Prayer: Your grace is sufficient, Lord. Amen.
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: There is a song I like by Ben Harper called, “Blessed to be a Witness.” I’ve used it as a basis for a staff training theme a couple of times (including last year). There is a line in that song that I’m reminded of often: “Only by the grace of God go I.” Paul reminds us of that same sentiment in our passage today. He writes about God saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” We are the vessels that God bestows grace. And that grace is sufficient and is what we need to hold onto, particularly when times are tough. --Chad Hershberger
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We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 14, 2014.
Prayer: Give to us freely, God, when we reach out. Amen. Reading: Psalm 123 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: When I saw the assigned texts for this Sunday, I laughed a bit because it was Psalm 123. I thought to myself, "This psalm probably gets less reading time than its counterpart 100 chapters earlier." We all have probably heard Psalm 23. But Psalm 123 is rich in meaning and lessons as well. Verse two tells us, "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us." It reminds us that in all we do, we should look to God, our master. And then it tells us that we should ask God for mercy. I have had an almost five-decades long relationship with God. And, if there is one thing I know, God is a giving God. God freely gives to God's children. That is such a comforting thought. This week, we will read of other stories about giving, especially money. And as we do, I'd like you remember that God is a loving and giving God. When we look to God, there will be no clenched fists but rather outstretched arms. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: God, help us to feel where you are leading us to go. Amen.
Reading: Ezekiel 2: 1-5 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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 have been thinking a lot lately about the Spirit. We always say at camp that we want the Spirit to blow through this place in new and exciting ways. We think of the Spirit as our guide, sustainer, and God dwelling in us. Have you ever felt the tug of the Spirit? When I was a young boy, my childhood pastor often said, ‘Chad, if God taps you on the shoulder, don’t say, “No.”’ Do you feel God, through the Spirit tapping on your shoulder? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: May we be positive in all we do, Lord, and not get bitter. Help us to see how we are being taught in all circumstances. Amen.
Reading: Ruth 1: 15-22 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: In this passage, we see Naomi change her name to Mara. Mara means “bitter.” She is bitter toward God for what has happened to her. We should not be like Naomi/Mara. We should look at everything and try to see it in a positive light. How will this experience help me? What does it teach me? Let’s work not to be bitter! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Great healer, heal us. Amen.
Reading: Mark 5: 21-43 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: Two things strike me as I read this story of Jesus’ healing a few people. First, I love the image of Jesus coming across the lake and there is a big crowd. Can you imagine if that were today? It would probably be a bunch of paparazzi trying to get a glimpse and good picture of Jesus! And then I am struck by the faith of those who sought out Jesus for healing. They wanted to be better and truly believed Jesus could take care of them. Do you think your faith is that strong? Jesus rewarded them for their faith. This story also reminds of one of the main things we learn during Pentecost- how Jesus is a healer. If you have a need to be healed- mentally, physically, or spiritually- go to Jesus with faith. He can restore you! --Chad Hersberger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 27, 2018.
Prayer: Dear God, may we all share our blessings and a bit of heaven with others. Amen Reading: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: There is a great song written back in 1934…… “I got plenty of nuttin’ and nuttin’s plenty for me. Got no car, got no mule. I got no misery” Many of us are blessed with plenty. There are those who are not. God urges /encourages us to share our plenty. And God also encourages/urges those in need to also be helpful in their own humble way. (Read verses 13 - 15) I occasionally put out a bag of cookies for my refuse collectors and they in turn bring the empty cans back to my porch rather than leaving them curbside. Such a kind gesture! “I got my gal, got my song, got heaven the whole day long” May we all share a bit of heaven all day long as we offer our blessings to others. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Dear God, when joy comes after a hard time, we cannot be silent. Praise to you for your gracious, saving love. Amen
Reading: Psalm 30 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: Psalm 30 is a song of thanksgiving by a person God has rescued from a crisis. I could just leave it at that. Who hasn’t had a crisis? I can think of someone close very recently. Was there a rescue? Yes, indeed. …but joy comes with the morning. (v. 5) I love how there are Psalms for all times of life. Good to keep in mind this one for the rough times. I will also keep in mind how it ends: …so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (v. 12) The Psalmist cannot remain silent. When has your joy in the LORD overflowed like this? --Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 26, 2018.
Prayer: Thank you for your mercies new every morning. Help me to wait quietly. Your steadfast love is amazing and our hope is in you. Amen Reading: Lamentations 3: 22-33 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: From the margin notes in my Bible: 3: 22-39 The steadfast love of the LORD: These verses are often seen as the only message of hope in Lamentations.... I count on mercies new every morning and keep these verses close in heart but I did not realize the rest of Lamentations is so full of...lament. I guess I should have known, given the name of the book. In the barrage of bad news, it's encouraging to get some good. Like the short "Bright Spot" at the end of the evening news cast when, after the all stories of international trouble and natural disasters, there is the one story of the person collecting truckloads of food for the needy or the community cleaning up a vacant lot for a playground. There are bright spots. There are mercies...new every morning. Wait quietly. The LORD's love is steadfast and our hope is there. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: God, I know you are by my side. Be with me in the good and the bad. Amen.
Reading: Proverbs 12 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: When I started my second job out of college, I had a bit of a baptism by fire. Because it was a public position, paid for by taxpayer money, and I was a political appointee, opposition came out about my hiring. I basically got bashed for doing my job. My opponents said my job wasn’t needed. When that was going on in my life, I was stressed out. I remember running on my treadmill to get that extra energy out. I tried to do anything I could to make myself feel better. I stumbled upon this Proverb during that ordeal. I read this and felt better. I went back to work the next day with a smile on my face, not carrying what was said about me or my position. I knew God was on my side. As you go about your day, know that God is by your side. Turn to scripture to find solace and be reminded of God’s promises. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Comforting God, we thank you for bringing us through the storms of life. Thank you for the peace that you bring us. We know you have control over the wind and the seas. Help us remain faithful through the rough patches and the calm times. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
Reading: Mark 4: 35-41 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: Staff training is almost done, and the campers come soon. There are sure to be some storms this summer that we will have to help the campers through. In the past we have had some storms that knocked out the electricity. It gets mighty dark in the woods when there is no power. In this Bible story of Jesus calming the storm is reminds us to call on God when we are afraid, and that God can give us peace. We need to stay connected to the power of God to keep us calm when things go dark. God’s light is always there for us to follow. God is in control and we are to remain faithful through all the storms of life. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Open our hearts to you, Lord Jesus, and to each other. Amen
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: Into my heart, Into my heart; Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today; Come in to stay; Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. That was a camp song when I was young. An invitation but first one had to open their heart. Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to open wide their hearts. Why? Because Paul’s heart was open to them so he pleaded with them to open themselves to him. You are already in Jesus’s heart. Invite him into yours. In today. In to stay. --Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on March 8, 2018.
Prayer: Thank you for saving us from our distress by your love. Amen Reading: Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: There was a time when it was thought illness was a judgement for sin. Jesus rejects this interpretation, but still, verses 17-22 of Psalm 107 reflect that ancient belief. Now, even though we no longer connect illness with personal sin, we can still learn from this Psalm that in times of trouble we can cry out to the LORD. How encouraging that is! I recently visited a church where during Communion they were having a "Healing Service". Curious what this may look like, I watched closely. About a half dozen members stood along the side aisles to pray with those who stopped on their way back to their seats. Hands were held, eyes closed, words whispered, hugs shared. Over and over it happened and while I did not see any healing miracles on the outside, inside there was Love saving another from distress and it was very encouraging. Turn to God and He will touch us with His healing and deliver us from our afflictions. Then we can rejoice and tell of His grace to others who may be ready to listen. How encouraging that would be! -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, when life seems to be a whirlwind, make yourself known and remind us who you are. And when we wonder what next, may we turn to praise. Amen Reading: Job 38: 1-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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 was flipping through my Bible to find the book of Job, it dawned on me Psalms comes after Job. A book of praise after a story of terrible loss. Makes me think those who ordered the books did that on purpose? By chapter 38 of Job, all the humans have had their say about Job’s suffering, including Job himself. Then the Lord answers Job out of the whirlwind. Much reminding Job that he is human and God is God. Chapter 39 continues much the same. A few more chapters wraps up the story and, like I said I noticed, it’s on to Psalms – prayers, songs, liturgies and poems – Praise! Next time I feel I am in a whirlwind, perhaps I will listen closer for God. Then I will probably be reminded who God is. What comes next? Praise! --Ruth Gates Prayer: May we learn to be okay with whatever is going on right now, Lord. Amen.
Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 9-22 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: These verses say to me that you should live for today. Be happy whatever you are doing. There is a time for everything. God is in control. God knows what has been and what will be. We should just enjoy what God has given us in this moment. St. Paul says in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.” Are you content with what is going on right now? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Dear God, grow in our hearts your love. Grow in our lives your will. May we be amazed at the mystery of your handiwork. Amen
Reading: Mark 4: 26-34 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: The miracle of plants is a mystery and amazing. Such is God’s handiwork. Three years ago, I planted butternut squash seeds and got a bumper crop of twenty big squash! The next year I got exactly four. This spring, I bought ten Norway spruce seedlings. I gave five away. Of my remaining five only two look healthy. I hesitate to ask my friend how his are doing. Meanwhile, my yard has had an over abundance of violets, dandelion and clover. I talked to my neighbor about using a weed killer spray. He raises bees for honey and was not too happy about spraying. I decided a good neighbor is more important than dandelion and clover! I have another hilly area covered with about 150 hosta plants. They just keep multiplying with no help from me. What grows and doesn’t grow is often a mystery and always amazing. Such is God’s handiwork. What is God growing in your life? --Alice Yeakel Prayer: Gracious and giving God, we thank you for all you have given up. Help us trust in your goodness as we walk in your ways. May we be guides to all who follow us. May we be good examples to everyone around us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-17 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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 we are in the midst of staff training, we are all excited to be back at camp this summer. One common activity that is done with campers is trust walks. As I read this text it reminds me that both kinds of participants in a trust walk have important roles to play. The blindfolded one(s) being guided has to trust the person giving the instructions. The person doing the guiding has to lead in a way that the other people do not get hurt. This text reminds us we are to trust God, and as we lead others to trust God, we need to be a good example. We are supposed to walk by faith. We are supposed to live in Christ. We are supposed to persuade others to do the same. We are the ones doing the trusting, and the ones who are being trusted. May you faith walk be filled with great trust. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Lord, we praise you and sing for joy each day, at night and for always. May we trust you for the long run and grow in righteousness. Amen
Reading: Psalm 92: 1-4, 12-15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92: 14, 15 The image of a tree that still gives fruit in old age fits those who follow God’s ways. They do not live for the short term, but trust in God for the long run. Who do you know who has trusted in God for the long run? What can you learn from this person? --Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 12, 2018.
Prayer: Lord God, may we grow each day in you. Amen Reading: Ezekiel 17: 22-24 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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 myself will take a sprig...plant it." (v. 22) God is going to replant a sprig on a mountain height. The sprig will come from the lofty top of a cedar and eventually grow into a lofty cedar, too. This, however, will take time. A long time. The point of our reading today is Israel will be exalted at last. It references God restoring the temple on Mount Zion in Jerusalem and all knowing the LORD's power. It also implies this will take a lengthy time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Takes time to turn the Titanic around. Good things come to those who wait. All phases that imply some things take time and patience is important. Waiting is hard; wondering makes it worse. We grow in the LORD each day and though it may take a long time, we will be exalted at last. "I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it." (v. 24) -- Ruth Gates Prayer: God of love we praise you. We thank you for accepting us. We thank you for all our many blessings. Help us to spread those blessings to others. Help us be welcoming and accepting of others as you welcomed the children. Amen
Reading: Mark 10:13-16 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: The summer camp season is soon to start. We will have two weeks of staff training and then seven weeks of camp. We take seriously the words of Jesus when he said, “Let the little children come to me, do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” The camp staff trains hard on hospitality and meeting the campers needs as they lead them through camp activities and times where they can grow in their faith. We are always excited when the campers come. We welcome them all with open arms. These Bible verses spoke specifically about children, but we are all blessed children of God and all are welcome at camp. I would ask that you say an extra pray this weekend as the summer staff makes their way to camp to start their training. Please also pray for all those campers who will come this summer. Thank you! --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Dear God, we are your children. As we love our neighbor, may that familiar feeling bring us to be your family. Amen
Reading: Mark 3: 20-35 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: Mark chapter 3 ends with some powerful and comforting words. Jesus tells us we are all brothers and sisters in his sight. By following and obeying his teachings, we are all one family. Early in our church history, members addressed each other as Brother or Sister rather than Mr. or Mrs. One young man in our congregation calls me Sister Alice. I get a nice feeling when he speaks to me in such a familiar, family way. Another nice greeting is neighbor. One of our former ministers always greeted my husband with, “Good Morning, neighbor” though we lived four blocks apart. If we follow God’s teachings of love, we are all familiar family. --Alice Yeakel Prayer: Keep renewing our inside, God, even as our bodies are weak. Amen.
Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5:1 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: One of the things you have to get used to as you age is that your body just can’t do what it used to be able to do. Recently, I helped my folks move to a new home. After 3 days of moving boxes, clothes, plastic tubs, and more, my body said, “Stop!” I had to take a day to rest and rejuvenate. What I like about this passage is that it reminds us that our body is not everything. Outside, we may be sore, stiff, and struggling, but we are being renewed inside. We are gaining knowledge, we are becoming more compassionate, we are becoming more loving. Great solace to have when your body seems to be failing you! --Chad Hershberger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on April 3, 2014.
Prayer: Jesus, meet us. Meet us where we are. Meet us when we cry out. Meet us when we laugh. We know you are here. Amen. Reading: Psalm 130 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. 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: 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 had 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 |
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