Prayer:   Gracious God, we have so much to be thankful for.  It’s humbling.  Help us to reach out to help others.  Amen
 
Reading: Philippians 2: 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: 
 
Humility is the theme of these verses.  When you put others before self, it is amazing how your little nagging aches and pains disappear!  Consider the needs and concerns of those around you. Often your worries become trivial.
 
When you live alone you feel alone and can conjure up and imagine all kinds of problems. But we are not alone.  There are friends and family beyond your door who need “tending to”.  Now, I don’t mean meddling.  All you need do is listen.
 
Then be grateful for all the blessings God has given you and be humble.
 
--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 July 11, 2019.
 
Prayer:  Remind me, God, of your truth.  
 
Reading:  Psalm 25:1-10 (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:    It is so easy to be distracted and misled in today’s world. Communication can go viral in just a few minutes.  And often we have no way of checking the accuracy or truth of the information transmitted. We can so easily be misled.
 
To some degree, the psalmist must have felt something similar.  Here we are encouraged to stay in touch with what is the truth—dependable truth. I’m not sure how to help us do that.  Except to offer the reminder for us to be careful about what we read and hear. Compare it always with what we know to be God’s way.  


--Jim Bricker

Prayer:  Forgiving and fair God, we cast away our sins and turn to you for a new heart and new spirit.  Thank you for the sweetness of life in you.  Amen
 
Reading: Ezekiel 18: 1-4, 25-32 (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 week in September when our one vine of Concord grapes has bunches of sweet, ripe, purple grapes.  Ready to be picked.  Not too soon when still sour; not too late after the birds have found them.  Oh, what a week!  Because it means Grape Pie.
 
Maybe you have not heard of Grape Pie?  I had not until moving to the Finger Lakes region of New York State.  It looks like blueberry pie by color and form but tastes like grape jelly with a preserves sort of texture.  And it is oh so good!  Only one piece left from our one pie of the season from the one picking of grapes from our one vine.  (sigh)
 
Ezekiel 18 begins with a reference to a proverb of parents eating sour grapes and setting their children’s teeth on edge.  Just the thought sets my teeth on edge.  The saying blames the problems of the children on the actions of the parents.  But God goes on to say all lives are his and each generation is responsible for its own actions.
 
No sour grapes.  Repent.  Turn, then, and live.  Enjoy the Grape Pie.
 
--Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Thank you, Creator, for the beauty and peace you provide in nature. Thank you, too, for Camp Mount Luther. Amen.
 
Reading: Ecclesiastes 1: 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: 
 
This summer, my three adult children came home to live because of COVID. Amidst the stress and fear and politics and pain that this pandemic has unleashed, I got the gift of four months with children that otherwise would not have returned to a family unit in my lifetime, at least not for four solid months.  And then, we went to Camp Mount Luther.
 
Because of COVID, the cabins and grounds could not host the usual family camp. But with the opportunity to rent a cabin for a few days, our family enjoyed sunrises and sunsets. Warm breezes and long hikes. Splashing in the streams with our dog. And a strong recalibration of perspective.
 
Much of the busyness and nonstop pressures of life before COVID has been stripped of its value. Supper together, at the table, is returning to many households. Family game nights are again a possibility. Taking time to “stop and smell the roses” has for some lucky enough to live in central Pennsylvania (or other natural surroundings) turned into opportunities to pause and appreciate the endurance of God’s creation.  It has been here all along. It will be here long after our toil ceases. But will you have enjoyed it?
 
I heartily recommend that you go to camp. Enjoy the peace, quiet, and rejuvenation.
 
--Heather LeBlanc
 
 
 

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for my family and my faith. I am blessed to have been called to serve you. Let me work hard and know your love. Amen. 
 
Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16  (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: 
 
This is one of my most cited passages to my children. Anyone who deals with more than one kid in a group, be you a parent, teacher, aunt/uncle, or caregiver, knows that children go through a stage of comparing everything they see given to another to what they perceive they received. Come to think of it, I know a lot of adults who never grew out of that phase.
 
This lesson reminds us to be minders of our own affairs. In this parable, the workers who put in a full day’s work received a sense of worth and purpose. Had they not measured the work they had gladly done against the briefer effort put in by the latecomers, they would have been content with their expected reward.
 
There are those who are fortunate enough to have known God early, who have been raised in the embrace of the church from infant baptism, supported by a congregation and thus, in service to Jesus throughout their life. But even to those who are late to belief, God is ready to accept their discipleship, at any age and at any stage. Rather than feel jealous or judgmental of others, we should appreciate what we have been given for its own right. God knows what we need, He will provide, and His patience and generosity are infinite.
 
--Heather LeBlanc
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Dear God, may we live in a manner worthy of the good news of Jesus; standing firm and working side by side in spirit and care.  Amen
 
Reading: Philippians 1: 21-30 (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:
 
Suppose you were a garbage collector and you had to collect two days’ worth of garbage in one day because a holiday fell during the work week.  Everything you and I place along the curb.  Suppose we flip the story.  You and I become the garbage collectors working side by side.  Or perhaps show our care by simply containing our refuse neatly and manageably.
 
How about the letter carrier?  In our community he or she still walks a good part of the route.  This morning I saw my letter carrier at 9:00 a.m. downtown having already started earlier.  She got to my house up the hill at 5:00 with more to go.  Everyone along the way is grateful for their mail.  How can we work side by side?  Offer a cup of water along the way.
 
Or how about the newspaper delivery person?  My morning paper is at my door before 6:30 a.m.  I’m afraid that person is on their own.  Not many are morning people.  At least not that early morning.
 
Someone wrote a little book about all the people we need to thank for a cup of coffee; beginning with the coffee bean grower somewhere in South America and many coffee bean pickers working side by side.
 
We thank you, Lord, for all those who take care of us.  Help us to do our share of caring as we work side by side in spirit and love.
 
I wonder if my paper deliverer likes coffee?
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Great and good, God, we praise you.  May all know of your grace, mercy and steadfast love.  Amen
 
Reading: Psalm 145: 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: 
 
Psalm 145 is so positive – praising the greatness and goodness of God - to tell others of God’s deeds so others may know God.  One generation to another – declare, proclaim and celebrate.  Sing!  Pray.  Like the familiar mealtime prayer – “God is great.  God is good.”
 
When days seem bleak and the future seems uncertain like a murky fog, read Psalm 145 for hope and encouragement.  Then share it.  It hurts to see people floundering because of loneliness, isolation and fear of illness.  Let’s uphold each other with friendship and caring deeds.  Sometimes all it takes is a smile, a cheerful hello, a funny story, a phone call.  A song.  A prayer.
 
--Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Dear God, guide us each day and help us know our left from right.  Amen
 
Reading: Jonah 3: 10 – 4: 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: 
 
When describing someone totally clueless or helpless, one phrase is, ”He doesn’t know his left hand from his right.”  Makes you feel kind of bad for that person.  It’s meant to be funny to say that but imagine being so confused?  Not knowing which way to turn.  And even if told which way, not sure which left is right?
 
Sounds like Jonah who was sent to the Ninevites.  Jonah is told which way to go, balks about going, goes the opposite way (perhaps Jonah’s excuse was he didn’t know his right from his left?), gets thrown off a boat (because it is suspected the deadly storm may be all his fault), swallowed by a whale, spit up on dry land, spoken to again by the LORD (“How about trying your other left this time?”), and the story goes on…
 
…until Jonah went the way he was supposed to (the right left?), the Ninevites turned from their evil ways and God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them.
 
My goodness what a story of getting left and right mixed up.  So, it does not surprise me it ends with God simply saying, “And should I not be concerned about Nineveh…persons who do not know their right hand from their left?”  Or maybe God is saying he did not have enough whales to swallow up all the Ninevites until they figured out which way to go?
 
So, good job, Jonah, even if at first you didn’t know your right hand from your left.  You found your way.  The Ninevites found their way.  Guide us all, patient God.
 
--Ruth Gates
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for community.  May we truly see each other and see you as we travel through this world.  Give us stories to share.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 24: 13-35 (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:
 
I used to take the bus to and from work.  Saved the cost of gas, saved parking fees downtown, saved wear and tear on the car.  The bus also gave me time to read and write; gave me friends from the familiar faces I saw each day; gave me respite from the stress of driving.  Last but not least, taking the bus gave me material and inspiration for some of these GROW Time First Light devotions.  Observations and conversations.  Things seen outside and inside the bus; on the outside and inside of those on it.  They became Bus Stories.
 
Because of COVID-19 in mid-March, I began to work remotely from home and was no longer riding the bus.  I missed my writing time.  Chad, who coordinates these devotions, would also say I missed a few sign-ups and due dates.  But mostly I missed seeing God in the community of fellow travelers through this world.
 
Last week I went back to work in person in the office, but I am still not taking the bus.  My hours have changed so the route schedule is not as in sync with the times I need to arrive downtown or leave for home.  Covid-19 is still a concern and so it is best to avoid exposure.  Instead, I am driving my car and parking in a lot.  Would you believe, in that first week I had three encounters (inspirations) for GROW Time First Light devotions?  They will become Parking Lot Stories.
 
Coming soon.
 
-- Ruth Gates.

Prayer:  Lord, when we wonder how many times to forgive, remind us the answer is don’t do the math.  Amen
 
Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35 (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: 

When someone is trying to make a point about the reality of a situation or bottom line of a decision, a common phrase is, “Do the math.”
 
Peter asks, “How often should I forgive?  As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy-seven times.” (NRSV – or seventy times seven)
 
It sounds like Jesus is giving a, “Do the math.” answer to the question.  Okay, so is that I should forgive 77 times or 70 x 7 = 490 times?  Either would be hard to keep track of.  That’s the point.  That’s the answer.
 
In this case, “Do the math.” really means, “Don’t do the math.”  Don’t keep track.  Forgiveness is not limited to a certain number of times but rather as often as necessary.
 
--Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Welcoming God, there is no point in quarreling about what doesn’t matter.  In you we stand together. Thank you for daily bread.  Amen
 
Reading: Romans 14: 1-12 (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: 

There is a sung table grace at Camp Mount Luther called Brown Cow and it goes like this:
 
Thank the brown cow for the chocolate milk.
Thank the pig (oink, oink) for the bacon on the grill.
Thank the egg for the chicken,
And the chicken for the egg.
Thank God for daily bread.
 
To all who know the tune and will have it stuck in their head the rest of the day, “You’re welcome.” (or “I’m sorry.”)
 
Somehow Paul’s message to the Romans got me singing that grace.  Why?  Because he is trying to explain there is no point in quarreling over opinions – What to eat or not to eat?  Is one day better than another?  Which came first – the chicken or the egg?
 
Okay, Paul did not mention the chicken or the egg question.  But he did say all that other stuff does not matter.  What matters is that God has welcomed us.  Perhaps that is why I love this sung table grace so much.  It doesn’t matter.  We thank the egg for the chicken and the chicken for the egg.  And we thank God for daily bread.
 
Amen.
 
--Ruth Gates

Prayer: Father, friend, and holy spirit, thank you for your unending love and acceptance. You are good beyond words or understanding. Amen.
 
Reading: Psalm 103: (1-7), 8-13 (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: 
 
What a great reminder this psalm is to distinguish between needs and wants. When I’m tempted to worry about what might be around the corner, or feel burdened by guilt, or am angry at the unfairness of things, I’d do well to read this psalm again. Admittedly, I might have it memorized within the week!
 
The Lord is kind. Like the best parent, He offers guidance, forgiveness, protection, justice, mercy, patience, and above all, love! With all my heart, I praise the Lord!
 
--Heather LeBlanc

Prayer:  Forgiving Father, we are thankful sin does not have the last word.  Your love and mercy can bring good out of evil.  Amen
 
Reading: Genesis 50: 15-21 (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 Bible titles this part of the Joseph story, “Joseph Forgives His Brothers.”  I read through it carefully looking for the word forgive and found it in reference to the father(s) not the brothers.  Interesting.  The brothers approach Joseph basically with, “Before dad died he told us to beg you to forgive us.”  Joseph responded, “Am I in the place of God?”
 
So, is the title, “Joseph Forgives His Brothers” really what happened seeing as the brothers seemed to be saying it was dad who asked for them to be forgiven and Joseph seemed to be leaving the matter to the Father?
 
Clearly asking for forgiveness can be oh so difficult and granting forgiveness can only be done with God’s mercy in our hearts.  I think the truth comes out in the tears.  Joseph wept; the brothers wept.  Then the words of reassurance and kindness from Joseph – Do not be afraid.  Have no fear.  I will provide.  Good came out of evil.
 
How have you experienced or witnessed God at work to bring good out of evil circumstances?
 
--Ruth Gates
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Walk with us on our journey, Lord, where you send us.  Amen. 
 
Reading: Exodus 3: 13-14 (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: 
 
Sometimes God doesn’t give us much to go on.  Here’s poor old Moses, minding his own business, watching his father-in-law’s sheep.  He comes across this burning bush.  That is odd, but stranger yet is that the bush doesn’t go out.  So, he goes to see what is going on.  I would, too, wouldn’t you?  God sometimes uses rather dramatic events to get our attention. 
 
Anyhow, while Moses is watching the bush burn, God calls him.  “Moses, Moses,” God says.  Now God really has his attention!  Somehow this isn’t going to be good.  Well a burnin’ bush told me just the other day, that I should come over here and say… that I gotta’ get my people outta Pharoah’s hand…  Moses figures that this is a bigger job than he really wants to tackle, so he makes up excuses.  One of them is that he doesn’t have much credibility with the Israelites and asks God to back him up.  Like, maybe they’ll believe me if I tell them that you sent me.  What is your name?  (Big drum roll…) “I AM WHO I AM.”  That’s it?  Yep, that’s it.
 
Sometimes God sends us on missions and promises to go with us just as he reassured Moses.  Sometimes we want just a little more.  Like maybe if God would find some splashy way to accomplish the task.  Or if we knew that we wouldn’t be laughed at.  Sometimes we want to be sure that this job God sends us on really makes sense and has some reasonable chance of success.  Well, most of the time we don’t get those kinds of reassurances.  I AM just sends us and promises to go along.  That’s all we get.  That ALL we get?  Should really be enough, don’t you think?  God chooses us, God calls us, God sends us, and God walks with us.  Thanks be to God!


--Jim Bricker
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Be with us in conflict, Lord, and help us to speak love in truth.  May we learn to speak more honestly, more opening, and more transparent with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Amen. 
 
Reading: Matthew 18: 15-20 (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: 

A few years ago, I took a week-long course on conflict resolution from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Institute.  We looked at this verse and used it as a framework for our work of learning to better handle the disputes that come up in the life of church.
 
At camp, we’ve been practicing what we call HOT Communication for a long time now.  It started as “Clean Communication” and has morphed int “HOT Communication” standing for honest, open, and transparent communication.  When we have an issue with someone, we go talk to them.  We try to resolve the problem face-to-face, not talking behind others’ backs.  If we need help, we engage a mediator to help us talk through the problem.
 
The staff and I had conversations this summer about how our world needs more HOT Communication.  We need to have the difficult conversations and come to win-win agreements.  We need to be open to listening and understanding another point of view.  And we need to find common ground.
 
How might you practice HOT Communications in your life?  How might those changes make your life better?
 
--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 September 3, 2014.
 
Prayer:  Lord Jesus, grant that our waiting for you would turn into the action of service to others.  Amen.
 
Reading: Romans 13: 8-14 (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: 
 
Think of something you have waited for: Christmas, a birthday party, a visit with a friend, a new job, a vacation.  As you wait, your excitement turns into action: putting up decorations, baking a cake, buying new work clothes, packing a suitcase.  You ready yourself before the actual day.
Waiting for the return of Christ is something like these experiences.  Our expectation of Christ’s return someday changes the way we live today.  Waiting looks like honorable living.  To “put on the armor of light” is to live in the new day before it has dawned.  By works of love for God and neighbor, we get ready to receive our Lord Jesus Christ with joy.

--Ruth Gates

Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 20, 2014.
 
Prayer:  Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.  Amen. 
 
Reading:  Psalm 119:33-40 (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 119 is a big long, love poem about God's law, or in other words, God's written instructions. Well, that sure is a good thing as life is full of uncertainties and I am all for instructions. God has given us a reliable guide for living; a rope to hold onto to pull us through the muck of life. So, with the Psalmist we ask the Lord to teach us God's decrees. We should not see God’s law as a dusty, rigid rulebook but rather we can hear God’s loving voice in it. In God's Word we find direction and we find God himself. His law helps us regain confidence.  
 
I will think about this as I walk the paths of Camp Mount Luther. Come to Camp and walk some paths yourself!  May you find God; may you find delight.  --Ruth Gates

Prayer:  When we read your Word, give us insight into what you are saying.  Help us, God, to live better lives.  Amen.
 
Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7-11 (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: 
 
Sometimes when I read a passage from the lectionary, I wonder why on earth did they have us read that this week.  That’s how I felt about today’s Bible reading.  Without looking up context or doing some serious research into this story, on the surface, I had no clue about what to write about today.
 
These verses seem to me to be telling us a little bit more about repentance.  Repentance is turning from our old, evil ways and being better.  Can I be better today than I was yesterday?  Certainly!  Can I be better about how I treat others around me today then I have in the past?  Certainly! 
 
Each day gives us the opportunity to be better.  Wait!  Each second of every minute we can strive to be better.  Hey- that’s a good message.  Even in the difficult verses of the Bible, we can find God’s grace and love.


--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 23, 2013.
 
Prayer:  Christ Jesus, our Shepherd and Savior, give us water when we thirst, food when we hunger, and life when we face death. Thanks be to you for satisfying our needs. Amen.
 
Reading: Psalm 139: 7  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: 

Over the years, I’ve been able to do some research on prayer. I have studied different styles of prayer, how you “should” pray, and how prayer improves the spiritual well-being of each of us.  A short time ago, I read a devotional book that had an interesting new twist on prayer. The author writes, "A few years back, I started beginning my prayers differently. I began saying to God, 'You go first.' Then I would quietly wait for thought to start crossing my mind. I assumed that God would bring to mind the most important things I needed to pray about. If they were positive thoughts, I would pray them back with joy. If they were negative thoughts, I would pray about them with courage and honesty."
 
Ever since I read this, I have been intrigued. I occasionally try it and he is right; usually, something comes to mind that I should pray about. I think it is good for us to remember that when we turn to God in prayer, it should not just be a laundry list of things we want. Rather, we should look to God in praise, thanksgiving, and in genuine conversation with our maker. Perhaps if we listened more than we talked, new and interesting things might start happening in our lives!  
 
--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 August 25, 2014.
 
Prayer:  Lord, help me take up my cross and follow you.  Amen.   
 
Reading:  Matthew 16: 21-28 (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:  So, you are standing there, with Jesus, and he says, "I'm on my way to Jerusalem.  I'm going to be killed, and then God will raise me up on the third day."  What would your response be?

Peter, as we read today, disputes Jesus.  "This will never happen to you," he replies.  But Jesus knows the truth.  And he calls Satan out for making Peter think of human things instead of divine things.

Has that happened in your life?  Do you dispute with Jesus, setting your mind on human things and not divine things?  Jesus, in our story, reminds his disciples that they need to follow Him and take up their cross.  How often, in our lives, do we need to be reminded of the same thing?  
 
--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  Show us your love, God, so that we might show that love to others.  Everyone!  Amen. 
 
Reading: Romans 12: 9-21 (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 the Bible where I read this passage, the title says, “Marks of the True Christian.”  Do you think you could boil all that is said there into one easy command?  Well, Jesus did.  “Love.”  I think Jesus said there were only two things that we needed to do.  Love God and love our neighbor (read everyone) as ourselves. 
 
So often, doctrine and history get in the way of what we should do as Christians.  But it is really this simple.  LOVE!


--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  Show us your firm, unwavering, love, God, just like you did David.  Amen. 
 
Reading: Psalm 26: 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: 
 
In this passage, David mentions God’s steadfast love.  Steadfast.  That’s an interesting word.  My dictionary says it means, “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.”
 
This summer at camp, our staff discussed Biblical characters and how God was with them and they passed down the faith.  “From Generation to Generation” explored how we are part of God’s story of faithfulness.
 
I guess maybe we should have called God’s love steadfast.  I like that.  Strong, firm, and never-ending.  Steadfast.


--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  Deliver us, O Lord, from those things that make us weary.  Give us strength.  Take us to a better place.  Amen.    
 
Reading: Jeremiah 15: 15-21 (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’m tired of COVID.”  I’ve heard these words come out of my mouth.  I’ve heard these words come of other’s mouths.  It’s been five months.  We are tired of this.  I want life to get back to normal.
 
Read today’s passage from Jeremiah with a “COVID” lens.  When I read this, I thought, “Wow!  This guy could be writing this today.” 
 
This summer at camp, we talked about how the stories of the Bible can be a way to see how the situations those characters faced are similar to what we face.  And, we can gain some “holy” insight into what we need to do today. 
 
At the end of this passage, we hear, “I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”  Today, Jeremiah might write about God, “I will deliver you out of the hand of COVID and bring you normalcy again.” 


--Chad Hershberger
 
 
 
 

Prayer: Father, creator, and friend: help me to know my gifts and use them in service to you and your world. Guide me in where I go and what I do. Amen.

Reading: Romans 12:1-8 (Click here 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 had a lot of jobs. When I was in grade school, I read a book about shining shoes and then went around to neighbors, offering the service. It didn’t last long, but I still remember the pride of receiving praise and a quarter for every pair polished and buffed. At McDonald’s, about six years later, I earned smiles (and quite a few more quarters) greeting customers and getting to know a few regulars. Regulars became friends when I started bartending, listening and learning and sometimes sharing my own stories. Out of college, I taught English: more stories, more smiles, more sharing. Most recently, I joined a lifelong learning program which brings me together with new people and their fascinating life experiences.

There have been other positions, of course, but only a few didn’t work out. Those were because I didn’t have the right gifts to manage well what needed to be done. (I learned from the one-hour-film-development industry, mechanical operations are not one of my skillsets!) I am reminded of Martin Luther’s exhortation that every occupation holds honor before God, so long as it’s done with a glad heart and to the best of our ability; by serving humanity we serve God. Soon, I will be looking for a new, full-time career. With God’s help, I will find a calling where I may best apply whatever gifts God has given me to better my life and the hearts of others.

--Heather LeBlanc

Prayer:  God, our solid rock, build our faith to be rock solid.  Amen
 
Reading: Matthew 16: 13-20 (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 a child attending Sunday School, I pictured the disciple Peter as a rock, maybe even a statue, and that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was built upon the rock where Peter stood. Later I came to understand that Christ and His teachings are the rock upon which we base our lives, beliefs, and our actions.

There is an impressive organ solo entitled “Thou Art the Rock”.  We sing the simple hymn, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand”.  Whatever I pictured of Peter, rock…statue…cathedral, the point is we can all be living rocks of God’s teachings.

If you are wondering how you can possibly be a rock of faith, remember it was Jesus who said, “…you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” (v. 18).  Jesus makes more of people than they can make of themselves.  Someone once said “Our daily lives are the only Bible some people read.”  Will they read something rock solid?

--Alice Yeakel