Prayer: As we speak to one another, may we tell of the good news of Jesus and bring praise to God. Amen
Reading: I Corinthians 9: 16-23 (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: We sing an anthem in choir that begins with the men's voices singing repeatedly, "Speak to one another. Speak to one another. Speak to one...." The women come in encouraging our speech to be of songs and of holy voices; of carols and anthems. Speak and praise the Lord! Then the women start the chant of "Speak to one another..." Take time to talk. Really talk. Not just email, text or message. Talk. Share your good news. Listen to theirs. Speak to one another and bring praise to God! --Ruth Gates
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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 3, 2015.
Prayer: Help us, dear God, to feel strength in you. Amen. Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Two songs come to my mind when I read this passage. The first, and most obvious, is the hymn, “On Eagle’s Wings.” You may have heard it before. In Evangelical Lutheran Worship, it is Hymn #787. The chorus reminds us that “And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” The second song that I think of is “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel. They sing, “When you're weary, feeling small; When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all. I'm on your side!” Both of these songs are good reminders for us, as is this passage from Isaiah, that God is there for us. When we are feeling weary, exhausted, and feel like there is no place to turn, God is there, waiting for us to swoop in and raise us up like an eagle. We can gain strength from our God to be able to continue to run, and walk, and deal with all of life’s struggles. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: Let our actions be pleasing to you, dear God, as we do our daily tasks and help us to use those opportunities to tell others about you. Amen.
Reading: Mark 1:29-39 (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: When I was growing up, there was a commercial on TV for Dunkin Donuts with Gary, the Baker. His alarm would go off early in the morning and he would say, “Time to make the donuts.” The purpose of the commercial was to remind us that Dunkin’s donuts were freshly made because Gary made sure of that each and every morning. In our passage for today, it reminds me that no matter what we are involved with in our daily lives, we need to praise God and show love. In this passage, the mother-in-law is healed and she immediately goes to serve God. Jesus is tried and tries to take a break; but, there are crowds gathering to see him. There is no rest for the weary. Just like the donut baker, we need not rest when it comes to sharing God with others! --Chad Hershberger Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 8, 2013.
Prayer: Say a prayer to God in thanksgiving for the ways which God uses us to spread love. Reading: Genesis 8: 6-12 (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? Additional Questions:
Reflection: On Fridays in January, we look at the scripture that our campers will be studying during Day 1 this summer of “Awesome God. Awesome Love.” This is a poem I wrote many years ago to use during a campfire program. It tells the story of the dove in Noah’s Ark. As our kids learn more about this story this summer, I’m sure I’ll share this story of Darla. –Chad Hershberger Many years ago, Darla Dove was flying across the land, When suddenly an old man took her by the hand. He had a beard, it was white, his hair was long and curly, He came to see Darla in the morning very early. "I'm going on a trip," he said, "will you come along? God needs me to depart from here because humans have become wrong." So Darla went with the man to a very large brown boat She watched the animals go aboard, the once who could not float. When all her friends were settled she went and sat next to a crane, And suddenly the heavens opened up-- yes, it began to rain. It rained for over a month, my friends, it rained both day and night, The animals were getting very restless, some began to fight. The boat floated across the earth, there was water everywhere, Inside, the man's family had to learn how to share. Darla Dove was getting bored, she had sung all the songs she knew, When suddenly the sky cleared up and again it was bright blue. The old man came to Darla and said, "I need you to fly away... And come back with a twig branch on another day." Darla, she was honored, so she left the boat with speed, But she returned because she could not find a place on which to feed. The old man said, "Don't worry," and sent her out again And behold she flew a little while and indeed found land. An olive leaf she took to the boat as the old man's gift, The present from the dove that day gave the man quite a lift. The old man released her out again but this time Darla found, A place where she could live and make a home upon the ground. She built a nest and furnished it and sat down to take a rest, And when she looked up in the sky, she knew that she was blessed. For in the sky was a rainbow-- a promise from the Lord above, To everyone upon the earth-- even Darla Dove. Darla laid down in her nest; a smile was on her face, Because now she truly had witnessed some of God's great grace. Prayer: Praise the Lord! Amen
Reading: Psalm 111 (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: Not all Psalms stay positive all the way through but this one does. It begins and ends with praise and pretty much stays on the happy side in the middle. Of course there are times we all need to question, vent or feel down and other Psalms reflect that, too. This time, though, it's all about praise. In the ten verses of Psalm 111, I counted over twenty positive adjectives, attributes or names for the Lord. Like the song, My Favorite Things, it's nice to have a list of favorite things to remember. Psalm 111 can help us remember the wonders and wonderfulness of our Lord. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Help up to remember to be kind rather than thinking we have to be right. Amen
Reading: I Corinthians 8: 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: Respect seems to be the theme here. Simply said, "Do not force your beliefs/opinions on others." The message of verses 4 through 10 is so basic. Just because you eat meat don’t expect everyone else to eat meat. Conversely, if you are a vegetarian don’t expect others to do likewise. Doing something because you think you “have to” is not God’s wish. Rather, do what you feel is best and not harmful to you or others. From the book “Wonder” by R. J. Polaccio, Mr. Brown, the English teacher, every month gave his students a ‘’precept’’ they should write about. “If given a choice between right or being kind…..choose kind!” What would you write? Or do? -- Alice Yeakel Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 27, 2015.
Prayer: In all circumstances, God, help us to seek you. Amen. Reading: Deuteronomy 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: I admit it—I don’t get this passage. When I looked at the passage for today and knew that none of our writers volunteered for this one, I knew I had to write something about it. I could probably go pull out some commentaries and see what other theologians have to say about this, but I will admit this, too: I just don’t have the time. When I get stuck like this, I often think to myself, “What is God up to?” And so I asked myself that question before I re-read the passage. And all I came up with is this: God is reminding those in Moses’ time, and those in our time, that God should be our number one. It God ordains something, we should pay attention. There will be false prophets, but they will die. What God creates and put life we need to pay attention to. Last night, I was involved in an emergency medical situation. I was in a gathered crowd where one among us passed out. We needed to attend to her and get professional help. My camp training came in very handy! As I learned more about the condition that this individual deals with on a regular basis, I was reminded that when we meet people, we don’t always know what they are going through and their back stories. And so, I challenge you to continually, in all circumstances, ask what God is up to and where we can see God in any situation. I know you’ll find God there, just as I found God’s help in the writing of this devotional! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: God, we praise you for the gift of your Son and his new and powerful way of teaching. We ask that this also would be a great force in our lives and the lives of those we teach as well. May your love flow through our words and actions. In your name, Amen.
Reading: Mark 1: 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: In this passage we see Jesus doing an incredible thing- he cast a demon out of a man with just a stern voice! And after the casting out occurred, there was quite the hub-bub about Jesus that began to spread throughout Galilee. This way of teaching was something that had never been seen before! What a brave thing to do! Jesus goes on to do even braver things under the direction of God His Father. Everything is done for the love of His creation and for the furthering of His Kingdom. As children of God we are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and in short that means He is our teacher. What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it is to be a student of the one true King! So go ahead, do something bold- go out of your way to bless someone. And in that way you will be following this new way of teaching which Jesus exemplifies for us in the Gospels. --Anne Harshbarger On Fridays in January, we look at the scripture that our campers will be studying during Day 1 this summer of “Awesome God. Awesome Love.”
Prayer: Great God, your ways are unsearchable and your glory is unfathomable. You are so high above me that I can only dream of your majesty. Yet, you have chosen to be revealed and proclaimed. Use me to make your hidden ways clear to those around me, like a light shining in the darkness. Amen. Reading: Matthew 10: 26-33 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I remember distinctly being asked by a garage technician, “When was the last time you went shopping for tires?” I had been quoted a price and it seemed way too high. He was right, though, I didn’t have a clue. Oil prices had gone up he told me, and that affects the price of tires. Everything is related. Commodities and realities are connected to our full understanding of the reign of God. God knows of our corrupt pricing and our bargain shopping that sucks the living out of distant working countries. God is aware of our attempts to become more green or sustainable. God loves a cheerful giver and a wise steward. The Bible tells us so. God is aware of both secret thoughts and scandal nondisclosure contracts. Don’t miss our part to share in the light and proclaim Jesus’ teachings on housetops. Which, by the way would translate into social media or loudspeakers, bulletin boards, newspapers… Comically, I also hear the joy of providence and protection in this passage. God takes care of the little birds, God certainly knows how to care for us, his beloved. I chuckle a little bit thinking of someone in the crowd like me turning to their friend next to them, “Jesus spend how much on sparrows? I thought they were four for a penny.” His friend pops up one eyebrow and asks, “When was the last time you went shopping for sparrows?” --Andrew Fitch Prayer: (Wait in silence for God.)
Reading: Psalm 62: 5-12 (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: Waiting in silence usually doesn't happen. Anywhere. I have spent this morning in a Waiting Room and there has been a television going the whole time. I purposely sat where I could not see the TV but ear plugs would have blocked the crazy cheering from the game shows and endless babble of the talk shows. If I had been able to wait in silence, I could have done some praying. If I had been able to wait in silence, perhaps I could have heard God speaking to me. It made it hard to find hope. The Psalmist wrote, For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. Next time I will bring ear plugs and wait in silence. There is hope! --Ruth Gates Prayer: Lord, help us to do all things, great and small, in service to you. Amen
Reading: I Corinthians 7: 29-31 (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 boys were young, Sunday School and Cub Scout age, I threw myself into activities at church and Scouts because I thought it was my duty as a good parent. One time I was in charge of a spaghetti supper and both boys had the mumps. I called the church and said, "I can't do this!" Another older women, actually a grandmother, came to my rescue and took over the spaghetti. As our children grew older, other opportunities to do good works came along. We can do great things and small things and even small great things. All we need to do is sort through and balance our priorities. By being a good parent, a supportive spouse, an involved community member...we are also doing service to the Lord. Our good works may not draw thunderous applause but if we do them as servants of the Lord, that is all that matters. --Alice Yeakel Prayer: Lord, we praise you for your never ending grace. Allow us to hear you when you call and give us hearts that are obedient to your will. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Reading: Jonah 3: 1-5, 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: If you only read the scripture citied here, you will miss a key part of Jonah’s story. So before I give you a crash course, I want to encourage you to read the entire book of Jonah- it is only 4 short chapters. But basically, the crash course is: Jonah is called by the Lord to proclaim a message to Nineveh but he was afraid of how the message would be received so he became timid and did not follow God’s direction. And here in today’s passage, God graciously gives Jonah another chance to heed his word. There will be opportunities in your life for you to go far beyond your comfort zone to experience God’s creation and to proclaim his word and love to people who may not have had the opportunity to hear it otherwise. When those opportunities pop-up, they may not be your plan A, and they may be a grand but scary adventure that you aren’t quite sure you should take. But there is no need to worry if you miss it the first time around. Because just as with Jonah, God will keep after you because he wants the best for you and all his children- consider that a blessing- he has great things in store! --Anne Harshbarger Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 19, 2015. Prayer: Here I am Lord, send me. Amen. Reading: Mark 1:14-20 (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: Our texts the last few weeks have been call stories. We’ve read about people and how God called them to do extraordinary things. Today, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was called by God to do extraordinary things. He walked among us and asked people to help him in his cause of civil rights. In a way, I guess we could say that he fished for people, too. Jesus tells his disciples in our passage today that they should drop their nets, follow Him, and he’ll help them fish for people. What is Jesus telling you to drop? How can you follow Him better in the next day, week, month, year, or decade? How will you tell others about what God is doing in your life and promote a life of discipleship? --Chad Hershberger On Fridays in January, we look at the scripture that our campers will be studying during Day 1 this summer of “Awesome God. Awesome Love.”
Prayer: Gracious God, lead us this day to see the ways that you continue to build your kingdom with your church leading the way. Help us to see in that grand design our place, our path, our part. In the name of the One who was drowned on the cross by the overwhelming wave of evil, sin, and death, but who was found to be alive and living forever. Amen. Reading: I Peter 3: 18-22 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I have been in a few churches in my life. Some of them, like my current church are built in the “Upper Room” style with the worship space on the upper floor. A few of them were built in the round or semi-round so that the people inside can see each other gathered around the Table and Font. Another set were built in the “cathedral” style with a long center aisle and side aisles under stone arches. A few of them were built in the symbolic style where you should notice that the outside looks like a boat and the inside has visible beams and boards like the inside of a boat. It is the reverse image when you are inside, with the boat above you, but if you crane your neck back and turn your heart and mind towards heaven then the image of the church containing you and carrying is not too hard to see. Perhaps the phrase, “we are all in the same boat” is one that the church as a whole should more whole-heartedly learn and say with each other. Our baptism was never meant to be seen as an individual spiritual moment. Together, we are always together. Captain, my Captain, Christ Jesus—it is you we will follow. Lead us, save us, make us clean in your goodness. Help us to work together. Build us up in your image. Make us strong to serve and save in your name. Now that I think about it, I have never seen a baptismal font that is shaped like Noah’s Ark! Perhaps more should be. --Andrew Fitch Prayer: Thank you for being all around us and getting our attention, too. Amen
Reading: Psalm 139: 1-6, 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: Wanting to understand what it means when the Psalmist says, You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me, I looked up the word hem. Along with the definition about clothing and sewing, hem means to enclose or shut (in, about or round). From that I understand God is all around us and His hand is on us always. A paraphrase of this verse is Your circumventing presence covers my every move. (from Psalms Now). Then I saw another entry for hem in the dictionary. - a voluntary short cough, uttered by way of warning, encouragement, etc. In other words, "A-hem!!!" as a warning or encouragement. When has God said "a-hem" to you? When has God gotten your attention in warning or encouragement? --Ruth Gates Prayer: Nourish our spirits to do your will. Amen
Reading: I Corinthians 6: 12-20 (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: I eat ice cream for breakfast. “You do WHAT?” people ask. I like oatmeal. Instead of pouring on milk and sugar I dollop on a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Now you know my weakness. But I know my body needs vegetables, fruit and protein to maintain good health. And so it is with everything in our lives. We know what we need to be physically well and spiritually whole. We need to nourish ourselves spiritually with love and concern. How do our thoughts and actions affect us and those we touch? Our bodies are “parts and members’’of Christ. We are messengers and deliverers of His love. His Holy Spirit is within us. It is essential that we remember this at all times. We need to keep that spirit nourished and healthy and ready to do His will. --Alice Yeakel Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on September 9, 2013.
Prayer: God, may we be open to the unexpected that you have planned for our lives. Amen. Reading: I Samuel 3: 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? Additional Questions:
Reflection: When I was growing up, my childhood pastor often said to me, "Chad, if God taps you on the shoulder, make sure you don't say 'no.'" He encouraged me to think about ordained ministry. Again, he said, “Chad- if God taps you on the shoulder, make sure you don’t say ‘no’.” He added, however, that if I felt more called, being involved in the church as a layperson, that was good, too. The church needed folks like that. He told me my parents were good role models in that department. I never forgot his words. After I became Mount Luther director, I got in touch with my old pastor's widow. She was delighted to hear from me and agreed that Pastor would be very proud of where I ended up and what I was doing to advance God's work. I think God can tap us in different ways. We, like Samuel, should be willing to do whatever God asks us to. We need to be aware of what God is saying to us in our lives and act on it. When God taps us, no matter what God asks, we shouldn't say, "no." --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Jesus, we praise you for the wondrous ways that you reveal yourself to us. Please help us to recognize the invitations to follow you and to faithfully invite others to join in on the journey. In Your name, Amen.
Reading: John 1: 43-51 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: When I read this passage, there are a few little phrases that stick out to me: “Follow me,” “Come and see,” and “You will see greater things than that.” These phrases are like little invitations for Philip and Nathanael to follow Jesus and to look for the coming wonders of the kingdom together. The phrases acted like a trail of dominoes- first Jesus sought out and invited Philip, then Philip did the same for Nathanael, and Jesus personally invited Nathanael as well. Jesus works through words and actions of His children (the trail of dominoes) to invite everyone to follow him and become part of this never-ending movement. We are currently in the church season of Epiphany, and in Greek, Epiphany means “to reveal.” Throughout the New Testament are stories of Jesus revealing himself as the Son of God in wondrous ways- including in this passage. In our lives we will receive invitations to more revelations than we will most likely recognize. The more recognizable ones may look like an invite to a church, a bible study, a retreat, or even an invite to a week at camp. And only God knows what the unrecognizable ones will look like! But I know that God still reveals himself and his Son to us in wondrous ways because I have seen many at Mount Luther. So act as a part of God’s domino-like movement- accept an invite or two this year and give out numerous because God wants everyone to be invited to his “revelation parties”! --Anne Harshbarger Prayer: Awesome God! You are an awesome God. We praise you and thank you for your love and promises. Amen.
Reading: Genesis 9: 6-17 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This summer, our theme is “Awesome God, Awesome Love.” On Fridays until then, we are going to have a sneak peek at the curriculum and each daily theme. In January, we will be looking at Day 1, “A Promise.” Not long after God created everything, everyone forgot about God. The earth was filled with violence. Like a frustrated student wadding up homework, God nearly destroyed it all. But in awesome love, God chose Noah and his family, bringing them safely to dry land, to new life. Then God did another awesome thing. God made a promise: that never again would there be a flood to destroy-the earth. Even knowing how violent we can be, God vowed never to destroy again. That's awesome love. Keeping promises builds trust in families. If you are a parent, promise your child special time in near future. Remind your child of God’s promise never to destroy the earth again. Assure your child that God never breaks promises. Even if you child is an adult, it’s important to hear about those promises. As in Noah's day, we are surrounded by violence. Violence is prevalent on television. Can you do to limit the amount of violence that you see each day and remember God’s promises of love? --From the ELCA Curriculum Prayer: We give credit to you, our God who is alive. You deserve our praises. We rejoice as we worship you, love you and serve others. Amen
Reading: Psalm 29 (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: Give credit where credit is due. Think about it. Whose voice is over the waters and in the thunder? Whose voice is powerful and majestic? In the wind and rain? And in the flowers. All this comes from God's hand. The glory is not ours but God's. Anything and everything we do comes by way of the eternal God. All reflects the glory of God. Rejoice in God. Seek his grace. Serve Him by serving others with the abundance upon us. Give credit to to whom credit is due. (Inspired by Psalms/Now by Leslie F. Brandt, 1973) --Ruth Gates Prayer: When we think we are okay with what we have in you, may we know there is more. We repent and are grateful for forgiveness. Amen
Reading: Acts 19: 1-7 (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: Paul was on the move and asking questions. In your baptism, did you receive the Holy Spirit? Some did not know what he was talking about. They had received the baptism of repentance John had been proclaiming, however, John said there was more to come: Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So Paul, like John, was doing all he could to let people know there was more. It's like that commercial for the most amazing gadget you've got to have and the announcer says, "But wait! There's more!" Surely the people in John's and Paul's time were glad to be able to receive a baptism of repentance. But then Jesus came and left us with more - forgiveness of those sins and also the Holy Spirit always. So Paul kept on moving, asking questions and answering, "But wait! There's more!" What more do you need to know? What more do you need? --Ruth Gates Prayer: Open our eyes to new people who may be different but have much to share. Amen
Reading: Mark 1: 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: People watching is a pasttime for some. You can do it at the mall, in a restaurant, on the bus. The world is full of interesting people. All with their own story and purpose. All children of God. People were watching John the Baptist who appeared in the wilderness, wore camel's hair clothes and ate locusts and wild honey. He would be interesting anywhere. In the wilderness, at the well or at the synagogue. But people didn't just watch John the Baptist. They listened. They realized he had something to share. He proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and many were baptized by him in the River Jordan. However, John told them to keep watching. Watch for the one to come after. The one for whom John was preparing the way. The one who John said would be more powerful and would baptize, not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. So the people kept watching. Where would this person appear? The well, the wilderness, the synagogue? A new year is starting; new people will come into our lives. They may be very different but all have a story and a purpose. All are children of God. You may see God in them. They may see God in you. Keep watching. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Let there be light in the year ahead. May your light shine in us and through us each day. Amen
Reading: Genesis 1: 1-5 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This is a great way to start the New Year. At the beginning! Every January 1st we face the beginning of a New Year. Every morning we awake to the beginning of a new day. Yet every new day actually begins in the dark. Sometimes we feel too much in the dark, especially through the dreary gray days of January or because of what is happening in the world. We know, however, that light will come, for God says “Let there be light!’’ There is a saying, “Hope begins when you stand in the dark and look out and see the light.” Let us rejoice that God assures us His light will prevail. --Alice Yeakel |
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