Editor’s Note: We continue today with our look at this summer’s Day 4 curriculum of “Water of Life.” Thursday’s Theme is “In the Pool-Seeing and Being the Light.”
Prayer: Lord of our going out and our coming in, watch over us today. Help us to continue to find your path for us and follow you faithfully until that great day when we are with you forever. Amen. Reading: Isaiah 35 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: There is a comical Norman Rockwell painting “Going and Coming” (1947)* which depicts a family going and coming back home on a vacation trip. If you have ever had a fast paced or schedule packed vacation trip, you get the joke. We do have two sets of expressions headed to where we want to go and headed back and away from where we were. Everything on the return trip looks a bit deflated. Yes, vacations are a great bit of fun, but they do also take a lot of energy out of you. Or, sometimes it is just the overall feeling that the fun is over and it is time to head back to real life. Isaiah has something very different in mind. When the ransomed return home, the trip will be joyful, glorious, fun and full of healing and brokenness made whole. The “holy highway” leads only to God and only the holy can travel on it. So whatever kind of day you are having or whatever vacation you are planning, know that even better days are ahead of us when we all return home. --Andrew Fitch *Copyright of linked image: Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), Going and Coming, 1947. Oil on canvas, 16" x 31 1/2". Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, August 30, 1947. Norman Rockwell Art Collection Trust, 1973.15. ©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN Photograph from Norman Rockwell Museum Digital Collections. ©Norman Rockwell Family Agency. All rights reserved.
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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 January 9, 2013.
Prayer: Say a prayer to God in thanksgiving for the ways which God uses us to spread love. Reading: Psalm 116 (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? Other Questions to Consider: What types of things do you usually ask God for in your prayers? How have you seen God respond to your prayers? When has God surprised you? Reflection: We were all very tired. We had spent most of the day hiking up a very steep mountain named "Jones." It was a day in early June and the wind was blowing as if there could be a storm at any moment. There we all were, sleeping under the stars when many in my group heard a noise. It was none other than a porcupine in a nearby tree. Many shined their flashlights on this moving object. And suddenly they heard a voice shout out "Solo in A-flat minor." Yes, you guessed it. A still-asleep member of our traveling group was talking in his sleep. Who knows what he was dreaming about, but it must have been something about music, which was no surprise to us, since he was a percussion major. I was once told by someone that his wife accused him of talking in his sleep. He said that one night, just to prove her wrong, he stayed up all night and he said that not once did he talk in his sleep! Sometimes we do things that are unaware of, like talking in our sleep. So does God. We may ask for something and think we never received it, but maybe we did-- just in some other form. Always keep your eyes open. Who knows what you might see! As for my musical friend, he probably will never live down the fact that he talked in his sleep that night, but boy, would Leonard Bernstein be proud! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Gracious giving and loving God thank you. Thank you for the precious blood of Christ who saves us. Help our hearts remain pure. May our faith shine through our actions and words. Let us be living examples of your love. Amen
Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23 (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: Verse 22 of the reading stands out to me. “Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.” As I am writing this devotion many people in the USA are having trouble loving their neighbors. We are struggling with immigrants, people of different races, LBTGQ, women’s rights, and the list could go on. As I understand the verse I quoted we are to have genuine love for all because we are called to love one another because of our faith in Jesus. Jesus loved all and came for all. We are not to judge or look down on one another. We are to love one another. I believe the Bible makes that perfectly clear and this is just one verse that backs up that belief. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Lord, help me to lead others as I have been lead.
Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Sometimes St. Peter’s sermons are a little offensive in today’s terms. He tells his audience of Jews that they are the ones who crucified Jesus, Lord and Messiah. They must have heard the “Lord and Messiah” part because they were convinced and ended up among 3000 folks baptized that day. What is it that brings you to faith? Maybe you have been guilted into belief. Perhaps you have had the hell scared out of you!? There have also been words, I imagine, of hope and encouragement. But here’s the deal. Somebody (somebodies) was in relationship with you in your growing up and helped you come to faith. One of those for me was a high school English teacher. Take a moment to name one of those persons in your life. Now, hear this. You are one of those persons for someone growing in faith today. Sounds a little scary, I know. And maybe you aren’t aware of it. But God is using you to bring folks to faith just as the Lord used others in bringing you to believe. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Thanks Lord for coming to us in Holy Communion.
Reading: Luke 24:13-32 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This is a delightful account. It’s also a bit confusing, but in the end delightful. Jesus is recognized not in his words but in the breaking of bread. Some years ago I attended a funeral of the wife of a colleague. Another colleague was the preacher. This funeral service included Holy Communion. The preacher finished the sermon with words something like this: “You may not believe everything I say today, so the Lord is coming in the bread and wine to show you His love and grace.” So it is every Sunday. God comes to us in Word and Sacrament. Listen carefully to the one proclaiming the word. Then also receive the Word in your hand, and on your tongue. --Jim Bricker Editor’s Note: We continue today with our look at this summer’s Day 4 curriculum of “Water of Life.” Thursday’s Theme is “In the Pool-Seeing and Being the Light.”
Prayer: Light of our lives, shine in our hearts today. Reveal your love and show us the way out of shadows into your fullness. Amen. Reading: John 8:12-20 (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: If you have flown by air you know that there is now a full body scanner that you walk through in airport security so that what is hidden can be detected. The screeners can’t tell who you are and if you are safe just by looking at you. Jesus starts the text for today with a very inspirational and quotable verse. Just like the full light of day reveals and shows details, so Jesus has to keep going and explain himself and remove the shadows and dark spots for the Pharisees. Jesus goes on to say something that I think is even better. Jesus doesn’t judge. If he has to, which I take it to mean when the final push comes to shove with Mr. Evilsinanddeath, then it is a heavenly team approach. Even then, God doesn’t judge the way we do. God doesn’t need or use a full body scanner. God doesn’t judge by the flesh, or outward appearances. Shockingly, God doesn’t use GPA, AGI, awards, accolades, or anything that we like to shine a spotlight on. It is the witness of Christ that decides. If we reflect the light of Christ and give witness to his witness to God than we are in the right reflection of God’s glory. We won’t walk in darkness. --Andrew Fitch Prayer: Thanks, creator, for never ending pleasures.
Reading: Psalm 16 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The pond at Camp Mount Luther is one of my favorite places. I just came back from a walk there. It’s different this time of year than it is in the summer. As I approached, two Canadian geese took a little umbrage to my approach and with almost no ripple moved to the far side of the pond. What’s that got to do with Psalm 16 you ask? Well, here it is: You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Geese on a beloved pond is “fullness of joy”. What brings you pleasure today? Thanks be to God. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Thanks, Lord, for my salvation.
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 (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: An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Hmmm. I’m at the age that I have received all the inheritances coming to me. They weren’t large. And they are gone. The money has faded away, perished. What has not faded is the memories of those who left the inheritances. What is left is the relationships that continue to live in laughter, tears, memories and longings. St. Peter in this post-Easter reflection encourages us into relationship with a living God. And this relationship is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. Guaranteed by God. Thanks be to God as our Easter celebration continues. --Jim Bricker Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on April 22, 2014. Prayer: Help us to find ways to be like Peter, God. Amen. Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I’ve always thought Peter was an interesting character. Last week, he was by Jesus’ side, then he fell asleep, and eventually he denied Jesus three times. This week, we read this story from Acts, when Peter declares the resurrection of Christ and attests to the things he has seen. Contrast Peter to Thomas. Thomas doubted that Jesus was Jesus when he appeared to the disciples. He needed physical proof. In our reading today, we hear Peter say, “Listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” I imagine Peter speaking emphatically about these things he saw. And yet, remember Peter’s denial. Some could say that God could have easily turned away from Peter, who denied him before the rooster crowed three times. But instead, God gave Peter another chance and used Peter to build God’s church. I think this week is a good week to look beyond our doubting and our denying and see how God might be using us in new and exciting ways. In our Bible stories, we wait to see what God will do next after Jesus’ death. Today, I remind us that God is doing the same thing in our lives today. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: God of peace we thank you for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. Help us forgive others like you forgive us. We pray in Jesus’s name. AMEN
Reading: John 20:19-31 (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: This is a text we hear every year after Easter. We probably could tell it without going to the Bible. It still is a very moving story no matter how many times we hear it. Jesus returning to his disciples after his death would have been a real shocking experience. No wonder his first words to them were “Peace be with you.” I think that when Jesus said that to the disciples he could have meant two different things. He was wishing them peace and he was letting them know that he was peace with them. I know that when I pray to Jesus I feel a peace. The other part of the story is Thomas and his doubting. I am sure I would have been just like him. I think I would have needed to see proof of their shocking story. It is the old adage seeing is believing. I feel that believing without seeing is faith! May your faith remain strong, and may the peace of the Lord be with you. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: We celebrate this day, looking at the empty tomb, remembering the victory of this day and your love for us, dear God. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 28: 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: A Poem for Easter by Chad Hershberger Hundreds of years ago, after hanging on a tree Anchored in a tomb with no one there to see. People came to pay respects and add spices to his form Promises of resurrection were so far from the norm. “Yo! Do you not be afraid, your Jesus is not here!” Everyone was so surprised, they trembled with great fear. Announcing the angel’s news was now their Sunday quest Surrounded by all the disciples, the women told their friends the rest Then Jesus came to them, he said don’t be afraid Everyone go forth from here- there’s disciples to me made! Resurrection day, let’s celebrate with great joy. Jesus is risen! Oh boy, oh boy! Prayer: Grant me the grace to live graciously, Lord.
Reading: Romans 6:1-11 (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: Tomorrow is Easter, The Festival of the Resurrection, the chief festival of the Christian faith. Tonight, some will worship at a service called the Easter Vigil. One of the scripture readings for that services is our devotional passage for today. It is one of those texts which I have used often in the services for the Burial of the Dead. It is one of those passages that opens for us the very core of our faith. This is rock bottom stuff. We are baptized in Christ Jesus, buried with him and will certainly be united with him in a resurrection liked his. If that isn’t true than what is? Passages like this one enable me to live well now. It certainly points to life when this one is ended, but it also makes this one possible. If God is that loving and graceful, I can trustingly and confidently live graciously and lovingly now. What a gift God gives us that we celebrate at Easter. What a gift God gives us to give to others. Happy Easter. --Jim Bricker Prayer: As we keep watch with you, Lord Jesus, may we stay by you and love you to the end. Amen.
Reading: John 18: 1- 19:42 (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: Betrayal. Denial. Murder. Ears being cut off and men being wrongly accused. Judges making deals and family members in distress. Sounds like an episode of a Shondaland TV drama on Thursday nights, something like “Scandal” or “How to Get Away With Murder.” Even “Grey’s Anatomy” sounds tamer than our reading of the passion for Good Friday. It’s one of the most solemn days of the year. It’s been my experience that at some point in this day, the skies will be a little bit grayer. Heads will be bowed a little more today as folks go about their daily routine. The drama that played out on this day so many years ago was real. It wasn’t just being watched on a screen that could be turned off at the end of an hour. It was the savior, going to the cross, to die for you and me. May you take time this day to remember this sacrifice and all the parts of this incredible story. May you keep watch with Jesus as you stand by the cross and see God’s biggest gift of love. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, when we seem to only see what is wrong, help us to praise you and know future generations will be told about you. Meanwhile, we share your love today. Amen
Reading: Psalm 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: Psalm 22 starts out pretty glum and gloomy with a long list of what is wrong with the writer or wrong with others or wrong with the world in general. Yet, somewhere in the middle, the Psalmist begins to turn it around with words like: help, deliver and save. The Psalmist then says, "...in the midst of the congregation I will praise you." By the end, there is hope in the words, "...future generations will be told about the Lord." There are plenty of times when we see everything that is wrong. But there is is good to be seen and known, too. Share that. If we praise God, not only in our hearts but in the midst of our brothers and sisters in faith, then future generations will be told about the Lord. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Forgiving God we thank you for this day. As we work our way through Holy Week help us remember all that Jesus has done for us. Helps us also spread that Good News to others. 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: As I read my Bible I am always thankful for the believers who have come before me and have written down stories and lessons. I find strength in what they have to share. I wonder if I had been around when they were alive if I would have believed. We have the benefit of history and I am grateful. Another thing I am grateful for is forgiveness. In these Acts text Peter was so great at letting others know of this forgiveness. As we look to Easter I hope we are as good at sharing the Good News as those who have come before. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep our eyes looking up to you and your glory. Amen Reading: Colossians 3: 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: Looking down while driving has become a concern and danger as cell phones distract drivers from keeping their eyes on the road. It’s best to keep all gadgets out of eyesight and even out of reach when behind the wheel. That’s safer for everyone. Looking up, however, is my problem as the sky and clouds are my distraction. Just recently I saw the most glorious rainbow and then sunset while driving down Route 15 in Pennsylvania. Keeping my eyes on the road, I had to pull off at an exit to take photos. Verse 2 of Colossians 3 tells us to set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. When I do find myself staring up above, I remember we are also to be looking up to where Christ is seated with God and how we will be revealed with him in glory. --Ruth Gates Editor’s Note: We continue today with our look at this summer’s Day 4 curriculum of “Water of Life.” Thursday’s Theme is “In the Pool-Seeing and Being the Light.”
Prayer: O Lord, Our Lord, how wonderful in Love you are. We praise and thank you for all the ways that you provide for us. Amen. Reading: 2 Peter 1: 3-11 (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: “And if there is anything you need, just let me know.” It is a frequent statement when you stay somewhere that the host hopes to truly make sure that you have a delightful stay. It is a pleasure to stay somewhere that they mean it and they have actually provided and tried to anticipate what you might need. I have been places where the soap in the bathroom is so good that I am glad it is small so I can take it back home and be reminded of how nice the stay was. God has given us everything that we need for our stay. There is no lack of providing on God’s part. There is no way that we can truly measure how much God is generous with us, showering us with an abundance of possibilities for goodness. The challenge it to turn away from the things that we don’t need and that God urges us away from. God provides ways for that too. Remember, God has provided everything. Many times, the things aren’t things, but people that God sends into our life or path to help us along the way. Be open to the sending and the seeing today. --Andrew Fitch Prayer: Clear the mud from our eyes, Jesus, and help us to see the light. Amen. Reading: John 9:1-11 (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: As we begin a new month, our Friday devotions will be based on our Day 4 theme for this summer in our “Water of Life” curriculum. Thursday’s theme is “In the Pool—Seeing and Being the Light.” This story is about a man who was born blind. Jesus heals him by spitting in the dirt and putting the mud on the man’s eyes and then telling him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. What do you think about this story? Why does it surprise you? Imagine if you were blindfolded. What if someone was in the room with you and making noise, say hitting a glass or bowl with a spoon or dropping something on the floor. Could you guess what the other person is using to make the noises? Like the blindfold, or the mud in the story, there are things in our lives that keep us from “seeing” (or hearing or recognizing) Jesus, the light of the world. In the story, washing in the water healed the man. What are the things that help you see Jesus in your life? --Chad Hershberger Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on April 10, 2014.
Prayer: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 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: Psalm 118 begins and ends with the words in today’s prayer. And in between the psalmist over and over again gives thanks for the victory God has given the king. When we celebrate Easter at camp, there is ample opportunity to give God thanks: at each meal, in worship at night, during minutes when we Gather and Reflect On the Word, and those numerous times when we experience God in nature and each other. That is because the resurrected Christ lives among us. Today, as you experience God in your life--in people, in a task, in a sound, a thought, a picture, a meeting, a meal, an idea, a disagreement—take just a moment to say out loud or quietly, “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” –Jim Bricker Prayer: Lord, help me to see the one who comes into my life as more important than me. Amen
Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: “Obedient selflessness” are the words used to describe Jesus in a commentary on this passage. This hymn celebrates Jesus’ obedience to God in His emptying himself which led to His death. I doubt that Jesus knew what would happen at the end of the week in which he entered Jerusalem for the last time. He did know, I think, that it would something tumultuous. He also knew that he needed to see it through. God demanded His obedience. God promised to see it through with His Son. In the end, Jesus was not in control. God was. How empty are we willing to be? How selfless is healthy—for us, for others? How obedient can we be? How well do we trust God? I don’t know the answer to those questions. Not for you or for myself. But, the idea of a commitment to the God we can trust is something that keeps resurfacing. That commitment, I think, is lived out in human community. And one way to live it out is to understand the other person as one who to be served. That means that the other is first. Doesn’t that mean emptying oneself? Isn’t that that selflessness? Rotary International has a motto: Service Above Self. Doesn’t that about sum it up? --Jim Bricker Prayer: Lord, help me to sustain the weary with a word. Amen
Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-9a (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 4th verse of Isaiah 50 says, "The Lord has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word." I don't know about you but I know a lot of weary people out there. Myself included. The other day at friend sent me encouragement in just 6 words, "Don't be too hard on yourself." I can tell you, those few words lifted a load off my weary shoulders. One word, six or maybe a just few more, what we say can sustain someone who is weary. If we ask the Lord to give us the tongue of a teacher, perhaps we can lighten each other's loads. What word(s) to you need to hear? What word(s) can you say? --Ruth Gates Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving us a sense of immediacy in doing your will. Amen
Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (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: "No time for chit chat!" is something I say when it is time to get things done right away. I think it comes from a Veggie Tale story. The story today from Matthew has that sense of "time to get things done" as the word immediately is in there twice in the first few verses. The reading sets up the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem to shouts of, "Hosanna! Hosanna!" but we know the week ends with Jesus crucified. Surely not a week one would want to hurry up to start or try to rush along. But the word immediately keeps coming up. Jesus gave directions and the disciples did not second guess, "How do you know we are just going to happen upon a donkey and a colt tied up?" They did not question, "Why the vague explanation of who needs them?" They did not argue, "What do you mean some guy is just going to let us take away his animals?" Perhaps when we know God is giving us directions, there is no time for chit chat. We should be ready to do His will immediately. --Ruth Gates |
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