Prayer: Lord, thanks for being with me especially when I am scared. Amen.
Reading: Jonah 2:1-10 (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: We continue today looking at Camp Mount Luther’s summer’s curriculum, “La Frontera.” Today we conclude our work with Day 4, “Jesus meets us where we are because he loves us.” Today’s text is an alternate story for the day. She couldn’t breathe. Drawing air into her lungs seemed impossible. She tells me that she just wanted to die. She confessed that she was frightened and later felt guilty about being scared. I thought about her while reading this great Psalm of Thanksgiving in the Book of Jonah. Jonah utters it from the belly of the great fish. Death seemed just as certain to him as it did to my gasping parishioner. Cast into the sea. Surrounded by waves. Driven away from God’s sight. His life was ebbing away. He cried out to God. Our reading ends, “Deliverance belongs to the Lord. Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon the dry land.” We believe that death brings us deliverance. We end up in a safe place. But the passage into that safe place is scary. That’s what my parishioner and I talked about. Dying is scary. But here’s the deal: Hang on! The resurrected Jesus meets us wherever we are. Even, and especially, in death. --Jim Bricker
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Prayer:
Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father's glory. Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire. Flow river flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light. Amen. Reading: Psalm 67 (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: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, so that your way may be known upon the earth, your saving power among all nations. Psalm 67: 1 The Benediction at the end of worship sometimes contains the phrase, "(The Lord) make his face to shine upon you." What does that mean and what difference does it make? Maybe you recognize the song I used for the prayer above. The chorus pretty much explains it. When God's love shines on us, the land is filled with His glory. Our hearts are fired up, grace and mercy flood like a flowing river and the light of the Word is in our world. No wonder I like to sing this as the final hymn on a Sunday morning. In this dark world, the light of God's face shining on us certainly makes a difference. When the Pastor proclaims this in Benediction, let's go forth singing in our hearts, "Shine, Jesus, shine!" --Ruth Gates Prayer: Let your light shine. Amen.
Reading: Revelation 21: 10, 22 - 22:5 (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: Our text today speaks of a city that has no need of sun or moon to shine on it for the glory of God is its light. How would that change things? My first thought is that in God's light there would be no shadows. The sun and moon shine from a place in the sky so objects cast shadows - longer or shorter by the time of day; brighter or darker by phase of the moon each month; more or less direct by the season of the year. God's light shines from within and from everywhere. There would be no shadows. No dark places. In God's light we can serve him without fear of shadows or darkness. That is quite empowering and very encouraging. --Ruth Gates Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on August 28, 2015.
Prayer: When you speak, O Lord, help me to listen. Reading: Acts 16: 9-15 (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: My career as a pastor has included four calls before retirement and a few more “calls” after retirement. God always seems to have something for me to do. I am pretty sure that God and I agreed on a few of those calls. A couple of them, maybe I was more convinced than God! In any case, there are times when we are led to new places and new ventures. What “voice” or nudge does God use to get us where the Lord wants us to be? Probably different “voices” for each of us and different “voices” for us at different times of our lives. Listen to God’s voice; however, it comes to you. Be convinced that what you do and where you do it, God has called you to proclaim the good news. --Jim Bricker Prayer: May we trust in you to take us where we need to be, Heavenly Father. Amen.
Reading: John 14:23-29 (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: Put yourself in the shoes of a disciple who hears Jesus speak these words. Jesus is telling them about something that is going to happen. In literature, that’s called foreshadowing. I bet the disciples were a little bit confused and unsure about what Jesus was saying. We have the advantage of knowing the rest of the story and know how the Spirit comes down and dwells with us. We know that Jesus goes the Father and life is good. But at the time, those disciples probably were wondering what the heck Jesus was telling them. Sometimes, we may be unsure of the future. We may not understand what signs we are seeing that will lead us where we need to be. But God knows. And we can trust God’s foreshadowing! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, help me to trust you the worst of my days. Amen.
Reading: Mark 5:1-20 (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: We continue today looking at Camp Mount Luther’s summer’s curriculum, “La Frontera.” Since we are into a new month, we are now working with Day 4, “Jesus meets us where we are because he loves us.” Today’s text is an alternate story for the day. Grave yards are spooky. Halloweenish spooky. Like ghouls, goblins and maybe even zombies. Not the place I want to live and certainly not the place I would expect to meet Jesus. No, living among the tombs is not cool. But, here is a man so possessed and so feared that his only “home” was among the dead. He didn’t want to be there, but there he was. He could not free himself. And Jesus met him only to get into a great battle with unclean spirits, demons. It seemed like things got a lot worse before they better. But they got better—for everybody. Demons? Unclean spirits? Possessed? Today? In our modern, high-tech world? If we are honest, there are times when we are possessed and controlled and we don’t like it. Those times are not pretty. Actually, they are ugly. And sometimes there seems to be no hope. We cannot free ourselves. And Jesus meets us and casts out our demons. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Praise the Lord! Amen.
Reading: Psalm 148 (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 Praise is in our reading over and over. I counted and came up with thirteen times. The list of who and what is to praise the Lord covers just about everything imaginable from all people to all creatures to all creation. I especially like verse 12 as it speaks of young men and young women, old and young together. It makes me think about Camp Mount Luther. The counselors are young men and young women sharing their faith and praising God. As the summer goes along, campers of all ages come - from Pioneers to Empty-Nesters. Then there are the creatures at camp - birds, fish, deer and more - adding to the praise with their song, grace and beauty. Last is the wonder of all creation we experience through outdoor ministry - the sunrises and sunsets, the shelter of the woods and the view from Buffalo Gap. Praise is called for over a dozen times in Psalm 148. I can honestly say, I am called to Praise over a dozen times a day at camp; sometimes all before even getting to breakfast! Come to Camp Mount Luther and join the Praise! --Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. May we thirst for it alone. Amen
Reading: Revelation 21: 1-6 (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 do you look for when you are thirsty and where do you look? Fancy beverages can quench a thirst in a fun way. Perhaps that is why there are coffeehouse just about everywhere. Yet simple, plain water may be the most refreshing and easiest to find, at least for those with a pure water supply. What did Jesus receive on the cross when he said, "I thirst."? Vinegar on a sponge. How awful! But this is what God says in our reading today: To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. (Rev. 21: 6) How wonderful! Let's thirst for what really gives life and let's look for it from God. --Ruth Gates Prayer: God, help me not to hinder your good works. Amen.
Reading: Acts 11:1-18 (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: This is a fascinating story. Peter tells folks about an incredible vision he had. It is almost too wild to be true! But look at his response when he is done telling the people about it. He basically says, “Who am I to question God. If God gave them the same gift of the Spirit that he gave us, why should I hinder that?” So often I find myself responding to others’ wild ideas or plans with hesitation or “brushing it off.” But, as we see in this story from Peter, perhaps the response should be, “who am I hinder that?” God might be right there, through the Spirit, guiding what is to be! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Be with me, Lord Jesus, and help me to know that you feel my troubles. Amen.
Reading: John 13:1-35 (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: In verse 21, it says “Jesus was troubled in spirit.” Often there are passages like this in scripture that help to remind me that even though Jesus is divine, he still felt human hardship when he was on the earth. Jesus knew what was going to happen and yet he was still troubled by it. He truly felt that human emotion. When times get tough in my life, it is good to know that Jesus is in my midst and knows how I am feeling. When I am troubled in spirit, I know that Jesus also felt troubled in spirit. How great it is to know that God knows just how I am feeling! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith, especially when I question you. Amen Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 (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: We continue today looking at Camp Mount Luther’s summer’s curriculum, “La Frontera.” Since we are into a new month, we are now working with Day 4, “Jesus meets us where we are because he loves us.” Today’s text is an alternate story for the day. Against the wishes of the disciples, Jesus meets with this Canaanite woman. I side with the disciples. She’s a foreigner. She shouts at him. Her daughter is tormented. And she keeps arguing with Jesus. She shows little respect. Send her away and let’s get on our way. So, what do you think about arguing with Jesus? So often we get the guilts when we raise questions about Jesus. I think the “parent” in us says that you don’t argue with Jesus. But, things worked out well for the Canaanite woman and her daughter. Jesus didn’t disengage because of her retort to him. He continued in relationship with her and healed her daughter. It is o.k. to argue with Jesus. Jesus meets us in dialogue, even difficult ones. I’ve find that I always lose the argument. But, the argument always results in a renewed and strengthened faith. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Shepherding Lord, goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. Absolutely! Amen
Reading: Psalm 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: I have written before how when I was young, I could not figure out why Psalm 23 started out sounding like I did not want the Lord. Then eventually I learned it was really saying that with the Lord as my Shepherd I will not be in want. Now, that made more sense. I have everything I need! I will now confess I was also confused with the ending of Psalm 23. Because I learned verse 6 by singing, not reading it, I thought surely, goodness and mercy were three separate things. I understood goodness and mercy but I had no idea what surely was. Then eventually I learned surely was an adverb and not a noun like goodness and mercy. Surely describes how goodness and mercy will follow me and meant most certainly; without a doubt. Now that made more sense. Absolutely! Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life! --Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, thank you for wiping away every tear from our eyes. Amen (Rev. 7: 17)
Reading: Revelation 7: 9-17 (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: If I could hear what the angels hear, the thunderous sound of a crashing tear; Holy, Holy in my ear, I'd never doubt that God is near. (If I Could See from Amy Grant's album, How Mercy Looks from Here) The song, If I Could See (What the Angels See), is one of my favorites and this particular verse always makes me stop and wonder. Just think. To God, a tear crashes and makes a thunderous sound, which is such a comfort to know. The book of Revelation is complicated and confusing. Yet bits of it are pure and simple. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. The falling of our tears is heard because God is so near to us. The sound is loud because God cares so much about us. Knowing that, we can feel almost feel them being wiped away. If we could hear what the angels hear, we'd never doubt that God is near. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to hear your voice. Amen.
Reading: Acts 9:36-43 (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: This is an interesting story, isn’t it? We hear the story about Tabitha/Dorcas and how Peter came and brought her back to life. After I read this story, I have so many questions about it. How was Peter given the power to bring her back to life? Who all witnessed this miracle? What did people say about Peter following the incident? So many questions! But the big question for me is this: Who was this “certain Simon, a tanner.” I want to know about him. Peter stayed in Joppa with him. Was he someone important? Did everyone there know who he was? He is just identified in scripture as “a certain Simon, a tanner.” I don’t think this is just a random fact that was thrown into this story. There has to be a reason he is mentioned. I haven’t had time to research this more fully, but this story reminds me that often as we try to grow in our faith and read the Bible more, we may end up having more questions than answers. Questions are good. Asking them is not a sign of weakness. If we trust in God and listen for God’s voice, we will be shown the answers! -Chad Hershberger Prayer: O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (The Prayer of the Day for this Sunday)
Reading: John 10:22-30 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: At camp, we often sing the song, “I Just Wanna Be a Sheep.” The song reminds us that we don’t want to be like those who don’t know Jesus. We want to know Jesus and follow the Good Shepherd! In our gospel story for this Sunday, Jesus reminds us that his sheep hear his voice and follow. In our gospel story yesterday, Jesus restored Peter and told him in three different ways to “Feed my sheep.” He then told him to “Follow me.” How good are you at being a sheep? Do you listen to Jesus’ voice and follow him, doing what you might be called to do? Or, are you resistant? As we celebrate the Good Shepherd this Sunday, let’s all be like sheep! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus. Amen
Reading: John 21:1-14 (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: We continue today looking at this summer’s curriculum, “La Frontera.” Day 4—Jesus meets us wherever we may be. Today’s text is an alternate story for the day. The Resurrected Christ, indeed, meets us wherever—fishing and having breakfast. This is one of my favorite resurrection stories. How could it not be? The disciples are fishing when Jesus comes to meet them. Can hardly beat that! He shows them where the fish are. My fish finder doesn’t work like it should. And then while bringing the boat to shore in the early light, the disciples see Jesus by a charcoal fire—bread and broiled fish. Wow! Can you imagine a better fishing trip than that? Are you going fishing today? No? Going to work? Maybe a family outing? A hospital visit? Lunch with a friend? Just hanging around the house? Car in the repair shop? Soccer game? Volunteering somewhere? Difficult meeting? Choir practice tonight? Just surfing on the computer? Whatever, wherever, expect the resurrected Jesus to join you. That’s what He does!! --Jim Bricker Prayer: O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me. Thank you. Amen. (Psalm 30: 2)
Reading: Psalm 30 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: A friend of mine needs healing. She has broken her wrist; a third serious break on top of other recent medical issues. When it happened I could truly see the pain in her face and the despair in her spirit. She was crying out for help. Thank goodness it was there - caring people right there, ice immediately and medical attention within minutes. Still, as bone breaks go, the healing will take awhile. There will be more times of crying out for help with daily tasks, with rehabilitating her wrist and with keeping her spirits up. All toward a goal of healing. When we are in need of help, it is good to know it is nearby. The closest it can be is the the presence of the Lord as we cry out to Him. The Psalmist knew this and found healing. Thank you, Lord for the helpers in our lives and your presence in our hearts. May healing come to all; especially to my friend, Kathy. --Ruth Gates Prayer: When we join our voices in music, there is strength. May we praise and worship you as one and all together. Amen.
Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14 (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: Can you imagine the sound of the voices of myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands of angels singing? In a smaller way I see it when we gather for worship and fellowship. I hear it when we sing hymns at church and songs at camp. The sound of music is powerful. Sometimes it only takes one or two voices to be strong. During a youth orchestra tour of Austria, we visited Salzburg and, among other historic places, we saw sites from The Sound of Music and Maria's life. Lisa, a huge fan of the movie, skipped along the same tree-lined lane singing "Do, Re, Mi" just like the von Trapp children did. Later we rode a funicular to a mountaintop fortress, and on the way down, this same person was clutching a pole in the car terrified of the descent. I wrapped my hands around her hands and started singing the first thing that came to mind, "The hills are alive with the sound of music..." She joined in and, before we knew it, we were safely at the bottom. Singing on your own, with another or many, know there are myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands singing with you and be strong. --Ruth Gates Prayer: As we figure out what you are calling us to do, help us to relieve our doubts, heavenly Father, and do your work in this very place. Amen.
Reading: Acts 9:1-20 (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: In our lessons for this Sunday, I think God is reminding us that God wants us to be on God’s Superhero Squad. Yesterday, we read the story of the disciples having breakfast with Jesus after the resurrection. They were fishing, which is an imagery often used in the Bible to remind us that we need to “fish for people.” God wants us to reach out to all people, cast our Christian nets, and make disciples for Christ. Rest assured, just like we saw in yesterday’s gospel, if we have a lot of new fish for Jesus, the nets will not tear. There is enough room in God’s church for everyone! If we are doubtful that we can do it, we need to listen for Jesus’ voice, just like the disciples did. He will tell us where to cast our nets and who to reach out to. He knows where the waters are perfect for fishing! You may have doubts and think, “I’m not worthy enough.” Well, look at Peter. He denied his Lord three times, but was restored by Jesus and is the “rock” that the whole church is built on. He is given another chance. If Jesus will do that for Peter, don’t you think he’ll do it for you? We also see that in our reading today from Acts. Saul, who persecuted people for their Christian beliefs, is changed by God and given a second chance. He even becomes a very prolific writer and apostle of God following his conversation experience that we read about today. How did he do that? With God’s help, of course. What is God calling you to do? Remember, it is God’s work, just our hands. God will be with us and give us strength, even if we have our doubts! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Help us to see you wherever we go, Lord, and be in our midst. Amen.
Reading: John 21:1-19 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: In this season of Easter, we continue looking at Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. This, I must admit, is one of my favorites. This time, the risen Christ decides to join his disciples in, what some call, “The Last Breakfast.” Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two others are fishing at dawn but not doing too well. They look up, and there is Jesus standing on the beach, having made a fire and cooking some breakfast. Jesus, once again, tells them where to find the fish and, low and behold, their net was overflowing. The net was not even torn even though it was very full. More fish were fried and the disciples once again enjoyed a meal in Jesus’ presence. Scene Two: Breakfast is over. The disciples and their Lord most likely were engaged in some conversation over their morning meal. As the talk was winding down, Jesus and Peter had a “heart-to-heart.” Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, and Peter replied, “Yes” each time. And Jesus told him three times, in various ways, to feed his sheep. He also predicted Peter’s martyrdom and said once again, “Follow me.” We don’t know why the disciples were fishing. Perhaps they had returned to work after being gone on their bereavement leave. Or perhaps they were fishing to “get away from it all.” Do you perhaps have a place to go to retreat from life’s routines and troubles? For me and for many others, Camp Mount Luther is that place. It is our “Sea of Tiberius” where we go to experience the Risen Lord, just like the disciples did on that post-resurrection morning. Because it is in this place, at the breakfast table, at the pond, and doing many other things, that I truly Jesus in our midst! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Jesus, we look for you and your peace. Amen.
Reading: John 20: 19-29 (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: “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” --John 20:19 Jesus meets us wherever we are because he loves us. Today, we begin on Friday looks at Day 4 of our summer curriculum this year. This day reminds us that there is no place where Christ cannot reach us. La Frontera is the place where differences meet and exist side by side. Again we are reminded that the message is about the love God gives freely. After Jesus’ death he appeared to his disciples several times. They were lost and sad. Jesus appeared and brought them comfort and confidence in his resurrection. Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” How can we show peace in our family? How can we show peace in our neighborhoods? Schools? Churches? World? Is it ever hard to show peace to some people? Is it ever hard for people to show peace to you? Does God love us at all times? Find ways that you can share that peace with others! --Chad Hershberger Due to a technical error, this did not post yesterday. So, here it is for you a day late!
Prayer: We praise you, Lord, with all our being. Amen. Reading: Psalm 150 (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’ve been to camp in the last fifteen years or so, this Psalm will be very familiar to you. It’s the same Psalm that we sing about when we sing the song, “Psalm 150.” I first heard it from two other camps and we took it and made it our own the first year I was director. It’s a fun song to sing, especially with younger kids, who really get into making the sounds of the instruments and dancing around to the chorus. I remember one time, we needed to fill some time and we sang this song, complete with about 27 verses! It was fun but if you are the guitar player for this (which I was) it really makes your fingers hurt when you sing it for that long. The point of this Psalm is to praise God. What better time than the Easter season to be reminded of that. We serve a Risen Lord who overcame death and the grave. Find ways today to sing your “alleluias” to God! --Chad Hershberger |
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