Reading: I Corinthians 15: 56-58
Reflection: Ghosts, goblins, mummies, witches and jack-o-lanterns are the norm this time of year. It is on this day that Halloween is observed. Halloween is a pagan holiday and many in the Christian faith don't want to have anything to do with it. They believe it glorifies evil and the ways of the devil. But, just as in life, we need to take the good with the bad. Our lives are not perfect. Even the best of the best sometimes trip and fall. Do we all do everything that is good in God's sight all the time? Of course not. We are in bondage to sin. We may sin or do something that is wrong but that doesn't mean we will do it forever. We change. We take the good with the bad and hope for better times when we are facing troubling circumstances. So, if you are against Halloween because you do not agree with what it promotes, endure it for one day and look to the future. Tomorrow will be a different day. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director
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Reading: Ephesians 2: 8-9
Reflection: When Martin Luther broke away from the Catholic Church, his biggest argument for the Reformation was that it is through grace that we are saved, not by good works. Grace is unconditional. God saves us because God loves us, not because of anything we can do. To his contemporaries, Martin Luther probably was going off "the deep end." The teachings of Luther went against what they had been taught in their church. Luther suffered great persecution because of what he said. But what he was was true. We are justified by faith. As Christians, we should engage in good deeds to glorify God, but they are not required of us to receive salvation. No earthly acts will get us to heaven. All we need to do is believe and accept God's riches that are so freely given to us! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Luke 5: 15-16
Reflection: Everyone would probably agree with me that we all need time to ourselves. We all need a little quiet time alone where we can collect our thoughts and open our minds. It's often easier to come up with ideas when we are by ourselves, not worrying about other people around us. At camp, we often schedule "me time" for the campers. It usually is a half hour or so when the campers have to be quiet and have some personal reflection. They write letters if they wish, read their Bible, or sleep. It's time to themselves. Since first practicing "me time" when I was counselor, I often have made it a point to take some time out of a busy day to do something for myself and by myself. It can be very refreshing. As we read in these verses, Jesus took some "me time," too. He went to places where he could be along to pray. He gathered his thoughts and shared them with the Heavenly Father. In the same manner, we should also gather our thoughts and share them with God. Make sure you take time out of your busy schedule to be by yourself once in awhile. And make sure you spend tine with God in prayer each day, too. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Moun 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 closing presented.
Reading: Galatians 6: 6-10 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: My second job out of college was working for politicians. I was involved with their victorious re-election campaign. The campaign was a long one and consumed my life for two months. I was glad when the final precinct was counted and we knew the results. The campaign I helped with turned rather ugly and was very negative with personal attacks against some of the candidates. One comment I heard often was that you "reap what you sow." Those who were making the attacks may one day have to endure the same type of attack. We should all be careful what we sow. When it all comes down to it, we should treat others as we would want to be treated. And, we should do good things that could possibly be done to us some day. You reap what you sow-- more good advice from God's Word. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others or meditate on this quote by James Thorber, "Do not look back in anger, or fo Reading: Psalm 102
Reflection: Today, spend some time in prayer. Here are a few prayers you might pray. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Lord, thank you for all you have provided for me. Keep watch over me and use the gifts you have given me to their fullest. Continue to provide for all my needs, O Lord. Hear my prayer. We praise you, God. You indeed are holy and exalted is your name. Thank you for our health, the bread that nourishes us, for our leaders, and most of all for your son. Continue to provide for all our needs, O Lord. Hear my prayer. Guide us in our daily lives and help us to be the person you want us to be. We are grateful for time and the opportunities we have here on earth. May we always praise you and glorify you. Continue to provide for all our needs, O Lord. Hear my prayer. "O Lord, hear my prayer O Lord, hear my prayer When I call, answer me O Lord, hear my prayer O Lord, hear my prayer Come and listen to me." --An Ostinato Chorale from the Taize Community Reading: I Corinthians 11: 17-22
Reflection: The first time I was ever in Watsontown, PA, I saw something I had never seen before. As I drove into town, everywhere I looked there were yard sales. And, great crowds of people were in the streets, buying up treasures that were being sold by the townsfolk. I thought it to be a little unusual. I had never seen anything like it before. I found out that once a year, the town holds "Yard Sale Day" when everyone who wants to has a yard sale. It is a big community event. Just as everyone gets together to see their wares in Watsontown, we as Christians have to remember that we are a community as well. We need to stand together and promote Jesus Christ. We are all part of a community in Christ which binds us together. I've been back to Watsontown for Yard Sale Day and am amazed at how big an event it has become. But good things can happen when people work together for a common cause. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: 2 Timothy 3: 16-17
Reflection: No matter what circumstance you may face in life, or what trial and tribulation may come your way, you can find solace inxeading God's scriptures. The Word of God is useful for teaching and training, correcting and rebuking, and finding answers to difficult questions. As someone I know frequently says, "What a Book!" I've seen people use the Bible to get through rough times. I've seen people use the Bible to guide them in decision making and to turn their lives around. Some may say that the Bible is outdated since it was written so long ago. But I for one think that the principles outlined within its pages are just as meaningful today as they were when they were written. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Genesis 22
Reflection: Today, take a few moments to think how strong your faith in God is. Would you be able to do what Abraham did? Would you trust in God to do whatever He asked you to do? Author and Preacher Charles Stanley once spoke about lessons he learned from his grandfather. The first and most important lesson he learned was to obey God. His grandfather told him that if God says to run your head into a brick wall, you should do it because God will most likely make a hole for you before your head hits. In Biblical times, there were many men who did just as God asked: Noah, Moses, and Abraham come to mind. Whatever God required of them to do, they did. Their faith was strong. Again, how strong is your faith? Will you do whatever God asks you to do? --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Matthew 6: 33
Reflection: In life, we need to set priorities. As someone once said, "You always have time for what you decide to do first." Whatever we put first in our life will get the most attention. Will you put your job first? Will you put your family first? Will you put your social life first? This verse tells us that we should put God first in our lives. If we do that, everything else will fall into place. Trust in God and look to Him first. That should be your greatest priority. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Romans 10: 9
Reflection: It seems so simple: confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that He was raised from the dead after dying on the cross and you will have eternal life. What a gift that is! To know that you will spend eternity with our Father and Creator is good news indeed. Some people fear death, but as Christians we do not need to fear death. Death was overcome on the first day of the week so many years ago. There are those who do not believe in Christ who think that there must be more you have to do to have those eternal promises. But, it is very simple. And that simplicity is repeated throughout the Bible. If you know someone who doesn't believe, encourage them to read the scriptures. Hopefully, they will see the simplicity and the gift God's has given. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others or meditate on this quote by Henry Ford, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eye off the goal." Reading: John 11: 35
Reflection: When people suffer, they may believe that God doesn't know how they feel. They may think that God has not felt the same type of pain that they do. They may say that God just doesn't understand. That is not the case, however. God sent Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus was God's son in human form. And, Jesus felt the same type of pain we feel. In fact, He felt even greater pain on the cross. When Jesus found out about the death of Lazarus, He wept. He felt the pain of losing someone you care for. God does understand. God feels your pain. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Daniel 3, 6
Reflection: We all have faced times of crisis in our lives. For most of us, it probably is in times of crisis when we turn to God more. When you face a crisis in your life, how does God come through for you? God came through to Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego, and Daniel. Each of them faced a crisis in their life and had total faith in God to get them through. God's awesome love is revealed to us through God's faithfulness, just as it was to those four men. We should have total faith in God and trust in the power of God's presence at all times, especially in times of crisis. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Luke 10: 38-41
Reflection: Are you a Mary or a Martha? Do you open your door for others, practicing gracious hospitality, making preparations and being busy when company comes to your home. Or, do you sit with your guests, talking and listening, not worrying about the cleanliness of the bathroom or the amount of food and beverages you have to serve? Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him while Martha was out tidying the house and preparing the snacks. Jesus chastises Martha for worrying too much and says Mary has chosen well! We all should practice good hospitality when guests arrive and emulate Martha’s efforts of servanthood. But, we also need to take time to do as Mary did, sit at Jesus’ feet, and listen. Take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and practice spending time each day in God’s Word. You need to take time in prayer and listen for God. You need to gather with others and reflect on your faith lives. What a joy we have to be able to be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Romans 12: 2
Reflection: This verse reminds us that as Christians, we should not get caught up in worldly things. At all times, we should engage in things that are pleasing to God. How do we do that? It may be tough most times because we are human and prone to earthly ways. But, if we ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit and change the way we think, then we will know to do that which God wants us to do. Ask God today to fill you with the Holy Spirit and be the person God wants you to be. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director The past few days, our devotions have been talking 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. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director
We should forgive because of the mercy of God- Luke 6: 36-37; Matthew 18: 35 We should forgive because we need to be forgiven- Mark 11: 25; Matthew 6: 14-15 We should forgive to give glory to the saints- Proverbs 19:11 We should forgive because God forgives us- Ephesians 4: 32; Nehemiah 9: 17 We should forgive because of Christ's forgiveness of us- Colossians 3: 13 Discussion:
Readings: Psalm 51: 1-17; 2 Corinthians 2: 5-10
Reflection: God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ is available to every person who believes in Him. In the passage from Psalms, David is speaking about his incident with Bathsheba. He is asking God for forgiveness for what he had done. He knew he was wrong and is repenting for his sin. Just as David did, we too can ask God for forgiveness. And, we know that God will forgive our wrong doings because of the cross. Everyone who believes in Christ has that gift and should be grateful! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Ephesians 1: 7-9
Reflection: In dealing with several situations in my life, I have seen instances when people had a hard time letting go of the past. One reason that they didn't let go of the past was that they had a hard time forgiving another person. We need to learn to forgive others. When we forgive we can lie for the present moment easier, be a better friend or relative, and it will show that you are a Christian and embody the traits of Jesus Christ. We must remember that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins. He came to earth as a man and taught godly principles. Then, He died at Calvary to take away our burden of sin. Because of this act, we are forgiven of all our sins, those we have committed and those yet to come. In the next few days, we will look at passages that deal with forgiveness. Learn to forgive and forget. It's one of the most important lessons in life. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Romans 8: 28
Reflection: Isn't it refreshing to know that those who love God have someone who is working hard for them? This verse tell us that God is always at work for those who love God because we have been chosen. To know that there is an almighty, powerful force who is always on your side should be a comfort at any time-- whether it be good or bad. Don't forget it! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: Psalm 22: 27
Reflection: Back in ancient times, they thought the world was flat. If you sailed the sea and came to the edge of the world, you would fall off into oblivion. But when Columbus sailed the ocean blue, he proved that the world was round. The world was always round, but it took Christopher Columbus' trip to the new world to prove it. God was in control and had made the earth round. Those on earth just didn't have the knowledge to know that important fact. Even today, God is in control. We may not understand why things happen or may not have the knowledge at this point in our lives to know important facts. But in time, we will understand God's ways and God's plan for us in life. Until then, we just have to accept what happens and what we know. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Reading: I Thessalonians 3: 12-13
Reflection: Author and preacher Charles Stanley once posed this question when talking about success: if you were to tell God today to increase your wealth and satisfaction when it comes to your family, your job, and your finances in direct proportion to the amount of growth that you have made in the last year in your spiritual life, would those things grow? It's an interesting question to think about. Paul asks God to increase our love for each other and strengthen our hearts in God. He goes on to say that by doing these things, we should be blameless before God on the judgment day. I think the premise Paul is thinking about is the same as Charles Stanley. If we increase our trust in God and grow in faith, we will live a better life and follow God's teachings even better than before. And if our faith life increases, how much better our everyday life will be! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Discussion:
Reading: Read the verses below Reflection: The dictionary defines a friend as "a person who one knows, likes, and trusts. An acquaintance; a person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; one who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause or movement." But what does God say about friends? Here are some verses that tell us what God says about friendships: Proverbs 16: 28- a friend does not gossip Proverbs 17: 17- a friend is loving and loyal Proverbs 18: 24- a friend sticks by you Proverbs 27: 6- a friend is honest Proverbs 27: 10- a friend does not reject you Proverbs 27: 17- a friend challenges you intellectually When I look at those I consider close friends of mine, I see that they all possess these qualities. We must remember that we need to work at our friendships. In a pop song by Baz Luhrmann, he says, "Bridge the gap between distance and lifestyles of your friends. The older you get, the more you need people who knew you when you were young." Remember not to take your friends for granted. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Discuss with others or mediate on this quote, from an unnamed source, "Friendship is the idea of loving as well as being loved." Discussion:
Reading: Read a story in the Bible about your favorite Bible character. Reflection: Today, I take some personal privilege and write about my father. He is celebrating his birthday today. In eleventh grade English class, I was asked to write and answer the following question: "Who is your hero and why?" This is what I wrote: When deciding who my hero is, I had a hard time. I thought of all the fictional characters I have looked up to and people in real life. I finally concluded that my real hero is my dad. I don't think I could ask for a nice dad. He works long hours so that my family can have the things we want and need. My dad is also very community-minded and is involved with many civic organizations to help better the community. I look up to my dad probably more than I look up to Batman, Superman, and the like. I hope that when I become a father, I can be as good to my kids as my dad has been to me. Even though I wrote that many years ago, I still feel the same way. Now that I am a father, I often think of what good role models both my parents were for me. I love you, dad. Happy Birthday! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pray to your heavenly father today, thanking God for all that God does in your life. Reading: John 10: 1-6
Reflection: One of the memories I have of my childhood days in the church is of a stained glass window that was in the nursery of our church. It was of Jesus, in a pasture, with sheep all around Him, one in His arms. Everyone who went into that room was reminded that Jesus was the Good Shepherd and through Jesus you will enter the kingdom of heaven. There are so many times in the Bible that Jesus is compared to a shepherd. And there are many times that we are compared to sheep. In these verses, Jesus tells us that sheep will not follow a stranger's voice. In the same way, we, as sheep, should not follow any other voice than Jesus'. We should be wary of those voices out there that preach things that are contrary to our Christian beliefs. Hopefully, unlike the people that Jesus told the story of the sheep to, we will understand what Jesus is talking about. --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 closing presented. |
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