Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on July 28, 2015.
Prayer: Provide for me, dear Lord, someone who can be honest and help me be on the right path. Amen. Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Last week, we had the story of David and Bathsheba. This week, we have the sequel. Nathan comes on the scene and tells David of his sin. He does it through storytelling and gets David’s attention. Then, he delivers the news—I’m actually talking about you, my friend! Do you have someone in your life that is openly honest, maybe even brutally honest, with you? It’s good to have an accountability partner, like Nathan. Sometimes another person can see things in a situation that you cannot see because you are too close to it. They can point out things that you need to see or tell you things that you need to hear. Last week, we talked about uncomfortable conversations. That theme is carried through this story, too. It may be uncomfortable to have to confront someone when you know what they are doing is wrong, but as we see with the story of David, it can help that person to grow and become a better person. They may even become king! --Chad Hershberger
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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 July 27, 2015.
Prayer: Help us, Lord, to see your abundance. You are the bread of life. Amen. Reading: John 6:24-35 (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: This summer, our campers have heard the story of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness and God providing them with manna and water when they needed it. We drive home the point that God provides for us in abundance. Our gospel story for this Sunday reminds us of that story. It comes just after the feeding of the five thousand. The crowds are looking for Jesus and seek him out. He is on the other side of the sea and they find him. They look for him because he gave them food. But he reminds them that He is more than just a food provider. He is the bread of life. I’m sure that many in the crowd left that day scratching their head, wondering what he meant. How often do we do that? We look at things from a human perspective but God looks at them from a divine perspective. Today, I challenge you to look around you and see all that God has provided for you. If you make a list, either on paper or mentally, I’m sure you will see that God has provided for you in abundance! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Guide us to do the things we need to do for you, God. Amen.
Reading: Genesis 6 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Maybe there’s a little more to this story about Noah. We know the nitty-gritty about how many cubits God wanted the ark to be. We even know some sketchy information about Noah’s family and how they got assigned ark duty. But we don’t hear about those days in between God’s command to build the ark and the first clap of thunder that began the flood. Try to imagine the conversation between Noah and his wife when we had to propose the idea of extended time on a houseboat. “Hey, honey? You know how you’re always saying that society is going to hell in a hand basket? Well, it turns out that God agrees with you. How do you feel about yachts?” We don’t hear how Mrs. Noah responded when Noah had to explain about the cubits and the animals and the 40 days and 40 nights. We just know that Noah did what God asked of him. Right down to the last cubit. We don’t know if his friends made fun of him. We don’t know if his in-laws told their daughter that maybe she should leave her lunatic husband and come back home. We don’t know if he even had any sailing experience. We don’t know if he lost his day job because he was putting so much time on that blasted ark. What we do know is that sometimes when we do something that we know God wants us to do, it seems foolish to those around us. Sometimes we have to spend painful amounts of time explaining why we’re taking a cut in pay to do something that we feel is a calling. Sometimes we have to be patient with family members who just don’t get why our church life is so important to us. Sometimes we have to endure being made fun of by our friends for the sake of our Gospel calling. We don’t know if Noah even knew WHY he was building the ark. We just know that Noah walked with God. And by walking with God, he did his best to listen for God’s commands and follow through in service to his Creator. Maybe Noah would have preferred that someone else build the ark and put up with all those jokes from the neighbors. But God asked HIM to do it, cubits and all. What has God asked you to do in your life that seems weird? Have you taken the lead from Noah and walked with God? You might now know why God calls you in a certain direction, but when the raindrops start falling, you’ll have a bit more perspective. In the meantime, keep walking with God. --Sarah Hershberger Prayer: Restore us, LORD. We rejoice and are glad in you come what may. Amen
Reading: Psalm 14 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The LORD restores. Not a lottery ticket. Not a clean bill of health. Not a big game win. Simply, the LORD restores. Then we rejoice. Not just scream in disbelief. Not just sigh in relief of the miracle cure. Not just celebrate with abandon as if the championship is all that matters. Because the rejoicing that comes from being restored can be in the midst of little or plenty, sickness or health, losing or winning. So the Psalmist is praying for the LORD, who is our refuge at all times, to restore His people. Rejoice and be glad. Come what may. -- Ruth Gates Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on August 31, 2013.
Prayer: Write down your thoughts on how you are feeling right now. Then, pray those thoughts to God. Reading: Ephesians 3: 14-21 (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: (a poem by Chad Hershberger) There are times in our life when the walls seem to be crumbling down When the chasm we are in seems deep Nightmares wake us up from our sleep We're in despair What will come next? What will come next? There are times in our life when we feel like we are all alone When silence rules us all around But thoughts in our mind are so abound We need rest; and end to the test What will come next? What will come next? There are times in our life when the future seems so bleak When hope has gone away We don't think we'll make it another day We want an end. What will come next? What will come next? When you are feeling down and no one is around Remember God is here. Remember God is here. God will lead your way When the walls come tumbling down When you feel alone When the future seems bleak God knows what's next. God knows what's next. Prayer: Dear God, may be remember you are our light and be faithful and disciplined in our own lives. Amen
Reading: 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: You just can't make people do what you want them to do. Whether we think it would be in their best interest or because it would serve our own best interest, trying to control another person simply is not a good idea. David had many military victories but it was in his personal battle of doing right or wrong where he failed. He got himself into a bind with Bathsheba and, to cover his mistake, he tried to scheme a way to make it look like the child was actually Uriah's, Bathsheba's husband. But Uriah, a soldier in a time of battle, would not go home to his wife. David just could not get Uriah to do what he wanted him to do. From the margin notes in my Bible, "Uriah, whose name means 'God is my light,' proves more faithful and disciplined than the lustful King David." Better to walk in God's light than make others walk in our wake. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, may we always know there will be enough with what you provide. Amen
Reading: John 6: 1-21 (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 anticipated company (who were travelling through) for early morning coffee and breakfast cake. I made a molasses cake and a buttermilk cake and purchased several muffins. They did not show up; nor the next morning which was Sunday. So I took my goodies to our son’s family. Sure enough, my company appeared Monday morning! I now had about 1/3 of the molasses cake, half the buttermilk cake, and one muffin. It was still enough. Sorry if I’m making you hungry! There were no leftovers. Jesus fed the 5,000 and did have leftovers, which goes to show that Jesus abundantly provides! Live in the goodness of that promise today. -- Alice Yeakel Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on October 17, 2013.
Reflection: A little something different today for our devotional time. I’ve been thinking a bit about forgiveness. In studying about forgiveness in the Bible, I have found several passages that tell us why we should forgive others. I present those reasons here and passages that correspond to them for you to reflect on today. --Chad Hershberger
Prayer: When we are too tired to even think anymore, may we go into the sanctuary of your presence and then understand your love. Amen
Reading: Psalm 73 (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: But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God, then I perceived (their end). Psalm 73: 16, 17 I cannot tell you how many problems, both my own and others, that I have tried to solve in my mind. No wonder I feel so tired sometimes. Problems are never-ending and my brain never gets a break. Weary is the word for it. The Psalmist realized how wearying it is to try to understand everything of this world. What helped? Going into the sanctuary of God. I recently had a bad day at work. A problem arose for a third time and I was weary trying to understand it. I found my sanctuary by the river downtown to eat my lunch, pray a bit and write this GROW Time. How timely! -- Ruth Gates Prayer: As you called your servants of old, so call us to do great things, O God. Amen.
Reading: Acts 13:14-52 (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 any word of exhortation for the people, give it,” the officials of the synagogue said to those gathered. And Paul stood up and gave it. Years ago, I attended church with a friend of mine who went to a congregation that was not a mainline denomination. They did things differently. In fact, they would not have anything planned ahead of time for worship. A piano player would be there and they would just shout out hymns they felt led to sing. And someone would give up and give a message and read the scripture verses they felt called to read. It was very different than what I was used to doing in worship, but I found it refreshing and interesting that they relied on the Spirit for their guidance in worship. That is a similar scene to what I see here in our story today. In the temple, they give time and space for someone to get up and give a message from God. And Paul does that. He is led by the Spirit to give God’s Word to others. This Sunday we commemorate Mary Magdalene. She, like Paul, listened to where God was calling her. She followed Jesus when he was on this worth and shared her faith story with others. As we look to her as an example, how are you being called by God in this time and place? If you have words of exhortation, stand up and speak it! Maybe you will respond to God by showing hospitality to a stranger or telling your faith story. Just do it! God will be with you to help and guide you. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Dear God, may we see how we are all so different and not so different, especially as we see you at work in our lives. Amen
Reading: Ruth 1 (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: Ruth and Naomi were so different - in age, ethnic origin and religious background. When both their husbands died, their in-law connection was gone and they could have gone separate ways. Naomi, from Judah, was ready to move back there from Moab. However, Ruth, from Moab, stayed by her side saying, "Wherever you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1: 16) Ruth and Naomi were not so different - in loss, moving and God at work in their lives. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: We see your love in the miracle of the empty tomb and the wonder of the world around us. Thank you for life everlasting and the blessings of each day. 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: The greatest miracle of all was when Jesus rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion. This was according to God’s plan and was foretold by the Old Testament prophets. God is almighty. He rules whether or not we believe. God’s mighty acts can be seen when you watch the rain fall, or the wind bending the trees, or the waves cresting on the shore, or a mountain stream tumbling over the rocks, or just a rainbow. What more is there to say? God is great. God is good. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: When I look to the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have established, what is human that we are mindful of you, O Lord. (Psalm 3: 3-4)
Reading: Psalm 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: I’m fascinated by the TV series, Star Trek, both the original and all the spin-offs. In the series “Enterprise,” they deal with many issues that even though the setting is the future are relevant today. I’m not a died-in-the-wool “Trekkie,” but I do enjoy dreaming with the crew. The episodes explore deeper and deeper into the universe “going where no one has gone before.” The imagined planets, sectors, peoples, voids, spatial anomalies, and all the rest are not really that far-fetched. The writer of Psalm 8 looked into the night sky, impressed by the Creator’s moon and stars. If David knew what we know now about creation, he would have been in awe even more. Other planets, moons, constellations, universes and who knows what else are out there. Stars are born and stars die. We discover more the deeper we are able to “look” into God’s dynamic creation. It certainly caused me to be impressed. Without knowing about all of that, David found creation to be a witness to the majesty and glory of God. And he was humbled. Indeed, when I consider the seemingly endless character of the universe and the God who creates it all, sometimes I ask myself, “Just who do you think you are?” In the grandeur of all creation, we are really quite meaningless beings. Yet, we sometimes think too highly of ourselves and imagine God’s worlds and just flat out treat creation without respect or appreciation. Look into the sky tonight and ask yourself who you are. God, says David, has great regard for humans. Though we are but the tiniest, tiniest speck in the universe, God has crowned us with “glory and honor.” Now I am really humbled. Why would God put such trust in me? God knows I don’t deserve it. I guess that is what grace is really about. Our universe grows bigger and more complex with each of our new discoveries. Still the Creator thinks we are pretty important in the grand scheme of things. You have precious gifts. I hope you see yourself as beings living in the midst of God’s creation. Respect each individual as one of God’s. Treat the universe as glorious. And pray that there will continue to be renewals for versions of Star Trek for years to come! --Jim Bricker Prayer: We lift our heads to you. Amen
Reading: Psalm 1: 3-14 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Today's GROW Time actually is an email I sent to my family a month or so ago. We were all in a time of uncertainty; each for our own reasons. While on my bus commute to work one day, I was pondering and praying about everything that was going on and then I got this message. So I sent this email: Hello family, My bus got to the Transit Center today at about noon. As I walked outside, the nearby church bells were ringing and the carillon was playing a hymn I recognized. So, of course, I started singing to myself... "Lift up yours heads, ye mighty gates! Behold the King of glory waits..." And then it hit me. Gates! Lift up your heads! So the message for today is "Chin up and look to the Lord." Got that everyone? Love, Mom It was a Gates message for us and for all that day and every day. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Creator Lord, you have adopted us as your children. We thank you for choosing us to be part of your family. Fill our hearts with gratitude and our lives with acts of kindness and service. Amen.
Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: When a child is adopted, it is often said she is now with her “Forever Family” after being separated for whatever reason from her biological parents. A typical adoption involves long months of paperwork and waiting such that when the child and parents are finally together, there is great reason for celebration and welcoming. I am blessed to be one of three consecutive generations in my family brought together by adoption. Each of our parents chose us to be part of this family and as my adopted daughter once shared in a speech, this deliberate act fills us with feelings of thankfulness and love for the decision to be included in family and to provide for our needs and more. Our lives have certainly been forever changed…for the good. For sure, the same is true as we have been chosen by God as his children in Christ. We are brought into a new loving relationship. Let us celebrate and share this good news. We all have been adopted, marked by the seal in baptism and are joined with sisters and brothers into God’s Forever Family. -- Andy Gates Prayer: We sing and dance before you, LORD. Hear our praise and fill us with the joy of your presence. We are blessed. Amen
Reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-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: David danced as the Ark of God was brought to Jerusalem. God's presence was with the people so they celebrated with shouts, music and dance. I am sure it was quite a sight. It was fun. It felt good. They were blessed in the name of the LORD of hosts. When was the last time you danced like David? I can honestly say it was just this morning at Camp Mount Luther Family Camp. One of the songs after breakfast was Give Me Oil in my Lamp and during the chorus we "Sing Hosanna! Sing Hosanna! Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings!" while skipping merrily around the dining hall. We were all dancing like David. It was quite a sight. It was fun. It felt good. We were blessed. Dance like David (or let your heart dance inside). It is fun. It feels good. Be blessed. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Help us Lord to do the best we can and seek the truth always. Amen
Reading: Mark 6: 14-29 (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: This is in part an unpleasant passage. Seems the moral is: Do not make a promise you may regret. Herod did just that and we know the result. John the Baptist was beheaded. Some people thought that through Jesus, John the Baptist had returned to life. Others thought he was Elijah. There is a children's story about Sadie (a cat) and Towser (a dog). All Sadie wanted for her birthday was the moon. Towser vowed he would get it for her. He climbed on a chair. He made a tall pile of rocks. Then he climbed the highest hill he could find. But he still could not reach the moon. So he gave Sadie a big white balloon. We do what we can and seek the truth always. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Help us, God, to see Jesus at night and by day and to be a witness for you. Amen.
Reading: John 3: 1-16 (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: I’ve been telling our campers and staff this summer that this is the original “Nick at Nite.” Nicodemus comes to Jesus to ask some questions and get answers from the Lord. For fear of being found out, he did it in the cover of darkness. When I was in State Choir in high school, we sang a song that had this verse: Nicodemus was a man who desired to know How a man can be born when he’s old Christ told Nicodemus as a friend, “Man you must be born ago.” He said, “Marvel not, man, if you want to be wise Repent, believe, and be baptized.” Then you’ll be a witness for my Lord! Today, think about how Nicodemus might be a model for us of sharing God’s love to others. What will you do to share the awesome love God has shown for you? --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 July 2, 2015.
Editor’s Note: The writer just completed her 19th summer at Family Camp. Her son, James, was here, as an adult, having graduated from college this year and now seeking full-time employment. Despite being written three years ago, her words still ring true. Prayer: Lord, you are our God forever and ever. Yours is a love that never ends. We tell it to the next generation. Amen. Reading: Psalm 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: Great is the Lord , and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain...Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love...Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. --Psalm 48: 1, 9, 12-13 I am writing this while in the mountains at Camp Mount Luther. The rest of the Family Campers are on a walking tour of camp. This being my 16th summer here, I know my way around pretty well so I decided to skip the tour and write instead. Sixteen summers. James, my son, has gone from a five year old camper to his second year now on staff. He and another counselor, both sons of staff members from the '80's, are the next generation. Sixteen summers. Rachel, my daughter, was still in a stroller her first Family Camp and this year upon arrival she immediately reconnected with old friends from Senior High Camp and moved in with them, the next generation. Sixteen summers. Andy, my husband, and I are on our own - empty nesters at Family Camp. Perhaps God is preparing us for when Rachel leaves for college this fall. Still, this generation will come to camp. There are old-timers like us and a few new families here this summer. Many children (the youngest is the age of Rachel's first Family Camp) carrying folding chairs and bugspray to the campfire and along the trail dumping pebbles and twigs out of shoes. The dining hall food is great and that is not just because someone else is doing the cooking and washing the dishes. The food is really good, especially shared around tables of families and friends and followed by loud and lively songs. I could go on and on but you get the point. Yes, great is the Lord and worthy to be praised in these mountains surrounding camp. Here campers learn of God's unfailing love. The camp tour folks are walking around counting camp's worship sites, considering her cabins and craft lodge, taking in the views of the mountains and valleys. It is being told to the next generation! --Ruth Gates Prayer: God, we thank you for the power of your Kingdom. Because of your great love, that heavenly Kingdom reverses this fallen world- it turns everything upside down for your glory and by your grace. May we always delight in our weaknesses and remember to put first, those who are last. In your Holy name, Amen.
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 (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: “Reverse, reverse (sound of a tape rewinding). Reverse, reverse (sound of a tape rewinding.” Those are some of lyrics (and sound effects) of the well-known dance, the Cha-Cha Slide and it came to mind as I was reading today’s Bible passage. You may be familiar of God’s great reversal in the Gospel of Luke (13:30 NIV) - “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” The great reversal is a great example of just how powerful God’s grace is. Today’s passage can be included in that great reversal because it tells us that in Christ, our weaknesses are reversed, and they become what makes us strong. In this passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians as he hears of their improved faith, and he further instructs them on remaining humble and rooting themselves in Christ. He does this by using himself as an example. Paul chooses not to boast about his accomplishments, but to rest in the power of Christ. God’s grace is sufficient for Paul and is sufficient for us as well as the Corinthians Paul was writing to. Whatever journey you are on may be long, your sorrows may be great, but Christ invites us to walk with him and with each other as one body. So come walk with us. For when we are weak, Christ makes us strong- “Reverse, reverse (sound of a tape rewinding).” --Anne Harshbarger Prayer: Be with us, Lord, as you make us new. Amen
Reading: 2 Samuel 5: 1-5, 9-10 (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: David went from shepherd boy to King. Pretty extreme makeover! What made the difference? God was with him. Not that going from almost nothing to a big something is all that matters. Remember, David was still a lowly shepherd when he took down Goliath. It just happens that in the long run, David was to be King and that's what he became. God was with David during his days with the sheep as well as all the years ahead. God is with us always, too. We belong to Him. What we do, big or small, becomes greater and greater with God. That small jar of preserves given to the refrigerator repairman who came the day the ice cream was rock hard and the milk lukewarm? It went with my big thanks for how he has fixed our appliances for 20+ years and hopeful encouragement his knees and back hold up until retirement. Great thanks and care with God. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, may we walk humbly doing what you ask us to do. Amen.
Reading: Mark 6: 1-13 (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 humility in this passage is remarkable. Jesus and His disciples were ordinary people. They walked and talked to their neighbors urging them not to sin. But the people shook their heads in disbelief and, with skepticism, said, “He is just a carpenter’s son. Why should we listen to him?” Ordinary people like carpenters, farmers, waitresses, and the mail carrier are people God blesses with the ability to do good things. Jesus urged His disciples to continue and not be discouraged. So we should not despair or become discouraged. If you think your efforts and good deeds are not being noticed or appreciated, remember these verses. -- Alice Yeakel |
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