Reading: 1 Peter 1: 17-23
Reflection: Verses 13-25 of the first chapter of 1 Peter are titled, "Be Holy" and much is said about how to be holy. But why? Bottom line: It is written - "Be holy, because I am holy." (v. 16). So, we try at least and stumble at best all along assured our faith and hope is in God. Once purified and obeying the truth, we can have sincere love for each other. Sincere is the key word there and that is why verse 17 brings up that we are strangers here. Now, I may have been the last person to finally watch the movie Frozen, but I finally did just last night. Sure, I already knew the theme song. Who doesn't? But as the story unfolded (spoiler alert!), I was completely surprised and shocked when a certain character's ulterior motive was revealed. That dirty, rotten scoundrel! True love? No! Yes, we are strangers here. In a world where motives are all too frequently self-serving, God calls us to love one another from the heart. No longer do we live an empty way of life in which whatever glory we try to come up with withers like grass. Instead, we hold onto the word of God which stands forever. True love. Yes! --Ruth Gates, frequent Camp Mount Luther Family Camper Closing Prayer: Dear God, as we strive to be holy, help us remember that it is not for our glory but yours. Then, with our faith and hope only in you, may our love for each other be genuine. Amen
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For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which is part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. First, read the passage and then discuss/ponder the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and closing presented.
Reading: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Can you imagine the scene? It’s a baptism. Not for just one, two or three people, but three thousand people. They had just heard a message from Peter and were compelled to lead a life of following Jesus Christ. After they heard Peter’s words, they asked what they could do. And Peter told them “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” Peter continued by testifying to the greatness of our Lord. Peter’s message was for those thousands on that day and it is for us today. The promise is for you, and for me, and for your children, and my children, even those who are far away. God is calling us to live in the good of the call we receive through baptism. How are you living out that call today? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Share this story with someone and ask them what they think of Peter’s message. How do they imagine the scene when the three thousand were baptized? Reading: Luke 24:13-35
Reflection: It’s a long reading assigned to worship on the evening of Easter every year. But, because we don’t often worship Easter evening, it is good that it is read on the third Sunday of the Second Sunday Easter two out of three years. It is one of my favorites. Two men journeying along a dirty road on the evening of the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Just a seven-mile hike. They were talking about what has happened in Jerusalem today and trying to make sense of it. Jesus himself came near and went with them. (How many times has Jesus joined you on your journey?) The three of them engaged in conversation about the happenings of the day but the two men simply did not realize they were talking with the resurrected Christ. (How many times has Jesus joined you on your journey and you didn’t know it?) It got to be evening and the two men wanted to practice good hospitality so they invited this stranger to have dinner with them, which he did. And wow! -- When he was at table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” When we gather around the table for Holy Communion, Jesus more than joins us on the road. Jesus makes himself known to us in bread and wine. Jesus, the resurrected Christ is present in our hands, our mouths, our nostrils, we see the bread, the wine. When I preside I make sure that I pour the wine into the chalice right by the microphone. I want folks to hear it, too. It is comforting to me, a preacher, to know that even if folks don’t always believe what I preach, God comes in the body of His Son and says “Here I am!” That we could know that even as we make our everyday journeys. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: Mark 16:1-8
This summer, on Thursdays, our campers will be learning more about Easter as we study "Living in God's Time." Mark’s account of the resurrection appears twice in the Revised Common Lectionary both in Year B: Easter Vigil and Easter Day. However, we have the option to read John’s account of the resurrection on Easter Day in place of Mark’s offering. All that means that we could go through a whole life time of worship without ever hearing Mark’s account read in church! That is somewhat understandable giving the way Mark’s gospel probably ended: So (the women) went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Period. That’s it. For they were afraid. A young man dressed in a white robe sitting in the empty tomb instructed the women to tell Peter and the rest of the disciples that Jesus is raised and is going ahead of them to Galilee. But, they said nothing. To be honest, I think I would have been overwhelmed and immobilized by fear standing at the gaping, empty tomb listening to a young man who looked like an angel telling me something that defies all science and common human experience. The concept of a dead man coming to life just is not part of my reasoning. And I probably would have kept my mouth shut. Sooner or later, however, we come to view the resurrection not through the eyes of science but through the eyes of faith. Because we do experience the resurrected Christ in our midst. And we come to believe. We have this practice of asking the Camp Mount Luther staff “How have you experienced Jesus today?” We ask because we know that Jesus makes himself known to us, every day in everyday life. And I imagine you have those experiences. Now here’s the question for us today: How well do we talk about those resurrection experiences? Do we remain frightened and say nothing? Do we name those experiences? Do we share them with other people? It takes courage and we need to find language that others can hear. But, let’s speak up about the reality of the Resurrected Christ in our lives. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: Psalm 16
Reflection: This week, our reflections on Sunday's scripture texts have centered around the theme, "Easter: Now What?" We've seen the resurrection of our Lord, so how will we respond? Today for our devotional, I'd like you think about your response and spend some time in quiet prayer with God. To do that, I'd like you to slowly and deliberately recite the last verse of today's Psalm and meditate on how it might guide your life. When you are finished, pray to God for guidance as you determine your response to what God has done for you in the resurrection. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director The verse is: You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (repeat as often as desired, ending in prayer) Reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-9
Reflection: It’s the Wednesday after Easter and the candy is already gone and we are left with a lot of hard-boiled eggs. Looks like egg salad for lunch…again. Monday’s GROWTime encouraged us by saying, “The key to surviving the post-Easter blahs is to continue to share the good news of the Easter story.” Our text today from 1 Peter also remind us, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1: 3) We greatly rejoice! (vs. 6) Sure there may be grief and trials…post-holiday doldrums and real troubles…but we believe in him and are filled with inexpressible joy! (vs. 8) We are receiving the end result of our faith, the salvation of our souls. (vs. 9) We have a living hope! Praise to God! --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther "frequent" Family Camper Closing: Sing or read the words of the following hymn (ELW, #383, v. 2) and pray the closing prayer: Christ is risen! Raise your spirits from the caverns of despair. Walk with gladness in the morning. See what love can do and dare. Drink the wine of resurrection, not a servant, but a friend. Jesus is our strong companion. Joy and peace shall never end. Prayer: Dear God, may we see each say as a gift of your love and grace so that we may be filled with a living hope. Praise to you! Amen For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which is part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. First, read the passage and then discuss/ponder the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and closing presented.
Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I’ve always thought Peter was an interesting character. Last week, he was by Jesus’ side, then he fell asleep, and eventually he denied Jesus three times. This week, we read this story from Acts, when Peter declares the resurrection of Christ and attests to the things he has seen. Contrast Peter to Thomas, whom we read about yesterday. Thomas doubted that Jesus was Jesus when he appeared to the disciples. He needed physical proof. In our reading today, we hear Peter say, “Listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” I imagine Peter speaking emphatically about these things he saw. And yet, we read about Peter’s denial last week. Some could say that God could have easily turned away from Peter, who denied him before the rooster crowed three times. But instead, God gave Peter another chance and used Peter to build God’s church. I think this week is a good week to look beyond our doubting and our denying and see how God might be using us in new and exciting ways. On Saturday, I wrote that we wait to see what God will do next after Jesus’ death. Today, I remind us that God is doing the same thing in our lives today. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: John 20: 19-31
Reflection: It's the day after Easter. Hopefully, you had a joyous celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Today is one of those days that I feel can be a letdown. We've just come through a season of Lent, when many people practiced a discipline that may have pervaded their lives. Then, we have the great three days when we commemorate Jesus' last hours and death on the cross. And finally, it was Easter, as we celebrated Christ's victory over death. So what do we do on this Monday? It kind of feels to me like the day after a big event such as Christmas or a wedding. We put all our efforts into getting ready for one glorious day and then it is over. I think the key to surviving the post-Easter blahs is to continue to share the good news of the Easter story. Proclaim with the disciples that Jesus has risen! You can do that boldly or you can be like Doubting Thomas, needing more proof before you share the good news. Hopefully, you will be like the ones Jesus spoke of when he said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." --Chad Hershberger, Reading: John 20: 1-18
“He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” We hear this familiar response, usually to start our worship on an Easter Sunday. It is one way that we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Once again this Easter season, it is good to hear the old, old story of Jesus’ triumph over death. When reading the familiar passage from John, I was struck by something I hadn’t thought of before. Mary only recognizes Jesus at the tomb when he calls out her name. She does not know it is her Lord until He calls her by name. As we hear earlier in John’s gospel, “the sheep hear his voice.” Jesus’ own are able to recognize His voice. Have you ever pondered the relationship between seeing and hearing and believing? This Easter season, be on the lookout for your name being called by Jesus’ voice. In what ways is Jesus calling out to you to serve the Risen Lord? Will you respond “Rabbouni!” (which means teacher) and learn and serve Jesus? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Psalm 142 Reflection: We wait. With Mary, his mother, who brought Hope into the world. With Malchus, the high priest's slave, who was healed by His hand. With Peter, beloved disciple, who can't believe the denial. With the other Marys, who are preparing for what to do next. With Joseph of Arimathea, who gave the final resting place. With Nicodemus, who first came by night, insisted on a hearing, and now has prepared Jesus' body. But most of all we wait with the other disciples, reflecting on the events of yesterday, feeling a sense of loss and bewilderment. The black Friday skies have turned to a gray Saturday. Will there ever be a bright sun-day again? We wait. To see what God will do next. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Watch Kelley Mooney's rendition of "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. I've always liked his song, but now like even better her version even better. I think Kelley's lyrics are just so meaningful. Reading: Mark 8:27-38
Reflection: I must admit. I do not like this day. There is nothing good about it. We recall that years ago on a Friday afternoon three human beings were brutalized and executed in the cruelest manner the world had to offer. What is good about that? There were questions. Is this one in the middle the Son of God? Why doesn’t he save himself? To watch him die must have been excruciating. And perhaps, if you were one of those who followed him and staked your reputation on him, this day may be embarrassing. Jesus anticipated this day. In our lection for today he warned his followers to not be ashamed of him. Even if he is rejected and killed. Rather, he encouraged us, take up your cross and follow him. So, let’s do that and only that today. Let’s just remember, watch and contemplate. Let’s just follow in our prayers, devotions and worship. Let’s take up whatever cross we need to—even a sense of shame or defeat if we must. Let us watch as the world does its damnedest, even today. Then let’s see what God does. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: John 18:1-12
Reflection: The text assigned for this devotion is the whole passion of Jesus in John (18:1-19:42). But on this Maundy Thursday I would like us to consider just John’s account of the arrest in Gethsemane (18:1-12). At the Last Supper, Jesus comforted the disciples with prayer, actions and instructions including a new command: Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. (John 13:34) Perhaps some will sing the hymn A New Commandment tonight in worship. (With One Voice #664) In Gethsemane Jesus shows love to His disciples in a startling way. He initiates the contact between himself and those coming to arrest Him. He asked whom they were seeking. When they said, “Jesus of Nazareth,” he replied simply “I am he.” They were shocked that He would voluntarily give himself up. But then there is a reason given why He did that—so that the disciples would not be endangered in the arrest proceedings. Jesus really did love them to the end. It troubles me. That Jesus loves me enough to willingly submit to those who would kill Him. And I am to love that much, too? Voluntarily stand up for others when I know that I will be hurt in the process? It troubles me. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: John 18: 1-19:42
Reflection: How many times have you read this story? How many times have you heard this story? My guess is that your answer is a lot. We remember the night that Jesus was betrayed so often. It is an important tale in our faith story. As often as I've heard this story, when I recently reread it, I was struck by the role of Malchus, who was Caiaphas' slave. Peter draws his sword and cuts off Malchus' ear. Ouch! I'm sure Peter let the emotions of the moment get to him when we did that. Jesus tempered the situation by telling Peter to put his sword away. What was about to happen needed to happen. I didn't know much about Malchus so I looked him up. The story of Peter doing this to him appears in all four gospels, but only in John is he called by name. Only in the Gospel of Luke do we learn that Jesus healed his ear on the spot. Thorton Wilder actually wrote a short play entitled, "The Servant's Name Was Malchus," which appeared in the collection "The Angel That Troubled the Waters and Other Plays." As we look this week at all the characters in Christ's passion, let us not forget Malchus. He should remind us of Christ's healing power, even in troubled times, and that the events of this week, while hard to hear, were necessary. After all, was it not Jesus who said following Peter's scuffle with Malchus, "Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?" --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: John 13: 1-17, 31b-35
Reflection: All creation is a witness to God's majesty (think mountains), God’s power (think the mysterious way God's will seems to be done) and God’s love (just think Grace). But think about this: The only hands and feet God has on earth right here, right now are ours. If God needs something to get done, we are the ones to do it. On top of that, the only face of God someone may see is His face in our faces. Our text begins with the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet - Jesus washing with his hands and his friends looking into his face. Jesus – the hands and face of God. Then, knowing in a few short days he would be gone and they would not be able to follow him as usual in person, Jesus told them, ”A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples.” John 13: 34. A new command for them then and for us now. --Ruth Gates, frequent Camp Mount Luther Family Camper Closing Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the example of your love through Jesus. May all know we are your followers by the love we have for one another. Help us to be your hands and face in the world today. Amen. Reading: John 12: 20-50
Reflection: Jesus' soul was troubled. The time was coming when he would face the fate that he knew was his from the start. Should he ask God to make it not happen? No, it's why he was on earth. And then the voice. "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." I bet Jesus felt better when he got that assurance from God. What happens when your heart is troubled? How do you react? Do you cry out to God to take it away? Or, do you try to find God in your suffering? As we proceed through this Holy Week, look for God in the suffering. God is there. God will give assurance. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: John 21: 1-19
Reflection: As I’ve mentioned before, this Lenten season I’ve really had the opportunity to look at our Sunday gospel texts and have been amazed at the encounters Jesus has with such different people. As I think back over this Lenten season, I think of
And now, in this text, Jesus goes back and eats with Lazarus’ family. And Judas is there. When you think about it, what strange bedfellows! We’ve met many interesting characters in the last six weeks. And now, we begin this Holy Week journey, lurching closer to the cross and then to the empty tomb. We’ll meet many more characters in these coming days as we approach the resurrection. In verse 17 or our reading today, we hear these words: “So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify.” It is my belief that we are also one of those characters of this Holy Week drama. After all, we are one of those who shout, “Crucify him, crucify him,” because it is our sins that put Jesus on that tree. But we are also one of those who believe in the resurrection. And, we must also continue to testify to that good news, not only during Holy Week, but all the days of our lives. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: John 15: 1-17
On Thursdays this summer, our campers will be learning more about the Easter during our "Living in God's Time" study. This alternate text for this summer’s camp season shows up in the revised common lectionary on two Sundays—the fifth and sixth Sundays of Easter in cycle B. So it is very appropriate that this text is available to staff and campers for day four this summer when we celebrate the resurrection. But, there is so much in this text that I hardly know what to do in this devotion. Maybe that is why those who developed the lectionary split it into two Sundays. There is a common thread in the two paragraphs, however, and that is “bearing fruit.” In the first 11 verses Jesus uses the word “abide” 11 times. He calls us to abide in him as he abides in the Father just as the branch abides in the vine. Jesus wants us to abide in him so that we may bear good fruit. We are to bear much fruit and be his disciples. Then there is the striking statement in the second half of this text—“You did not choose me but I chose you.” Astounding! Why? To “go and bear good fruit.” I can’t read this passage without seeing the folks pruning the vines at Shade Mountain Vineyard and Winery. I know when I see that process that it means more grapes, better fruit and lots of good wine. On this Friday before the Sunday of the Passion, we would do well to remember that Jesus’ journey was one in which he kept the Father’s commandments and abided in His love. And produced good fruits beyond all human comprehension. So, too, we seek to abide in Jesus, keep his commandments and produce good fruit for all the world to see, to pick, to consume, and to enjoy. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Reflection: Psalm 118 begins and ends with those words. And in between the psalmist over and over again gives thanks for the victory God has given the king. As we celebrate Easter at camp, there will be ample opportunity to give God thanks: at each meal, in worship at night, during minutes we Gather and Reflect On the Word. And those numerous times when we experience God in nature and each other. All because the resurrected Christ lives among us. Today, as you experience God in your life--in people, in a task, in a sound, a thought, a picture, a meeting, a meal, an idea, a disagreement—take just a moment to say out loud or quietly O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff Reading: Philippians 2: 5-11
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. --Philippians 2:5 Reflection: Attitude. We hear so much about it. Sayings like, "The Power of Positive Thinking!" or "Your attitude, not your aptitude, determine your altitude." Such empowering words! Sounds like the right attitude can really get you places. However, as Christians, we are told to imitate Christ's attitude. So, what was Christ's attitude? Humility. God came to earth as a baby born in a very humble place. Jesus lived humbly in service to others. Then He suffered a humiliating death on the cross. Not such an empowering approach, one would think, and yet...God highly exalted him! Knees bow before and tongues confess Jesus Christ is Lord! Humility to Glory. Yes, we are to imitate Christ's humility. There truly is power in that attitude and to God be the glory! --Ruth Gates, frequent Camp Mount Luther Family Camper Closing Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, we offer, in stunned humility, our gratitude and praise for your complete act of sacrifice. You gave yourself even for sinners like us. Truly you are the Son of God. Amen. (Prayer from the Moravian Daily Text - March 30, 2014.) Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
Unshakable confidence in God. To teach, to sustain the weary, to hear, to face toward God, to endure insult without retribution, to set our faces like flint and not be distracted. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? (Isaiah 50:9a) Whatever opportunity we have today to share God’s grace, we do it with unshakable confidence in God. Whatever difficulty or evil present today, we confront with unshakable confidence in God. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:7 & 11) Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on March 24, 2013.
Reading: Matthew 21; Phillipians 2: 5-11 Reflection: What is the best parade you have ever seen? When I ponder that question, I don't think I can come up with one answer but several parades do stand out in my mind. As a child, I saw the Hagerstown, Maryland, Mummer's Parade, which is a long parade with spectacular floats. At Disney World, I've seen the Light Parade, which is very nice. The Penn State Homecoming Parade for me is also a grand old parade with lots of floats and musical acts. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was also a parade of sorts. Crowds gathered and spread cloaks and palm branches on the roadway. Instead of riding in a float, waving to the crowd, Jesus rode a donkey. "Hosanna to the Son of David," they cried. "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." The first day of the week, Jesus was treated like a king, riding into the city. By the end of the week, the king would be wearing a crown of thorns on His way to Calvary. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Discussion:
Reading: John 20:1-18 Reflection: You’ve probably heard this story before. Our campers will be reading it on Thursdays this summer as we study “Living in Easter” as part of our Living in God’s Time curriculum. When you read this story, you probably feel like celebrating! Because of the resurrection, we too have new life. This is definitely a good reason for a party! In real time, we are currently in Lent. But Easter is almost here. We have the benefit of knowing “the rest of the story.” As we journey through this Lenten season, we journey toward the cross, but we know what happens after three days. On Easter Sunday, our congregations will be filled with fragrant flowers, vibrant music, and a tale of victory over death. We’ll hear about the Marys and the gardner, and the unbelieveable news that Jesus Christ is risen today! Darkness did not overcome the light. The son, S-O-N, rises as we greet the Easter morn, and we are reminded that we are to live as children of the light. Each Sunday, we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. That’s why we worship on the first day of the week instead of the seventh. Every Sunday, we are reminded of Christ’s victory over death and the grave. How will you celebrate that wonderous act? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing Activity: Plan an Easter celebration, no matter what time of year it is. Think of the signs and symbols of Easter as you plan. Are there foods that your family traditionally eats at Easter? Perhaps you can make a cake shaped like a butterfly! After you eat, say a prayer thanking God for the new life that we are given through Jesus’ resurrection. For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which is part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. First, read the passage and then discuss/ponder the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and closing presented.
Reading: Psalm 130 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: As I mentioned earlier this week, this Lenten season has reminded me that Jesus meets us where we are. Whatever is going on and wherever we are, Jesus comes to us and aids us, giving us guidance and strength. In our Psalm today, I am reminded of the times when Jesus comes to us when we cry out. We might feel alone or deeply depressed. As we yell to the Lord, we ask our voice to be heard. We remind ourselves of God’s forgiveness. We wait for Jesus to meet us. We long for it. So often, I feel like my faith grows more when I’m having troubling times. This psalm definitely reminds me of that. Recently, though, the thought crossed my mind that in good times, I should also be looking to meet Jesus, especially in the scripture. I know that doing this devotional project has helped me to dig into God’s Word more than I have in the past. This day, I remind you to go meet Jesus in the Bible. Go meet God in prayer. It may just change how you look at your day! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Romans 8: 6-11
The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8: 6 I never managed to finish the book, Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyer. Most likely because there was a battle going on in my mind: Should I be sitting here reading this book or tending to my lengthy to-do list? It's a battlefield alright and the dustbunnies won. Remembering an Amy Grant song from way back, Old Man's Rubble: Are you living in an old man's rubble? Are you listening to the father of lies? If you are then you're headed for trouble; If you listen too long you'll eventually die. But if you're living as a new creation; If you're listening to the Father of light, Then you’re living in a might fortress And you’re gonna be clothed in power and might. There now! Who needs that battlefield book? I just typed out those lyrics completely from memory. The message IS in there; IN my mind! And I have always found with the Spirit and a song in my mind, there truly is life and peace. --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther "frequent" Family Camper Closing Prayer: Dear God, there is a battle going on for our minds and the voice we listen to is going to win. Help us to hear the voice of your Spirit louder and clearer. Thank you for the life and peace that brings. We rejoice in the Spirit and pray in Jesus' name. Amen Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Reflection: Here we are in the middle of Lent, on April Fool’s Day, looking at a passage which I inserted into Staff Training for Day 5—Pentecost! I’m going to have the staff rewrite the vision of the valley of dry bones into “rappish” segments and then we’re going to sing “Dem Bones” using their “translations” of the dry bones story between the singings of the chorus: Dem bones gonna rise again. I know it, know it. Indeed I know it brother, I know it, whee! Dem bones gonna rise again. Sound like fun? Why not just try it yourself? First read the Ezekiel reference, rewrite it and then add the Dem Bones chorus. For years we have been singing a synthesis of two Bible stories—creation and dry bones. But then these two stories have something in common. Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O Breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. … and the breath came into them, and they lived… (Ez.37:9-10) “…then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7). The breath of God! Life! Ruach! The Wind blows. God’s Spirit! Life is a gift from God. That’s what delights me about this passage. These 72-year-old bones of mine…somehow God keeps breathing new life into them. But then such is also the case of a seconds old infant! --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Closing: Watch this YouTube Video of "Dem Bones." |
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