at various inventions he is quoted as saying:

    • I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
    • Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

    These two quotes illustrate part of what Paul is conveying in this message to the Philippian church. As God’s people we are constantly straining forward, ever trying to attain a level of godliness, sanctification, and perfection – even though we will never achieve it this side of eternity. Such failure, however, doesn’t stop us from trying. Rather we continue to strain toward the goal of God’s call toward the higher things of Christ.

    The process of growing in Christian virtues, becoming mature in our faith is not jazzy, or necessarily exciting. It is more often dressed in overalls and looks like work. To serve your neighbors by taking in their newspaper when they are on vacation, to slow down and let a lonely coworker catch up with you on the way to lunch, to do your job well day in and day out: all these are overalls-kinds of efforts. They are the stuff which expresses love to our neighbor and thus serves Christ.

    Hopefully somewhere along the line you will have an opportunity to give credit where it is due: all this is from God. These acts of simple love flow from the hearts of those who care less about their own credit than the needs of their neighbors. We all have at least somewhat of a past to live down. Better we seek to strain forward in the everyday grind of serving our neighbor.

    Combine that with faithful worship and prayer, and we will surely best hold on to what we have obtained through Christ. That’s reason for praising him on Sunday and putting on our overalls on Monday and going to work. Who knows what opportunities we may come across.

  • The Best Kind of Fanaticism

    Philippians 3:1-11

    Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

    2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

    Berries in the Window

    Fanatic basketball fans paint their faces with team colors. Fanatic political junkies watch Fox News, CNBC, CNN, or C-Span and listen to Talk Radio for hours on end. Fanatical Islamic extremists foment terror. What do fanatic Christians do? Some embrace a fanaticism of over-the-top doctrinal purity detection. Others will inflict pain on themselves in an attempt to salve their own consciences or gain God’s favor. Some attempt to do as many meritorious works as possible, dedicating themselves to prayers, masses, and all manner of religious duties. Still others dress a certain way or assume a certain posture as evidence of their faithfulness.

    Paul called such actions putting “confidence in the flesh,” and describes his own abandonment of that kind of religious fanaticism. He counts as rubbish all his zeal, spiritual heritage, religious pedigree, and law-abiding righteousness.

    So what’s better? Paul says he abandoned all religious trappings for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord, being right with God by means of faith in Jesus, knowing the power of his resurrection, and obtaining the resurrection from the dead. Paul had a radical conversion experience – unlike most of us have ever even imagined. He has exchanged his former religious pedigree for a life devoted to his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

    Our conversion may not even be a conscious event. You, like me, may have grown up never remembering a time when you didn’t believe in Jesus. Whether as an infant at the baptismal font, as a child hearing Bible stories in your parent’s lap, hearing of Jesus from a Sunday School teacher or through an encounter with the gospel later in life, we are all converts. Our call is daily to leave behind all kinds of rubbish in favor of Jesus’ righteousness.

    Paul’s initial urging, “Rejoice in the Lord,” points us toward a better kind of fanaticism – a fanaticism of hope, love, and faith. Such a focus on Jesus Christ allows us to avoid false displays of piety and smug self-righteousness because we recognize him as the source of a better tomorrow, the power of sustaining love, and the focus of true faith.

  • Kingdom Investments

    Philippians 2:25-30

    I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

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    We have launched our second mission start since I have come to St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. The first, LifeBridge Church is led by Pastor Michael Meissner, and will soon be building on their site on Mueschke Road – just under 6 miles from St. John. The other is Cypress Chapel, which meets on St. John’s campus but is a separately functioning ministry, founded upon a missional community approach to mission. These are both unique ministries, led by incredible mission pastors, and spawned by significant kingdom investments of St. John.

    The investments which have been made in these starts include not only money, but people. And in both cases the people investments have been significant: two talented and gifted pastors, plus a number of families in each case have gone on from our fellowship and are making up the core of these churches. I can understand how Paul and the people of Philippi must have felt in their mutual investment/reinvestment of Epaphroditus and Timothy, together with the financial support the Philippian church had given Paul for his continued mission efforts.

    This Sunday Pastor Stephen DeMik will be back at St. John while Diane and I are away. The following Wednesday Pastor Michael Meissner will lead the midweek Lenten worship services in our absence. I am certain there will be great joy on the part of people who see and hear these faithful servants, as well as their joy in connecting with the people of God at St. John. I thank God for these brothers and urge people of St. John to receive them with great joy, honoring them for the work that they are doing for the Lord’s kingdom. I don’t think either of them has come even remotely close to death (unlike Epaphroditus!), but I do know that they and their families have made significant personal sacrifices to birth these missional ministries.

    Sometimes kingdom investments pay dividends we could not have imagined. In one case very generous financial donors went with a mission start. Thanks be to God, however, he raised up others who have more than filled the gap. And as people have gone to these mission starts, God has allowed us to connect with other new folks in his mission at St. John. A kingdom investment is truly that: an investment. It is a delight

  • Thanking God for Faithful Fellow Followers

    Philippians 2:19-24

    I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

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    Pastor Joseph Ombasa, and his wife Hylene, with Diane and Caroline Ong’ondo (whose husband served as a translator for Diane) in Kenya

    I am privileged to work with an incredible ministry staff team at St. John Lutheran Church. We are blessed with a dedicated ministry support team working together for the mission of God at St. John. For these ministry partners I am deeply thankful. I am deeply thankful for Diane my wife and ministry partner as well. She is a great blessing to me and to many!

    I understand how Paul felt about Timothy. He also expressed the same appreciation for Epaphroditus in the next verses. He calls him his brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. Timothy is one unlike all the others – genuinely concerned for others’ welfare.

    There is great blessing as well as great wisdom in working in partnership with others in the cause of the rule and reign of Christ. One can encourage the other. A colleague can help his partner in ministry test his thoughts, plans, conclusions, and aspirations. A ministry partner can pick up the pieces that inevitably fall to the ground, and stand in the gap for his coworker. As Solomon says, “A chord of three strands is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

    Too often we attempt to go it alone in our Christian walk. Our witness is easily derailed, our ability to stand up against temptation is eroded, and our resolve to honor Christ is undercut. But thank God for those brothers and sisters in Christ who walk alongside of us and offer us the encouragement and support we need to stay true to God.

    Do you have someone who stands beside you in your walk with Christ? Is it time to express your thanks to God for that person? Should you let others know of this person’s partnership? Might you say thank you to him or her? An email or a phone call if not a hug or handshake might well be in order.