Prayer:  As you called your servants of old, so call us to do great things, O God.  Amen. 
 
Reading:  Acts 13:14-52 (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:  “If you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it,” the officials of the synagogue said to those gathered.  And Paul stood up and gave it. 
 
Years ago, I attended church with a friend of mine who went to a congregation that was not a mainline denomination.  They did things differently.  In fact, they would not have anything planned ahead of time for worship.  A piano player would be there and they would just shout out hymns they felt led to sing.  And someone would give up and give a message and read the scripture verses they felt called to read.  It was very different than what I was used to doing in worship, but I found it refreshing and interesting that they relied on the Spirit for their guidance in worship.
 
That is a similar scene to what I see here in our story today.  In the temple, they give time and space for someone to get up and give a message from God.  And Paul does that.  He is led by the Spirit to give God’s Word to others.
 
This Sunday we commemorate Mary Magdalene.  She, like Paul, listened to where God was calling her.  She followed Jesus when he was on this worth and shared her faith story with others.  As we look to her as an example, how are you being called by God in this time and place?  If you have words of exhortation, stand up and speak it!  Maybe you will respond to God by showing hospitality to a stranger or telling your faith story.  Just do it!  God will be with you to help and guide you. 


--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  Dear God, may we see how we are all so different and not so different, especially as we see you at work in our lives.  Amen
 
Reading: Ruth 1 (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:  Ruth and Naomi were so different - in age, ethnic origin and religious background.  When both their husbands died, their in-law connection was gone and they could have gone separate ways.  Naomi, from Judah, was ready to move back there from Moab.  However, Ruth, from Moab, stayed by her side saying, "Wherever you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God."  (Ruth 1: 16)
 
Ruth and Naomi were not so different - in loss, moving and God at work in their lives.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  We see your love in the miracle of the empty tomb and the wonder of the world around us.  Thank you for life everlasting and the blessings of each day.  Amen
 
Reading: John 20: 1-18 (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 greatest miracle of all was when Jesus rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion.  This was according to God’s plan and was foretold by the Old Testament prophets. God is almighty.  He rules whether or not we believe.
 
God’s mighty acts can be seen when you watch the rain fall, or the wind bending the trees, or the waves cresting on the shore, or a mountain stream tumbling over the rocks, or just a rainbow. What more is there to say?  God is great.  God is good.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  When I look to the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have established, what is human that we are mindful of you, O Lord.  (Psalm 3: 3-4) 
 
Reading:  Psalm 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:  I’m fascinated by the TV series, Star Trek, both the original and all the spin-offs.  In the series “Enterprise,” they deal with many issues that even though the setting is the future are relevant today.  I’m not a died-in-the-wool “Trekkie,” but I do enjoy dreaming with the crew. 
 
The episodes explore deeper and deeper into the universe “going where no one has gone before.”  The imagined planets, sectors, peoples, voids, spatial anomalies, and all the rest are not really that far-fetched.  The writer of Psalm 8 looked into the night sky, impressed by the Creator’s moon and stars.  If David knew what we know now about creation, he would have been in awe even more.  Other planets, moons, constellations, universes and who knows what else are out there.  Stars are born and stars die.  We discover more the deeper we are able to “look” into God’s dynamic creation.  It certainly caused me to be impressed. 
 
Without knowing about all of that, David found creation to be a witness to the majesty and glory of God.  And he was humbled.  Indeed, when I consider the seemingly endless character of the universe and the God who creates it all, sometimes I ask myself, “Just who do you think you are?”  In the grandeur of all creation, we are really quite meaningless beings.  Yet, we sometimes think too highly of ourselves and imagine God’s worlds and just flat out treat creation without respect or appreciation.  Look into the sky tonight and ask yourself who you are.
 
God, says David, has great regard for humans.  Though we are but the tiniest, tiniest speck in the universe, God has crowned us with “glory and honor.”  Now I am really humbled.  Why would God put such trust in me?  God knows I don’t deserve it.  I guess that is what grace is really about.  Our universe grows bigger and more complex with each of our new discoveries.  Still the Creator thinks we are pretty important in the grand scheme of things. 
 
You have precious gifts.  I hope you see yourself as beings living in the midst of God’s creation.  Respect each individual as one of God’s.  Treat the universe as glorious.
 
And pray that there will continue to be renewals for versions of Star Trek for years to come!
 
--Jim Bricker 

Prayer:  We lift our heads to you.  Amen
 
Reading: Psalm 1: 3-14 (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:  Today's GROW Time actually is an email I sent to my family a month or so ago.  We were all in a time of uncertainty; each for our own reasons.  While on my bus commute to work one day, I was pondering and praying about everything that was going on and then I got this message.  So I sent this email:
 
Hello family,

My bus got to the Transit Center today at about noon.  As I walked outside, the nearby church bells were ringing and the carillon was playing a hymn I recognized.  So, of course, I started singing to myself...
 
"Lift up yours heads, ye mighty gates! Behold the King of glory waits..."
 
And then it hit me.  Gates!  Lift up your heads!
 
So the message for today is "Chin up and look to the Lord."  Got that everyone?
 
Love,
Mom
 
It was a Gates message for us and for all that day and every day.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer: Creator Lord, you have adopted us as your children. We thank you for choosing us to be part of your family. Fill our hearts with gratitude and our lives with acts of kindness and service. Amen.
 
Reading:  Ephesians 1:3-14 (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:  When a child is adopted, it is often said she is now with her “Forever Family” after being separated for whatever reason from her biological parents. A typical adoption involves long months of paperwork and waiting such that when the child and parents are finally together, there is great reason for celebration and welcoming.
 
I am blessed to be one of three consecutive generations in my family brought together by adoption. Each of our parents chose us to be part of this family and as my adopted daughter once shared in a speech, this deliberate act fills us with feelings of thankfulness and love for the decision to be included in family and to provide for our needs and more. Our lives have certainly been forever changed…for the good.
 
For sure, the same is true as we have been chosen by God as his children in Christ. We are brought into a new loving relationship. Let us celebrate and share this good news. We all have been adopted, marked by the seal in baptism and are joined with sisters and brothers into God’s Forever Family.
 
-- Andy Gates

Prayer:  We sing and dance before you, LORD.  Hear our praise and fill us with the joy of your presence.  We are blessed.  Amen
 
Reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-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:   David danced as the Ark of God was brought to Jerusalem.  God's presence was with the people so they celebrated with shouts, music and dance.  I am sure it was quite a sight.  It was fun.  It felt good.  They were blessed in the name of the LORD of hosts.
 
When was the last time you danced like David?  I can honestly say it was just this morning at Camp Mount Luther Family Camp.  One of the songs after breakfast was Give Me Oil in my Lamp and during the chorus we "Sing Hosanna! Sing Hosanna!  Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings!" while skipping merrily around the dining hall.  We were all dancing like David.  It was quite a sight.  It was fun.  It felt good.  We were blessed.
 
Dance like David (or let your heart dance inside).  It is fun.  It feels good.  Be blessed.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Help us Lord to do the best we can and seek the truth always.  Amen
 
Reading: Mark 6: 14-29 (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 in part an unpleasant passage.  Seems the moral is: Do not make a promise you may regret.  Herod did just that and we know the result.  John the Baptist was beheaded.

Some people thought that through Jesus, John the Baptist had returned to life.  Others thought he was Elijah.
 
There is a children's story about Sadie (a cat) and Towser (a dog).  All Sadie wanted for her birthday was the moon.  Towser vowed he would get it for her.  He climbed on a chair.  He made a tall pile of rocks.  Then he climbed the highest hill he could find.  But he still could not reach the moon.  So he gave Sadie a big white balloon.

We do what we can and seek the truth always.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Help us, God, to see Jesus at night and by day and to be a witness for you.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  John 3: 1-16 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  I’ve been telling our campers and staff this summer that this is the original “Nick at Nite.”  Nicodemus comes to Jesus to ask some questions and get answers from the Lord.  For fear of being found out, he did it in the cover of darkness. 
 
When I was in State Choir in high school, we sang a song that had this verse:
 
Nicodemus was a man who desired to know
How a man can be born when he’s old
Christ told Nicodemus as a friend,
“Man you must be born ago.” 
He said, “Marvel not, man, if you want to be wise
Repent, believe, and be baptized.”
 
Then you’ll be a witness for my Lord!
 
Today, think about how Nicodemus might be a model for us of sharing God’s love to others.  What will you do to share the awesome love God has shown for you?

--Chad Hershberger

Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on July 2, 2015.
 
Editor’s Note:  The writer just completed her 19th summer at Family Camp.  Her son, James, was here, as an adult, having graduated from college this year and now seeking full-time employment.  Despite being written three years ago, her words still ring true.    
 
Prayer:   Lord, you are our God forever and ever.  Yours is a love that never ends.  We tell it to the next generation.  Amen.
 
Reading: Psalm 48 (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:
 
Great is the Lord , and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain...Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love...Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation.  --Psalm 48: 1, 9, 12-13
 
I am writing this while in the mountains at Camp Mount Luther. The rest of the Family Campers are on a walking tour of camp. This being my 16th summer here, I know my way around pretty well so I decided to skip the tour and write instead.
 
Sixteen summers. James, my son, has gone from a five year old camper to his second year now on staff. He and another counselor, both sons of staff members from the '80's, are the next generation.
 
Sixteen summers. Rachel, my daughter, was still in a stroller her first Family Camp and this year upon arrival she immediately reconnected with old friends from Senior High Camp and moved in with them, the next generation.
 
Sixteen summers.  Andy, my husband, and I are on our own - empty nesters at Family Camp.  Perhaps God is preparing us for when Rachel leaves for college this fall. Still, this generation will come to camp.
 
There are old-timers like us and a few new families here this summer.  Many children (the youngest is the age of Rachel's first Family Camp) carrying folding chairs and bugspray to the campfire and along the trail dumping pebbles and twigs out of shoes. The dining hall food is great and that is not just because someone else is doing the cooking and washing the dishes. The food is really good, especially shared around tables of families and friends and followed by loud and lively songs. I could go on and on but you get the point.
 
Yes, great is the Lord and worthy to be praised in these mountains surrounding camp. Here campers learn of God's unfailing love. The camp tour folks are walking around counting camp's worship sites, considering her cabins and craft lodge, taking in the views of the mountains and valleys. It is being told to the next generation!  --Ruth Gates
 
 

Prayer: God, we thank you for the power of your Kingdom. Because of your great love, that heavenly Kingdom reverses this fallen world- it turns everything upside down for your glory and by your grace. May we always delight in our weaknesses and remember to put first, those who are last. In your Holy name, Amen.
 
Reading:  2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection: “Reverse, reverse (sound of a tape rewinding). Reverse, reverse (sound of a tape rewinding.” Those are some of lyrics (and sound effects) of the well-known dance, the Cha-Cha Slide and it came to mind as I was reading today’s Bible passage. You may be familiar of God’s great reversal in the Gospel of Luke (13:30 NIV) - “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” The great reversal is a great example of just how powerful God’s grace is. Today’s passage can be included in that great reversal because it tells us that in Christ, our weaknesses are reversed, and they become what makes us strong.
 
In this passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians as he hears of their improved faith, and he further instructs them on remaining humble and rooting themselves in Christ. He does this by using himself as an example. Paul chooses not to boast about his accomplishments, but to rest in the power of Christ. God’s grace is sufficient for Paul and is sufficient for us as well as the Corinthians Paul was writing to.
 
Whatever journey you are on may be long, your sorrows may be great, but Christ invites us to walk with him and with each other as one body. So come walk with us. For when we are weak, Christ makes us strong- “Reverse, reverse (sound of a tape rewinding).”
 
--Anne Harshbarger

Prayer:  Be with us, Lord, as you make us new.  Amen
 
Reading: 2 Samuel 5: 1-5, 9-10 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  David went from shepherd boy to King.  Pretty extreme makeover!  What made the difference?  God was with him.  Not that going from almost nothing to a big something is all that matters.  Remember, David was still a lowly shepherd when he took down Goliath.  It just happens that in the long run, David was to be King and that's what he became.  God was with David during his days with the sheep as well as all the years ahead.
 
God is with us always, too.  We belong to Him.  What we do, big or small, becomes greater and greater with God.  That small jar of preserves given to the refrigerator repairman who came the day the ice cream was rock hard and the milk lukewarm?  It went with my big thanks for how he has fixed our appliances for 20+ years and hopeful encouragement his knees and back hold up until retirement.  Great thanks and care with God.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Dear God, may we walk humbly doing what you ask us to do.  Amen.
 
Reading: Mark 6: 1-13 (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:  The humility in this passage is remarkable.  Jesus and His disciples were ordinary people.  They walked and talked to their neighbors urging them not to sin.  But the people shook their heads in disbelief and, with skepticism, said, “He is just a carpenter’s son. Why should we listen to him?”
 
Ordinary people like carpenters, farmers, waitresses, and the mail carrier are people God blesses with the ability to do good things.
 
Jesus urged His disciples to continue and not be discouraged.
 
So we should not despair or become discouraged.  If you think your efforts and good deeds are not being noticed or appreciated, remember these verses.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

We have a little something different today for our devotional reading.  Several years ago, our Chaplain to the Staff shared the following with our summer staff as one of his chaplain’s notes.  We share it with you to reflect on this day. 
 
As You Grow Up
As you grow up, you will have your heart broken more than once and it’s harder every time.  You’ll break hearts, too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.  You’ll fight with your best friend.  You’ll cry because time is passing too fast, and eventually you’ll lose someone you love.  So, take too many pictures, laugh too much and love like you’ve never been hurt.  Because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you’ll never get back.
 
I found this statement on a board in one of those see-if-we-can-separate-you-from-your-money shops in Cape May, NJ.  Instead of buying it, I just jotted down the first few words and looked it up on the internet.  I have no idea who wrote it. 
 
I like it because I find myself agreeing with so much of it.  Just thought I would share it with you.  –Jim Bricker

Prayer:  Help us over the bumps in the road, Lord, and whatever may be worse.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 30 (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 the path we travel becomes bumpy.  There are potholes.  In New England they have frost heaves.  So we sometimes stumble, have to take a detour, or face a scary situation.

I came home the other night and a bat was flying around my kitchen. (FYI - It is OK to call 911!  At least in my town.)

A skunk is digging holes in my yard and perfuming the neighborhood at night. (Solution - Scatter mothballs.)
Now these are minor “bumps” in the road.  Sometimes the bumps become mountains.  But we surmount the mountains because we know God’s love is always with us…to help us through or around or over whatever frightens us.

--Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Dear God, may we all share our blessings and a bit of heaven with others.  Amen
 
Reading: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  There is a great song written back in 1934…… “I got plenty of nuttin’ and nuttin’s plenty for me. Got no car, got no mule. I got no misery”
 
Many of us are blessed with plenty. There are those who are not. God urges /encourages us to share our plenty.  And God also encourages/urges those in need to also be helpful in their own humble way.  (Read verses 13 - 15)
 
I occasionally put out a bag of cookies for my refuse collectors and they in turn bring the empty cans back to my porch rather than leaving them curbside.  Such a kind gesture!  “I got my gal, got my song, got heaven the whole day long”
 
May we all share a bit of heaven all day long as we offer our blessings to others.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Thank you for your mercies new every morning.  Help me to wait quietly.  Your steadfast love is amazing and our hope is in you.  Amen
 
Reading: Lamentations 3: 22-33 (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:  From the margin notes in my Bible: 3: 22-39 The steadfast love of the LORD:  These verses are often seen as the only message of hope in Lamentations....
 
I count on mercies new every morning and keep these verses close in heart but I did not realize the rest of Lamentations is so full of...lament.  I guess I should have known, given the name of the book.
 
In the barrage of bad news, it's encouraging to get some good.  Like the short "Bright Spot" at the end of the evening news cast when, after the all stories of international trouble and natural disasters, there is the one story of the person collecting truckloads of food for the needy or the community cleaning up a vacant lot for a playground.
 
There are bright spots.  There are mercies...new every morning.  Wait quietly. The LORD's love is steadfast and our hope is there.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  May our faith make us well through salvation.  Amen
 
Reading: Mark 5:21-43 (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:
 
I visit a 100 year old friend who just moved into a health care/retirement home one month before her 100th birthday.  Prior to that she was only ever in the hospital once, at age 96, for a broken hip.  (Her 3 children were born at home.)  She has never taken any prescription medication.
She scolded me…told me to “slow down” and stop being so busy!
God gave Jesus the power to heal.  Does He offer us the same power to heal ourselves?
This is a complex question.  Are we too active? Or not active enough? Are we paranoid and apprehensive?  Or are we too careless in our self-care?  Do we overmedicate? Do our habits, at least some of them, harm us?
If we put our faith in God, will He strengthen and heal us?  Your faith has made you well. (Mark 5: 34)  In the orginal Greek, the word translated here as "has made you well" expresses the idea of "has saved you" (from your disease).  The concept of health, wholeness and salvation are closely related in the Bible.
 
Everyone is diferent in wellness but we all, through faith, have the same salvation.
 
-- Alice Yeakel
 
 

Prayer: Jesus, our Lord, help us to remember to keep You close to our hearts and always in our conversations so that we may spread the good news of Your righteousness and grace. In Your name we pray.  Amen.
 
Reading:  Romans 10:5-13 (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:   Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of my absolute favorite books of the Bible because Paul wrote it to them with a focus on righteousness. It is no easy task to explain God’s righteousness- it exceeds what we can understand because we are sinners. I believe Paul’s reference to and paraphrasing of Moses in this passage is an excellent explanation and it is mind-blowing! The name for this act of amazing grace is “righteousness by faith,” and it is one of God’s most powerful and overarching gift to us. This righteousness is completely unmerited by those (sinners) receiving it. Paul says that righteousness by faith is found in those who believe in their heart and profess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord will be saved.
 
At camp we recently had a worship experience during staff training, where we reflected on this passage as an alternative text for the theme of the day and found the graceful simplicity in this righteousness. During the campfire worship service we alternated between loud and quiet periods of worship to practice professing with our mouths and believing in our hearts. The worship was extremely contemplative and joyful, including a “J-E-S-U-S” cheer and a time of silent reflection of God’s provision in our lives. This was a wonderful reminder of how grateful I should be towards the availability of God’s grace!
 
So take a moment, shout to the mountaintops that Jesus is Lord, and keep it close to your heart, always.
 
--Anne Harshbarger
 
 
 

Prayer:  We watch the storms in life and cry out to you for safety.  Thank you for being with us and for the calm stillness after.  Amen
 
Reading: Psalm 107: 1-3, 23-32 (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:  Storms.  My daughter gave me a necklace with a cloud, raindrops and a lightning bolt as we like to watch thunderstorms together.  Our storm watching was under the shelter of the front porch of our home but we were often chased inside by the wind and rain.  Now she lives elsewhere.  I recently visited her and, sure enough, an approaching storm chased us in from the outdoor seating of the restaurant.  Safely inside we ate and came out to a world windswept and washed.  Calm.
 
The Psalms describes a storm and those in it losing courage.  They cried to the Lord and he brought brought them out of their distress.  In the still and quiet they rejoiced and thanked the Lord for his steadfast love.
 
We sometimes become discouraged in the storms of life.  We watch the storm brew and strike and sometimes have to seek safety.  When the storm passes we are grateful and glad to be back to calm in life.
 
I am grateful for my necklace, for my daughter the stormwatcher with me and for the calm that comes after.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Thank you for your grace as we work together now with hearts open to all.  Amen.
 
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13 (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:
 
Paul, as always, is urging his readers to respond faithfully to God's grace in Christ.  It is a common theme, of course, and really can't be overdone when you think about it.  The emphasis here is to do it now.  Now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! (v. 2b)
 
If your excuse is, "Someday I will get around to it." someone cleverly made round cards with the words "to it" written on them.  There you go.  Now you have a "round to it" so get started already!
 
Accept the grace of God now.  Open wide your hearts now.  The good news we are not alone.  We get to work together now.
 
-- Ruth Gates

 
Prayer:  May the words we listen to be those of knowledge from you, Lord.  Amen
 
Reading: Job 38:1-11 (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:
 
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:  "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" (Job 38: 1)
 
At this point in the story of Job, after all the human participants have had their say, God finally speaks.  God speaks for two whole chapters.  Job barely gets in three sentences pretty much with his hand over his mouth and then God goes on again for another two chapters.  Pretty clear who is supposed to be doing the talking and who is to be doing the listening.
 
In today's world of technology - tweets, news pundits, analysts, talk shows - we are innundated with far too many irresponsible words.  Dark counsel of words without knowledge indeed!  We need to filter out the nonsense and pontificating.  We need to remember whose talking we should be listening to and how much talking we ourselves should be doing.  God, our refuge and strength, is our source of knowledge and it won't be coming in a tweet.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 15, 2015.
 
Prayer:    Help me to remember what you do with the seeds I plant, O Lord.  Amen.
 
Reading:  Mark 4:35-41 (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:  Today’s parable follows immediately after the Parable of the Growing Seed.  I tell you I get confused by this story, because I have no idea how mustard grows!  And for some reason I don’t bother trying to find how.  It seems to be enough that Jesus says that a teeny tiny seed produces a bush large enough for birds to nest in and be be shaded.  What a nifty image. Whatever seed is planted it just grows and grows and grows. 
 
The Holy Spirit encouraged a family to respond to something I said in a sermon some time ago.   They invited a family with a number of young children to church. They nourished them, loved and encouraged them.   Members of the congregation caught on and pitched in. The result is a whole family being baptized.  Some of them now serve in that congregation. That’s exciting. Here’s the kicker--I don’t remember what it was that I said!  And it doesn’t matter.  The seed was planted and is still growing!
 
Plant more seeds today, friends.  And pray for the staff and this week’s campers.
 
--Jim Bricker

Prayer:  My Lord, my God, you are the sweetness of my life and all that I love and hold dear. I pray that you watch over me this day and keep me in your tender care. Be with and strengthen me and all those that are in my care this day. Find ways to use me to give witness to your surpassing goodness. In Christ, I pray. Amen.
 
Reading:  Romans 16:25-27 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  I like spy movies and TV shows. I used to have those secret decoder books. I thoroughly enjoyed decrypting puzzle books while my family traveled. Writing a secret message in lemon juice is a cool trick. Don’t we all love a secret that is being disclosed to us. Juicy gossip gets us moving in closer to hear all the tidbits (even if we aren’t supposed to). To what ends will we go to find out more? Don’t we push the boundaries of what is appropriate sometimes, just so we know what others might not.
 
I wonder sometimes if that is part of the problem. Many don’t still see the radical nature of the disclosed secret—the love of God was hidden in Jesus. How many of us know the secret of Jesus? Do we share it like a valuable knowledge of someone who has done something crazy and reckless? Do we help others to understand that Jesus intends us to change the world one secret at a time…doing justice, loving neighbor, and loving God above all else.
 
--Andrew Fitch

Prayer:  Hear our praises, O God, raised all day long.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 92:1-4  (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 notes in my bible indicate that this psalm is “A Song for the Sabbath Day.”  And it so easily can be heard as a Sunday worship celebration.  Giving thanks.  Singing praises.  Lute and harp.  (Guitar and Organ?) Because we witness God’s work. We sing for joy.  Great way to understand and appreciate the Sunday liturgy.  A wonderful sabbath.
 
But why wait for Sunday? God’s love is daily.  God’s faithfulness is always.  God’s works are experienced minute by minute.  So, why not celebrate sabbath moments?  Sun up to sun set.  Morning to night.  Take a moment in your morning to say thanks.  Take a moment at lunch to hum a hymn.  Take a moment on the way home to praise the Lord.  Sabbath Moments.
 
--Jim Bricker