Prayer: Comfort us, open our eyes, and help us to see you, Lord. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 40: 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: If you are familiar with Handel’s Messiah, you will recognize some of these words. They are part of that great oratorio. Which got me to thinking, “Why do we listen to Messiah during the Advent and Christmas season?” So, I did some research. I found out that only the first part of the work is about Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The second has to do with Christ’s death and the third about resurrection. I also found out that oratorio was first conceived as a work for Easter and was premiered during the Lenten season of 1742. As I reflected on these facts, it dawns on me that to truly appreciate what we celebrate this season- the coming of Christ- we need to know the whole story. We know why Christ came into the world and what God sent him to do. Reminding ourselves of the whole story helps us to appreciate the beginning even more. To that I say, “Hallelujah!” --Chad Hershberger
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Prayer: I am a child of God, a loving parent who loves me, always and no matter what. For that let me be grateful. Amen.
Reading: Romans 8:38-39 (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 really believe there is NOTHING that can come between God and His creation, at least not permanently. I’ve often reasoned that if humanity can recycle plastic bottles and tin cans, how could God do less? The stuffed bear one child outgrows becomes the beloved toy picked up at the flea market. Junkyards provide parts to give new life to our favorite cars. Even our landfills create energy from our cast offs, so that trash has redemptive use. As human beings, we may become distracted by the noise and temptations of popular culture, everyday demands, incidental annoyances, and even unforeseen calamities. We may be momentarily forgetful of God. We may even rail against what we perceive is His absence, His neglect, or His failure toward us. But these are selfish, self-serving tantrums on our part. Like the parent of a child who pushes its mother or father away, God waits patiently until we can rein in our emotions and again accept the comfort and guidance. He is ready to provide. His love is everlasting, and we are never to be discarded, cast off, relinquished. Thank God! --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: Dear God, you provide us with all need. We just need to watch. And when we watch we see so much for which to be thankful - Thanksgiving Day today and everyday. Amen
Reading: Mark 13: 24-37 (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: Happy Thanksgiving! Yes, it is Thanksgiving Day 2020. You may be looking around and not seeing what or maybe more importantly WHO you would normally see. You are looking for more. More. You are looking for what you thought would be but it’s not. It’s not. But keep looking. Watch! Remember: From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Mark 13: 28 Watch! Something IS coming. For those watching the fig tree, it was summer. For us this Thanksgiving it may be a time when all can be together again. And while you watch, remember this too: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Mark 13: 30 We can all be thankful for that! Truly thankful. --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 May 26, 2013.
Prayer: God, we thank you. Help us to count our blessings and come to you with our joys in life. Amen. Reading: I Corinthians 1: 3-9 (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: Today, take a moment to think of all you have been blessed with. If you are like me, I can make a pretty long list of blessings I have received from our Heavenly Father. Often, we do not thank our Lord for the good things in life. Many people just go to our Creator when they are having a difficult time; they just ask for things. Today and everyday we should take time in prayer to thank God for all our many blessings. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Jesus- we our hope, our light, our peace, our love, our joy. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 (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 season of Advent, we await Christ’s coming, both as a baby and for his reign forever. We also look to where we see Christ here and now. Imagine what it would have been like to live in the dark times when you knew the Messiah would come but you were feeling hopeless. As I read this Psalm today, I can sense that kind of hopelessness. Where to you find hope? In these dark days of COVID-19, we need to look for the bright spots that bring us joy. What a great time this Advent season as we look at the hope, peace, joy, and love of the world- Christ. We know he came as a baby, will come again, and is with us right now. Where do you see him? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Quench the fires of our hearts, and put out the fires around us, Lord. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 64: 1-9 (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 watch from afar and marvel at the devastation of the wildfires that burn in the western part of the United States. One of our colleague camps has had land burned. Fortunately, none of their buildings have burned but they have been evacuated waiting for the fires to be put out. I thought of those horrific fires when I read this passage. It reminded me that there are times when we feel helpless. Fires rage around us. We can’t do anything but rely on God. The fires cause water to boil and the timber is burning all around you, turn to the one who can put those fires out- our Creator God. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Open our eyes, Lord, to the lives around us. Things that may be hidden. People that may be in need. Amen
Reflection: This will be the last of my parking lot stories I think. I wrote two months ago about the very first person I saw when I went back to work after COVID shutdown of my office – a kind stranger in the parking lot. Then last month I wrote of a person eating dinner in the parking lot. This month I write about something I saw parked in the parking lot. Hint - It wasn’t a car. I just happened to notice out the of corner of my eye, while walking back to my car, a person digging around in the sticks, leaves and debris at the chain link fence along one side of the parking lot. He was moving it all aside and there hidden underneath was a pull cart with a large plastic bag in it and other various things hanging about it. I realized this was his hiding spot for his things during the day. He was gathering up his possessions after wherever he had been that day and heading to who knows where for the night. The next day I arrived, parked my car and looked over to that spot and, sure enough, looking closely I could see his cart was hidden there again. It has become a bit of a thing I look for and notice each day. Hoping his stuff is okay. Even more, hoping he is okay. There have been times I have thought of leaving something there. Food. Socks. Bottled water. But I don’t want him to think someone knows his hiding place. He may become nervous and worried about his belongings he hides for safekeeping each day. I could write a note but can he read? What can I do? For now I watch, pray and hope someday I know just what to do about what is parked is parked in the lot. It’s not a car. It’s a life. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Kind Father, may we remember that as we are kind to those around us, we are serving you. Open our eyes to those who need us and where we can show your love. Amen
Reading: Matthew 25: 31-46 (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: Being kind and helpful is so easy. There are strangers among us that we depend upon. Have you ever put out a candy bar for your letter carrier? A bag of cookies for the garbage collector? How about the mysterious person who delivers your morning paper at 4 or 5 AM? Or the borough road crew who clears your street after a snowstorm? So many opportunities! Once upon a time we gave apples to our teachers. How about the custodian who cleans the classroom? My elderly neighbor who needs a walker went to vote. She was 8th in line at 7AM! The people in front of her let her move ahead. How kind! How will you be kind today? --Alice Yeakel We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 19, 2014.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You. Amen. Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 (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: Early in his letter to Christians at Ephesus, Paul thanks them. Nice thing to do. But why? What have the brothers and sisters done to earn Paul’s unceasing thanks? Paul tells them that he has heard of their faith and their love toward all the saints. And for that reason gives thanks for them. That makes me wonder what people say about me when they are talking to other people. I can’t ever remember hearing about anybody talking about my faith. “That Jim Bricker, he sure is faithful.” Nope. Can’t say that rumor has ever gotten back to me. Love toward the saints at times, yep, that one could fly. I imagine that it is possible that you could hear about my love for folks. Paul’s words today just make me pause for a bit. What do people say about me? If I’m remembered in anybody’s prayers is it in thanksgiving for my faith, for my love? What do you think? How do people speak about you? Faith? Love? --Jim Bricker Prayer: We sing our praises to you, God. Thank you for loving us. Amen, Amen!!
Reading: Psalm 95: 1-7a (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: Let us begin this day with singing. Whether we feel like it or not, let us make glad sounds and force our tongues to articulate words of thanksgiving and praise. The facts are: God is with us; this world and we who live in it are His; He loves us; He has adopted us as His children; we belong to Him. (Psalm 95 from Psalms/Now by Leslie Brandt) Because the Psalms speak so well for themselves and I really could not come up with something new to say for this GROW Time writing, I turned to Psalms/Now which takes the Psalms and puts them as prayers for today. Honestly, I don’t think there is more that I can say. Sometimes we just need to sing; whether we feel like it or not. Sometimes all we need are the facts. God loves us. All I have to add is, “Amen, Amen!!” --Ruth Gates Prayer: God, my shepherd: find me when I’m lost. Let me into the fold of your loving arms. Care for me. Protect me. Never let me go. Amen
Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16 (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: Just as I finished reading this passage, my current Spotify station launched “Someone to Watch Over Me,” one of my favorite songs. Usually romantic in sentiment, I instead listened closely to the words while considering this promise from Ezekiel. Don’t we all want to be sought after, found, loved for ourselves? The idea that “he” or “He” might not be exactly what we expect, discovered in unforeseen places and situations to where we’ve been scattered, yet fulfill our every need for love, care, completion fits well, too. I think of Jesus’s frequent analogies to earthly relationships: parent and child, lovers, bride and groom, dearest friends. God is all these and more, our creator who will never give up on us and who is always there to provide the love that sustains. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: God, my loving creator, you bestow on all the earth everything needed. Open my eyes and heart to share the abundance you’ve provided. Ease my mind when I fret needlessly about the future. Help me to let you lead and trust in your care. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 104 (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: Those of you who know me well may have noticed I sketch a flower by my signature on personal notes and correspondences. I began doing this in the ‘80s, shorthand for a mantra I’d adopted -- have faith in flowers. Scriptures like this psalm directed me to replace my tendency to fret about future uncertainties and things I could not control and to instead “Let go. Let God.” When I look around at the wonder of life, the vast miracle of life on this planet, and consider all of the challenges working against things even existing, my faith in a conscious creator surge. I think of the old Sunday School song, “My God is So Big, so Great and Almighty; there’s nothing my God cannot do, for you!” Seriously, the birds feed on seeds that drop from flowers planted and pollinated by other creatures and the wind. Those flowers manage to grow up against every hardship imaginable, eventually splitting a rock in two to make way for the plants sprouting forth. Humanity, beloved of God and created in his/her own image, surely, must be provided for by its loving, almighty parent. So why do we fret about things, having enough? Surely not because God failed to provide. If only we could live in sync with His plan, then His will truly could be enjoyed on earth, as it is in heaven… --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: Forever God, you are from beginning to end. You have been with us all along and always will be. As we go through life and sometimes wonder, may we remember to wait for it. Good is still coming. Amen
Reading: Matthew 24: 14-30 (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: I am not sure when it started, but I remember when the scrolling credits at the end of a movie began to have added bits of storyline, moments of actors off camera or bloopers. Something to keep you in your seats watching until the very end. If you got up to leave, you would miss something good still coming. Nowadays, we come across short videos on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. Sometimes, to get you to watch to the very end, there will be the words, “Wait for it.” So, watch all the way through. It’s worth it. The best is at the end. Our reading today is of persecutions foretold and desolating sacrilege. Pretty depressing and dire stuff. But, the last two verses are of the coming of the Son of Man. What may seem like endless doom and gloom really isn’t. There is more. There is something good still coming. Wait for it! --Ruth Gates Prayer: Thank you, God, for my faith, my family, my friends. Let me always remember the difference between valuables and that which is truly valuable. Amen.
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (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 usual, we came out of church long after the rest of the congregation had gone home. That Sunday, we’d finished cleaning up after hosting the celebration of St. Nicholas at our city church and we were happy but exhausted. I remember carrying a sleeping baby in my arms, her toddler brother bundled in Doug’s, and our two older sons excited about the swirling snow as we crossed the parking lot to our conversion van parked in the corner. But as we came to its side, shock set upon us. The doors were ajar, glass smashed on snow and seats, the car obviously broken into during our advent service. Is there really any way to predict when theft or violence might strike? We lock our doors, we take reasonable precautions, but in a moment, our false sense of security can be shattered. And not only with crime; natural disasters and personal tragedies beset us with little to no warning. Life is unpredictable. Or is it? The particular incidents that make up our days may catch us off guard, but with proper preparation, faith and resolve, we can ready ourselves to stand up to such ordeals. Moreover, the support of our faith community really does build us up. That day, thieves made off with our TV, radio, some Christmas presents left in the trunk, a baby bag. But we were all safe. Our pastor welcomed us into her kitchen and kept us company while we waited for the police. Someone brought diapers for our daughter. Later, our insurance paid for repairs to the van. Nothing that really mattered was taken from us and we witnessed how lucky we really were to have friends and family in times of trouble. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: Dear God, you are always near. May we stay close to you always. Amen
Reading: Psalm 90: 1-8 (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: Our church is just three blocks downhill. Very easy to get to. Getting home, however, is another matter. In good weather, it is a healthy stroll. If it is snowy or icy, it can be quite a challenge. As a child I lived a mere half block from the church. No excuses! In fact, I tell people I walked to my wedding! And so I look at God as always accessible. Always “there”. So close. Stay close. --Alice Yeakel 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, 2017.
Prayer: Lord God, we pray for those who don’t believe in you and don’t live in respect of your goodness and fairness. May they hear warnings to repent and return to you. Amen. Reading: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (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: My one bank card was updated to the chip standard and I noticed a big difference. When I was checking out, you had to insert the card and follow the screen’s prompts. I looked away while it was processing and was startled by the loud buzz with a prompt, “You can remove your card now.” The clerk smiled a little and said that the sound surprises a lot of people. I told her it sounded like I did something wrong. She apologized and said they can’t change the sound. Not nearly the same volume as the church’s industrial smoke alarm, but a similar voice. Get out, get out it seems to warn. Zephaniah picks up a similar tone warning those who mock God’s ability to rule, lead and correct. The verses serve as quite an extreme listing of reasons to remove oneself from the trench of sin. Turn back, turn back! Repent, Repent! God is quite capable of punishing and rewarding! You don’t know when he is going to drop the hammer and the sound will usher a time of final judgement. God is a loving God, but God is not a fool. God is fair and just and not a liar. Sometimes soft warnings work well, but other times a sinner needs to be startled out of a complacent slide into destruction. I much prefer words of grace and soft bells of warning, but if that doesn’t work—turn up the volume! --Andrew Fitch Prayer: God, you made me in your image to do your work. Let me be your vessel, living your Great Commission until you give me rest. Amen.
Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (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: Who hasn’t known those days where you feel like a vessel emptied of every drop? Worn out. Drained. Maybe you’ve spent the day working for others. Perhaps you’ve finished some promised project, and hopefully you are even gratified to know that you made a difference to someone’s happiness or well-being. But you are tired and spent. I feel like the imagery and sentiment of this selection connects me to the living Christ. In service to God, I too can be a source of sustenance. Not only am I, as a believer, assured of forgiveness and salvation; others may find this reassurance through my living out a life of love and Christian compassion. But God, through this scripture, reassures me in times when I feel overwhelmed that He asks of me only that which I can give. To live a life of love and faith to God and for others, for God and to others. The promise of rest and comfort doesn’t have to be seen only in terms of the end of life, either. Each day is a sort of departure, and any day that feels all-consuming or particularly trying but which you make it through with your faith intact should be finished with a contemplation of this passage and the balm it applies. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: God of all time, may we always be ready to serve you. Amen
Reading: Matthew 25: 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: “Wachet Auf!”, also known as Sleepers, Awake!, was composed by J. S. Bach 300 years ago. “Are Ye Able?” is an old gospel hymn circa 1926. “People, Get Ready” was written in 1965. In words all through time, we are reminded to be ready. Prepare your candles. Whatever tools you have, put them to use. Keep your saw sharpened, woodcutter. Fill your silo with grain for the winter, farmer. Don’t fall asleep on the job anyone. Are you ready? --Alice Yeakel Prayer: Be our trust, our hope, our guide, Lord. Help us to remember to encourage others and tell them about you. Amen.
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 (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: Our readings in November are usually about the future. We look forward in time as we prepare for the second coming of Christ. Some of readings come from Revelation, relating what the end times will be. They all come to a climax at the end of the month when we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, recognizing the eternal reign of God. I’m writing this a week before it will be posted. We are wrapping up an election campaign. When you read this, Election Day will be over. Hopefully, a clear winner emerged. I remember the days after the 2000 presidential election when we didn’t know the winner for a while. If you are like me, you are ready for this election to be over. Our passages in November remind us that whatever happens on this earth, it is temporary. Our hope and trust lie in Christ. Paul reminds us today to encourage one another with words like that. So, that’s what I’m doing for you today! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Be pleased, O God, to deliver me. O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay! (Psalm 70: 1, 5b)
Reading: Psalm 70 (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 70 is a prayer for help. Help. I really don’t have much more to say about that. I need help. We all need help. So we pray. Then what do we do. I have heard another prayer that goes something like this: Lord, lead me to the ones I need; and to the one who is needing me. Amen We all need help. We all need each other. Do not delay. --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 February 7, 2017.
Prayer: God Almighty, your way is justice and truth. Stir us from placidness and stagnancy. May our hearts burn with zeal for the correcting work of your Kingdom. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen. Reading: Amos 5: 18-24 (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 am sure that most of us have had that moment when we are driving along in the car with our family and/or friends and they ask us, “What’s your problem?! Why are you so grumpy today?” There could be various reasons, but many times it is something that is eating away at us, something is not right in our world and we just can’t let it go. Maybe we just heard a news story and it is just plain disturbing—why would someone do that? Amos steers us away from mild grumpiness to full throttle irritation at the 100% prophetic level (don’t try this at home without safety gear and supervision). Amos draws our attention to the big picture. Amos is not just having a bad day. Amos is not just a little irked about a bad deal with the camel trader. The minor prophet is making a major point—you can’t act like you love God without hating injustice. You can’t hate injustice without doing something about it. You can’t sit back and just say, oh it will all be settled in the end. You can’t just hope for the end of days when God makes everything right. Amos does not allow us to just punch our worship card and go home. --Andrew Fitch |
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