Reading: Psalm 104:24-34 (Click to read text)
Reflection: Nobody did Psalm 104. We all knew it was coming by listening to older classmates. To pass our Old Testament final in seminary we would have to write a psalm from memory. Psalm 23 was excluded and, as I said, nobody chose Psalm 104. It is 35 verses long! Over the years it has become one of my favorites and today we have the opportunity to look at 11 verses which are an alternate text for Day 5 of Camp Mount Luther’s curriculum for this summer. It is a psalm that praises the creator, in fact, it reads very much like a creation tradition in addition to the two we have in Genesis. It is worth reading in its entirety sometime today. I’d like to share two translations of verse 26. Ships plow those waters, and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them. (MSG) And there are the ships, as well as Leviathan, the monster you created to splash in the sea. (CEV) That’s just so we can have at least one smile in our day. A harmless monster of some sort which God creates for fun. I’m glad my creator is like that. (Reminds me of a glorious day of whale watching off Cape Cod.) The reason the psalm is a text for the curriculum on the day we study Pentecost is verse 30: When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. God’s constant creating, recreating and renewal of all existence is a recurring theme in scripture. What might you see, hear, smell, taste, touch today that makes you rejoice, smile and give God thanks for stirring among us renewing life? --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Closing: Don’t forget to read Psalm 104 before you go to bed tonight!
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Reading: Genesis 1:1-2; 2:4b-7
Reflection: Our devotions from Camp Mount Luther’s summer curriculum for Day 5 (Pentecost) continue. We come today to an alternate text: the first words in the scriptures and the beginning of the second creation story in Genesis. We encounter a reality described in different English words: Spirit of God, Wind of God, God’s wind, God’s Spirit-Wind and breath of life. Somehow, I like the Hebrew Ruach Elohim. “Ruach” is a word I will introduce in one of our devotions during Camp Mount Luther’s staff training. When we think about God the Holy Spirit our first image is usually one of tongues of fire resting on the Apostles. Today we are encouraged to imagine the Holy Spirit hovering before creation. And, assuming that the big bang theory is correct, WOW! I can’t imagine that moment, can you? But I can envision the Spirit of God in the middle of it. You, too? All that exists is a product of God’s life-giving breath. Some words to carry with us today from the Nicene Creed: We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Discussion:
Reading: Acts 2:1-21 Reflection: This summer, when our campers study Living in God’s Time, we will look at Pentecost on Fridays and learn more about the Day of Pentecost as well as the season of “Ordinary Time.” While Pentecost might be a word some of our campers have heard before, they might not remember the story of Pentecost. But they do know about birthdays and birthday parties and this story is often called the birthday of the church! A lot happens in this story: a violent wind. Tongues of fire. Speaking in different languages. But Peter calms the crowd and reminds them that God works in mysterious ways and that this is the time to call upon God. We know that this also signifies that the Holy Spirit is now among us and we have an advocate to guide and direct us. Throughout the church year, we learn about Jesus’ life and times on earth. When we reach Pentecost, it is time for us to reflect on the third person of the Trinity and how the Spirit indwells in us and helps us to lead a Christian life. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Pick a word or phrase such as “God loves you” and look up how to say it in several languages. Practice saying the words. Language is one tool to tell others about God. What are some others? Close in prayer asking for the tools to tell others about God. Reading: Mark 16:1-8
This summer, on Thursdays, our campers will be learning more about Easter as we study "Living in God's Time." Mark’s account of the resurrection appears twice in the Revised Common Lectionary both in Year B: Easter Vigil and Easter Day. However, we have the option to read John’s account of the resurrection on Easter Day in place of Mark’s offering. All that means that we could go through a whole life time of worship without ever hearing Mark’s account read in church! That is somewhat understandable giving the way Mark’s gospel probably ended: So (the women) went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Period. That’s it. For they were afraid. A young man dressed in a white robe sitting in the empty tomb instructed the women to tell Peter and the rest of the disciples that Jesus is raised and is going ahead of them to Galilee. But, they said nothing. To be honest, I think I would have been overwhelmed and immobilized by fear standing at the gaping, empty tomb listening to a young man who looked like an angel telling me something that defies all science and common human experience. The concept of a dead man coming to life just is not part of my reasoning. And I probably would have kept my mouth shut. Sooner or later, however, we come to view the resurrection not through the eyes of science but through the eyes of faith. Because we do experience the resurrected Christ in our midst. And we come to believe. We have this practice of asking the Camp Mount Luther staff “How have you experienced Jesus today?” We ask because we know that Jesus makes himself known to us, every day in everyday life. And I imagine you have those experiences. Now here’s the question for us today: How well do we talk about those resurrection experiences? Do we remain frightened and say nothing? Do we name those experiences? Do we share them with other people? It takes courage and we need to find language that others can hear. But, let’s speak up about the reality of the Resurrected Christ in our lives. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: John 15: 1-17
On Thursdays this summer, our campers will be learning more about the Easter during our "Living in God's Time" study. This alternate text for this summer’s camp season shows up in the revised common lectionary on two Sundays—the fifth and sixth Sundays of Easter in cycle B. So it is very appropriate that this text is available to staff and campers for day four this summer when we celebrate the resurrection. But, there is so much in this text that I hardly know what to do in this devotion. Maybe that is why those who developed the lectionary split it into two Sundays. There is a common thread in the two paragraphs, however, and that is “bearing fruit.” In the first 11 verses Jesus uses the word “abide” 11 times. He calls us to abide in him as he abides in the Father just as the branch abides in the vine. Jesus wants us to abide in him so that we may bear good fruit. We are to bear much fruit and be his disciples. Then there is the striking statement in the second half of this text—“You did not choose me but I chose you.” Astounding! Why? To “go and bear good fruit.” I can’t read this passage without seeing the folks pruning the vines at Shade Mountain Vineyard and Winery. I know when I see that process that it means more grapes, better fruit and lots of good wine. On this Friday before the Sunday of the Passion, we would do well to remember that Jesus’ journey was one in which he kept the Father’s commandments and abided in His love. And produced good fruits beyond all human comprehension. So, too, we seek to abide in Jesus, keep his commandments and produce good fruit for all the world to see, to pick, to consume, and to enjoy. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff. Reading: Matthew 26:6-13
Reflection: The curriculum for Day 3 this summer is Living in Lent. As we noted in last Friday’s devotion, the main text is John’s account of the crucifixion. An alternate text is all of Matthew 26. Here’s a summary of the action in that chapter: the chief priests and elders conspire to arrest Jesus; Judas Iscariot contracts to betray Jesus; Jesus serves the Passover meal and institutes communion; Jesus prays in Gethsemane; Judas betrays Jesus and he is arrested; Jesus is brought before the high priest; Peter publicly denies that he ever knew Jesus. Near the beginning of all that Jesus and the disciples are in Bethany where a woman pours very expensive oil over Jesus’ head causing quite a stir among the disciples. Let’s look at that a bit. The anointing literarily relieves the dark plotting of Jesus’ enemies. But why does the woman anoint Jesus? And why is it important enough for Matthew to record? He doesn’t say. He just writes it. Jesus characterizes it as “good work.” The disciples get upset because the oil is expensive and could have been put to better use, namely sold and given to the poor. Certainly that too is “good work” that Jesus encouraged and continues to urge. But, in this instance the better work is to adore Jesus. The ongoing obligation of caring for the poor will always be an important and essential part of our discipleship. But sometimes focusing on that work can get in the way of our loving Jesus. Today we are reminded to keep Jesus central in our lives. Sometimes we need to just adore and love Jesus. The good work of serving the neighbor will flow from that worship. --Jim Bricker, Camp Mount Luther Chaplain to the Summer Staff Readings: Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13
Reflection: Wednesday at camp this summer will be Living in Lent. The main text is John’s account of the crucifixion. Alternate texts include those for Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here are the endings of each of those accounts: Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. (Matthew) And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. (Mark) When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. (Luke) The lesson for the First Sunday in Lent this year is the temptation in Matthew. Christians begin the journey with Jesus which concludes with the crucifixion and resurrection with a text that reminds us that Jesus experienced temptation just us we do. We remember also that somehow the Lord did not give in to those temptations. Well, it is not Lent, but it is the beginning of another day for us—a journey. In the next hours we will be accompanied by the devil and Jesus. Matthew and Mark tell us that the angels waited on Jesus. He didn’t pass through those days without help. Just so, we too have help when Satan whispers in our ear—Jesus, the resurrected Christ who fights with us in our battles with the devil. Unlike Jesus, sometimes we will fail in our struggles against evil. Then Jesus walks with us to pick us up with forgiveness and encouragement. And a last thought, Jesus was not done with the devil after those 40 days. Luke tells us that Satan waited for “an opportune time” to tempt Jesus more. Our struggle against evil is constant. It doesn’t end. The devil takes few breaks. Neither does Jesus. I want Jesus to walk with me. In my trials, when I’m in trouble, all along my pilgrim journey, when my heart is almost breaking, when my head is bowed in sorrow, I want Jesus to walk with me. --Jim Bricker, Camp Mount Luther Chaplain to the Summer Staff Discussion:
Reading: John 19: 1-30 Reflection: This summer on Day 3 our campers will be exploring the story of Jesus’ crucifixion as they learn more about “Living in Lent.” The story of the crucifixion is not easy to read, but it is an important story. And, the story reminds us to do three important things:
If we constantly reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, give to others, and learn to forgive, how much better would our lives be? We would be Living in Lent all of our days! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: While rereading this passage, try going on your own “cross walk.” Take a walk, taking a Bible with you. Walk for a few minutes and then stop and read a few verses. Say a short prayer and then begin walking again. Repeat until you come to the end of verse 30. End with prayer, thanking God for Jesus’ amazing sacrifice. Reading: Titus 3:3-7
Reflection: One of the additional readings for the camp’s curriculum for Day 2 this summer is Titus 3:3-7. What a wonderful text as the campers continue their study of Christmas and Epiphany. What a great word for us today! Lutherans read scripture through the lens of Law and Gospel. This text is both in a nutshell. Here’s the law: “foolish, disobedient, lead astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another.” Wow! Crushing condemnation. Here’s the Gospel: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy.” Wow! Wow! Incomprehensible grace. We are reborn. We are renewed. So says Paul to Titus and his church. So says Paul to us today. It was true in Titus’ day. It is true this day. Live your day bathed in the incomprehensible mercy and grace of God. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to the Summer Staff. One of the alternative texts for Day 2 of this summer's "Living in God's Time" curriculum is the following. Day 2 is the day campers will learn and reflect on the season of Christmas/Epiphany, as we study the seasons of the church year.
Reading: 1 John 1:1-8 Reflection: This alternate text for day two of the summer curriculum continues with Epiphany images, specifically the image of light and dark. Darkness in this text is described as being in fellowship with neither God nor the Christian community. Walking in the light brings us into fellowship with God and the community. And in that fellowship “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Then there is this statement that might be familiar to us. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” It is familiar to me because as a Lutheran pastor I read that line in the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness in the Lutheran Book of Worship many Sunday mornings. It is a striking statement that confronts us all and forces us to walk in the light of truth and reality, no matter how much we would like to stay in the darkness and not admit our short comings. The world we live in wants to stay in the darkness. Seldom do we hear confession from our world. Like, “that is my fault.” “I take full responsibility for that.” “I’m sorry.” We hear neither personal nor corporate confession. It’s always somebody else’s fault. John’s community wanted to pass on to us what it knew to be the truth. Perhaps we, too, could at least in a small way pass on the truth to our world by publicly acknowledging our own mess-ups. If we walk in the light, perhaps others will, too. --Jim Bricker, Camp Mount Luther Summer Chaplain to the Staff Closing Prayer: Most merciful God, we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Amen. Discussion:
Reading: Luke 2:1-20 Reflection: This summer at camp, we will be exploring Biblical themes through the curriculum, “Living in God’s Time.” It will take a look at the seasons of the church year and how the stories we look at during those periods are relevant to our lives today. On Tuesdays this summer, we will study Christmas and our scripture text is the one you read today. This is one story that I never tire of hearing. I love Christmas and enjoy hearing the story of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and the newborn king. It’s going to be fun this summer to be able to celebrate Christmas at a time other than December. I always find that when we’ve celebrated Christmas in July at camp, I hear things in the nativity story that I don’t hear or think about in December. Commemorating the Christmas season in the summer brings whole new meaning to that age old story. As we look on Fridays this month at scripture texts of the Christmas season, maybe you, too, will look at the birth of Christ in a new way. And perhaps that new way will give greater meaning to the season when we celebrate it next December. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Get out your crèche or nativity scene or make a new one. Whether you use materials from around your home or a kit, a nativity scene made by your family can become a decoration that you look forward to getting out year after year. Suggestions for materials: toilet paper tubes, clothespins, clay, old spools, small boxes—be creative! After you make your nativity scene or set up one you have, say a prayer thanking God for the gift of God’s Son. One of the alternative texts for Day 1 of this summer's "Living in God's Time" curriculum is the following. Day 1 is the day campers will learn and reflect on the season of Advent, as we study the seasons of the church year.
Reading: Revelation 21:1-7 Reflection: What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) What do you make of this? Put those two texts together and there could be a bit of confusion and challenge. I have used the Revelation image so often in my career—especially in funeral sermons. The images from John’s revelation comfort so many grieving folks as they deal with the loss of a loved one. The loved one is now in the presence of God and all things are new. The ho-humness of life and perhaps even the pain of dying has passed and God makes a brand new life for the one we love and miss. Isn’t that comforting? But I find that God is making things new in this life, too. The writer of Ecclesiastes is right in a sense, a pessimistic sense that things just go on, again and again. Life is as it is. “Que sera, sera.” And we could live that way. Sometimes we do. But then, a new relationship: thanks be to God. Then, a new being: thanks be to God. Then, a new beginning: thanks be to God. A new song: thanks be to God. A new way to understand something: thanks be to God. A new year: thanks be to God. A new place: thanks be to God. New health: thanks be to God. A new ________________________ (you fill in the blank.) Thanks be to God. Pray that you can see God making things new in the midst of your life today. --Jim Bricker, Camp Mount Luther Summer Chaplain to the Staff One of the alternative texts for Day 1 of this summer's "Living in God's Time" curriculum is the following. Day 1 is the day campers will learn and reflect on the season of Advent, as we study the seasons of the church year.
Reading: John 1:19-28 Reflection: Who are you? How many different ways can you answer that question? Son of Paul and Florence. June’s husband. Chaplain to the Staff of Camp Mount Luther. Retired. Devotion writer. Fisherman. ……… When asked “Who are you?” John the Baptist cuts to the quick. “I am the one who points to Jesus.” He could have said a lot more, but he didn’t. When push comes to shove—John is the one who introduces us to Jesus. Who are you? In a previous devotion we thought a bit about the fact that God chooses us and makes us his children. Who are you? I am a child of God. That is a great answer. Probably not the first thing that comes into our minds when we begin to identify ourselves. Still, a great answer. And, if we identify ourselves as a child of God, would we not also be pointing others to Jesus? Who do you know who needs to be pointed to Jesus? How might you do that? Thanks, God, for John who points me to Jesus. Help me to point others to Jesus. Amen. --Jim Bricker, Camp Mount Luther Summer Chaplain to the Staff One of the alternative texts for Day 1 of this summer's "Living in God's Time" curriculum is the following. Day 1 is the day campers will learn and reflect on the season of Advent, as we study the seasons of the church year.
Reading: John 1:1-18 Reflection: Each of the Gospel writers introduces Jesus differently. Which do you like best? Without any debate, John is my favorite. Each time I hear it, something new delights and intrigues me. When I last heard it, “grace upon grace” rang clearly and invited me to wonder what God is up to now. So, can you recall a time when you received that perfect gift and thought “nothing can top this?” Just to have it topped later. Sort of like horseshoes-a ringer on top of a ringer. That’s what I think about receiving grace upon grace. How can there be anything more than God’s grace? John says, well out of Jesus’ fullness there’s more--if you think that is something, well you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. And it’s true. Every day it’s true. Sometimes we don’t know it because we don’t pay attention. But when we think about it—it’s true. God’s grace just keeps coming and coming. Your grace keeps coming, Lord. Thanks. Amen. --Jim Bricker, Camp Mount Luther Summer Chaplain to the Staff Discussion:
Reading: Mark 1: 1-8 Reflection: This summer at camp, we will be exploring Biblical themes through the curriculum, “Living in God’s Time.” It will take a look at the seasons of the church year and how the stories we look at during those periods are relevant to our lives today. On Mondays this summer, we will study Advent and our scripture text is the one you read today. Interestingly, as we commemorate the Baptism of Jesus this Sunday in our churches, it is a good reminder to hear of John. Remember, John the Baptist was something of a celebrity during his time and some people actually thought he was the Messiah. But in this lesson, John makes it clear that he is not. He is preparing the way for someone greater: Jesus. In today’s society, with a mentality of always getting ahead, it is it refreshing to hear John’s words and be reminded that they are people who are humble and who are willing to point to someone or something greater than themselves? As our campers study about Advent this summer, it is my hope that they, too, can learn to help point others toward Jesus not only doing the Advent season but all year long. –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director Closing: Close in prayer, thanking God for those who prepare the way. |
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