We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 27, 2015.
Reading: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen Stop and GROW: After reading the prayer, 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 prayer? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this prayer or is my favorite part? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this prayer stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this prayer? Reflection: Each of the prayers of the day in Advent begin: Stir up. This Sunday and the fourth Sunday of Advent we pray Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. Those are both frightening and hopeful words. “Let sleeping dogs lie,” they say. But here we pray that the power of God will be stirred up. That could be very scary. Yet, there are powers operating in this world that frighten us greatly, too. The hopefulness of this prayer is that God’s power comes and stirs in this world to heal it, make it whole. Let us pray throughout Advent that God’s stirring in this world brings us peace. Let it begin with each of us. --Jim Bricker
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Prayer: Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Reading: Psalm 25:1-10 (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: There is now a penalty in the National Football League, much to the chagrin of many fans, called “taunting.” It is a usually a subjective call made by the officials, and is called when one player stands over the opposition while the opposition is on the ground, spikes the ball aggressively in the direction of the opposition, or performs any other act that could be seen to provoke the other team unnecessarily. This is a serious penalty and results in a 15-yard assessment on the offending team. That’s the image I see when I read, “Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.” Probably none of us like to be put down. Even the ancient Hebrews experienced that. David turned to God for help with this one. We can’t really control other people’s behavior. We can’t keep them from exulting over us or putting us down. What we can control is how we react to being put down. There was once a sign in my office that said, “Nobody can make me feel inferior without my permission.” Stick anything you want in for “inferior.” Today the word is “put down.” Nobody can make you feel put down without your permission.” What I’m trying to say is, if someone exults over you or tries to put you down, just don’t participate. If you don’t take the bait, you won’t be put down. Remembering that even David struggled with this can help us, I think, to know God’s ways when someone taunts us. Just don’t participate. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Dear God, whenever and wherever we share a bit of Good News, we are missionaries of your Word. Strengthen our hearts and direct our ways as we share your love. Amen
Reading: I Thessalonians 3: 9-13 (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: Let us give thanks for Timothy and all who follow the teachings of Jesus and spread His word to others. Let us all be missionaries in our own way. As a teenager I was approached by an older member of our congregation telling me I should become a missionary to Nicaragua and Honduras. No way, I thought! The idea scared me and I did not pursue her recommendation. But through sharing music and stories with the children of my church and the public library I hope I have become a kind of a missionary. Always choosing songs and books with a positive message. We can all use and share our own special talents to inspire and help others. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: God, help us look to the days when all your promises will be fulfilled. We are thankful your righteousness is ours in Jesus now. May we see justice and safety in your name. Amen
Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16 (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: Jeremiah wrote this when Jerusalem was in rubble: The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made... (Jeremiah 33: 14) Better days are coming I am writing this devotion just days after the attack on the worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue which left 11 dead and six wounded. I remember driving through Squirrel Hill 30+ years ago when I lived and worked in Pittsburgh. I saw Jewish men in long black robes and beards talking together and children in uniforms walking to and from school - boys wearing yarmulkes. People trusting in God's covenants and it strengthened my faith. The LORD is our righteousness. The days of justice and safety are surely coming. For the faithful of the Tree of Life synagogue, the people of Pittsburgh and all who mourn the brokenness of this world. Because God's covenants cannot be broken. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: We heard your words, O Lord, and look forward to the best that is to come. Amen.
Reading: Luke 21: 25-36 (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: Fig newtons. I like them. An not necessarily the name-brand kind. I think the generic ones are even better. When I was a camp counselor, our director also liked fig newtons. But she also knew the fig newton dance. That was a little before my time. But we laughed when we talked about fig newtons. In fact, I just laughed out loud because fig newtons are, well, a funny name. Winter. I don’t like winter. I think I suffer from that seasonal affected disorder or whatever it is called. When the days get short and I don’t see sunlight, my mood is affected. But Jesus reminds us, through the fig tree, that the summer will come. We will appreciate it more if we go through the dark winter. The next time you see a fig newton, be reminded that better things are to come. Jesus promises it, so let’s believe it! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, show me someone to serve today. Amen.
Reading: Daniel 7:13-14 (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: Dreams are sometimes disturbing but mostly fascinating. Some dreams reveal things that are true. Sometimes dreams have been known to make God known. Such is this little vision. Daniel sees a human-like person (rather than a beast as in a former dream), given God’s authority—dominion, glory, kingship. Then a purpose is stated— “that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him.” There is, of course, the reality that Jesus later claims this God-given authority as belonging to Him. But, setting that aside for now, I am struck by the image of servanthood. We Christians (and others) talk about service and serving—God and our neighbors. There are always questions about how to best do that. But, for today I want us to just consider this—serving means we are looking away from ourselves toward others. Rotary International has a helpful motto: “Service Above Self.” That just about does it, I think. Whom might we serve today? Let us consciously and intentionally serve someone near us today and in so doing serve our God. --Jim Bricker Prayer: We give thanksgiving, God, for Christ, our King, on this day and every day. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 93 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: It’s an interesting juxtaposition to be looking ahead to this Sunday when we celebrate Christ, the King, on this Thanksgiving Day. But upon further thought, it makes sense. As we count our blessings on this day each year set aside to do just that, we can thank God for Christ, our King. We can be grateful for the abundant love that we are shown through Jesus. May we share that love towards others on this special day. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Praise to you, Almighty God, who was, is and is to come. We have grace and peace always through you. Amen
Reading: Revelation 1: 4b-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: Before getting into the somewhat confusing book of Revelation, John"s greeting is of grace and peace from Almighty God, who is and who was and who is to come. While the rest of the book may be complicated, this is plain and clear - Almighty God always has been; always will be. Alpha and Omega - beginning and end. Take a moment and think. How difference does grace make in your life? What does peace feel like? Grace and peace really is a good place to start and to stay. Another day we will dig further into Revelation. Another day may not feel as grace-filled or peaceful. Still, everyday, Almighty God is with us. -- Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 17, 2015.
Prayer: As we think about our words and actions, please help us to do all in your glory, Lord, and leave a legacy for generations to come. We also pray this day for our First Light Devotion writers, who will be gathering tomorrow in retreat to write devotions for the coming months. Be with them and guide them in their task. Amen. Reading: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Our scripture text today tells us that these are the last words of David. He lived a long, productive life. And, he died. It’s something all of us face. You know the old saying, “There are only three assurances in life: birth, death, and taxes.” Last month, my wife’s family gathered in southwestern Ohio to celebrate her grandmother’s 100th birthday. It was a great party, celebrating the life of a woman who was all about family, faith, and serving others. It was a milestone that most people don’t ever see and I was so blessed to be part of this occasion. Twelve days later, after she hit the centennial mark, died. She suffered a fall that week and failed quickly. This past weekend, her family gathered to celebrate her life again, this time at a memorial service. Again, people talked about her strong family ties, her faith, and how she was important in the lives of others. David and Grandma Schneider left legacies for the generations that followed them. They lived their lives in glory to God and were respected by their families. What will your legacy be, when someone writes your last words? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, help us to be loyal to you.
Reading: John 18:33-37 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Have you ever seen a cross with Christ hanging on it with a crown on his head? The one I remember has Jesus clothed in a white robe. That image is called Christus Rex -- Christ the King. This Sunday much of the Christian Church celebrates Christ the King Sunday. What does it mean that Christ is King? What meaning does the idea of king have in our lives? We in the west, at least, have no experience of living in a kingdom. I do like King Arthur, the round table, Camelot, Lancelot, Merlin. How about you? But back to Jesus being king. What does that mean to us? I guess in the end it means that Jesus calls the shots. But that image also brings up thoughts of what happens when one doesn’t go along with the king. I don’t think that is what it is really al about. I think it means that our ultimate loyalty is to God in Jesus Christ. And we probably all agree with that to some degree. But, how does that loyalty get lived out in real life? A bit of a problem in my life. How about yours? Anyhow, Christ is King. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Gracious God may our words be uplifting and helpful. May what we say to each other be inspiring. May what we put out there in social media be truthful and kind. Help us use our words wisely. Amen.
Reading: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: David was a man of many words. He wrote many Psalms praising God. In his last words he tells more about himself and how God used him. David’s last words offered some advice from his life and a warning. David was not perfect, but God still used him for good. Words are very powerful things. We should all carefully use words both spoken and written. Words used wrongly can get you in a world of hurt. There is a rule of thumb that I used when I was teaching. Before you speak, THINK. Always ask yourself: Is this True? Is this Helpful? Is this Inspiring? Is this Necessary? Is it Kind? May our words be good and pleasing to God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Dear God, help us to not stumble. Thank you for watching over us. Your wisdom and love lights our way. Amen
Reading: Psalm 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 like this Psalm. It is so upbeat and full of positivity (a good word). We hear so much negative news it is hard to see the positive. Look for it. It is out there. While we may still have to deal with the bad, a bit of good can give us strength. We know in our hearts God is watching over us. He gives us wisdom and His love lights our way so we do not stumble. Therefore go forth and do good joyfully! -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are your hands and feet in this world. May we use them to love and do good deeds. Amen
Reading: Hebrews 10: 21-25 (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: Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10: 24 God's Work. Our Hands. has been a phrase to provoke (encourage) us to love and do good deeds. For years we have set aside a Sunday in September when whole congregations participate in service projects while wearing bright yellow t-shirts with God's Work. Our Hands. in big black letters. God's Work. Our Hands. reminds us we are the hands God has here on earth. But what if the phrase becomes a bit too common? What if it becomes so familiar we stop thinking what it means and stop doing good deeds? How about a new phrase? Put Feet to Your Faith is the same idea with different words. I must admit, when I first heard it, I was provoked to love and do a good deed. What color should we make the t-shirts? -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Gracious God of blessings thank you for answering our prayers. Thank you for all you have given us and thank you for the times you said no or wait. May we be grateful everyday and share our gratitude with others. AMEN
Reading: 1 Samuel 1: 4-12 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I picture Hannah as a very devoted wife but she is also timid and quiet. I feel that she put up with a lot of nastiness from the other wife which trickled down to her sons. There were most likely societal expectations that she was not living up to, even though her husband seems to love her no matter what. Her grief is very understandable. Her pouring it all out to God in prayer must have been a great relief. I know when I am deeply troubled by anything praying to God relieves the stress. I hope whatever is causing you trouble and grief you can raise it to God in prayer and find some comfort. It also is not usually a once and done thing. It can take time, so continually pray and ask others to pray for you too. Hannah’s prayer was answered by God, and she was given a son. May you get the blessing you are praying for too. --Charlene Rineer We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 9, 2015.
Prayer: Help us keep our minds in the present, God, and know you will take care of the future. Amen. Reading: Mark 13:1-8 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: It’s November and Advent is approaching. But before we get to the annual season of preparation for Christ’s birth, our lectionary readings take us to the end times. This is the time of year that we read in the Bible after what will happen when the world ends. Jesus gives us some insight into that in this passage. The disciples want to know more. “Can you be more specific?” they might have asked. They were curious. And so am I. But, I think it is better to focus on the positive and the present. Where do you see God today? How can you make the world a better place now? If we get so wrapped up in what will happen in the end, we may miss the beauty of this day. Know that God will take care of us. And enjoy today what God has given us. -–Chad Hershberger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 27, 2013.
Prayer: Dear God, this day we especially pray for the moments in our lives right now that are giving us gray hairs. Help us overcome our challenges and see you in all we do. Amen. Reading: Genesis 44 (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? ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
Reflection: Oh yeah—the gray hairs. If you look closely at my hair in the temple region above my ears, yes, you will see gray hairs. When the gray hair starts sticking out too far, I know it is time to get a haircut. I started getting gray when I was 28-years-old. Funny thing—it was the same year that I started as director of Mount Luther. I like to blame my gray hair on that first summer’s staff! They are the ones who discovered the gray. They are also the ones who would pull out the gray hairs on occasion. I guess they wanted me to look youthful. Gray hair on older men is a sign of dignity, I’ve been told. But I have a few friends who grayed or even lost most of their hair and they are not even the 28-years-of-age I was when I noticed the color change. So, are they seen as dignified as well? Certainly they are in my eyes! Often gray hair is a sign of stress or troubling times in your life. “My kids gave me gray hair,” you might hear. The gray hair makes up the person you are and tells your story of life. What are the gray hair moments in your life? What has caused you pain or anguish or suffering? What did you do to overcome those moments? Did you turn to God and ask for guidance, help, and reassurance? Or, did you try to do it alone? Remember, God can fix your gray hair situations. Turn to our creator when you need to turn your gray hair day into something brighter! --Chad Hershberger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on November 5, 2015.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for building our lives for everlasting. Amen Reading: Psalm 127 (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: Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Psalm 126: 1 We bought an old house. Previous owners had done some fixing up but there was still plenty more to do. Some of the remodeling which had been done we actually called remuddling. So we fixed up some of the fix ups and continued on our own. We did some of the work ourselves but learned some things are better left up to someone with more skills. It is Home Sweet Home. It's that way with life. What is our foundation and who built it? Will it stand the test of time or will it crumble under pressure? How often have we tried to remodel ourselves and ended up remuddled? Some things are better left up to one wiser than we are. Let's remember, unless the LORD builds our lives, we labor in vain. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Heavenly Father, we build our sanctuaries yet they are nothing compared to what heaven will be like. Thank you for Jesus who entered heaven and appears on our behalf. Forgive our sins. Amen
Reading: Hebrews 9: 24-28 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Taking the scenic route from West Virginia to Camp Mount Luther, I passed many country churches along the way. Do you ever wonder what they look like inside? We have a basic idea but every church is unique. To me, all are beautiful simply for what they are - a place to worship God, to be a church family and to leave to serve the Lord. Jesus entered a sanctuary not made by human hands. He entered heaven itself which is beyond our imagination. Jesus appears in the presence of God on our behalf - his sacrifice taking away our sin. How beautiful is that? Nothing we make with our hands will even come close. The most beautiful thing we can do is love God and love others. Then we are a sanctuary ourselves. See you at church! -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Faithful God thank you for family and friends. Thank you for people who respect and honor each other. Help us be obedient to your will as Ruth was obedient to Naomi. May all our relationships be ones that glorify you. Amen.
Reading: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 (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 while back I was in a musical of RUTH. One of my favorite songs was “Where You Go I will Go”. It was a solo for Ruth who was singing to Naomi. It was based on the verse Ruth 1:16 – Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. I love the dedication, love, and respect Ruth had for her mother-in-law. It all is still apparent in the text for today’s devotion. Ruth is still with Naomi and they are each watching out for each other. The outcome is the best for both. Both are cared for and their relationship is made even stronger. To have a relationship like that is a true blessing from God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: May we be generous in your sight, O Lord. Fill us with a giving heart. Amen.
Reading: Mark 12: 38-44 (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 Jesus tells his disciples to sell all their stuff and follow him, it is astonishing. How could we get rid of all we owned and just follow Jesus around the countryside? In our story today, it’s another case of giving up everything for Jesus. The widow put all she had in the form of change into the treasury. Did she do that without worry? Who knows. But I bet she was a little apprehensive about giving all that she had, not knowing what was next. This is a story of faith. If she didn’t worry, it’s because she had faith that God would take care of her. Today, reflect on if you could do this. If not, why not? How might your faith be strengthened? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Guide us, Lord, in our experience with Jesus. Help us to invite others to experience Jesus.
Reading: John 11:32-44 (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: So much to ponder in this text. So much. I call our attention to just three words: Come and see. “Where have you laid him?” Why not give Jesus the directions to Lazarus’ tomb? I would think that He knew his way around Bethany. Instead, they said “Come and see.” When Jesus’ first disciples asked Him where He was staying, he gave the same response, “Come and see.” (John 1:39) A day later Jesus’ disciple Philip told Nathanael that they had found the messiah who he indicated was from Nazareth. Remember Nathanael’s response? “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” If there was ever a question that would lead to a fight, there it is. Philip’s answer— “Come and see.” (1:46) Come and see. Jesus was invited into the experience of Lazarus’ death. Those first two disciples were invited into the experience of Jesus. Nathanael was invited into the experience of Philip which was in reality an invitation to experience Jesus. Come and see. I invite you again to experience Jesus. However, you do that. Experience Jesus. Come and see. I invite you to invite others, to Jesus. That may mean inviting them to church or to a book study or whatever. But our invitation is always to an experience. A relationship. And it may be that the one we invite may have a different experience with Jesus than we do. That’s o.k. Invite people to come and see Jesus and let what happens happen. But first, come and see for yourself. Again and again. --Jim Bricker Prayer: God of all we give you praise. For all the believers from the past we thank you. For what they have taught us we thank you. Help us spread the faith to others. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Reading: Psalm 24 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: As All Saints Sunday is approaching I think back to those who have helped me grow in my faith. I particularly think back to my Grandmother, my dad’s mom. She was a very devote believer who would read her Bible faithfully. I have one of her old Bibles that has many of her markings in. She praised God with all her being and brought up her family in faith to do the same. As I read Psalm 24:4-5 I can see my grandmother with clean hands and a pure heart receiving blessings from God. The King of Glory is worthy of praise and the saints that have gone before us have left us many examples of how to praise the Lord and live as faithful followers of God. May we do the same. --Charlene Rineer |
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