Prayer: Dear God, I pray that you continue to be with us all. Help us to find the time to talk to you and learn from you. Please continue to light our paths and be with us on our journeys wherever they may lead us. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 119: 105 (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: Every time I read this verse, I think of little pioneer campers clinging to their flashlights while quickly walking with a buddy to the bathroom. As I watch the campers, I often think to myself, “Wow. I never could have done that as a six-year-old. I would have been too scared.” While walking with a flashlight you only have a few steps illuminated. You rely greatly on the safety of your flashlight to get to your destination. For pioneers, reaching the bathroom is their ultimate goal. It’s funny how something as simple as a flashlight can be so comforting to people big and small. In life we might often feel like we are walking on a path that is dark and scary. Instead of reaching for our flashlights, I encourage you to reach for your Bible and take some time and reconnect with God. Those few moments spent with your Bible will help illuminate your path and run the dark into light and the scary into joy. --Amy James
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Prayer: Dear God, our eyes are watching for your coming. Our hearts are ready to see you and share your love. Amen.
Reading: Matthew 24: 36-44 (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: Watch. Be ready. Stay awake. This devotion will post Thanksgiving Day. Stay awake late prepping days ahead. Be ready for guests. Watchfully keep an eye on the turkey roasting. A pep talk for the holiday season which is just beginning and the weeks ahead will be more of the same. The text today, however, will be read the Sunday after Thanksgiving which is the first Sunday of Advent and that is what watch, be ready and stay awake is really about. It is about Christ coming. Advent is our time to do that. But it still is a given amount of time with an end in sight. Christmas We need to watch, be ready and stay awake beyond that because, really, Christ comes at an unexpected time. Christ will come at an unexpected time. Sometimes if I don't finish my lunch at work, as I walk to the bus I have an apple if approached and asked for food. It happens. I am ready. Watch with your heart to see Christ in others. Stay awake to the unexpected ways to share God's love. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Good morning, Lord. It's time to wake up. May we put on the armor of light and live honorably. Amen
Reading: Romans 13: 11-14 (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: Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. Romans 13: 11a How do you start your days? I follow a blog called Raise & Shine. The subtitle: Wake Up. Grab Coffee. Shine. Repeat. The author adds, "I believe each morning is a fresh start and I believe hot coffee is step one." I agree except for me it's hot tea. I just read a book by someone else who also starts her day with a cup of coffee but has added drinking a full glass of water before that first cup. So I have tried that before my tea. For a variety of reasons, "Stay hydrated." has always been best advice in my family. Romans 13: 11-14 is an urgent appeal to wake up! Now. Salvation is near. Live honorably. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Good advice all around. Remember Paul's urgent appeal. Check out that blog. Wake up! -- 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 24, 2016.
Prayer: Let us be glad in the Lord. Giving thanks and praise to God. May we live in peace and love each other. Amen. Reading: Psalm 122 (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 is no wonder I became a Faith Formation Coordinator. I was almost always glad to go to church. I was eager to help with whatever I could, especially when it came to children and youth. Faith and church life was always very important to me from childhood, teen-age years, and college. After college my career was still not set and faith/church was still an important part of my life. It was also important for me help others and spread God’s love. Going to seminary to get a masters in lay ministry was a calling I could not run away from. Being glad when I gather with the Lord’s people in church or at camp builds me up and I hope I help build others up as well. May we all be glad to come to the house of the Lord. May it a place that brings you peace. May it be a place where the good for everyone is shown and felt. --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 22, 2016.
Prayer: We come to you, Lord. Teach us your ways. May we walk in your paths. Amen Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5 (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: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. Isaiah 2: 3 Just come. Come to church. Come to worship. Come to be with people. Not because a church building is extra special. Not because a certain worship style is the best. Not because people are always good or perfectly right. Go up to the mountain of the Lord. Sometimes it is an uphill battle to set aside the time, get out of bed and pull the family together. Go to the house of the God of Jacob because our own houses have too many distractions and things to do. Seems these days many are wondering when, where and how will we ever learn to kind, fair and safe. Just come. Together we will learn God's ways and walk in His paths. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the countless blessings you so graciously give. Especially during the times when we don’t feel blessed, may we count every blessing in all seasons of life, and find comfort in your never-ending presence. Amen
Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (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: The October 28th devotional reflected on Luke 6:20-31, and the heading in my Bible for this passage is “Blessings and Woes.” On All Saint’s Sunday, my pastor’s sermon also reflected on this passage, and pointed out that its blessings are similar to the beatitudes that appear in the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5. I had never made this connection before and I especially found the blessings in Luke to be encouraging, because even in the times when we feel that we are not blessed, this assures that we are! Additionally, my pastor also pulled Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in to connect to the blessings and woes. This passage brings back a lot of memories for me, because part of it is quoted at the end of every week spent at camp, as we send off our campers to return home. It begins with, “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. This is like tying the bow on top of a present- reminding us that we are not blessed because of what is happening in our life, but because of God’s never-ending presence in our lives. No matter what the season brings, we are blessed. True blessedness comes with the presence of God! --Anne Harshbarger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on October 26, 2017.
Prayer: In the hustle and bustle of life, may we also be still and know you are God. Amen Reading: Psalm 46 (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: My new favorite camp song this past summer was "Be Still and Know That I am God". Not even sure if that is the title and I wish I could sing it for you here. It's actually a "get to know you song" as the verses encourage interaction among the campers. It's not a very Be Still sort of song as everyone is either clapping loudly or milling around except for the super quiet final line of the chorus chant, "Be still and know that I am God." It has become my new favorite camp song as it both makes us interact (hug, give high fives, etc.) and yet also stop perfectly still and say, "Be still and know that I am God." In the busy bustle of life bumping into everything and everybody, it is a good idea to once in awhile be still and know God. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Give us your love, power, and strength, Lord, each day of our lives. Amen.
Reading: Colossians 1: 11-20 (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 we wrap up another church year this Sunday, we are reminded of God’s power. And, we are reminded that we are made strong through that same power. This summer, my dad suffered a heart attack. When I got the news, of course I was concerned and worried about what was going to happen. But, I also experienced a sense of peace that I know came from God. Something told me everything would be okay. It was a strange experience for me but I know it was definitely a “God moment” for me. And, it held true. Dad got the care that he needed and recovered. God gives us strength from power that we cannot understand. As we celebrate Christ, the King, this Sunday, reflect on that power and that peace. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Shepherding Lord, gather us, your tired sheep, and keep us safe. You are our righteousness. Amen
Reading: Jeremiah 23: 1-6 (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: Sometimes I wonder why I am so tired. Then I realize I have been running about, seeing the worst in things, scattered in my thoughts, fearful and dismayed. No wonder I am exhausted; and not only physically but emotionally and spiritually, too. Our text today speaks of Restoration after Exile...in other words: Tired Sheep and the LORD who will be a Shepherd. I can add no better words than the promise we will be saved, live in safety and the LORD will be our righteousness. Read Jeremiah 23: 1-6 again if you need to. I do. I will. Find rest, tired sheep. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Jesus Christ we thank you for coming to earth to save us. We praise you and glorify your name. You are the King of all and reign from on high. Help us to follow you in all we do as we look forward to seeing you face to face some day. Amen
Reading: Luke 23:33-43 (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 I read this text, I was reminded of the Taizé hymn Jesus Remember Me. Then I got to thinking about other songs about Christ the King and thought of “King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Glory, Alleluia.” Then my next step was to get out the hymnal and look at other songs that talked about Christ the King. There are many songs of praise. Even though the text is about Jesus dying on the cross it is with joy that we remember why he died for us in that manor. We will in the end see Him reigning in heaven. With that thought I leave you with words from one of the hymns of praise about Christ the King. “Soon and very soon we are goin’ to see the King. … No more cryin’ there, we are goin’ to see the King. ... No more dyin’ there, we are goin’ to see the King. … Hallelujah, hallelujah we’re goin’ to see the King!” --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Dear God, help us to stay mindful of our own lives of sin. Help us to remember that you died for everyone. Help us to keep an open heart to others. Amen.
Reading: Romans 2: 1-5 (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 often we point the finger at people and think of them as sinners. As I read this passage, I thought of the times that I subconsciously thought someone was more condemned than me. Or, that someone led a bigger life of sin than me. Pointing the finger at someone is a tactic we often use to make ourselves feel better. I often hear kids claim, “Well, Johnny did it. Why isn’t he in trouble.” Taking that blame and putting it on someone else is a tactic we use too often. In this passage, Paul is telling us to acknowledge others and their sins but be even more mindful of our own. For God is the one and only judge in the end. --Aliena Reed Prayer: We praise you, O Lord, and make our voices to you know. Help us sing a new song. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 98 (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: Make a joyful noise to the Lord and sing to the Lord a new song are probably phrases you’ve heard quoted from scripture before. But it strikes me that in this chapter of David’s Psalms that in addition to praising God, there is talk about judgment. Judgment and praise usually do not go hand-in-hand. And, not only are we to praise God but this chapter says all of creation will praise God. The seas, the floods, the mountains and hills. Praising is a part of life! We are reminded, too, that God will judge the world with righteousness and will judge the peoples with equity. That deserves our praise, too, don’t you think? --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Creator God thank you for making us in your image. Help us to do your will. May our hands be instruments of your goodness and love. May our feet walk in pathways of righteousness and peace. Help us live lives that show your glory to those around us. Amen
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (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: It has been said that idle hands are the devil’s workshop or playground. That is not word from word found in the Bible, but these verses would back up that statement. You can also find supporting verses in 1 Timothy 5:13 and Proverbs 18:9. Idleness is not the same as resting or taking a break. The Bible advises people that resting and taking breaks from work is good. By “idle” it means being lazy or doing nothing when you should be doing something. Idleness often stems from not having a specific goal. With no goal, one can be easily distracted. That is when one can get themselves into trouble. Remember to do what you can for good, and not be distracted for evil. Take your breaks when needed to keep yourself rested to continue to do what you are called to do. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: (Imagine a sun, with wings and a band-aid) Amen.
Reading: Malachi 4: 1-2a (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: Nowadays with smart phones and emojis, sending the message, "Have a great day!" can might include a smiley face, thumbs up and a heart. If someone is celebrating a special day there are birthday cake, balloon and gift emojis. If sending to someone on vacation, there are emojis for beach umbrellas, mountains, castles. There is an emoji for just about any great day you can think of. The last chapter of Malachi is about the Great Day of the LORD. What would the emoji be for that? Let's get past the "burning like an oven and stubble" reference in verse 1 and consider "the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings" in the first part of verse 2. The emojis I would pick for that would be a sunshine, wings and a band-aid. Wish I could insert them right here but can't figure out how. So, just picture it. The Great Day of the Lord! -- 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 7, 2016.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving us the words and wisdom we need for each day and in every situation. Amen Reading: Luke 21: 5-19 (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: Much of the text today is doom and gloom yet it ends with the promise that not a hair on our heads will perish and that by endurance our souls will be saved. Well, that's encouraging at least. But what is going to get us through the doom and gloom part? Words and wisdom. In front of a microphone, I tend to freeze. In a spontaneous interview, I choke. While I can memorize speaking lines and song lyrics, talking off the cuff is not a strength for me. Since I am better with the written word, I am more comfortable with a prepared speech or at least notes to guide me. Yet, there have been times when I have simply needed to share from the heart right at the moment or make a point clearly on the spot. There have been times when I open my mouth and pray the right words comes out the wisest way. And it happens. The only explanation for this must be that when help comes from God, the help is with love. If our words are merciful and coming from thoughts of grace, surely our hairs will be spared and our souls will be saved. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Gracious God thank you for molding me into who I should be. I know I am a work in progress but I ask you to change my heart so I can be like you. Thank you for your guidance and continual love and patience. Amen.
Reading: Jeremiah 18: 1-11 (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: God being the potter and we being the clay is a familiar image. I like the thought of being molded by God to become a piece of God’s artwork. There are many songs written about this concept. One of my favorite ones that I found on the internet was by Hannah Keisling. It is titled “The Clay and the Potter.” https://youtu.be/npwjdaBcVd4 I hope it is just as inspirational for you as it is to me. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Thanks for being faithful, Lord.
Reading: Psalm 17: 1-9 (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: Did you, like me, have to read this Psalm several times? I hear the testimony of a braggard. Don’t you? The psalmist, by justifying himself, figures that God will just have to grant his request. Doesn’t sound too Lutheran, does it? But, no matter how we present ourselves to God, God is faithful to us. Maybe we think too highly of ourselves, maybe we put ourselves forward, maybe we don’t even know how to be humble before our God. Don’t worry about it. Just trust that God guards you as the apple of her eye, and hides you in the shadow of his wings. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Dear God, may we anticipate your return as much as you anticipate every time we turn to you. We praise you for your unending grace. Amen.
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 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: This is a famously confusing passage, but I knew that I could not speak on it without a refresher on who this “man of lawlessness” (or “man of sin”) is. I did not want to pass by him in my reflection because he is an important part of this epistle. I referenced a sermon, that you can read or listen to, if you’re interested: https://rts.edu/resources/enduring-trials-in-light-of-jesus-return-the-man-of-lawlessness/ This particular passage is about the second coming of Christ (verse 1), but Paul is assuring the readers to not be unsettled by this topic (verse 2). Just those who originally heard this letter received some phony-baloney information on who might be this “man of lawlessness” (or the anti-Christ), you might be familiar with some phony-baloney internet hoaxes out there today about who this “man of lawlessness (or anti-Christ) might be. Paul wants the readers mainly to remember what they have been taught, that Jesus has already won the battle! God is sovereign, He is large and in charge, with your best interest, your salvation, in mind. And this “man” won’t get in the way of that. So we must stand firm in our identity as children of God who have been saved by grace. God chose all of us to be the first fruits of salvation, to be saved through the Holy Spirit- how awesome is that!? Have you ever been really excited about a specific harvest season, when you can get fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers? I think about summertime, and my family’s excitement about sweet corn. Growing fruits and vegetables isn’t easy, it is something you have invested in and grown- something anticipated and waited for. Just as my family anticipates enjoying sweet corn in the sweet summertime, God anticipates the times when we turn to him and celebrates every time we come home! --Anne Harshbarger Prayer: Awesome God, your word is written for us to read often and know. May we always keep them always. Amen Reading: Job 19: 23-27a (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: O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! Oh that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives. Job 19: 23-25a On the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk, there is a shop full of painted signs with whimsical and/or wise sayings like "Live, Laugh, Love", "Welcome to Our Porch", "All Because Two People Fell in Love". Browsing can be so much fun as you smile, nod your head, try to commit one to memory, jot down on a scrap piece of paper or just go ahead and buy because this is something you would like to read. Often. Always. Know. Job was so sure his Redeemer lives he felt his words should be written down, inscribed in a book or engraved in a rock forever. I happened to stay in Oak Cottage at Camp Mount Luther recently and noticed a sign on the fireplace mantel - "Our God is an Awesome God". Anyone who comes to Camp knows that. Not just by the sign. We sing those words in a familiar, favorite song. Often. Always. Know. What words would you like to be reminded of often and always? Write them down. Put them somewhere to be seen and to know just as Job knew his Redeemer lives. And sing a camp song, too. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Help me to keep my eye on the ball, Lord.
Reading: Luke 20:27-38 (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: Who cares? Every time I read this conversation I ask, who cares? Who cares whose wife she will be in the resurrection? Obviously, some Sadducees did. Actually, they didn’t believe in resurrection, but they asked this question hoping Jesus would say something dumb. Nevertheless, by asking the question they were tied up in what I call minutia. Sometimes we, too, get caught up in unimportant trivia when it comes to our faith and God. We ask and wonder about stuff that doesn’t really matter. We lose sight of the real issue. Here it is: He is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive. --Jim Bricker Prayer: Thanks, Lord, for staying awake. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 121 (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: Many of the cemeteries in this area are either on a hill or in sight of a mountain. I don’t know why; it just seems to be the case around here. So, officiating at interments, I often turn to this psalm. I read it and don’t need to comment. God’s comfort and strength is right there for the one being buried and those grieving. But we don’t need to be in a cemetery to be blessed by these words. Just be alive, and in this part of the country you can’t do much or go very far without seeing the mountains. Seeing them, seemingly immovable features, we are reminded that God, the creator, is our immovable help. God never sleeps, doesn’t even slumber! God keeps us. Wherever you go today, or wherever you have been: The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. --Jim Bricker |
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