Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.” We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on July 16, 2019.
Prayer: Dear God, keep our eyes open for people who come our way with messages of hope. May we hurry to welcome and listen. Amen. Reading: Genesis 18: 1-10a (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 Abraham had not been sitting at the entrance of his tent, he might not have noticed the three men standing nearby. Had he been somewhere else or busy at a task, he might not have even invited them to visit. But once he did, it was as if Abraham was in a rush to welcome and feed them. Then, after all the hurry and hospitality, Abraham stood near, listened and received a message of hope. I am reminded to watch for people who come along in life and to be quick to welcome. My message may be hospitality. Who knows what message they may have? -- Ruth Gates
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Prayer: Lord, the beatitudes make it clear life can be difficult and troubling. Still, may we rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Amen
Reading: Matthew 5: 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: "Blessed are You" is the choir anthem we have been rehearsing for about a month now. We'll be singing it this Sunday as Matthew 5: 1-12 - The Beatitudes - will be the Gospel Reading. With a rousing chorus of "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven!", it's an anthem that sticks in your head and you find yourself singing it out loud. At least I do. At random moments. In random places. I try to keep it to myself but this chorus has burst out a bunch of times. Full voice; with enthusiasm. After this Sunday another anthem may get stuck in my head. But for the past few weeks I have been reminded to "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad!" And I have noticed not only has the song stuck in my head but the feeling has stuck in my heart, too. I have rejoiced a bit more and not just in song. I have been exceedingly glad even when things are difficult and troubling. Yes, I have noticed that. I wonder if anyone else has? I know I have surprised a few people at least. Whoa! She really must be exceedingly glad. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Help us keep our eyes focused on you, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Reading: I Corinthians 1:18-31 (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: “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” How do you feel about the cross? In this season of Epiphany, as we explore the ways that Jesus revealed who he was, it’s interesting that we are reminded to keep our eyes on the cross. It is the good news! Paul reminds us of all the foolish things that we could focus our thoughts on and then ends by reminding us to boast in the Lord. How will you do that today? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Who may be with you, Lord? Those who love. May we never be moved. Amen
Reading: Psalm 15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Psalm 15 asks, "Who...? Who...?" The questions are who may abide in (God's) tent and who may dwell on (His) holy hill. Being a camp sort of person, the words who and tent made me think of owls and cabins. Which made me think of Camp Mount Luther. Have you seen the Camp Mount Luther promotional video? It is terrific! Here is a link to it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JwuTBFNEb70&feature=youtu.be Who may abide in God's tent and who may dwell on His holy hill? As the side notes for Psalm 15 in my Bible point out, the requirements for entering into God's presence are based on how people treat each others, not on ritual preparations. Those who love their neighbors may enter. Click on that link again. See neighbors; see love. Looking for a tent or a holy hill? How about a cabin at Mt. Luther! You may even hear an owl, too. -- Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 24, 2017.
Prayer: Thanks be to God who loves us. Amen Reading: Micah 6:1-8 (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: It’s a court scene. The Lord and Israel are in contention. First God testifies. “I brought you out of Egypt. I set you free from your slavery. I sent leaders to guide you to the Holy Land. I have saved you. Just remember your history.” Now it is Israel’s turn to plead its case. “With what shall I come before the Lord?” Sounds to me like Israel concedes with no argument. It’s no contest. And so it is. It is God who blesses, forgives, graces, saves. And as much as we may want to proclaim our case we have none. As much as we want to claim some right to God’s love, we have none. We come before God empty handed. Thanks be to a God who loves us. --Jim Bricker Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Creator God, may we set our heart on you and your kingdom rather than on worries of this world. For you are so great. You love and care for us even when we don’t deserve it. Amen. Reading: Luke 12:22-34 (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: I love this passage, and how it points out creation as a reminder not to worry! Reading this with campers will be a great opportunity to stop and look at the small beautiful details that God attends to in his creation. So much goes on in our day-to-day lives, there is no wonder we are often overwhelmed with worry. If we take some time to stop and be still (like at camp), it becomes easier to see all the ways the God provides. The way he provides for the trees with leaves that capture the sunlight, and for bees with all the clover in the field. Jesus reminds his disciples that if God provides for things like trees, how much more will he provide for his children. Set your heart on God’s kingdom rather than on worries! This summer I look forward to sharing stories with campers about how God provides for his people From Generation to Generation in the Bible, and reflecting on creation to see how God is still providing for us and the trees! --Anne Harshbarger Prayer: May we keep our baptismal call ever present, Lord, and do your will and work in this world. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 4: 12-23 (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: January 1, 2001. That’s the day I started my ministry at Camp Mount Luther as director. It’s a significant date for me and I can remember the lead up to starting this job and I remember those early days of preparations for my first summer camp, setting up my office, and getting busy. In our Gospel reading this Sunday, we hear the stories of Jesus’ first days of ministry. We hear about him calling his disciples and curing sickness. It is recorded for all time what he did in those early days. As I thought about how the date 1/1/01 signifies the start of my ministry, I actually thought, “That’s not right.” I should use the date 2/18/73. That is my baptismal day and the day that I really began my ministry, not as director, but as a child of God. Because we are called through those living waters to do God’s will and work in a broken world. What ministry stories can you tell in your time as a child of God? When did it all start for you? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: God, may we learn to stand, hand-in-hand, for what we believe in, and what you love. Unify us in your love and mercy. Amen.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (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: What speaks to me most in this passage is its relevance. It is too easy to see the many divisions amongst God’s people, outside and inside the church. The header for this passage in my Bible says, “A Church Divided Over Leaders,” and if you replace the word “church” with just about anything else (country, school, workplace, etc.) I am sure you will find a correlation to divisions you’ve experienced in a community. Afterall, conflict is a natural part of community-building, but some will struggle to move past it. This passage calls for a unification of mind and thought, with a focus instead on what unifies us at our core, the cross of Christ. In that unity is where we find our strength. I have been a part of a lot of conversations recently that revolve around this unification on the basis of core values, in order to proceed through change without changing the heart of the community. This passage seemed to come up at just the right time (but is there ever a time when we don’t need this reminder?). This message gives strength to those willing to stand up and work for what they love and value. Take one more look at verse 18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” --Anne Harshbarger Prayer: One thing I ask(ed) of the, LORD, that I will seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27: 4) Amen
Reading: Psalm 27: 1, 4-10 (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: My group of friends has come across a new game called Match-O-Rama. The object of the game is to write down the answer to a question and hope it matches the answer of another person around the circle. If you think your anwer will match the answer of the person right next to you and it turns out it does, 5 points! If you are not so sure, you can go for matching someone two, three, four or five people but you'll receive fewer points the further out you go. The question was, "If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing you would want to have with you?" The answers ranged from an umbrella to a friend to sunscreen to fresh water to a boat to a volleyball named Wilson. I don't think anyone matched another person around the circle. We agreed a boat was the smart answer. We all laughed and cried out, "Wilson!" in our best Castaway Tom Hanks impersonations. Then someone remembered how good it would be to find a Genie in a bottle who would grant three wishes. And we all know the first wish should be, "I wish for a thousand wishes." The Psalmist asked one thing: to live in the house of the LORD. To constantly return to God's house helps to sustain the relationship with God and show that this is the central relationship in one's life. Who or what do you seek in your life? -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Lord, your light has come for us to see. Increase our joy as we live in your love. Amen
Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-4 (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 recurring references to light! “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." (Handel’s Messiah) “Jesus the Light of the World” (an old Appalachian hymn). “Arise! Shine! For Thy Light has Come” (also from the Messiah). There’s a legend about a little chapel in Switzerland that had no lights. When the people came for Christmas Eve Mass, they all brought their lit lanterns and the church was filled with a warm glow. This morning I sat in church and the morning sunlight poured through the stain glass windows. More of God’s light! The old, drafty windows are not practical, but they are a reminder of God’s love. Come see the light. It is everywhere for everyone. -- Alice Yeakel Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation” and one of the alternative stories we may use with the campers.
Prayer: God, help us to more fully trust your promises today and every day. Amen. Reading: Genesis 18:1-15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Why are we always trying to hide our true emotions when we think others will look down upon us? Sarah laughs when she is told she will have a child in old age. But, she tries to deny it. But, she is called on it. And, guess what, it comes true. She does have a child in old age. As we study “From Generation to Generation” this summer, we will look at how God keeps God’s promises. Even when the present and future seem uncertain, we can trust God’s promises. God promised Sarah a child. And it happened. Hopefully, as we look at the story of Abraham and Sarah this summer, our campers will learn to trust God’s promises. When God says it, it is so! --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 January 9, 2017.
Prayer: Help us, Lamb of God, to see and know. Amen Reading: John 1:29-42 (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: “Come and see.” A curious person asked Jesus, “Where are you staying?” “Come and see.” Not “32 N. Third St.” Not “Next to where the Jones are.” But, “Come and see.” Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Both about the question and the answer—they don’t quite match. John, the Gospel writer, is almost always working at several levels of meaning. The curious person may have wanted to know literally where Jesus lived. But, John has the question posed in such a way that it could mean something more intuitive. “Where is the permanent, undying dwelling place of the Lamb of God?” “Can I dwell where God is?” “Where can we go to be in the presence of God?” “Come and see.” Sometimes reading peoples’ ideas about living with God is helpful. Conversations with others about God can open ideas, too. We can perhaps gain insight into our relationship with God from knowing another’s relationship with God. But, in the end I think, it is really about experiencing God. I don’t care much for trying to explain God to people. But I sure do like inviting them, “Come and see.” Want to know what love is? “Come and see.” Want to experience grace? “Come and see.” Come and be in the presence of others who seek Jesus. Come and live with those who have experienced God's love. “Come and see.” --Jim Bricker Prayer: Dear Lord, may we begin and end each day with a thankful heart for all you have done and will do for us. Amen.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (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: Paul usually begins his letters with a thanksgiving to show gratitude for and encourage those hearing the letter before he begins to “preach” to them a bit, and this one is no exception. I think reading the start of this letter is a great way to start off a new year. Many people start off the new year with resolutions to improve something in their life that they are dissatisfied with. This can be a great tactic for some people to make big changes, but I believe it is often tackled from the wrong mindset, simply causing frustration. Just as Paul is expressing his thanks to those hearing his letter, thanking God for giving them grace, enriching them, and blessing them with spiritual gifts, I want to encourage you to be extra thankful for ordinary things! For God has enriched you, blessed you with spiritual gifts as you wait, and had given you his saving grace. Try putting a thankful spin on your goals and resolutions – for example, it might go something like this: “I am thankful for how God has blessed me with the ability to be active, to run, hike, and bike. So, this year I want to do those things more, and thankfully enjoy what God has blessed me with.” --Anne Harshbarger Prayer: Lord, I put my trust in you. Help me to be patient. Thank you for hearing my prayers. I will tell the glad news of your love for all. Amen
Reading: Psalm 40: 1-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: A favorite author of mine sets up her prayers like this: Help - Thanks - Wow. Psalm 40 is titled Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Prayer for Help. I think there is a lot of Wow to it, too. And what does the Psalmist do with the Wow? I have told of the glad news...I have not restrained my lips...I have not hidden (your help)...I have spoken of your faithfulness and salvation...I have not concealed your love. (v. 9, 10) While often our prayers for help and prayers of thanks are between us and God, it sounds like the Wows are to be shared. Tell someone glad news today. Think about a Wow moment of faith and realize you cannot restrain your lips. Make it obvious your help is from the Lord. Speak words of faith and grace. Show God's love to all. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Thank you, God, for sending your Son to redeem and save us. May our light shine before others as we spread the Good News of your love. Amen
Reading: Isaiah 49: 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: Isaiah is full of prophecy telling us of who is to come and preparing us for the coming of the One who will redeem and save us. Pay attention, give heed and listen! It is time to shine. It is so easy to get sidetracked and detoured. Isaiah promises that God’s salvation will reach to the ends of the earth. However, we need to persist to proclaim and help spread the Good News. We are to let our lights shine. Each one of us in our own humble way are God’s ambassadors. How does your light shine? -- Alice Yeakel Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: May our trust in you, God, be as strong as Abraham and Sarah’s. Amen. Reading: Genesis 12:1-9 (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: Genesis 12:1-9 tells the story of Abraham and Sarah trusting God completely. They packed up everything and set off through the desert to a place God promised to show them. No map. No GPS. No Google Maps. Just trust in God. Do you think you could have done what this couple did? Total trust in God to lead the way? Sometimes we do trust walks at camp. One person is blindfolded and another leads. You have to totally rely on the person leading you. This is what Abraham and Sarah did. Often in the news we hear about immigration. Have you ever thought that God could be calling the people who are trying to immigrate to our country just like God did for Abraham and Sarah? Are there not modern-day Abrahams and Sarahs in our midst? I look forward to talking with our campers this summer about trusting God, just like Abraham and Sarah did! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Dear God, guide us to do the right things in the right order. Amen
Reading: Matthew 3: 13-17 (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: Christmas is over and there are still cookies left. I only baked a few kinds but we just didn't eat as many this year. Or maybe they weren't as good. To be honest, each batch turned out not quite right and I am not quite sure why. The Molasses Crinkles didn't crinkle and the White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal didn't stay soft. I thought I followed the recipes but perhaps I didn't get the ingredients right or I did something out of order. Our story today is about the Baptism of Jesus and includeds the right people in the right order. John was at the Jordan River when Jesus came to him to be baptized. John thinks he ought to be baptized by Jesus; not the other way around. But Jesus said this was the way it was to be done and John consented. John baptized Jesus, the Spirit of God descended and a voice from heaven was heard: This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Jesus made sure John did things the proper way to fulfill all righteousness. It is important to follow directions. And recipes. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God. You show no partiality. Forgive us our sins. Amen
Reading: Acts 10: 34-43 (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: Interesting how our text today begins with Peter explaining how God shows no partiality and ends with words of forgiveness of our sins through the name of Jesus. Sure there is a lot in between but these two ideas bookend it together. God is for all and forgiveness through Jesus is for all in his name. Bookends for those 9 verses of chapter 10 of the book of Acts in the Bible. What are the bookends of the whole Bible? Genesis starts with In the beginning, God created... and Revelation ends with Amen. I must admit, when I am reading a book I sometimes skip to the last page to see how it ends. I know. It's terrible. First to last notes of songs; greetings to farwells of letters; opening scenes to curtains closing - all bookend a content. In Acts 10: 34-43, the content is Good News of God's love and forgiveness for all. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Lord, your voice is over all. Bring us strength and peace. 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: The word voice, as in the voice of the LORD, turns up seven times in Psalm 29 and is associated with power, majesty, breaking, flashing, shaking and causing other feats. Wow! And then the Psalm ends with the LORD giving strength and peace. I don't know about you but I would love to hear God's voice loud and clear. Most times or maybe just sometimes depending on what may need to be said to me. Words of power and majesty sure would be assuring. Breaking, flashing and shaking words may be tougher to take. So, I think I will listen more this year. Listen for that voice in both great storms and quiet stillness. Strength and peace are ours. Hear it? -- Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on January 3, 2017.
Prayer: May I be a servant, Lord, and may you delight in me. Amen. Reading: Isaiah 42: 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: The title on the page of this passage says, “The Servant, a Light to the Nations.” When I read that, it made me go, “hum.” Being a servant is a way to shine your light/God’s love to others. It seems like a no brainer, doesn’t it? But how often do we get caught up in the darkness and not let our servant lights shine? God delights in a soul that has a servant’s heart. On January 1st, I celebrated my 19th anniversary as Camp Mount Luther Director. One of the things that I try to do is not ask anyone on staff to do anything that I am not willing to do. So, yeah, I plunge the occasional toilet, haul out the trash, and clean the bathrooms. I feel it is important to show servant leadership. As we kick off another year, let us all try to let our lights shine as servants of God. In this often dark time we live in, we can be a light to the nations. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: You are the way, truth, and life, Lord. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 18: 10-14 (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: I have always enjoyed the parable of the lost sheep because in many ways, it reminds me a lot of myself. In today’s world, there have been so many times that I’ve gone astray. I’ve lost my focus on what was really important and began to become selfish about many things I wanted and didn’t have. I did this instead of cherishing the things I already had. I especially let evil into my heart when I became aggravated at not getting what I want. Most of all, there was a time in my life that I lost my faith. I was truly a lost sheep, but with the help of God, I was found again when got helped me through the dark times. God used my family and friends to show me how much they loved me. So, when I’m feeling lost in the world, I think of this parable. I just like how it speaks to me and how I can relate to it. --Avery Lentz We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 29, 2013.
Prayer: Help us, Lord, to better understand your ways. Amen. Reading: John 1: 14-18 (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: A lot of our faith is based on incomprehensible truths. Isn't it something to think that God's Word became flesh through Jesus Christ? Isn't it something what John said when he remarked, "He comes after me, but He is greater than I am because He existed before I was born?" Through God's grace we have been blessed. God's love is unconditional; it has no strings attached. And once we are His chosen people, we will remain God's people forever. What was in the beginning is now and ever shall be! Praise 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 July 11, 2018.
Prayer: Creator Lord, you have adopted us as your children. We thank you for choosing us to be part of your family. Fill our hearts with gratitude and our lives with acts of kindness and service. Amen. Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 (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: When a child is adopted, it is often said she is now with her “Forever Family” after being separated for whatever reason from her biological parents. A typical adoption involves long months of paperwork and waiting such that when the child and parents are finally together, there is great reason for celebration and welcoming. I am blessed to be one of three consecutive generations in my family brought together by adoption. Each of our parents chose us to be part of this family and as my adopted daughter once shared in a speech, this deliberate act fills us with feelings of thankfulness and love for the decision to be included in family and to provide for our needs and more. Our lives have certainly been forever changed…for the good. For sure, the same is true as we have been chosen by God as his children in Christ. We are brought into a new loving relationship. Let us celebrate and share this good news. We all have been adopted, marked by the seal in baptism and are joined with sisters and brothers into God’s Forever Family. -- Andy Gates |
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