Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2: 18-23
Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem, applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me —and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity. Reflection Vanity of vanities! All is vanity! The author of Ecclesiastes (often called Qohelet, which is Hebrew for “the one who leads the congregation” or “the Teacher”) would not have enjoyed Ted Lasso. He would have snorted at the modern positivity movement and outright guffawed at any notion of “living your best life” or “finding your bliss.” In his mind everything in heaven and on earth was, at its core, absurd. That is probably a better translation of the Hebrew word habel, which has traditionally been translated as “vanity” (the NIV translates it as “meaninglessness”). Habel refers to vapor (it is the word from which Abel get’s his name, but that’s a story for another time). The teacher is saying that everything is like vapor: here one moment and gone the next; meaningless; absurd. Is he right? When you look at the world around you, do you agree? I have to say that the teacher’s words resonated with me; for all the value I see in the things around me, I can’t shake the fact that nothing is permanent and eventually, everything I know and love will be gone. And so I ask, “Why?” “Why is that the way it is?” I see two takeaways from today’s reading. First, Ecclesiastes gives us permission to ask the tough questions. Sometimes we think that asking “why” is off limits. Sometimes we think that questioning God is unfaithful. Ecclesiastes says the opposite: “Go ahead. Ask your questions. Vent your anger and despair. God can take it.” Ecclesiastes shows us that expressing our frustration to and with God is one of the most faithful acts. Second, Ecclesiastes does not stand alone. It is one book in a larger canon, a larger story of God’s love for us. I think we need to wrestle with the teacher’s questions. I think we need to explore the seeming absurdity of existence. But after we have taken some time to dwell in the teacher’s existential angst, we return to God’s love. We remember that we were created by and for love; and we remember that we don’t yet have all the facts—the story of God’s love isn’t yet finished. --Jim Vitale Prayer God of love, sometimes we look around us and see that all life seems absurd and meaningless. Give us the courage to vent to you when we are angry and the faith to rest in your love. Amen.
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At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 25-28) Reflection Nathan was a very special child. He came from a good family, had gone to grange camp, and was overcoming some medical problems. Nathan was in my cabin my second summer of being a counselor. He was in my cabin. I knew from the start that he would be an interesting boy to work with. He was slow and needed the extra time to get himself ready. Periodically, I’d have to remind him what he was doing. When he got one sock on, I’d remind him to put the other one on. When he got his socks on, I’d have to remind him to put his shoes on. After he got one shoe on, I’d have to remind him to put the other one on. Nathan was indeed special. Nathan gave me the appreciation for little things– getting dressed, putting on my shoes, and the like. We often get caught up in our busy daily schedules and sometimes forget about the little things such as the small ant on the ground, the bird chirping in the tree, or the squirrel scurrying with a nut. They often get lost as we hurry from place to place, going about our daily routines. But they are parts of our life that are even more valuable than our hair appointments, work deadlines, and car problems. They are the simple things which God made for us to care for, enjoy, and appreciate. Are there ways that you could make your life simpler? When do you feel rushed and busy? In what ways can you look to God to simplify life? The next time you put on your shoes, think of Nathan. Think about the small things in your daily life and appreciate them. Don’t just take them for granted. Oh, by the way, Nathan, it’s time to put your left shoe on. --Chad Hershberger Prayer Take our burdens, Lord, and help us to see you in the small things in life. Amen Reading: Luke 11: 1-13
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Reflection: Within our text today is the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. We call it the Lord's Prayer; phrasing it a bit differently, varying according to the traditional or contemporary version and using the word trespasses, debts, or sins. We know it by heart. We pray it often. It covers everything. So as we continue reading the text for today, the message is to persevere in prayer. The parable is of a neighbor who gets what he asks for because of his persistence. Then Jesus goes on to encourage us all to ask, seek and knock. Whether our prayers are our own words, the prayer that Jesus taught us or the Spirit interceding when we don't know how to pray, what seems to matter most is to persevere in prayer. --Ruth Gates Prayer: Father, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial. (Luke 11: 2-4) Amen. Reading: Colossians 2:6-15
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. Reflection I’m writing this on the Sunday morning between Family Camp and Week 4 of this summer’s camping season. Family Camp was great but a lot of us on staff were in our mid-summer slump. We were more quickly irritated, we were tired, and we lacked patience. And so, when the staff gathers to start a fresh new week, I’m going to remind us to get back to our roots. I will remind the staff, as I did during staff training, to look at the cross. We are rooted in Christ and should live in the good of what Jesus did for us. We are a new creation, and because of that we should be patient, alive in the knowledge that God triumphed for us. When you put that kind of perspective on things, a rough week can easily be put behind us. --Chad Hershberger Prayer As we look to the cross, Forgiving Jesus, help us to see the good you did for us. May we live in the good of that action for all humankind. May we continue to set our sights on you so that we might be more joyful. Amen. Reading: Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything. On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Reflection Having always wanted to learn to knit, I am now taking the time to try. I bought knitting needles, picked out yarn, read a how-to-knit book and got started. It didn’t go well. I then asked a friend who knits to teach me. She was so helpful. Still, it is slow going. Many starts, stops, unraveling, and starting over. I have abandoned a number of practice projects. My friend finally said, “Okay, enough practicing. What do you want to make? A scarf? A hat? A pair of mittens? You need to commit to a project and just do it.” Well, I did and, while I haven’t gotten very far with it, I have not abandoned it. The psalmist prays, “O Lord...do not abandon the works for your hands.” There was a saying that went around a while ago. “Don’t give up on me. God is not finished with me yet.” We are all works in progress. Learning, growing, stumbling, trying again. God does not abandon us; God does not give up on the works of God’s hands. Thanks be to God. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear Lord, I praise you with all my heart. Fulfill your purpose for me. Knowing your love endures forever, I know you will not abandon the work of your hands. Amen. Reading: Genesis 18:20-32
Then the Lord said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know.” So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.” Abraham answered, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Again he spoke to him, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” He said, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” Reflection Today’s reading is a tough one. I imagine that, in the moments when you flip open your Bible in search of comfort, you do not turn to Genesis 18:20-32. This reading falls within the larger story of the judgement upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Sodom and Gomorrah were two ancient cities that were well known for their complete and utter wickedness. So God sent God’s angels to go and verify the cities’ wickedness; and if they found the cities to be as wicked as they seemed, God would destroy the cities. At the time, Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was living in Sodom. So Abraham stepped in to advocate for the cities, placing himself between God and the wicked towns. Abraham beseeches God that if God finds even a handful of righteous people living in the cities to please spare the whole metropolis. God agrees that if there is a remnant of the righteous, God will spare Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham is appealing to an aspect of God that becomes more apparent as the biblical story unfolds. Abraham appeals to God’s mercy. Catholic cardinal Walter Kasper wrote a beautiful book titled Mercy which explores God’s divine mercy. In that book Kasper makes the case that God’s mercy is also God’s justice and that God’s justice is not a justice of punishment but of redemption. God’s mercy and justice are the same thing: God condemns that which is sinful (which is justice) but also redeems the sinner (which is mercy). While the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not the best example of God’s mercy, it points us forward. It shows us that while God’s wrath will always burn against sin, it will not always burn against us. In Christ Jesus, God’s mercy is fully revealed, a mercy which takes us sinners, frees us from our sinfulness, and ushers us into everlasting life. --Jim Vitale Prayer Good and gracious God, we thank you that you are a God of mercy. We pray that in our moments of sinfulness your hand of justice and mercy might reach within us, pulling out that which is sinful and transforming us into the righteous people you desire us to be. Amen. Reading: “Word” by Madeleine L’Engle
I, who live by words, am wordless when I try my words in prayer. All language turns To silence. Prayer will take my words and then Reveal their emptiness. The stilled voice learns To hold its peace, to listen with the heart To silence that is joy, is adoration. The self is shattered, all words torn apart In this strange patterned time of contemplation That, in time, breaks time, breaks words, breaks me, And then, in silence, leaves me healed and mended. I leave, returned to language, for I see Through words, even when all words are ended. I, who live by words, am wordless when I turn me to the Word to pray. Amen. Reflection When was the last time you sat in silence? When was the last time you took a few minutes, or even a moment, to quiet your body, quiet your mind, quiet your soul? Lately I have shifted the focus of my prayers. It used to be that I would only pray to God if I had something specific to ask for; or I would go to God in prayer assuming that I had to spend my time asking God for things (either on my own behalf or on behalf of others). But recently I learned there is another way to pray, a way that Madeleine L’Engle sums up so beautifully in her poem “Word.” Sometimes we can pray in silence. Sometimes the best prayers are simply approaching God and dwelling in God’s presence without agenda, without petition, without expectation. And these, I think, can be some of the most beautiful prayers because they are made of pure faith. To approach God in silence, to open yourself up to God’s presence without feeling like you have to do something, is trust: trust that you are allowed to be in God’s presence; trust that God already knows what you need; trust that you don’t have to rehearse your anxieties when you’re in the presence of perfect Love. --Jim Vitale Prayer Instead of the usual prayer, I have some homework for you today: dwell in silence. Carve out ten minutes today to pray in silence. Don’t have ten minutes? Then try five. Sit in silence. Quiet your soul and simply be in God’s loving presence. Reading: Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Reflection What a joy it is to have company! Friends and family sharing stories and memories with me over a cup of tea or coffee. And how nice if my home were spotless whenever these visits occurred. Long ago, the parlor was where people entertained and it was always kept immaculate. But it’s the laughter, friendship, and feeling of being welcome that really matters. Whether it be a parlor or the porch or around a campfire, the blessings of sharing time together make it all worthwhile. Dust if you must but be sure to sit and listen, too. --Alice Yeakel Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunities to welcome people into our homes. Thank you for opportunities for fellowship together, sharing love and joy. Amen. Reading: Colossians 1:15-28
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him— provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Reflection Before you read this meditation (or as soon as you’re done reading it), pop over to YouTube and listen to Andrew Peterson’s song All Things Together. Peterson presents this reading from Paul’s letter to the Colossians in such a lovely and encouraging way. To me, Paul’s words, “He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together,” are some of the most beautiful in all of scripture. They comfort me greatly, especially in troubled times. Recent current events like the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and mass shootings leave me feeling like the world is unsafe, our futures uncertain, and the anxiety unbearable. There are days, as I scroll through my newsfeed, where hope seems a fading light and despair creeps in. And then I read this truth from Paul: Christ is before all things and in him all things hold together. Before the world was created, there was Jesus. Before sin reared its ugly head, there was Jesus. Before all the heartache and brokenness, there was Jesus. And after all these things pass away, there will still be Jesus. And here, between the beginning and the end, there is Jesus. And in Jesus all things hold together. Even in these moments when it seems like everything is falling apart, we have faith that, in Jesus, all things still hold together. --Jim Vitale Prayer Jesus our savior, we give you thanks that in you all things hold together. In the moments of chaos and darkness hold us in your love and remind us that in you there is a happy ending. Amen. Reading: Psalm 15
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved. Reflection If there is a holy tent, then I’m not in it. If there is a holy hill, then I’m not on it. It seems I rather pitch my tent of mediocrity in the valley of predictable failure. The tent that the Psalmist refers to is the tabernacle, the holy tent that Israel carried through the wilderness. It was the place where God was said to dwell. The same is true of the holy hill. It is the site of the temple in Jerusalem, God’s house among the people. The tent and the hill are simply different ways of talking about God’s presence. And who can be in God’s presence? The blameless. Those who do what is right. Those who speak the truth. Those who do not slander. Those who do no evil to their friends. Those who are good to their word. Those who do not take advantage of the poor. When I read Psalm 15, I see my faults. I see my inability to live up the standards that God has set for me and for all humanity. My sinfulness bars me from God’s holy presence. Except it doesn’t. Because our God is a God of grace and mercy. Psalm 15 may remind me of my myriad faults, but it also reminds me of Jesus and the grace and mercy God has showered upon us through him. The words of Psalm 15 do not drive me away from God’s holy presence, rather, by God’s grace and mercy, they send me straight into God’s loving arms. --Jim Vitale Prayer We give you thanks, O God, that you shower us each day with your mercy and grace. Give us the strength to live according to your will and knowledge of your deep and abiding love when we fail. Amen. Reading
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favour with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh’; for she was afraid. He said, ‘Oh yes, you did laugh.’ (Genesis 18:1-15) Reflection Sarah’s story might just be one of the most compelling stories out of scripture. Her story is one that almost seems out of place in the narrative to this point, yet it speaks volumes about the ways in which we sometimes react when God is on the move. Like those who went before her, Sarah has been given a promise alongside her husband, Abraham, that despite their aging states and their seemingly futile prior attempts, the couple will have a child together and God will make their descendants as innumerable as the stars in the sky. Like the promises made (and delivered) to Noah, here God stakes God’s claim with this aging couple to guarantee an unprecedented series of fortunate events for them. But it’s just too good to be true. The news is so unexpected, so wonderful, in fact, that Sarah can’t help but laugh at the plans God has for her! In fact, the plan as God has enumerated is so outlandish to Sarah that she tries taking matters into her own hand, making for a horrific plan gone awry with her servant Hagar (with repercussions into which God still manages to deliver fresh and lasting promises, mind you). Now, here in this text that welcomes divine strangers into their presence, Sarah and Abraham are met once again with the promise of God being laid out for them. Yet, the possibility that God prescribes for Sarah and Abraham is so impossible in Sarah’s mind that she can’t even look at it with a straight face. Her laughter at once seems overwhelming, obstinate, and yet hope-filled. Now, that’s something I can relate to. When it seems that God is laying out plans that seem downright impossible, that seem too grand, too outlandish, that seem too good to be true, maybe all that we have left is to laugh it out. So, laugh on and see what God can do! --Justin Lingenfelter Prayer Joy-filled God, nothing is too wonderful for you. When we can’t help but laugh at the goodness you prepare, remind us of your ever-unfolding story of life and love for your people. May we walk with your joy, sharing your wonderful news with all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Reading
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3: 5-6) Reflection I'm a fan of former President Gerald Ford. After studying and reading more about the Watergate era, the more I came to appreciate Ford. He did what he felt he needed to do when he assumed the presidency: he pardoned Richard Nixon. That was a tough and unpopular decision, but as we look back now, we know it was the right thing to do. This Bible verse was Ford's favorite. In fact, from a young age throughout this life, he prayed this verse every night. I've visited Ford's presidential museum in Michigan and this verse is display prominently in a few places in the museum. When we have something that we particularly don't want to do, it is easy to say that we are not going to do it. It is easier for us as humans not to take it head on but rather ignore it and try to "take the easy way out." Ford did not go the easy route. He did what he thought was best, even though it probably cost him re-election. There are times when we may have to do something that is the right thing to do but may be difficult. We should trust in God and God will lead us on the right path. Everything will turn out okay. One time, friends of mine also were facing a tough task. They weren't sure how to react to it. They both decided that they wanted to act in the way that God wanted them to. They read scripture, talked to friends, and tried to weigh their options. In the end, they went through with the task and everything worked out wonderfully. The interesting thing about this situation is one friend told me that he had a string straight up to God, trusting in God, depending on God's guidance in the matter. I thought that was a great visual. We should all have strings up to God. If we have a string to God and put our entire trust in God, the string will be straight and narrow and we will be led on the right path. Everything will turn out okay. When did you take the "Straight and narrow" path? In what ways do you depend on God? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your human insight. What words to live by! --Chad Hershberger Prayer Make straight paths for me, O Lord. May I do the right thing even when it is difficult. Amen Reading
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. (Luke 10: 25-27) Reflection A Camp Mount Luther staff person could explain this better than I can but I will give it a try. As I understand it, each week of summer camp there are what are Cabin Groups - two cabins of campers with two counselors who go through their days and all activities together. I believe the model is called small group camping and it starts with pairing two counselors. In pairs there is a trust in teamwork, an understanding of strengths and weaknesses and the assurance of support. All for the sake of the campers having their best time at Mount Luther and staff to be the faithful servants that they are. I can make many connections from how Jesus sent out the seventy to how Mount Luther staff go through their weeks. In pairs. To serve many children and teens. They carry just backpacks everywhere they go with a GPS (no, not that kind of GPS, but a resource called the Guiding Principles for Staff), a Bible, a first aid kit, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray,...actually, I don't know what all is in those backpacks but I am almost certain they could survive days with just the contents. Here is where the seventy and the Mount Luther staff differ. While the seventy may have wiped dust off their sandals and moved on to other towns at times, Mount Luther staff are more likely to wipe mud off their sandals after the rainstorms and head right back to the cabin, the dining hall, the ropes course, pond or wherever on those 400 acres and always with campers in tow. Here is where the seventy and the Mount Luther staff are the most alike (along with being in pairs). They declare, "Peace!" and they say, "The kingdom of God (is) near to you." In fact, it's as close as Camp Mount Luther. --Ruth Gates Prayer Lord, we pray for the campers and staff at Camp Mount Luther. Help the staff to share Christ and plant seeds in the lives of those who come to this place set apart. Open the minds of the children, youth, and adults who attend, so that they can encounter you in new and exciting ways. Help them to experience the beauty of your creation and come back to our congregations, ready to live a life of discipleship and service to you. Amen. (from the Holy Communion and Camp Opening worship - June 12, 2022 - prayer by Bishop Collins) Reading
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1: 1-14) Reflection Every summer, churches and friends of Camp Mount Luther are asked to "Adopt-A-Staff Person" from that summer's Staff. It is a great way for congregations and members to support those who work there. The goal of the program is to make the staff feel loved and appreciated for the work they do and to show them the same love and care they show their campers. Those who Adopt-A-Staff are asked to:
It's much like being apostle Paul to the Christians living in the town of Colossea. Paul writes to them beginning with how he prays for them always. His prayer names them and his letter is one of encouragement. Unfortunately, Paul was in prison at the time so he most likely was not able to send care packages. And while he would not have invited them to worship with him (in prison), his invitation was for them to grow in the knowledge of God. Oh, Paul would have "Adopted-A-Staff Person" in a heartbeat. In that spirit, let's all pray the prayer below (adapted from the Prayer for Staff Training which is over now and the summer camping season has begun!) --Ruth Gates Prayer We pray for the staff at Camp Mount Luther this summer camping season. Grant each staff member your Holy Spirit that the mission of your church may be edified in the work of the summer. Give them wisdom that your grace blossoms among the staff and their campers. Strengthen them in their faith practices. Amen Reading
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (Psalm 25: 1-10) Reflection I recently spent an afternoon walking the paths of Camp Mount Luther helping a former Staff person clear low hanging branches and encroaching brush. Campers will be arriving in a week or so and it's best to make sure there are no obstructions to bump into or hazards to trip over. Clear the paths so campers can safely and easily find their way to and from place to place. (Side note - I was surprised how much needed to be done and how aware James was of even old branches higher up that could fall and block a path or hurt someone. That's when the pole saw came in handy.) We walked the paths together preparing them with love and faithfulness for Camp, Staff, and Campers. (Another side note - Staff always carry First Aid kits for the bumps and scrapes that happen sometimes anyway.) It got me thinking about our paths in life. O, Lord; teach me your paths...All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness. We are on a path with the Lord; led with steadfast love and faithfulness; the way cleared and hurts tended to, too. --Ruth Gates Prayer Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Amen Reading
And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. (Deuteronomy 30: 9-14) Reflection What is not far away? What is near? The Word. It is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. You don't have to climb up to heaven or cross the sea to get to it. Yet, sometimes I exhaust myself listening to too many outside voices or looking everywhere but inside for answers and assurance. That's not to say we are on our own in our own small world. I recently heard words of a pastor that fed my soul. The pastor spoke of creation and my thoughts soared to the lofty trees, towering mountains, multitudes of stars and my heart went to all those places. I held onto the pastor's words to share with others (like right here in this devotion); I keep the images of creation in my heart. The Word yes is in my mouth and in my heart. And in yours, too. Thanks be to God! --Ruth Gates Prayer Dearest Lord, we pray that you walk with us today. Your word is in our mouths and in our hearts. We rest in you. Amen IF ALL CHURCH MEMBERS WERE COPIES OF ME.....
How would they reply to the question, "Who is Jesus?" In whom/what would they place their trust (a bank account? their own achievements? a politician?)? What would they really mean when they prayed, "THY will be done."? Would the pews be empty, or full to overflowing on Sunday morning? How much Bible reading and prayer would occur if they took the time I do? How many hurting, lonely people would be touched by the church if they acted as I do? Would the congregation need to supply a bigger offering 'box'? How many children would be led to faith through our church 'programs' such as Sunday school, if everyone had my priorities? Would they treat others/neighbors in a kind and loving way? Would the church be just an attractive social club? Be closed? Be bankrupt? Be out of business? Or would it be a dynamic force for Christ in this community and the world......lF EVERYONE WOULD BE A “CLONE” OF ME? Editor’s Note: This was shared with me during a recent Adult Sunday School class I attended. I saved it to share it with all our digital First Light readers. With this devotion, I am passing the editor’s torch to a new generation. We have hired Pastor Jim Vitale to serve as Camp Mount Luther’s new Outreach Director. One of Pastor Vitale’s new roles will be to work with our volunteer devotional writers to write and edit these devotions. I’m excited for the gifts that Jim brings to this new role, particularly that he edited Luther Seminary’s “God Pause” digital daily devotions while he was in seminary. We started this online offering in 2013, feeling that we needed to bring a little bit of camp into your home each day. I look forward to continuing to write occasionally but am also looking forwarding to devoting work time to other important projects at the camp. My thanks to all of you for your continuing support of these devotions. --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on July 1, 2019.
Reading After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’ The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20) Reflection Sometimes I enter homes with a placard or sign of some sort that says, “Peace be with you.” Or “Peace to all who enter.” Or something similar. It’s a nice way to be greeted. Entering a home like that makes me relax expecting that here I might find respite, peace and God’s grace. All delivered, of course, by the host. In Jesus’ instructions to those sent out in today’s reading, we hear that the visitor is to speak, “Peace to this house.” Perhaps not just speak, but actually bring peace to the home and those who live there. Not that we anticipate turmoil in every home we visit, but just that we bear respite, peace and God’s grace to our hosts. Interesting. What would you think if you answered the door bell and when you opened it the person on the porch greeted you, “Peace to this house?” Or switch it around, would you have the courage if you were the visitor to greet your host, “Peace to this house?” It would seem strange, perhaps. But, in this day and age we all need God’s peace. --Jim Bricker Prayer Lord, make us the bearers of your peace. Amen Reading
7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time; if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith. 11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6: 7-16) Reflection As I read this scripture text this verse is one that stuck out for me: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time; if we do not give up.” Maybe because as I am writing this devotion, I am a little tired. Maybe because sometimes the work I do does not seem to amount to much, and I seem to work really hard with little results. Then this verse comes along and tells me to keep doing the good things and not give up. I also am reminded that we do not always see the fruits of our hard labor. Sometimes it takes time for the seeds that we sow to start growing and producing good things. So, let us continue to work for the good of all. Let us sow peace and mercy as God sows peace and mercy. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Gracious God, help us be sowers of good things. Let us be filled with the Spirit. May we be peacemakers that work for justice. Help us show people the love you have for all. Amen. Reading: Psalm 66:1-9
1 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” Selah 5 Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals. 6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him, 7 who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations-- let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah 8 Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, 9 who has kept us among the living and has not let our feet slip Reflection I have several books of hymns with histories of the songs and biographies of the writers. Knowing the context behind these pieces often adds a layer of inspiration to their messages. I’ve also learned that some of these hymnists lived In Lewisburg, PA, the town where I work. The Rev. Henry Harbaug, whose wife and daughter died within four months of each other, responded with “Jesus, I Live to Thee”. Robert Lowry, credited with over 500 hymn tunes and favorites like “Shall We Gather at the River,” “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” and “I Need Thee Ev’ry Hour” was a student and later instructor at Bucknell University. In Williamsport, nearer to where I live, James Milton Black was a choir leader and Sunday School teacher. He also composed “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and about fifty other hymns. John Henry Hopkins, the journalist turned clergyman, penned “We Three Kings” while music director and deacon of Christ Episcopal Church on Mulberry Street. When I walk by these homes and historic churches, or sing one of their hymns in worship, I enjoy a sense of history and communion with the congregants who first sang their songs of praise – and wonder what new songs will give voice to God’s glory in centuries to come. –Heather Wolf Prayer Gracious God and Holy Spirit; thank you for the inspiration you give to our songwriters, poets, musicians, and artists. Thank you for these creative leaders who share their God-given talents with the rest of us, so we may all celebrate your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name I pray: Amen. Reading
Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her— that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies. (Isaiah 66: 10-14) Reflection I’m writing this on the morning after the news of another school shooting in America. Kids and adults in a fourth-grade class in Texas died at the hands of a young gunman. I can’t imagine the pain that their parents are feeling today. The children went to school for their last few days of this academic year and did not come home. In times like these, I am reminded that turning to God can be comfort. This image of a mother comforting her children is how Isaiah says God comforts us. I’ve seen my wife mother our children when they need comfort. I’ve been comforted by my own mom. There’s nothing like mom making us feel better. My hope is those families in Texas are feeling comforted by God. I hope you feel that comfort, too, when times are tough in your life. May God comfort us all. --Chad Hershberger Prayer Comfort us, God. Comfort us. Amen. Reading
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot were to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (I Corinthians 12:12-31) Reflection From the time I was in first grade, until I earned my Gold Award, I was a Girl Scout. I learned all kinds of things in those years in scouts, and a lot of what I learned was about myself. We did a lot of introspection and learned about self-esteem, etc. One exercise I remember from my middle school days was called “forced choice”. I’ve seen many variations of it in the intervening years, most recently on social media. At the time, we were given a list with two columns, and we were supposed to choose one, and then discuss our choices. Beach or Mountains? Coke or Pepsi? Hot Dog or Hamburger? Then came Blind or Deaf? And that pair stopped me short. Eyes or Ears? How could I pick between two senses that I needed equally? How well can a body function without all its parts? This is the metaphor that Paul uses in this letter to the Corinthians. A church without all its diverse members can function no better than a body without all its parts. What Paul reminds us is that the church and the church family is supposed to be like a human body. Each part is supposed to work together for teaching, for encouragement, and for help. We are supposed to be so connected that we will rejoice together and hurt together. When one part or church member receives honor, the whole body and the whole church receives honor and joy. Just as your body works best when each part feels well, the church does best when we all contribute and work together too. And just like your whole body hurts when you have a bad headache or a bad toothache, the whole congregation feels bad when a member is missing or otherwise can’t be with us. The Covid pandemic continues to disrupt our private lives and our church lives and we're often missing (literally and figuratively) people who are close to us. Though we may come from different backgrounds and are different from one another, we are joined together through our baptism. Together we make one church like the parts of our body make one body. Like in my self-exploration Girl Scout activity “Forced Choice” we know that our bodies can’t function well if they are missing eyes or ears or any part, just like our church can’t function without all of us. -- Christine Conz Moll Prayer O Lord, help us to know the importance of our contribution to your church. Help us work together as one church as our parts work together as one body. Amen. Reading
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ (Luke 9: 51-62) Reflection Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. Others tried to distract or sidetrack him. One wanted to come along but only after heading another direction first and then going with Jesus. Despite them, Jesus kept going. I like to travel and often come up with creative plans to get to where I am set on going. I am actually writing this in a Greyhound bus station in Erie, PA having arrived on a bus from Pittsburgh and waiting to transfer to another to Buffalo, NY. I am grateful Andy, my husband, is then picking me up because waiting for another transfer would get me to Rochester after midnight. Why the trouble? Well, because of an important family gathering in southcentral PA last weekend, I was also within 70 miles of my friends' cabin in WV and I could not pass up the chance to visit there, too. My face was set to go (taking my daughter and her car along on the adventure). Getting back home, however, meant I would need to take Greyhound from where Rachel returned to college and work. This is not my first travel adventure and certainly not my last. Going to Jerusalem was the last for Jesus yet his face was set. When heading in a direction that is not quite an adventure, I wonder if my face would be so set on going? How about you? -- Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, may we set our faces to you and not be distracted or side-tracked. Amen. Reading
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. (Galatians 5: 1, 13-25) Reflection In our political context today, a lot is said about freedom. Candidates talk about the other party taking away our given freedoms so vote for me. I think freedom has become a buzz word and maybe we don’t remember what it really means. Our passage today talks that we were called to freedom, but freedom is what we have in Christ. We don’t have to submit as we did before, but we are given a new life in Christ that has greater freedom. Think about that freedom today. And when you hear our politicians talking about that word, see if they mean what we know to be true in Christ. --Chad Hershberger Prayer In you, Christ, we have freedom. Wrap us in that freedom and help us never to forget it. Amen. Reading
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16) Reflection Psalm 16 is all about trust. Trust and security. Where? In God. It speaks of protection, refuge, delight, counsel, gladness and joy. Read closer and there is a bit about those who worship false gods in disturbing and dangerous ways. Warning. Not good. Focus back on faith in the Lord. Death and beyond does not worry me. What happens before concerns me. What kind of legacy do I leave? I don't mean a mansion with an in ground pool, or a yacht, or a rare collection of art. Rather what will people remember about me? Did I make an impact on someone's life? My 6th grade teacher encouraged me to write. My vocal teacher persuaded me to join church choir though I was only 12 yrs. old. My neighbor knit me a coat sweater as she did for many young ladies. We called them our "billy coats" as "Billy" was her nickname for Wilhelmina. Have I helped someone? Have inspired them toward greater opportunities? Death for me is not final. It is merely the conclusion of a chapter. As in a book you can turn back the pages and find the trust and security that came from faith in the Lord. There you will also see protection, refuge, delight, counsel, gladness and joy. --Alice Yeakel Prayer Dear God, our trust is in you. You keep us secure. Counsel us in how we may serve you by serving others. In that is gladness and joy. Amen. |
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