Reading: I John 4: 19
Reflection: The Greek word Agape means spiritual, divine love. It means unconditional love. When we have agape love, we give without wanting anything in return. I was in a situation once where a colleague of mine quit his job. It was in the middle of the week and we needed to cover his responsibilities. I was called upon to help out in the situation. However, I did not feel I had the expertise to fill his shoes and do the program that he was working on. I was not happy with the situation but resolved that I would have to do it anyway. Another colleague stepped forward and said he would fill that slot and I could do his tasks that week. I know he really did not want to do that, but he know that it would be in the best interest of everyone since he was more qualified to do the work of the one who left. I gained a lot of respect for that individual. I knew he was not doing what he wanted to, but he put the company’s best interests ahead of his own. He was giving up something, not wanting anything in return. He was being unselfish. I will also be indebted to him for doing what he did that week. I gained a lot of respect and admiration for him. We should all think of others first before ourselves.
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Reading: Song of Solomon 2: 10-13 As I write this in 1998, I am getting ready for a wedding. No, it will not be me watching my bride march down the aisle. But I will be at the front of the church, standing beside the groom, witnessing this important day, playing the part of best man. I've been in my share of weddings, but this is the first time I've been best man with specific duties to perform. When I was asked to be best man, I accepted gladly. What an honor! But, I was also a bit scared. After all, I was a rookie best man and didn't know what all I had to do. So, I did some research. I went to the mall one day and secretly stood in the wedding book aisle at the book store, looking in all those bride books to see if they mentioned what all a best man is responsible for. I also bought the groom a book, "The Groom's Handbook." Before I gave it to him, I read the section on choosing your wedding party. There, I found some other useful listings of what I was required to do. Of course, I knew I would have to give that all-important first toast to the newlyweds. I even started right away to jot down some ideas. And, I knew I was in charge of the traditional bachelor party and keeping the rings the day of the ceremony. But, I found out that the best man is also responsible for entertaining the groom at the church (I'll have my backgammon board), drive the groom to the church (no problem, I just bought a new car), take care of wedding day business affairs (organists need to be paid after all), and have tissues for the couple (I would suspect only the bride will need them-- the groom has been known to say emotions are for the weak). June is the month of weddings. A time of new beginnings, not only for those just married but for all of us. Everyone makes resolutions for new starts in January, but this year why not make one in the middle of the year. Resolve to start being a better person, to be more supportive of your friends and family, and have a positive attitude. In all your relationships, treat the next few months as a "honeymoon," being more loving toward others and more willing to accept This Sunday, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dedication Day of Camp Mount Luther, we will hear the story of the Transfiguration of our Lord. It is one of my favorite stories, because it reminds me of camp. Here is a reflection on that story. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Did you ever think that this story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is actually a Biblical example of a camping experience? Think about it. Several campers and friends, Peter, James, and John, hiked with their camp counselor leader, Jesus, up a mountain. They needed to get away. They needed to go to a place set apart to be transformed and rejuvenated in their work as disciples. When they got to the mountain camp, they prayed, and while they were there they saw God. Two other men talked, Moses and Elijah, who were faith figures of times past. Faith came alive to these campers, just like it does to campers today through skits, stories, songs and study. Peter wanted to truly set up camp that day by putting up tents and having an overnight camping experience. He and the campers were sleepy. Sound familiar? But then, their priorities were changed as God bellowed from the heavens and they heard His voice saying, “This is My beloved Son. Fear Him!” In the last 50 years, many campers have come to Camp Mount Luther and had a mountaintop experience. They've experienced God. Where do they find God in everyday life? You may be surprised that just as the disciples saw and heard God on the Mount of Transfiguration, you will see God in places you’d never expect! And hopefully, unlike the early disciples, you will share with others that experience! will go home and share camp with their friends and family. Here is a devotional writing I'm going to share with the camp staff this week. I'm sharing it here so that you might know how it feels right now to work at Camp Mount Luther, especially in light of our 50th Birthday Celebration coming on Sunday. Reflection: He ran to meet him. When we got there, he gave him a big hug. He welcomed him into his house. They sat down, shared a meal, and talked about old times. They laughed together and cried together as they remembered days gone by. The last paragraph could very well be a paraphrase of the scripture reading assigned for today. Or, it could be a story, telling about two camp friends who had not seen each other for a while. By now, you probably feel strong bonds of friendship with your fellow camp staff. It’s typical of those who work in Christian camps. It’s also typical that when you see your camp friends after a prolonged absence, it will seem like you were together the day before. Others may not understand what you experienced this summer and may not “get it.” They may wonder why you want to hang out with your “new friends.” They may wonder about some of the activities you talk about and question your enthusiasm for the work you did this summer. You may even respond to them with the phrase, ”It’s a camp thing- you wouldn’t get it.” Camp friends are truly like family, who accept you for who you are and are a steadfast presence in your life. You may consider them to be some the greatest people you know. You might even feel closer to them than your cousins or your college friends. You know that you can trust them and that they will be there for you when you need them. Many of you may be experiencing camp staff life for the first time. Hopefully in years to come, you will agree that the people you got to know this summer are some of your best people. And when you meet down the road, you’ll run out as Laban did, embracing Jacob, ready to catch up and share good times! For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which will also be a big part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers this summer. First, read the passage and then discuss the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and ponder the quote presented. Reading: John 2: 1-12 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? (or for younger kids, which part of the story doesn’t make sense to me?) QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text? (or for younger kids, what is my favorite part of the story?) QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? (or for younger kids, what does this story remind me of?) QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? (or for younger kids, what is God or Jesus doing in this story?) Reflection: June is a big month for weddings. I know many people who tied the knot this month. I don't know how the tradition of having weddings in June started but I would suspect it has something to do with warmer, summer weather. Weddings mark the start of a new life together for two people. They are joined and become one. Jesus also began a new life at a wedding. The wedding at Cana was where Jesus performed his first miracle. It was there that He revealed His glory and the disciples believed in Him. The next time you attend a wedding remember what Jesus did in Cana. He provided what the wedding guests needed. He provides what we need today. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss or reflect on this quote from Rusty Berkus, "There comes that mysterious meeting in life wh Discussion:
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 Reflection: It is so easy to be negative toward people; to show them their faults and tell them what they have done wrong. But having that type of attitude can be detrimental. In this verse, Paul tells us that we should encourage one another. We should not tear people down, but build people up. We should find the positive in situations. If someone yells at you and tells you unkind things, you should not try to get them back. You should be positive toward toward them, love them and show them Christian ways. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 5: 16 Reflection: Once, when I was not feeling well, I was given a gift. It was a small piece of wood with the words to this verse on it. "Let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Attached to the gift was a note, explaining that the present was to cheer me up since I was sick. The giver remarked that they appreciated all the things I had done for them, letting my light shine in their life. I was very surprised by the gift. I was not expecting it and thought it was neat that someone felt I had let my light shine in their life. Ever since I received that present, this has been one of my favorite Bible verses. We all should let our lights shine in other people's lives. When we do, we glorify our Father in heaven. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discussion:
Reading: John 10: 28 Reflection: I heard a story once about a lady who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She went to her pastor to plan out her funeral service. She had one through the service and made all the arrangements and was getting ready to leave when she told the pastor that she had just two more requests. One, that she buried with her Bible in her left hand. Two, that she be buried with a fork in her right hand. The minister asked why she wanted to have a fork in her hand. She told him that she had been to plenty of church suppers and when they cleared the supper dishes, they often told her to save her fork. She knew that when they told her to save her fork there was something better on the way-- dessert. She said that the fork in her hand in her casket would be a reminder that she was going to a life that is even better than the one she lived on earth. He who believes in Christ will never die. We will all go to somewhere better. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Watch this Youtube video of the camp song, "I Am the Resurrection." Discussion:
Reading: Romans 6:4 Reflection: Baptism plays an important role in the church. As Christ told Nicodemus, you must repent, believe and be baptized to be born again in Him. In Romans, we are told that we are buried with Christ when we are baptized. Just as He was raised from the dead, we too walk in newness of life following our baptism. Through the cleansing waters of baptism, our old selves are buried and we become new. We are refreshed and are marked with the cross of Christ forever. Each time you see another person get baptized, remember your own baptism and how you are a chosen child of God. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Do something today to remind you of your baptism. Discussion:
Reading: I John 3: 1-2 Reflection: I rely heavily on notes to myself. I write messages all the time to remind me to do stuff. In college, my roommate and I kidded each other that we really had memory problems because our room was full of notes we wrote to ourselves to remember things. When I was a child, my parents heard a story about some parents who told their children anytime they were going out somewhere to "remember who you are." They were to respond, "I am a child of God." My parents started doing this to my sister and me. It reminded us that we were children of God and were to act as children of our Heavenly Father expected us to act. It was good to remind us that we were chosen children. So, remember who you are. You are a child of God. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Write "I Am A Child of God" on a Post-It-Note and put it somewhere to remind you frequently. Discussion:
Reading: Psalm 40: 1-4 Reflection: When I was a camp counselor, we instructed our campers to do two things when they got lost: hug a tree and sing "Jesus Loves Me." By hugging a tree, they stayed where they were so we could find them. Singing "Jesus Loves Me" we could hear them and the song would give them comfort. Luckily, I never had any lost campers who had to use these instructions. When we feel lost, we should do the same thing. By holding onto something and singing "Jesus Loves Me" we can be reminded that God is there for us, wherever we may be. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray for the lost. For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which will also be a big part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers this summer. First, read the passage and then discuss the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and ponder the quote presented.
Reading: James 5: 19-20 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? (or for younger kids, which part of the story doesn’t make sense to me?) QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text? (or for younger kids, what is my favorite part of the story?) QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? (or for younger kids, what does this story remind me of?) QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? (or for younger kids, what is God or Jesus doing in this story?) Reflection: Reunions. Author and minister Robert Fulghum says they are a ritual of life. He says they take us back to a time long ago, affirming our relationships. We need reunions to remind us where we were and how far we have come. Reunions take many forms. They can be big planned reunions, like family or class reunions; or they can be small reunions between friends getting together over coffee. They can be unplanned reunions, like when you bump into someone you haven't seen in awhile. Reunions in all shapes and forms are a part of life. In a previous devotion, I told you about "The Breakfast Club," a group of people who were very different but shared a common experience and became close friends. Several years later we had a reunion of sorts. All but one of us gathered to have brunch on a Saturday morning at a restaurant. The group was a little larger then as a few had spouses now, too. It was great to see all of them that day. We picked up where we left off and caught up with our lives. What was neat about this reunion was that we didn't spend much time talking about our shared past experiences. Instead, we talked about our jobs, our ever changing lives, and what we were doing now. Over a meal, we were a club again, sharing our lives, catching up, and looking ahead to future plans. "We should do this more often." That age-old adage went through my mind but whether or not it happens again remains to be seen. But as we went our separate ways, back to our busy lives, there was a solace in the fact that for two hours we took time out to eat together and share with one another. Enjoy the reunions of your lives. It is our bridge to who we were and what we once did. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Think of someone you haven't seen in awhile. Make plans for a reunion- either in person, electronically, or Discussion:
Reading: Proverbs 10: 1 Reflection: My dad always said that mothers get more attention and credit than fathers do. When people are on television, often they say, "Hi mom!" He wondered why they didn't say, "Hi dad." He also felt that our country makes more hoopla over Mother's Day than Father's Day. In Proverbs, we are told that a wise son makes a glad father. I hope that I am a wise son. I think that I am. I hope my dad is glad. I'd like to go a step further and say a wise father makes a glad son. And I definitely am a glad son. My dad has been a big influence in my life and I have learned much by just watching him. I am very proud of my father. He continues to be an inspiration to me. So on your special day, dad, know that you are appreciated, not only today but everyday. And to my Heavenly Father, know that the same goes for you each day of the year. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Discussion:
Reading: I Peter 1: 3-5 Reflection: When we are appreciative of something someone has done for us, we either say "thank you" or we send them a card, showing our gratitude. I learned the value of saying thank you first from my parents. When I was small they taught me to say thanks to someone who did something for me. They also told me that when they did something for me, like buying me shoes or taking me out to dinner, I should say thank you to them and show my appreciation. When I was in college, our campus ministry pastor taught me more about thank yous. Anytime I would do something in the parish, he was very good at saying thanks. Even if it was something really small. Often times, I did not expect to hear a "thanks" but he gave me one anyway. It made me feel good and taught me that I should thank others for even the smallest things. Likewise, we should make it a point to thank God for all God does for us-- even the small things. We should praise God's works everyday of our life. I know God will appreciate that! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray to God and say thanks! Discussion:
Reading: Mark 1: 17 Reflection: I don't have much experience when it comes to fishing. My grandfather took me fishing once as a child and I did manage to catch quite a few fish, but I them all back into the pond. When I was a camp counselor, I had fishing camp one year. I went to several places with the boys but I did not cast a line. I just watched from the shore. I was not into the fishing thing. Even though I am not an avid fisherman, I am a fisherman of sorts. As Jesus said, if we follow Him, we should be fishers of people. We should lead others to Jesus. I like to think that when others look at the way I live my life and see my personality and disposition that they will wonder what I have in life that they don't have. Maybe they will want to become more like me and try to live a good and godly life in Christ. Others may go out and try to cast nets by witnessing to others and preaching God's word. Whatever method we use, we should be fishers of people! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray to God for help in fishing for people. Discussion/Reading: Take time today to search your Bible for a passage about God's love. When you find one you like, share it with someone else. Reflection: We are told that there is one God and we are to love God with all our heart. We are not to forget that command. Ever. God tells us that we are also to teach our children the same command. We should repeat the command when we are at home, when we are away, when we are resting, and when we are working. We should do everything to remember God's commandments to love. Remind yourself often today and everyday. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Reread the passage that you found and meditate on God's love for you. Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 28: 20 Reflection: During the disco era in the late 1970s, pop star Gloria Gaynor sang the song, "I Will Survive." She told of a woman who was making a go of it after being dumped by her significant other. The first line of the song goes like this: "At first I was afraid, I was petrified; kept thinking I could never live without you by my side." When I heard that line one day I thought about God. We could never live without God by our side. We need to turn to God for help and praise God for our joys. We don't need to be afraid because we will never have to live without Christ by our side. Jesus said that He is with us until the end of time. We cannot forget it. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others, or meditate on this quote by Goethe, "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it." Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 4: 5-6 Reflection: Satan is a deceiver. He tries to trick us into following his ways and will do it in any way possible. He can also take advantage of God's Word and make it fit his purposes. Martin Luther said, "The devil, too, can quote scripture. But his use of scripture is defective. He does not quote it complete but only so much of it as serves his purpose. The rest he silently omits." As we go through life we need to be aware of Satan's tactics. We need to look for his trickery. As humans, we can easily be deceived. Watch out for the devil's evil ways. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray for God to protect you from Satan's ways. Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 7: 7-8 Reflection: I took a trip one weekend to a cabin in a remote part of Pennsylvania. A bunch of my friends and I went there to get away and spend some time together before we all went our separate ways at the end of a summer working together. We stopped at a grocery store on the way there to get supplies, including all the trimmings for a spaghetti dinner, complete with a nice salad. When the time came to prepare the meal, we could not find the lettuce for the salad. We knew we bought some at the store, but we could not find it anywhere. We turned the cabin upside down and looked in the car, but no lettuce. So, we didn't have a salad with our meal. The next morning we were packing to go home and a member of our group came into the cabin with, you guessed it, the lettuce. We had a good laugh and asked her where she found it. It seems the lettuce rolled under my car as we were getting the gear out the day before. It was there all along, we just didn't know where to find it. Ask and you shall receive. Search and you will find. Even if it is lettuce you are looking for! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Watch this video of a camp song based on this passage. Discussion:
Reading: Luke 15: 1-7 Reflection: It was a Saturday in the summer after my college graduation. I was canoeing down the Susquehanna River with some friends. We spent about half a day on the river, enjoying the company and being in the outdoors. The day was a bit overcast, but it was pleasant nonetheless. When we reached our destination, we had to step into the water to get our canoes to shore. One person I was with did just hat and her sandal came off in the mud of the river. They were fairly new shoes and she was distressed that she could not find it, not to mention that she could only walk with one shoe on. So, those in our group took to looking for the lost piece of footwear in the river. Luckily, the water wasn't too terribly high and we did find the sandal after a time of searching. Just as our whole group stopped everything we were doing to look for the one lost sandal, so Jesus tells us that we should take the time to find the one lost sheep. Even if we have 99 more, we should rejoice in finding the lost one. We should take the time to find that one lost sheep. Jesus says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than the 99 who do not need to repent. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray for the lost. Discussion:
Reading: Psalm 23 Reflection: If you ever get the chance, go lay in the grass on a starry night and stare into the sky. Think of the words of this psalm and imagine the good shepherd watching over you. You may even want to listen to some soft piano music as you meditate or pray. It can be a very moving experience. You will undoubtedly feel God's presence in His creation. You will probably feel humbled as you look at the stars and think about your place in the universe. The awesomeness and majesty of our Lord will be apparent as you lie down in green pastures. He is the Good Shepherd. Alleluia! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Re-read and meditate on the psalm. Reading: Phillipians 4: 13
Discussion: Talk about times you have heard this verse quoted or used this verse yourself. Reflection: This is a very commonly quoted verse of scripture. But how true it is! I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. We should all gain our strength from Him. He is the rock on whom we should build our lives; the foundation which will make us stronger each day. How can we be strengthened? I believe it is through prayer and our relationship with other Christians. If we ask for God's help and guidance in any situation, we will feel strengthened just through talking to God and and knowing our needs will be supplied. And, we can lean on other Christians for strength in troubled times. When you need strength, know where to turn and you will get it. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray for strength Discussion:
Reading: 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15 Reflection: It is important to be generous and to do something for your fellow human beings. A craze hit this country in the late 1990s where people practiced "Random Acts of Kindness." Talk show host Oprah Winfrey got into the act and promoted it on her show. People were encouraged to do things for other people without those people knowing it. By being nice, they would feel good about themselves. Author Richard Carlson says there is no prescription for how to practice kindness. It just comes from the heart. Doing good for other people makes our hearts feel good. And I'm sure it makes God feel good, too. God tells us to be generous. Take it to heart. Live a life where you are very giving and you will live a life that is very rewarding. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Do a random act of kindness today. For today's devotional, again we will use the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which will also be a big part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers this summer. First, read the passage and then discuss the four questions below. Conclude by reading the reflection and ponder the quote presented.
Reading: Romans 1: 16-17 QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? (or for younger kids, which part of the story doesn’t make sense to me?) QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text? (or for younger kids, what is my favorite part of the story?) QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? (or for younger kids, what does this story remind me of?) QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? (or for younger kids, what is God or Jesus doing in this story?) Reflection: There are many stories about people who did not believe in Jesus Christ but came to believe in Him after reading the Bible. Paul tells us that he has total confidence in the gospel because it has the power to save. God uses the gospel to put people right with God. Share that good news today! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Think of ways that you can share the good news with another person in the near future. Do it! Discussion:
Reading: Matthew 13: 44 Reflection: The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. There can be many treasures in fields. Fields are a place where these treasures can be buried. You never know what you could find if you uncover some earth. In elementary school we took field trips. We found many treasures as we left our classroom and went out into the world. One year we went to a sheep farm. Another year, we went to the local library. We also went to a cave and a museum. Field trips were an opportunity to learn first hand about a subject. But the treasures we found were not as good as the treasures we will find in the kingdom of heaven. We should all look forward to the day we take that field trip! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Draw a picture of what you think the kingdom of heaven will look like. |
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