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: Ephesians 3: 14-19 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: (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. Closing: Write down your thoughts on how you are feeling right now. Then, pray those thoughts to God.
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Discussion:
Reading: Exodus 32 Reflection: Moses is a leader who was caught in the middle. The people revolved and made an idol to worship. This did not please the Lord. God was going to punish them. Moses tried to get God to change course. Moses was stuck between God and the people. I have served on several boards of organizations. Often, there are conflicts between members because they have different viewpoints on an issue. Heated discussions may take place and tempers may flare. One faction may believe it should be done one way; another has the totally opposite viewpoint. In one particular instance, a board I served on was having a difficult decision on a budget issue. After much discussion, we were all very frustrated. Someone suggested that we pray about it. Following the prayer, we took a vote. The decision was unanimous. When you are caught in the middle, try to resolve the situation but don't forget to pray about it, too. It could make all the difference! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: On this day, pray for all those who make decisions in our churches. Reading: Ephesians 5: 15-20
Reflection: Finding a job after college can be a trying experience. I was fortunate to have a summer job lined up following my graduation but it wasn’t until five months after I got my diploma that I had my first full-time job. I did have several interviews, but none of those jobs panned out. One of those interviews was in Fulton, Ohio. I, along with two other people I knew, applied for jobs at a camp there. Over the Fourth of July weekend, we drove from Central Pennsylvania to Central Ohio to see the camp and be interviewed for program positions. It was a long trip to make in two days. I took about nine hours to drive one way. We made the trip more interesting by singing along the way and making up stories about motorists we saw. When we got there we were very tired. We had our interviews, they took us to eat, and then we went to sleep. The next day, we got up early and drove the nine hours home. I was never so glad to get off the road and back to familiar surroundings. One thing my trip to Fulton, Ohio, taught me was that I was pretty thankful for what I was used to. The camp in Ohio was okay, but not what I was used to. It also taught me that sometimes it takes going somewhere else to show you that what you have is pretty good. We need to be thankful at all times for what we have! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Luke 5: 16
Reflection: “Jesus Himself often (emphasis added) withdrew into the wilderness to pray.” What a lesson we can learn from Jesus, who should be the model for our lives. Our Savior was a man of prayer which is evident in all the gospels, but particularly Luke. Luke portrays Christ as the “Son of Man” and has more to say about His prayer life than any other gospel writer. Before Jesus chose the disciples, He prayed. He prayed the night of His arrest and He prayed from the cross. Jesus constantly was in prayer to the Heavenly Father. We, too, should be in constant contact with God. Unlike today’s cell phones which sometimes lose coverage, God is always there for us. We should turn to Him with our joys and sorrows. We should thank Him for the good He does for us each day. When we are in need, we can turn to Him and make our requests known. There is such power in prayer. Prayer is very important. You may not know it, but there are many people who are praying for you. They are praying that God will guide you and give you strength. They are supporting you through their ceaseless petitions to God. If you read just before this passage, you will notice that Jesus has just healed a leper. We need to have Jesus heal us when we are feeling broken. This can be done through encountering Christ in prayer. We need to take time from our busy summer and withdrawal into the wilderness to meet Him, spending some time talking to the one who was sent by God to save us. When we return, we can feel whole, healed by the power of prayer. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Genesis 1: 30
Reflection: Hopefully you will agree with me that God has a sense of humor. I think God does (otherwise why would we have gnats)? God also created all that we eat so today I thought I’d share with you some of “Brad and Connie’s Salad Jokes.” We all need a good laugh once in awhile. A fellow co-worker of mine and I came up with these jokes one summer at camp. Our stage names were Brad and Connie. Hope you enjoy them! Lettuce go and make a salad. See that piece of wire coming out of your salad bowl? It’s so you can cauliflower! I have an 18 carrot salad—it’s pretty valuable. My salad is hamming it up. Making a salad can be a cucumbersome experience. What is a new age bowl for a salad called? A rad-dish Please turn around for a moment—my salad’s dressing. My salad is depressed—it has blue cheese. The salad was so happy it shouted with broccoli! A new salad song: Lettuce break heads together with our peas. What does a salad get when it is in the sun too long? A crou-tan Our salad jokes seem to be sprouting out in new directions. You salad must have a light dressing on it- it only has 500 islands. Please eat olive your salad. And the best salad joke we came up with: A head of lettuce and a carrot went out to dinner one night. They had a lovely meal and we just finished with dessert when the waiter came over and asked if there would be anything else. The head of lettuce responded, “No, just the chick peas.” --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Discussion: 1. When have you placed too much importance of material things? 2. What are the most important things in your life? Reading: Luke 12: 13-21 Reflection: The first time I thought about what's most important in my life was during one of my first summers at Camp Mount Luther, circa 1979. A getting-to-know-each other activity was for each of us to imagine that our house was on fire and we could only save three things during our escape. If you could only save three things from your life, what would they be? Of course, more important than any material goods are the intangible things in our lives. The “fool” in Jesus' parable has more material wealth than he knows what to do with, but he never considers sharing it, and he never considers that God can take it back at any time. In his life, as in ours, no amount of money can protect from diseases or from accidents. No amount of money can create meaningful relationships with others or with God. Possessions in and of themselves do not bring peace of mind. The rich fool in the parable could plan out everything except for when he was going to die. And at the end of his life, what did he have to show for all of his efforts? Friends? Respect? Honor? Wisdom? No, he had nothing but a barn full of grain. You probably know the expression “He who dies with the most toys wins!” One could just as easily ask, “Did you ever see a hearse pulling a U-Haul?” This reminds me of a story that illustrates that our earthly possessions have no meaning for our eternal life. Once there was a dying man who decided to have his entire fortune transferred to gold bars. He asked his loved ones to be certain that his gold was secured with him in his coffin. Within a few weeks, he passed away, and was buried with his gold. When he arrived at the pearly gates with his gold in tow, Saint Peter asked him what was in his bags. The man proudly showed off his gold, explaining that he had amassed quite a fortune during his lifetime. Saint Peter shrugged and said, “Around here, we call that 'sidewalks'.” -- Christine Conz Moll, former Camp Mount Luther camper Closing: Share what you consider to be the most important intangible things in your life...and why. Then pray this prayer: Dear God, help us to remember what's most important in our lives. Help us to recognize the blessings you bestow upon us, and to remember that all that we possess is from your loving hand. Give us grace that we may honor you with all that we own, and all that we are. Amen. Reading: Psalm 8
Reflection: Take a few minutes to close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. Then, take a few minutes and look at all the things that God has created. Touch objects near you, smell the aromas that fill the air. God does marvelous work, don’t you think? God’s world is complex. When I think of creation and how intricate everything is and how everything works so well together, I am amazed and humbled. How people cannot believe in God by looking at creation is beyond me. As you go through the coming days, look closely at creation. Decide how you can help to preserve our creation. So many people are doing things today, which are destroying God’s wonderful work. How can you be a good steward? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: 2 Chronicles 7: 14
Reflection: Many people try hard to live by the Bible’s teachings. There are a lot of rules that we should follow as Christians that are outlined in the Word of God. I think Jesus did a fantastic job summing all the laws up in this one: Love one another. But I also think this verse gives us a few more specifics. If those of us who are God’s children humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn from our wicked ways, we will be rewarded by our Heavenly Father. Our reward will be forgiveness of sins and healing from God. To take it a step further, if we believe in Jesus Christ, we will be given eternal life. It’s amazing that such a wonderful gift that God gives is so easy to receive. Pray today for those who are seeking that gift and have not yet found it. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Romans 3: 20
Reflection: Nearly everyone has broken the law at some point in their lives. Most of the laws we break are trivial like going a few miles per hour over the speed limit. But, other laws we break may be more severe. In this passage, we are told that God does not accept us just because we simply obey the law. All the law does is point out our sin. What we have to do is believe in God and we will be freed from our sins. It is not our good deeds or the low severity that we break a law that puts us in favor with God. God loves us for who we are—not for what we do. We should obey laws and try to be a good citizen. But it is more important that we believe in God and Jesus Christ. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Discussion:
Reading: Ecclesiastes 12: 11 Reflection: Isn't it fun to improve your vocabulary by learning new words that most people don't know? Once you learn what a new word means and use it in conversation, many times people will ask you about it and you can teach them what it means. We can improve our vocabulary by learning a new word each week. Or, we can learn even more words if we learn a new word each day. There are even calendars which feature a new words each day that you can learn and use in your everyday speech. Just as we can learn new words and use them in our daily life, so we can learn from the Word of God. If we read the Bible each week, we will gain information that can help us live a better life. We may even be able to teach something to someone else. If we read the Bible every day, we can gain even more knowledge about God that we can share. If you are improving your vocabulary every week or every day, should you be improving your life every day by reading the Bible? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others or meditate on this quote, "LIfe if fragile. Handle with prayer." Reading: Psalm 9: 9
Reflection: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was late at night. If I were going to write a book about the experiences I had one Memorial Day weekend, it would begin like this. It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times, and it was late at night. A few of us were staying at camp for the weekend. If I remember correctly, it was around 10:00 at night when some "yahoos" as we called them were discovered at the pond, partying. In the next few hours, we would call the police on them, confront them about being on our property, have explosives thrown at us, and chase them out of camp. The police would show up early the next morning only to say there was nothing they could do about it. To go into detail about all that happened would take a book. It was a scary experience to have stranger invade your space and then cause problems. Everything worked out in the end, but during the experience we needed the hand of God to protect us through this trying time. Our trials in life can be the worst of times, but they can also make us better and turn out to be the best of times. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Today, enjoy this reflection after you read your favorite Gospel passage:
In 1981, there was a Sunday School teacher at my church who was really promoting church camp. She was trying to get as many as she could to go and experience Camp Mount Luther. With my parent's approval, I decided to go. I had a great week with a neat counselor and a cool group of cabinmates. It was really fun and I couldn't wait to go back the next summer. For nine years I would travel to Mount Luther to spend some time in the summer sun. I always knew that when I saw the cows painted on the local farmer's barn, I was almost there. Every year, I couldn't wait to go back. It wasn't until I started working at Mount Luther in 1990 that I began to learn the wisdom of life in those mountains of Central Pennsylvania. Patience, tolerance, humor, love, caring, and the values of friendship are things I learned as I hiked, swam, read, played, and laughed. Everything for a good life is there at the foot of Jones Mountain. Camp Mount Luther is indeed a special place to learn about life, to learn about yourself, and to learn about God. I continue to gain those same life lessons since I became the camp director in 2001. I continue to make unforgettable memories, relationships that help me through the good and bad, and feel sense of God's presence in my life. I hope you too have a special place or activity that does the same thing for you. And know when you leave it, you never really leave a place you love. You always take part of that place with you, leaving part of you behind. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: John 14: 6
Reflection: When I read this verse, I am reminded of a song I used to sing and I'd like to share it with you here: I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, That's what Jesus said. Without the way there is no going Without the truth there is no knowing Without the life there is no growing. I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, That's what Jesus said. These are good words that Jesus spoke that we should remember. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Matthew 18: 20
Reflection: As I was writing this reflection, I was getting ready for a gathering of some of my close friends. Every once in a while we would all get together and spend a weekend together. Food, fun, and fellowship abounded as we recounted old times and caught up on our busy lives. One time when we gathered in the winter, we went outside after being in a hot tub and made snow angels in our bathing suits. Several times when my friends visited me at my parents’ house, they toured my dad’s funeral business. There was also the time when the phone rang during one of our gatherings and our friend from Pittsburgh asked if someone could pick her up—she was at the local train station and wanted to join our celebration! As Christians, it is important that we get together and share time with other another. My parents were always hospitable when I brought friends over for the weekend. My mom and dad would go all out to make everyone feel like part of the family. It’s great to be able to socialize in a Christian community. As the 1960s song by Chet Powers says, “C’mon people now, smile on each other, everybody get together, try and love one another right now!” --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director 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: Matthew 5: 44-45 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: Someone once told me that they had a huge disagreement with one of their fellow employees. After the fight, the one man, who was a Christian, looked at the other man and gave him a hug. The other man was stunned after the huge fight that this would be the reaction from his colleague. Several times in the Bible we are told to love our enemy. We should also pray for them. It may be hard at times, but we should nonetheless show compassion for them. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with another or meditate on this quote by Kahlil Gibran, “I love the sacred and spiritual kindness which should be the source of every law upon the earth, for kindness is the shadow of God in man.” Reading: James 3: 13-18
Reflection: I was once given the piece of advice that “selfish desires get you nowhere.” I thought it was pretty good advice. When we think of ourselves, we get nowhere. We need to think of others before ourselves. God says that if we are wise we need to live right. God promised us a mind that is gentle and friendly. Think of ways today that you can think of others and be gentle and friendly to those around you.” --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Psalm 15
Reflection: In the world we live in, we are faced with many difficult decisions. It would be great if everyone would treat us cordially and act as our best friend at all times. But that doesn’t happen. Many people may treat us poorly or talk about us behind our back. Being a Christian disciple can be tough in the world today as well. We may feel pressured to say certain things or do certain things that we may not agree with. But we should be willing to stand up for our beliefs and just say no. In this psalm, it tells us that only those who obey God should stay in His holy temple. It also says those who obey God speak the truth and do not spread gossip. If there is one thing that really gets under my skin, it is gossipers. Those who become busybodies who feel they need to always talk about others and spread rumors about others. I get tired of their activities. Gossiping is not pleasing to God. Just say no to what you don’t believe is right. Try to avoid those who do things you don’t agree with. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Romans 6: 3-10
Reflection: When we turn our lives over to Christ, we are assured many promises. All who are baptized share in the death and resurrection of Christ and are assured of eternal life. Jesus was nailed to the cross so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. We are also promised that we will live with Christ after our death. We should remember our baptism and the promises surrounded by it. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Mark 10: 30
Reflection: Today, take a few minutes and picture in your mind what you think the next life will be like. What will eternal life look like? Who will be there? What will you do there? Everyone has their own views of heaven. Think of yours today. Then think of why you believe what you have pictured. Where have you gotten your views on heaven? Why do you believe what you believe? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director For today's devotion, please read Luke 1: 46-55. Then, read this reflection, written from the perspective of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director
God has truly blessed me. An angel came and told me that I would bear a child and the child would be the son of God. I was surprised when the angel appeared to me but I was also happy. What an honor to be chosen by God to bear His only son. When I went to Bethlehem, I felt joy once again at the birth of Emmanuel. God was here with us. What a glorious day! As He grew, I kept hearing about all He was preaching and teaching. Again, I felt joy. To have brought God's son into this world, the man who would bring our world salvation, made me humble. They took Jesus to Calvary. He was put to death; hung on a cross. I was devastated. What sorrow and sadness filled my life. But then, three days later, He rose from the dead. Again, I felt joy. The events of Friday were overshadowed by the news that He had overcome death. I was the earthly mother of Jesus, our Lord. I was blessed by God, the Father. Reading: James 4: 11-12
Reflection: Once, I heard something that I thought was pretty profound. Someone said to me that words are like toothpaste. Once they are out of the container, you can't put them back in. What a true piece of wisdom! When we say something, we can never take the words back. We can never undo what we say. We can apologize and say we are sorry for our words, but we cannot erase our speech. God tells us not to say bad things. When we speak against someone we are going against what God wants us to do. We have no right to condemn others, according to scripture. The next time you want to say something that is not particularly nice, think about a tube of toothpaste. One it is out, it wil Reading: John 10: 11-18
Reflection: Sheep are generally pretty unintelligent animals. They go about their day, following their master and doing as he tells them. The shepherd protects the sheep from wolves and other prey. Jesus tells us that He is the good shepherd. He is willing to lay down His life for us because He loves us so much. We should be willing to follow Him and listen to His voice. Be a follower-- be a sheep! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: I Peter 2: 9-10
Reflection: As Christians, we are God's chosen people. We have been called out of darkness and into His marvelous light through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Our salvation is in Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. Different denominations of Christians talk about how you become "saved." Many believe that it is through baptism that you are cleansed and become a child of God. Others feel you need to be "born again" by having a conversion experience and asking Jesus into your heart. Still others may have a christening where a child is presented before the church congregation. So which is right? Scripture tells us that to have eternal life, all we need to do is believe in Jesus Christ. But Jesus himself said we must "repent, believe, and be baptized." At the same time, he told Nicodemus that you must be "born again." I think there is room for different interpretations. I think it is most important that we all believe in C Reading: John 11: 25-26
Reflection: Jesus said He was the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Him would have eternal life. Jesus came to bring us the truth. Through God's word, all of us come to know that it is love that makes the spirit grow. We remember Christ in our baptism and in the breaking of the bread at communion. We should live for Christ Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 18
Reflection: When I was 13-years-old, I was camping at a place called Buffalo Gap with some people my age and some adults. We were eating our lunch when one of the adults came running. Another member of our group had fallen down a hill and had hurt her knee. At the time, it was believed that she was unconscious. We all sprang into action. Being a boy scout, I knew some first aid and rescue skills. When we found the one that was hurt, she was being attended to by some other people in our camping group. We knew we had to get her out of the woods. We made a stretcher out of shirts and two large tree branches. Using the stretcher was hard but it did work. We were glad when a large board stretcher was brought for our use. It took some time but we got the woman out of the woods where they could transport her to the hospital. It was a scary experience, that's for sure. Just as we rescued the woman from the woods, so God rescues us from evil and those things that harm us. Turn to God in your times of trouble and be carried to safety by God's loving hand. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director |
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