Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Give us faith like the woman we read about today, God, and help us to walk in your ways. 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: This summer, as we look at “From Generation to Generation,” we will see how the Biblical characters we study are not at all like us. They were giants—people like Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, David, Mary, and Paul. But just as they were different from us, we have lots of similarities, namely that we are all faithful people. In our story today, we see a woman who has that faith, too. She is unrelenting. And Jesus recognizes that. We, too, are part of God’s story. May God say to us, “Great is your faith!” --Chad Hershberger
0 Comments
Prayer: Prune us when we need it, God. Keep us bearing fruit for you. Amen.
Reading: John 15: 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: There’s a camp song we sang when I was a counselor that has the line, “He prunes back my branches when my branches get too high.” I was reminded of this song, sung to the tune of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” when I read our verses for today. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. And, to get more fruit, we often have to be pruned. Each year, I’m amazed when I cut back the branches on some of my bushes how much they grow the next year. They get bigger and fuller than ever. When you are wondering why things are happening to you, think about God’s pruning. You might need some pruning so you will bear even more fruit. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Friend, father, spirit, you love me wholly and without reserve, asking only that I share that love with the rest of the world. Let my heart overflow with compassion and care for all I meet and know. May I be love. Amen.
Reading: 1 John 4:7-21 (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 a t-shirt that reads “Love is the answer.” And simplistic as that sounds, I think it’s true. Because with love, all other problems break down. When you love, yourself and others, you care for needs like food, clothing, shelter, compassion, connection, understanding, respect,… I think of how Jesus simplified the Ten Commandments with a directive to love: God and each other. And love defines godliness. Is there any greater expression of love than that given us by God – creation, life, promise, and salvation, all secured in the loving sacrifice of His Son? Because He first loved us. Share the love. Love God by loving one another. Be love. In the end, it really is that simple. --Heather LeBlanc We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on April 26, 2018.
Prayer: Loving Shepherd, thank you for your goodness and care we positively need more than ever. Amen Reading: Psalm 22: 25-31 (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: My two favorite Psalms are Psalm 23 (The Lord is My Shepherd) and Psalm 121 (I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes). But the closing words of Psalm 22 are just as comforting and meaningful. They speak of “positivity,” which is a newly coined word. We live in a time of so much negativity. We desparately need the words of verses 26 and 27: “the poor shall eat and be satisfied; all who seek the Lord shall find Him and praise His name; hearts shall rejoice with everlasting joy.” May we never forget, or lose, the goodness our Lord offers us. He is…and always will be…. our loving Shepherd. We need His care and love more than ever. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Dear God, guide us on the road and give us courage. May we hear your voice leading us to love. Amen
Reading: Acts 8: 26-40 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: “Get up and go…,” the angel told Philip. To the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. For emphasis sake, (This was a wilderness road.) is included at the end of the verse; adding a bit of suspense. (Cue scary music?) And then the spirit told Philip to go over to a chariot and join along. Interesting (and talk to a total stranger) is not included at the end of this verse as that is exactly what Philip found himself doing - persuading the Ethiopian eunuch, a believer in God, regarding the good news about Jesus. (Cue hero music?) What road are you feeling you are being told to take? Are you concerned it could be a wilderness road? What if you get further instructions? Are you willing to face something (someone) unfamiliar? What is the soundtrack playing? (Cue the still, small voice of the Spirit which is love.) Get up and go and then… --Ruth Gates Today, we look at a Day 4 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Loving God, you meet us in all of our most childish of ways and offer to us the full maturation of your love. Help us to be grounded for community in your unconditional love, that we might reflect more fully the life in which you greet us. This we pray through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:11-12 (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: He’s talking about love, you know. As Paul writes to the Corinthians about his myriad of childish ways, he’s really reflecting on the scope of a love that he’s only ever caught glimpses of. Throughout these verses (that are probably most often quoted during wedding ceremonies), Paul exhorts the role of love and the foundation that it can provide, especially to communities rife with brewing potential conflict. But here’s the thing, this is no childish love. As a kid, I used to think that love was what you called it when you “like-liked” someone. Love was the designation you gave when you liked someone else enough that you wanted to spend more time with them than with anyone else. Turns out, though, that this is only seemingly dimly as through a mirror. The love that Paul is exhorting, the type of love that has the power to shape and form a whole community, now that’s different stuff. That’s the type of unconditioned love that’s willing to set aside personal interest to prioritize the other in our midst. It’s the unconditional love that’s willing to sacrifice self-advancement in order to ensure that the lowly are taken care of. It’s the unconditional love that endures all things because it requires the full investment of each participant in the well-being of everyone else at the table. It’s the type of love that’s not just about “like-liking” the person you choose to spend more time with, but it’s the love that’s about being known fully for who you are. And honestly, it’s a love that’s only ever been perfected in the one who has known you. While all else has been dim reflections of this perfected love, in the risen Christ, you have been met by the fully-formed love of God and claimed without condition in God’s life. We might not even fully know it yet, but we can rest in the promises that we have already been fully known in that love. ~ Justin Lingenfelter Prayer: So often, Lord, I feel lost and helpless. Continue to watch over me. Lead me to safety; feed me; care for me. May I trust in your shepherding and do your will. Amen.
Reading: John 10:11-18 (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: Did you know that the Gershwin brothers originally envisioned “Someone to Watch Over Me” as a fast-paced dance tune? Playing it more slowly while collaborating on the lyrics, Ira and George realized the song was more befitting a ballad’s tempo, expressing vulnerability and a need for the kind of care that comes only from someone who loves you as their own. Reading this passage from John, I remembered the torch song and looked up its lyrics. I may suggest to my talented kids that they consider singing this in church some Sunday. With its biblical references – "seek and ye shall find" – and the longing of one who has felt lost but searches for that Good Shepherd, there are elements to this song that translate to the total union we all yearn for from God and from each other. Jesus assures us that we are loved. Thankfully, we are already of His flock, in His fold, shepherded by one who knows us best and loves us without limit. We need only to follow our Good Shepherd. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: Gracious, loving God, we praise you and give you thanks. As we look at the world around us, we mourn all the hatred that we see. Help us to love one another. Help us care for all our neighbors. Help us do and say the right things, even if it is hard. Amen.
Reading: I John 3: 16-24 (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: Abiding in God’s love should be an easy thing for everyone to do, but as we watch the news, we find that that is not so. There is so much hatred and violence. Even if people do not believe in God, I would still think they would know how to treat everyone with decency and respect. As we read the scripture from the book of 1 John it hearkens back to Maundy Thursday when Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. 1 John makes it clear that it is supposed to be in truth and action. I would say that means in words and deeds. We are to be examples to the world as we follow God’s command and let Jesus’s message of love and forgiveness shine through our lives. It really is not that hard especially if we can support each other as a community of Faith. May we love all our neighbors as we abide in God’s love. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Shepherding Lord, lead us to still waters and restore our souls. May we have peace in our hearts that shows in our lives. 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: Safe, comforting words…” He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul.” Still waters - lakes, ponds, pools and gently flowing rivers. Some water is not “still:” ocean waves, cascading mountain streams, turbulent waterfalls. A small lake is part of a Moravian church camp named Camp Hope. Just as there are different bodies of water, there are different types of people…those who are calm and quiet; those who are energetic and talkative; and others who are discontent and angry. Water is important for our survival. One of my favorite hymns is “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”. Take a few quiet moments and read or sing the words. They may help restore your soul! --Alice Yeakel Prayer: Dear God, fill us with your Holy Spirit so we may speak your words of faith and love. Amen
Reading: Acts 4: 5-12 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Rulers, elders and scribes gathered to ask Peter, “By what power or by what name did you (heal this man)?” According to the notes in the margin of my Bible, this was a group of seventy to one hundred men. Intimidating. Yet, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks out. I have seen this in many places: Before you speak, THINK… T – is it true? H – is it helpful? I – is it inspiring? N – is it necessary? K – is it kind? Most often people use this acronym to keep from saying something that probably should not be said. When the answers are no, it is best to hold back. However, this acronym can also encourage us to say what should be said. Peter’s message was true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind. When the answers are yes, don’t hold back. Filled with the Holy Spirit, think and speak words of faith and love. --Ruth Gates Today, we look at a Day 4 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Mentoring God, you prepare your people to be witnesses and messengers of your redeeming love for the world. Help and equip us to take up the task of bearing this good news around us. This we pray through your Son, Jesus Christ our ascended Lord. Amen. Reading: Luke 24:45-53 (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: On the hero’s journey, there is just about always a poignant moment when the hero-in-training goes is called upon to step into the spotlight after playing second fiddle for so long. Generally, it involves the mentor/sage/instructor finally stepping aside in some way or another to allow the burgeoning hero to flourish. SPOILER ALERTS: It’s the moment when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda go to be one with the Force, allowing Luke to fully step into his identity as a Jedi. It’s the moment that Dumbledore lays down his own life to allow Harry to step into his own heroic destiny. More recently, it’s Captain America passing his iconic shield on to Sam Wilson to take up the mantle (though the muddied waters presented by Falcon and the Winter Soldier will have to remain a topic of an entirely different devotion. Hit me up if you want that nerdy breakdown). Reaching the end of Luke’s Gospel, the same is now holding true for the disciples. Having watched their own mentor, their rabbi, their Messiah for so long, now they are being called upon to take up the mantle. Having seen Jesus’ healings, exorcisms, feeding of the masses, now the disciples are called upon to carry on the work. They have been witnesses to all of these things. They’ve been prepared, they’ve trained for this. Now, with Jesus’ ascension at the end of this gospel, it’s their turn to step into the light. Jesus’ earthly journey may have come to an end, but their journey as his disciples and missional heirs is just beginning. In fact, it will take a whole second book of the Bible to describe their journey; after all, it is the same author who chronicles those disciples’ movements in the book of Acts! But still here at the end of Luke, the author implicates those of us who are reading as well! Jesus’ words might be immediately addressed to the disciples around him, but they serve as our call to action as well! “You are witnesses of these things,” Jesus says. To those on the ground who saw these things first hand and to those who hear this gospel now, Jesus provides the reminder that this story is theirs. This story is ours. The good news of God’s redeeming love for this world is now our heritage to take up and bear into the world! It’s time to take up the torch! ~ Justin Lingenfelter Prayer: O God, be gracious and hear my prayer. Slow me down and quiet my heart to ponder your love for me and my trust in you. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 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: Ponder. Such a plain and simple word. But it is something we do not do enough of. Sometimes, when a major decision needs to be made, we say, “Let’s sleep on it.” In a word: Ponder. When our children were all at home, I made a 2-sided sign that read: SLOW DOWN and QUIET ZONE. Ponder. It is important to slow down. It is important to quiet your heart. Perhaps make a sign to remind you. --Alice Yeakel We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on October 29, 2014.
Reading: 1 John 3:1-7 (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: It’s one of my favorite camp songs. The little children love it. The big children love it, too. Sometimes when Chad and I led songs after a meal, we used the song as a transition between other songs. Sometimes we just sing it over and over with various voices, volumes, etc. I have used it at off-site camps to get control of a rowdy bunch of kids. Just start singing, they will follow and give you their attention. Why am I talking about it? Let’s sing. Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world Every color, shape, and size They are precious in His eyes Jesus loves the little children of the world --Jim Bricker Prayer: Gracious God, you forgive my trespasses not as I fail to forgive the hurts and transgressions of others. Generous Jesus, you saved me from judgment even as I judge others. Holy Spirit fill my heart and help me to do your will on earth as it is in heaven! Amen.
Reading: Acts 3:12-19 (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: Why is it so hard to say I’m sorry? We all mess up, we make mistakes, sometimes we do things for which we are truly, deeply sorry. And yet we ask for forgiveness with excuses and justifications. I didn’t know… Everyone else said… They told me to… It can be so hard to face the one you’ve wronged and try to make things right with an outright apology and honest amends. Why is that? Is it our fear of rejection? Do we see the devastation we’ve caused so great forgiveness can never be granted? Is it because we don’t believe ourselves worthy of pardon? Or is it because to take full responsibility for our actions is to look inward? For me, the struggle to acknowledge and admit that I was capable of doing something genuinely hurtful or wicked is always a test. I’m ashamed to admit it’s not one I always pass. And it’s a reality I’ve experienced: to be devastated by another’s choices and lose our relationship because they would not - or could not - face their guilt and accept that such an egregious character imperfection resides within them. Repentance is not only for the sinner; it offers a balm that can heal the pain of broken relationship. In 12-step programs, the adherent must seek out those she or he has hurt and express an understanding of how that hurt was inflicted – not why, but how. In families, we raise our children to admit when they’ve done wrong, to try to do better. In worship, we begin with prayers of contrition. And as Jesus proved, He is ready to forgive, to accept, and to love us. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: Dear God, I’ve closed all the doors of my mind to everything that has upset me. Now can you open the portholes of my soul to accept your beautiful peace? Amen
Reading: Luke 24: 36b-48 (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: Many, many, many (like, 43) years ago my aunt gave a book to me at my Confirmation. I still have it. Your Love is Here: Visits with God in Words and pictures by Vonda Van Dyke (1974). Yes, it’s very 70’s. Today’s text begins with a greeting of “Peace” from the risen Christ to the disciples hiding behind locked doors. Out of the blue I turned to this book for inspiration and found: I’ve closed all the doors of my mind To everything that has upset me. Now can you open The portholes of my soul To accept your beautiful PEACE? This could very well have been the prayer of those disciples. It is very well our prayer today. Amen --Ruth Gates Today, we look at a Day 4 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Naming God, you know your people and call them by name. When we struggle to see your ways in the world, call us by name and draw us into the life you have to offer. This we pray through your Son, Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. Reading: Isaiah 43:1-3a (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 used to be this joke in my family growing up that my dad could only ever remember something if someone said his name before relaying any pertinent information. Any time my mom would remind him of something he’d clearly forgotten, he’d glibly ask in return: “Well, did you say my name first?” Just like Destiny’s Child tried to tell us, there’s power in being addressed by name. Hearing our own names called out draws our attention in ways that other greetings simply can’t. Have you ever heard your name mentioned across a busy room and immediately wondered what that conversation is encompassing? Have you ever heard your name exclaimed from a distance and felt the shot of adrenaline run through you at what possibility requires such urgency? Have you ever heard your name expressed by a loved one and felt the warmth of familiarity that comes with it? Being called by name carries a power that other means of communication simply can’t convey. Just this past week, many of us heard that power held by the risen Christ as he meets Mary outside the tomb. In her confusion in the face of the empty tomb, Mary mistakes Jesus for the gardener until he calls her by name. Only then, when she hears her name called by the one who knows her, does she understand that new life has taken root! But God has always worked like this! “But now thus says the LORD,” relays Isaiah, “he who created you, O Jacob: he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” In the face of uncertainty and trepidation, God calls out the names of the nation to remind them that they are claimed and cared for, they have been named by the God who will not abandon them. Listen up, O Jacob! Hear this, O Israel! The God who knows you and calls you by name has claimed you! Let the reminder claim you as well! The God who claims the people by name, the risen Jesus who gifts new life by, this is the same who calls your name as well. So fill in the blank below and remember that this is the God who loves and calls you in the same ways. The God who created you, ___________________, has redeemed you. You have been called by name. You are indeed God’s! ~ Justin Lingenfelter Prayer: May my eyes be opened to your miracles, Lord. May my heart be opened to your love. And may my mouth and actions share the promise of the two in all I say and do. 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: Have you ever watched “The Princess Bride” (or read the book)? A dashing hero overcomes obstacle after obstacle in a series of unbelievable feats of strength, talent, and intelligence. At each turn, the “mastermind” Vizzini cries out, “Inconceivable!” so shocked is he that the Man in Black has again done the unexpected. At last, Vizzini’s companion suggests, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” When Jesus suddenly appears among His disciples in a locked room, following His crucifixion and burial, it must have seemed unbelievable. Yet with their own eyes they see their teacher, open wounds clearly visible, and He greets them with His customary words, “Peace be with you.” So, they accept the incredible and receive the Holy Spirit with opened minds and hearts. But Thomas, who was absent from this miraculous event, announces their story is beyond his ability to conceive; he could only accept that the man they encountered was really the Messiah he’d known and loved if he personally could see and touch the proof. Is that so surprising? Don’t most of us hold empathy for Thomas’s doubt? Don’t we worry that we, too, would want to see with our own eyes the hard evidence of this inconceivable phenomenon – the risen Christ?! Yet we can’t. John explains in the final verses of this chapter: this account isn’t presented to shame Thomas but to encourage those who come after the disciples. It is written in full expectation of the reader’s doubt and questions. This testament acknowledges that the miraculous defeat of death itself that Jesus Christ accomplished with His sacrifice may seem inconceivable. But it can and should be received with belief and assurance that nothing is impossible with faith in God. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: Thank you, Abba, for the gift of connection. You give us thought to connect our hearts and minds; you give us language to express those thoughts. With communication, our connections can deepen and grow, with You, for You, to You. May we use our words to honor you, The Living Word. Amen.
Reading: I John 1: 1- 2:2 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I love words. I majored in English in college; I’m working on a Literature and Creative Writing masters. I revel in teaching language arts at high school and with adults in library and lifelong learning groups. I believe in the power of linguistics. Words help to shape our thoughts; they give meaning to feelings and express ideas in ways that remain formless until we can corral and construct them with language. Words allow us to connect with others, share our hearts and minds. They can make meaning. The New Testament is a series of words delivering a message of hope, love, and connection. To God, our Father. To creation. To one another. Before there was language, there was God. Before thought existed, there was God. God is, God ever has been, God will always be. God may be beyond our full grasp, but The Word is there to help bring us closer to understanding the relationship that is, was, and ever will be. All you need do is dwell in the word, with The Word, God. Think on that and let it take you where it will. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: God of all, may we live in unity as our words and actions sing to you in unison of our praise to you. Thank you for your blessing of life evermore. Amen
Reading: Psalm 133 (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 following hymn was a favorite of one of my former pastors: “Join we all with one accord; praise we all our common Lord.” I would paraphrase it: “Sing we all with harmonious chord; in unity we praise our Lord.” The earth sings. In pattering rain, a babbling brook, waves constantly splashing on the shore, the chirping of a tiny bird, or the song of a mighty whale. As God’s people, let us create harmony through our words and actions. Living together in unity…for there the Lord ordained his blessing, life evermore. (v. 1b, 3b) --Alice Yeakel Prayer: Providing God, open our eyes to see and share where there is need. Amen
Reading: Acts 4: 32-35 (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: What do you do when the auctioneer says, “Oh, I’m not taking all of this stuff.”? Call a believer. Or a pastor. Everything Opa needed for his smaller home in a retirement community had already been moved. A U-Haul truck had already been filled with what was still dear and to be moved to our home. But the auctioneer was not going to take all that was left behind in the house as had been thought. Now what? Call a hauler to take it to the landfill? Goodness, no. As told in Acts 4: 32-35, the believers shared their possessions. Everything they owned was held in common. There was not a needy person among them. So, Andy called a believer. Actually, a pastor. Who put him in touch with Floss. Within a day, 82-year-old Floss pulled together a team of volunteers with trucks. In a matter of hours, all that could be used by someone in need was taken away. Over the past three and a half years, they have set up households and settled 68 families. With hope there would not be a needy person among them. --Ruth Gates Prayer: We rejoice in the good news that Jesus has risen from the dead. Help us live in the good of knowing that Jesus kept his word. Help us to live by your word, O God. Amen.
Reading: John 20: 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: A woman. A stone. A run. A mystery. A gardener. It’s a story that you’ve probably heard many times. We are reminded of it every Sunday when we go to church. And this Sunday, we celebrate the first time that the woman found a stone rolled away and her savior missing. A single word changes the story. “Rabbouni.” When Mary hears the supposed gardener utter that word, she suddenly knows it is Jesus. That word changed the whole story. So many times, in scripture, God changes something just by speaking. And today, we are reminded of how the world changed with the words “He is risen, he is risen indeed.” Happy Easter! --Chad Hershberger Today, we look at a Day 4 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Help us to stay with you, God, and know that you are with us when things are uncertain. Amen. Reading: Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 (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 good friend of mine is pregnant. Pregnant in the midst of the coronavirus and oh, did I mention she is a doctor. Pregnancy is an uncertain time but add to it the uncertainty and medical scariness right now and I feel for her. Mary was very likely a young, unmarried teenager when an angel told her she would have a baby, God’s son, and name him Jesus. I’m sure she had some of those same uncertain feelings. Then, having to travel to Bethlehem, not finding a hotel, strange visitors coming right after the birth; I’m sure she had some emotional outbursts! But, nothing is impossible with God. God is with us, even in seemingly impossible situations. God was with Mary, and God will be with us now. Hold fast to God’s promises in these times! --Chad Hershberger 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: Last year, this day seemed to resonate more deeply than most Good Fridays in memory. We were just three weeks into a global pandemic, new and scary and utterly unfamiliar. For the first time in a decade, I had been unable to attend the Good Friday service shared by my local ministerium. Zoom had not taken off, and there was little to fill the gaping hole of lost social and congregational gatherings. With shock, we heard that no sunrise service could be sanctioned by the church. Dark times, indeed. Scary. I’m going to dare to say that this pandemic has been good for us. Good for the church. I’m not for a moment glossing over the lives lost, the heartache of loved ones falling ill, or the lasting symptoms for those recovering. But there are some distinct benefits that have resulted from our foundering and subsequent rising to the challenges presented by physical distancing and masking. For one, there is a vibrant and growing presence of faith and good will on social media. The small congregation to which I belong is up to 178 members on Facebook, with weekly Bible readings posted by a member being shared across the globe (literally: to Germany and Liberia). Last Sunday, when I couldn’t attend church (I’m sick), I watched the service on TV, even standing in my bathrobe for the gospel reading and humming along with the organ during the hymns. God’s call to action with closed schools and hungry families has fueled our outreach to the community with a partner church. Volunteers throughout the community have joined to sew facemasks for first responders, and I cannot remember a time in my 50 years when grocery workers, teachers, gas station attendants, food delivery drivers, hairdressers, and the hard-working hourly employees of our nation have gotten so much deserved – and overdue – respect. I venture to offer that even the rising awareness (and acknowledgment) of our worst societal failures this year may be in part the result of the time and focus this pandemic has brought to those marginalized for too long. When Jesus was betrayed by two of his closest friends, when he was rejected by the crowds who days before had heralded his coming, beaten by the authorities, publicly executed as an example to those who would challenge the status quo, and finally left to be properly buried after the Sabbath observance, none of his disciples could see the good in the moment. Yet we know now it was the single greatest act of love ever bestowed on mankind. Out of the darkest, scariest, and least familiar times, opportunity to rise and be good beckons. --Heather LeBlanc Prayer: God of love we come to you on this Maundy Thursday very appreciative of all you have done for us. Help us to follow the command to love one another. May we be a light to the world in times of darkness. Amen.
Reading: John 13:1-17, 31b-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: Today is Maundy Thursday and many churches have traditions on what they do in worship through-out Holy Week. When I was growing up my home church would have a special communion service in the fellowship hall with families sitting at tables and giving communion to each other on Maundy Thursday and a Tenebrae Service on Good Friday. When I was working at a church in Kansas, they would have a regular communion service and then have the stripping of the altar at the end of the service on Maundy Thursday and a prayer vigil from Thursday to Friday at noon. A few years they would do a Seder type meal, much like what Jesus would have been celebrating with the disciples. When I was in seminary, I experienced a foot washing service for the first time. It was not something I was comfortable with, much like how the disciples were not comfortable with Jesus washing their feet. Whatever the traditions, hopefully they are helpful for people to experience the love Jesus had for his disciples and for us. I believe that way it is easier for us to understand and follow the commandment of loving one another. --Charlene Rineer |
Authors
Anyone is welcome to contribute! If you'd like to write for us, please e-mail [email protected] Email
Get our daily devotions delivered to your e-mail box each day by signing up below:
Archives
May 2022
Subscribe |