Prayer:  Forgiving Father, thank you for embracing us after we have faltered.  Remind us to welcome back the wandering.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 15:  1-3, 11b-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:   When our children were growing up the neighborhood was overflowing kids...namely 11 boys.  It was almost comical watching them troop down the hill and across town to the schools. They played a lot of backyard baseball and were pretty much good guys but one or two tended to be rowdy.
 
Years later one of them as a young adult got into a bit of trouble.  I, and others, just could not give up on him.  We knew that down deep he was still a good guy.  He remains in the area and has regained respect and volunteers with community projects.
 
This is God’s teaching:  that we should welcome and embrace the return of those who have faltered  and wandered off.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 3 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Jesus!  We love you!  Jesus!  I need you right now.  Help me.  Heal me.  Strengthen me.  Make my faith loud and bold.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  Matthew 20:29-34 (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:  Please be quiet. Please use your inside voice. Please lower your voice and be considerate of others…There are so many ways to ask someone to make less noise. This story is a smack on the back of the head for those who think that all those quieting instructions are always valid when approaching Jesus. Places of prayer and worship should not have the same sound level as the public library. Yes, it may help to be quiet for prayer if you really need to get away from distractions and cares of the world to listen to God. When you want God to listen to you, however, loud pleading is alright with Jesus. Ignore the crowd, it may seem embarrassing, but Jesus stops for those who call out his name. Call it out and don’t hold back. If there is any injustice or pain, call out to Jesus. If there is a need in your life for the Deliverer, cry out to the Christ. If someone seems to have lost there voice or has been quieted by the crowd, go stand with them and shout with them—give them a voice. God stops for those who make a faithful, trusting noise. It lets God know the level of trust and shows the crowd that they are actually the ones that need to be quiet and pay attention.


--Andrew Fitch

Prayer:  O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  Amen.     
 
Reading:  Psalm 63 (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 Lenten season, I’m leading mid-week services for one of our synod conferences.  We are looking at faith practices and how we must be athletes and put time into exercising our faith.  Last week, we looked at prayer.
 
One of the things we talked about was how in our prayers, we need to have adoration for God.  We are to tell God how we feel about God and show our praise and thanksgiving. 
 
When I read this Psalm, I thought that was what David had in mind when we wrote it.  He praises God and tells God how he feels. 
 
Today, I ask you use this Psalm as a prayer.  Use it to tell God how much God means to you.  And maybe you will start doing that regularly in your prayer life.

--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 February 24, 2016.
 
Prayer:  Gracious God, we complain about things and what good does it do? Help us to see it often only destroys ourselves. Thank you for being faithful to us. Your mercy is great. Amen
 
Reading: I Corinthians 10: 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:
And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  --I Corinthians 10: 10
 
Oh man, wouldn't it be great to see that big complainer in your life destroyed by the destroyer? Sounds harsh, I know. But you know who I'm talking about. The grumbler, the whiner, the one who can never be pleased. Yeah, that one. Destroyed by the destroyer. That takes care of that!
 
Oh, but wait, we are to be reading the Bible and today particularly I Corinthians 10: 1-13, as if it is speaking to ourselves. Sure, Paul had a lot to teach the Corinthians back in the day, but our days are no different. Honestly, what was your last complaint? That the line was long at the store? The assignment was too hard? The boss wasn't fair? The weather is too cold (or too hot!)? Complain, complain, complain.
 
And the destroyer destroys us.  But who is the destroyer? It may just be ourselves, our attitudes and our very own complaints. Lots of folks are getting what they need at the store. You are challenged to work harder and perhaps learn more. The bigger picture may show that the boss had your best interests in mind in the long run. The seasons and temps serve their purpose.
 
Sometimes complaints are justified, sure. But sometimes complaints destroy the good that may be in the works. Sometimes the complaints simply destroy the complainer.
 
Oh, to see with the eyes of God.  The best we can do is see with the eyes of faith, hope and love. Save us, gracious God.
 
--Ruth Gates
 
 

Prayer:  Inviting Lord, though we come with nothing, you provide us with everything.  Thank you.  Amen
 
Reading:  Isaiah 55:  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 had a dream last night that I was trying to get on a train but I was late and it was nearly ready to pull out.  Seeing my hurry, the person at the ticket counter said just get on and pay then.  It was then I realized I did not have any money to pay either at the counter or on-board.  My wallet was...somewhere...I don't know.  My first thought was I could run back to wherever, get my wallet, find a bus to take me to the next train station and try to catch it there.  Don't ask me how it ended.  It was a dream.
 
The Psalmist writes:
 
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters:
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Psalm 55: 1
 
What if I could have gotten on the train with no money?  What if even once on the train I did not have to pay?  Instead, I missed the whole trip.  God invites us all to a free and rich banquet.  Come!  All aboard!
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  May the seeds of faith we plant and good deeds we do produce fruit for the kingdom and praise to you, God.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 13:  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:   This will be my fourth summer to try growing butternut squash.  The first harvest - nothing.  The second summer produced a bumper crop.  The third - a meager crop.  So, I shall try again.
 
We planted a baby Christmas tree in our front yard.  The “leader” got broken off and for several years there was very little growth.  Now it is short and fat and the neighbors comment, "What a healthy little tree!"
 
Sometimes we just don’t know what our seeds or good deeds will produce. Praise God!
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 3 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, you know the contents of my heart. You challenge me to live a life that is worthy. May I be transformed more and more each day to become deeply generous and reconciling with anyone that I may have hurt. Guide me to make reparations and further your Kingdom with each healed relationship. In the name of Christ, Amen.
 
Reading:  Luke 19:1-10 (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:  There are so many thoughts that come flooding with the story of Zacchaeus. It is one of those kind of texts in the Bible—it evokes memories and feelings. For a short while, I had a love/hate relationship with it. It was the preaching text for our entire introduction to preaching class! I heard too many sermons on this text! However, the punchline is unforgettable. How could I possibly argue against, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Who actually likes to be lost?
 
I also have the strong sense that singing the “Wee little man” song, while catchy, misses the point. Like many powerful sacred texts, there are multiple meanings and often a big one that ties them all together. The big one is often a bit hard to swallow, so we usually focus on one of the other ones, like being found. No, the big one for this text is not being found, but the total willingness to be transformed into a generous person. Zacchaeus recognized the depth of discipleship and the gap from his past attitude and behaviors. As much as he loved money, he saw his love was misplaced. He realized that money is a tool, and that in relationships it follows the adage “Love isn’t love until you give it away!”
 
--Andrew Fitch

Prayer:  As we press on, we know you are with us, Lord.  Guide our journey.  Amen. 
 
Reading:  Philippians 3:14 - 4:1 (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:   Sometimes, when I am out walking, I am tempted to quit.  I’m tired.  I don’t want to go further, even though I know I should.  I often have to tell myself to just press on, because the goal is in sight.
 
Paul also reminds us of that in this scripture reading.  “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus,” he says.  He gives us some other good points for living. 
 
Press on!  Keep at it!  In the end it will be worth it.     
 
--Chad Hershberger

Camp Mount Luther is participating in Raise the Region, a 30-hour philanthropic event in our area.  If you enjoy our First Light Digital Devotions and would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so with the form/button below or at www.raisethregion.org.

We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 18, 2016.
 
Prayer:  Lord, your goodness is here for us to see. Help us wait, be strong and take heart. Amen
 
Reading: Psalm 27 (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 still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.   Psalm 27: 13-14
 
Sometimes one thing after another seems to go wrong. "When it rains, it pours." they say. They also say "Things come in threes." which can make one a bit nervous when the second bad thing happens.
 
Then there are times when blessings are showering down. When good times are rolling. When they say, "You ought to go buy a lottery ticket!"
 
Whichever way it is going, I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord. In the comfort that comes from the heart in times of sadness. In the shared joy celebrating a grand moment with family and friends. In the helping hands that turn up at any time needed. In the grateful hearts who have hope.
 
Sometimes we have to wait, be strong and take heart to see the goodness but we can still be confident it is there.
 
--Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Faithful God, when the dark is deep and life is scary, may the fire of your presence remind us of your love.  Amen
 
Reading:  Genesis 15:  1-12, 17-18  (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: Abram had a lot of questions for God.  Many questions which God kept answering but after the long day, Abram fell asleep and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.  God continued to speak assurances and when the sun had gone down, a fire and flame passed as the Lord made a covenant with Abram.
 
There is something about a campfire that is reassuring.  Light you can see; warmth you can feel.  I think campfires are one of my top 5 favorite things at Camp.  The sun goes down and the campfire is lit.  Facing it is light and warmth; looking behind is darkness.  God speaks love and I believe.  That's campfire faith.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Dear God, when we feel disappointed or discouraged, help us to keep trying.  Amen.
 
Reading:  Luke 13:  31-35 (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: Have you ever felt like giving up?  You’re not making any progress?  Well meaning friends may have even said, "Quit trying.  You’re not going to make it."
 
I read a book where the theme was though you may feel discouraged you ARE trying.  You may NOT make the Olympic team.  You may NOT win the election.  But you HAVE made the effort.
 
Jesus was warned but He continued doing His work.  So must we.                     
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 3 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Thank you, God, for the gift of compassion.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  Luke 10:25-37 (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:  Who is my neighbor?  We worship a vibrant God who calls us to actively help those who are in need.  What are some ways that you do that? 
 
As you read the story of the Good Samaritan, I’d like you to think about the choices you make each day.  When are the times that you look away from a healing situation or when are the times you stop and show mercy?  How do you live out the role in your daily life of the Samaritan?
 
As we look at this story with our campers this summer, I look forward to hearing the ways that they feel they are a good neighbor.  And maybe, just maybe, as they leave camp, they will help be more compassionate in their neighborhood and transform it, with God’s help!
 
--Chad Hershberger
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Guide our minds, Lord, as we march toward Calvary this Lenten season.  Amen.   
 
Reading:  Psalm 91 (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: 
 
“No evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.”  -- Psalm 91:10
 
I know a few things about camping.  Sleeping outside, in a tent, wondering what the noises are around you can be frightening.  Trying to sleep when you are wondering what lurks about can be difficult.  When the sun comes up, and you can see what you are hearing, the world looks better.
 
This Psalm reminds us that God is with us.  God is even with us when we are in the tent, wondering what evil and scourge might be around.
 
That’s what Lent can be for us.  A time of being in the darkness, wandering in the wilderness, restless sleeping, wondering what will be coming next.  We are marching with Jesus toward the cross.  It doesn’t feel right.  It almost feels evil.
 
But the sun will come up.  We’ll see the resurrection light.  We know that God is with us as we march closer to Good Friday.  Thanks be to God!


--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 February 10, 2016.
 
Prayer:  Help us, O God, to look to Jesus in all things.
 
Reading:  Romans 10:8-13  (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:  Today is Ash Wednesday.  Our liturgy today, among other things, suggests our human mortality and frailty.  Remember, dust you are and to dust you shall return. Related to that truth is the statement in one of our confessions, We are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.  Then, it seems, we can logically just eat, drink and be merry.  What else is there?
 
But Ash Wednesday also encourages us to look to Jesus as we begin the journey through Lent to Easter.  Look to Jesus.  Death and the grave doesn’t end it.  There is release from the sin that holds us captive. 
 
St. Paul in our reading today is emphasizing EVERYONE, that is Jew AND Greek.  Buy I want to emphasize the rest, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Turn, then to Jesus, today, throughout Lent, throughout life.  God knows our frailty, immortality and sin.  He sends Jesus to turn that all around. 
 
--Jim Bricker

Prayer:  As we offer ourselves, our time and our possessions, we remember the bounty you have given us.  Amen
 
Reading:  Deuteronomy 26: 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:
 
Chorus:
We know that God loves us;
that is plain to see.
He's a Savior and a friend
for you and for me.
 
In his loving arms he holds us
every night and day.
When we're waking, when we're sleeping,
by us he will stay.
 
This is the chorus and first verse of a Sunday School song we sang at Offering.  There is a second verse but I could not remember it so I went searching.  I found there is actually a third, too, though I guess three verses is a bit much for preschool and early elementary children.  But I really like the last one:
 
Oh, what gifts and, oh, what blessings
God alone can give.
He has promised love and grace
for every day we live.
 
This is what our text is about today.  What we give back to God after all he has given us.  Oh, what gifts and, oh, what blessings!  Bounty!  Set down your offering.  Bow down.  Celebrate the love and grace he has promised us everyday.
 
(Words and Music:  Scott and Kathleen Tunseth, copyright 1981...as found in a really old Sunday School songbook copyright 1990...I hope no one minds.)
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  So many choices, Lord.  Help us to choose wisely as you would have us do.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 4:  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:
 
So many choices, so many decisions.  Should I eat the candy bar or the apple?  Should I attend Sunday worship or join the guys for a round of golf?  Should we disagree and shout in conflict or listen and attempt calm conversation?
 
We are often confronted with challenges that have the devil lurking in the background.  We need to remind ourselves:  What does God want us to do?
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”

Prayer:  Lord God, deliver us from our injustices towards each other. Lead us to follow your covenant of love with us and between us. Show us your path for genuine community. Guide us to live fully for your way, so that all are welcomed and you are worshipped. Amen.
 
Reading:  Isaiah 56:1-8 (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:  This part of Isaiah starts like a pep rally or a campaign rally. I can imagine the people chanting along in repetition, “Promote JUSTICE!” “Do what is RIGHT!” “The LORD DELIVERS!” This is an aspect of the prophetic voice that comes around rarely and yet, powerfully. Prophets often warn and predict consequences for long strains of wicked behavior and downright unfaithfulness. We would typically hear something like, “Beware the Day of the Lord is coming…” Instead, here is “COV-E-NANT…COV-E-NANT…COV-E-NANT…” “Say it with me, live by the …”Cov-e-ant”
 
It is remarkable that this cheerleading moment also marks a serious expansion for those who are welcomed. Foreigners, outsiders, eunuchs, anyone that used to be out—has the opening to come into the circle of praise. God is expanding the boundaries again. God is stretching the acceptance of the people. God is renewing communal hope.
 
--Andrew Fitch

We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 27, 2014.
 
Prayer:   You are present with us, God, on the mountaintops and in the valleys.  Amen.   
 
Reading:  Psalm 99 (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:   Oh, sure, verses 6 and 7 speak of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel.  They cried to the Lord, and he answered them. Of course.  They were Moses, Aaron and Samuel!  What about me?  Where is my mountain?  And if I go there will that guarantee an answer?

Let’s hear a portion of Psalm 99 this way:
The Lord establishes relationships with those who call upon Him.
The priests and prophets of history heard his voice and followed His course for their lives.
His servants and disciples of this hour sense His presence and communicate His love and grace to those who reach out for Him.
The Lord does reign over this world!
He is the Lord and Master over all the earth.  --from Psalms/Now by Leslie Brandt (2003)

To those of history and those of this hour, the Lord communicates His love and grace.  My favorite mountains are the ones I see at Camp Mount Luther but we know there are many other kinds of mountains in our lives.  Whatever mountains we are at the bottom of, climbing up, standing atop or coming down from, God is present with us. That is Good News indeed!

 --Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Dear God, your Spirit gives us hope and boldness.  May we live and look like we have your power.  Amen
 
Reading:  2 Corinthians 3: 12 - 4: 2  (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:
 
Since then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness... (2 Cor. 3: 12a)
 
There is a photo from camp of counselors and campers at the pool standing in superhero poses, towels tied like capes.  It's on the third page of the Mount Luther Summer 2019 catalog.  Check it out:  https://www.campmountluther.org/programs/summer-camp/
 
There is such spirit in that picture that I can't look at it without busting up laughing or at least grinning ear to ear.  What cracks me up is the genuine sincerity of the counselors in their depiction of a superhero.  They actually look like they just might be able to leap a tall building in a single bound.  Not only that, the campers are looking up at them like they really could.
 
I don't know.  It may be because by halfway through a summer of weeks of camp and campers by the dozens, the counselors truly have developed super powers - physical, emotional and spiritual.  What I do know is the Holy Spirit has given them hope and boldness.  That is their, and our, superpower.  Especially when wearing capes.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  May time spent with you, Lord, brighten our lives and may we let that light shine to all today.  Amen
 
Reading:  Exodus 34: 29-35  (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:
 
There was a song I would sing with my preschool students during what we called our Morning Meeting.  It went:
 
Good morning to you!
Good morning to you!
We're all in our places,
with bright shining faces.
And this is the way,
to start a new day.
 
Moses came down from Mount Sinai and the skin of his face shone because he had been talking to God.  What if we started each day talking to God.  Would our faces, in a way, shine?
 
Granted, Moses's shining face was so extreme Aaron and all the people were afraid to come near him so we wouldn't necessarily want that.  It was so bright, Moses had to cover his face with a veil!
 
No, I am thinking more along the lines of This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...Hide it under a bushel, no! I'm gonna let it shine.
 
Good morning to you, Lord.  I'm in my place with a bright, shining face.  This is the way to start a new day!
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Dear God, show us how to help those who struggle.  We are in awe of your power and those who are touched by your love.  May we be that love to those with special needs.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 9:  28-36 (37-43) (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: Jesus removed the demon from a young boy.  Family and friends were awed by His healing powers.  How can we help someone heal?  How can we help those who struggle?
 
Recently a local church sponsored a prom for young people with special needs.  They danced, sang, and enjoyed a catered dinner.  As a child I remember “Willie.”  He would walk through town with his wagon selling bags of peanuts.  And then there was Joe at the local YMCA who would take your nickel for a coke (in a glass bottle!) from the ice chest.  In later years he would stamp your tax bill “paid”.
 
There are ways we can help those with struggles or special needs.  Let God show us how.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Loving God, we turn to you at this moment and we fully recognize and proclaim that we are unworthy of your attention. Yet, you not only listen but actually care. You not only care but interrupt my world with your graceful presence. I don’t really understand you, but you have made me love you more than I can understand myself. Thank you! Amen.
 
Reading:  Philippians 2:5-11 (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: 
We have all had this
     So delicious was the cookie
Now the plate is empty
Only small crumbs remain.
     So tasty was the hot extraction of coffea arabica
Now the white ceramic cup is empty.
 
Empty.
 
I wanted more.
     I had turned to the cup for one more sip. (Okay, maybe two.)
The source is empty. The supply is empty. Empty is not a good word.
 
Feeling or emotion could be anger, disappointment or frustration.
 
How do you, Son of Humanity, evoke joy?
 
Is it because your empty overflows?
     Or that I don’t have to be that word?
     You always refill me (or anyone else that needs God).
     Your life overwhelms.
 
My cup is not bottomless. But you.
     You turned death upside down until life flows out.
 
Now we stand under your flowing faucet, your holy rain.


--Andrew Fitch

Prayer:  When we feel like fretting, may we trust and commit our way to you.  Help us through the calamities of life.
 
Reading:  Psalm 37: 1-11, 39-40 (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:  One of my favorite characters from a recent novel, when confronted with doubt and confusion, would exclaim, "O calamity!"  Have you ever felt this way?  Sort of flummoxed, ready to bite your nails, tear out your hair, or just quit and go to bed?
 
This, then, is the time to turn to God. Read again Psalm 37.  Commit to Him.  He will help you through the calamities.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Dear God, while we may not know exactly what the resurrection of the body may look like, what is important is we know now and forever you love everyone more than we can possibly imagine.  Thank you.  Amen
 
Reading:  I Corinthians 15: 35-38, 42-50 (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 adult son of a co-worker of mine is missing.  He was last seen at his apartment in Brooklyn three weeks ago.  He had been in a car accident and may suffered a brain injury.  He also struggles with mental illness and is in need of medical attention.  I cannot imagine the agony his mother is going through as each day goes by with no word or sight of her son.  She has absolutely no idea where he might be.  Somewhere here or gone beyond.
 
Our text today is about the resurrection body.  While it explains a lot, it still does not give a clear answer except that we have been born of dust and will bear the image of God.  Someone once told me when I was very concerned about a person, "As much as you love (your loved one), God loves him/her even more."  I told that to my co-worker and she was grateful for the bit of peace it gave her.
 
-- Ruth Gates