We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on August 12, 2014.

Reading:  Genesis 45:  1-28 (Click to read text)

Reflection:  In the first line of our story for today, we are told that Joseph could no longer control himself.  He sent others away and confronted his brothers, letting them know who he was.  He even cried.

Have you ever gotten to a point when you could no longer control yourself?  Are there times that a revelation or something else has you bursting at the seams, that you just need to open up and share it?

I think that is the work of the Spirit.  Sometimes, we bottle things inside and for our own good, we just need to let it out.  That happened to me this summer.  We were in a staff meeting and after a lengthy discussion about one topic, I just couldn't take it anymore.  I burst out, probably like Joseph, and said that I couldn't contain it anymore.  I just could not talk about that issue anymore, as I had my fill.

Handling your emotions such as this in a healthy way is good.  And I think we need to remember that just like Joseph, there is a time when we need to just let everything out! 
--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  God, help us be merciful as you are merciful.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 6:  27-38 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  These verses are so basic and simple.  Yet it is sometimes difficult to practice what we preach.  I have met a lot of people and I have to admit some have been hard to like.  Is it okay to say that I have learned to “put up” with them?   Maybe tolerate is a better word.  We need to accept people as they are.  Be merciful. (v. 36a)
 
Have you helped in a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter?  Or helped in any situation where you are giving more than you can possibly expect to receive back?  Sometimes a ‘’thank you’’ is not even forthcoming.  It may merely come as a shy smile.  That's okay.  The best thank you is to God for His love and blessings.  God is merciful. (v. 36b)
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Gracious Lord Jesus, help us to see all that you are still doing around us and through us. Guide us to not look for another. Lead us to follow you boldly. In your name we pray. Amen.
 
Reading:  Luke 7:18-27 (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:  How did Jesus not look and act like the One who is to come?! What image of the One who is to come was John looking for? What sorts of things is the One supposed to be doing? Jesus’s list of what he was doing seems pretty amazing! I don’t think an unholy one could do all those things. I think a Holy One should have to be able to do those things. Was John in the group of not-getting-it people that thought the Messiah would militarily take over the Promised Land and restore it to the rightful Jewish nation? That was the prevailing thought, but it seems it was also held by the Prophet of the Most High. That was also the prevailing thought among the disciples. No one expected God to be working and fighting through Jesus for a much bigger slice of land—all of it and more. God wants to reclaim hearts and minds for the Kingdom.
 
Once again this gets me wondering how much do we still not get about God’s work? Are we holding onto any misconceptions and misguided stereotypes of with limits.
 
--Andrew Fitch

Prayer:  Dear God, teach us how to live so we may be like trees.  Day and night we meditate.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 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: We have had a few wind storms lately and I find them unsettling.  Especially when they blow in (literally) during the night.  I hear the pine cones whipped off the tall pines to the west and pelting the house.  I fall back to sleep assuring myself at least it's not the whole trees coming down.
 
Those who delight in the Lord are like trees planted by streams of water.  Meanwhile, the wicked are like chaff that the wind drives away.
 
I'll be out in the yard picking up pinecones for hours but the pines are still standing.  I will meditate on that day and night.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:   We have faith and trust in you, Lord.  We believe that you raised Jesus from the dead.  Our faith in you is strong.  Amen.   
 
Reading:  1 Corinthians 15: 12-20 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  How strong do you think your faith is?  I’m sure you have times of doubt and are unsure of how strong at times.  But, you still believe, right?
 
St. Paul tells us in this verse that, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”  If we truly believe in the resurrection and that Jesus was raised from the dead, then our faith is good.  It’s not futile.  And, because of that, we are not still in our sins.
 
That is the good news!  Let’s hold on to that and know our faith is not futile! 


--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  May my trust be in you, O Lord.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  Jeremiah 17: 5-10 (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:   This verse reminds us who we should trust.  Trust in humans?  No.  Trust God.  Jeremiah paints a pretty good picture of what you will be like if you trust God.  You’ll be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.  You shall not fear when heat comes, and your leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought you will not be anxious, and you will bear fruit.
 
I wonder if we should think about this also in terms of reasoning.  Don’t trust human reasoning.  Trust God’s reasoning.  It reminds me of my favorite proverb:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths.
 
--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  Dear God, we find hope and comfort in your Word over and over.  Thank you for your care as we trust in you.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 6:  17-26  (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:   As part of our catechism learning we were required to memorize the Beatitudes from Matthew 5.  The verses in Luke are similar...basically.  I felt then, and still do, these words are hopeful and comforting.  Blessed are the meek, the hungry, those who weep.  God will take care of them and us if we put our trust in Him.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  May we share your love with everyone!  Amen! 
 
Reading:  Luke 14:7-14 (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: 
 
Who does God call us to include in our community?  This story reminds us that we are to include everyone.  We are to go to the “highways and the byways” as the Wedding Banquet song says that we sing at camp.  We are to find anyone and everyone to share God’s love with!
 
Maybe today you could make a list of various people you care about but have not been in contact with recently (relatives, friends from old neighborhoods, former teachers, and so forth). Write a letter to each person, thanking them for the ways they have made you feel loved and included. Mail the letters, along with a drawing or photograph of your family.
 
Or, maybe you can help someone today that you normally don’t help.  That might even be one of God’s creatures.  Fill a bird feeder with seed or donate pet food to an animal shelter.  Or, volunteer your time somewhere and help those you may not always think of helping.  Share God’s love banquet with all! 
 
--Chad Hershberger
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Lord, I call on you each day and you strengthen my soul.  Fulfill your purpose for me.  Thank you for your steadfast love.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 138 (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 have been thinking a lot about purpose lately.  Mostly because someone recently asked me what has been my biggest accomplishment and what are my goals.  Still thinking or, in other words, praying.  Can I get back to you on that?
 
Psalm 138 is all about thanksgiving and praise with a bit of strength, purpose and love mixed in, too.
 
On the day I called, you answered me,
you increased my strength of soul.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steafast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.  Psalm 138: 3, 8
 
So, I am praying today knowing God will answer.  God will strengthen my soul and fulfill his purpose for me.  I will be thankful for God's love and literally sing praise as choir practice is tonight.
 
Call to God.  Whatever our accomplishments and goals are, they are wrapped up in God's love and purpose.  So what your yours?  You can get back to me on that.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Help us, God, to see you every day.  Amen.
 
Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (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:  At camp, we ask our campers often, “Where have you seen God today?”  Their answers vary but most frequently they see God in the helping hand of a fellow camper or staff member, in the beauty of creation, or in how we treat one another at camp.  We try to get them to be on the lookout for God in their everyday lives.
 
Paul is reminding us of that in our Bible text for today.  He reminds us that our risen Jesus still appears to us.  We should be on the lookout daily for Jesus meeting us where we are.  Through Jesus, we see God.  Where have you seen God today?


--Chad Hershberger

We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 26, 2015.
 
Prayer:  God, help me to be thankful for your son, Jesus Christ, who takes away my sins.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  Isaiah 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:  This passage makes me appreciate Jesus even more than I did before.  Imagine it:  to have your sin and guilt blotted out it took a seraph with a hot coal held by a pair of tongs touching your lips.  Ouch!  I can’t imagine the pain that I’d feel if that happened.  For Memorial Day last night, we were with some friends and made mountain pies.  I touched the hot part of the stick and it hurt- and that was nothing compared to these hot coals on Isaiah’s lips.
 
This summer, when I’m standing by a campfire, I’ll think of this story.  When I see the hot coals, instead of thinking about how they would make a great cooking fire (which is usually what I do), I’ll instead be reminded about Jesus’ sacrifice for us and be thankful that I don’t have to have hot coals on my lips.  
 
–Chad Hershberger
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  Jesus, you call us in unique ways.  Help us to see unique ways we can catch others with your love, too.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 5: 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: My church camp was situated on a small lake. During our camping week we would have several Galilean Services.  The pastor or camp director would row across the water and talk to the campers on shore from his canoe.  A second canoe would follow with a small group of brass or guitar players and we would sing simple hymns.  This would happen in the evening as the sun was setting or early morning while the mist was still on the lake.  As a young camper of 10 or 12 years old, I thought this was beautiful way to worship and I still feel that way.
 
God wants us all to be fishers of men in our own unique way.  Galilean Worship was one for us at camp.  What do you think might catch someone today?  Might be an idea from long ago but it could still work.  Try it.  Share it.
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Great God, we praise you for your almighty power that you choose to use for our deliverance. Guide us to share this good news with all people. Loosen our grip to share in the feasting with all in need. In your great name we pray. Amen.
 
Reading:  Isaiah 25:6-9 (Click to read text)
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  Changing the sheets with a young child or puppy can be quite the adventure. Before you know it you aren’t sure what is clean and which way the sheets are supposed to be going and suddenly piles or forts are being constructed. Clean sheets are a good thing. Clean sheets for a record of errors is a professional accomplishment.
 
In this case the sheet is not a good thing that God removes. God is changing the sheets and remaking the bed of the world that we live in. It isn’t just a feast, it is a house cleaning in God’s kingdom. God is taking out the trash and washing away the sin. We rejoice and take part in the sparkly shiny goodness.
 
--Andrew Fitch

Prayer:  In you, Lord, we take refuge.  Our praise is of you always.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 71: 1-6 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:   I write this devotion today in the comfort of my home while watching a snowfall that has already accumulated over a foot with more to come.  Then a bitter cold will set in.  Except for going out to shovel, I am sheltered and warm.  I may ski a bit around the neighborhood or skate on the canal but I know there will always be hot chocolate and cinnamon sugar toast when I come back inside.  I have refuge on a wintry day and it always brings a smile.
 
Psalm 71 is a prayer for lifelong protection and help.  Like the shelter of a home in a winter storm and hot cocoa comfort when we've had to brave it, in much bigger ways (think fortress...Psalm 71: 3), God is our refuge for life.  Praise always!
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Jesus, reduce me to love which is the greatest.  Amen
 
Reading:  I Corinthians 13: 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:  I found it!  The song I learned in youth group many, many years ago but now only remember the chorus:
 
If I have not charity,
If love does not flow from me,
I am nothing.
Jesus reduce me to love.
 
Here is the link and I hope it works for you to click and play:  https://youtu.be/D2GWuZ8KjXE
 
What really gets me in the song and has stuck with me all these years is the very last line - Jesus reduce me to love.  Of all the things I try to be and try to do, what only matters is love.  It must be love.  So I pray Jesus reduce me to love.
 
And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (I Cor. 13: 13)
 
I believe my youth group leader taught us that song (and He is Alive!, for that matter) from love.  Yes, she was the coolest in our eyes because she played the guitar but her songs would have meant nothing to us if she did not seem to have a love for Jesus and for a bunch of squirrely kids.  That was the greatest.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Lord, I am only ______  (fill in the blank) but you are with me.  Send me.  I know I will not be alone.  Amen
 
Reading:  Jeremiah 1: 4-10 (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: Jeremiah, the would be prophet's excuse was "I am only a boy" but God would have none of it.  God's response was "I am with you."  (v. 7, 8)
 
Excuses are easy to come up with.  "I am only one person" may be the most common.  But it takes only one person to wash dishes at the triple sink of the soup kitchen.  It takes only one person to tutor a young student struggling to learn how to read.  It takes only one person to hold the hammer nailing wall in place after a hurricane.  Another only one person may pour the juice to drink.  Another only one person may be able to explain Calculus.  Another only one person may be able to climb on the roof to lay shingles.
 
You see, there are many only ones.  And even only ones aren't alone because God is with each and every one.
 
When you find yourself saying "I am only...", hear God responding with the promise "I will be with you" and know you aren't the only one.  You are not alone.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  God, our protector, guide us through what may seem to be mobs of people or problems set to bring us down.  May we go on our way loving you and loving others.  Amen
 
Reading:  Luke 4: 21-30 (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: There is a scene in the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, where Clarence, George's guardian angel, disappears out from under the hands and hold of a police officer.  The officer was after George for upsetting the people and disturbing the peace of the town.  Clarence gives him a chance to escape and then a moment later vanishes into thin air himself.  The officer is baffled.  "Which way did he go?"
 
It's like our Bible story today.  When the people in the synagogue heard all Jesus was saying, they were filled with rage.  They got up, drove him out of town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff.  But he passed through the midst of them ( ...in a sense disappeared or escaped...) and went on his way. (v. 28-30)  I can imagine the mob at the edge wondering, "Which way did he go?"
 
Have you even felt swept along by the tide of forces against you meaning to do you harm?  In the midst of people or problems, God is with us.  We will pass through.  We are to go on our way loving God and loving others.  "Which way did you go?"
 
-- Ruth Gates

For the next few Fridays, we look at Day 1 texts from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Dear Lord, I thank you for keeping me in your love. I pray that you help me to keep your embrace mindful today, that I may know your care all around everything that I experience this day. May I in turn look, act, and talk like I am your friend to those who might become my friend. I pray that they would know you through me, my friendliness, and my friendship in your new covenant of love. Amen.
 
Reading:  John 15:10-15 (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: 
The Word speaks
Did you know syllables go through bars?
   And chains?
Captives let go
It doesn’t matter if they go out the front door
Hey you--
   Fill out your time card and get paid
Walkers with Jesus—get over here and walk right through
Long lines have ended
   Walk right up
Join hands and enter the circle


--Andrew Fitch
 
 
 
 

Prayer:  God above, may our presence be a message of your love without words.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 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:
 
The sun, the moon, the stars, the planets are always "up there." They make not a sound. They send a silent message of God’s marvelous works. Can we learn a lesson from this? Can we share God’s message without saying a word?
 
A new neighbor of ours gave birth to a baby with serious health issues. Our pastor went to visit with her and asked, "What can I say?” and proceeded to sit with her in that unfriendly hospital room. He simply held her hand. She later told me that meant more than a thousand words
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:   Dear God, we are one body with many parts; different gifts but one purpose - to be your church in this world.  Direct our energy to serve.  Amen
 
Reading:   I Corinthians 12:  12-31a (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 beginning verses of I Corinthians 12 talk of everyone having different gifts from the Spirit all given for the common good.  Verse 12 to the end of the chapter is the familiar One Body with Many Members lesson using the human body to describe the church.  You can get along without eyes but would have to make adjustments, however, eyes without a body are useless.
 
My church could get along without a webmaster but the week I recycle the newsletter and forget if it is my turn to bake Communion bread, I am glad I can easily check on-line.  And perhaps the webmaster is glad to have an outlet for all that techie energy.
 
My church could get along without my bread as there is always a stash of wafers but fresh baked is nice for all.  And I am glad to have an outlet for all my kneading energy.
 
-- Ruth Gates

Prayer:  Lord, your joy is our strength.  Amen
 
Reading:  Nehemiah 8:  1-3, 5-6, 8-10  (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:
 
If you knew how many fiery darts the devil was shooting at you, you'd run to the Sacrament of the Altar every chance you got.  ~ Martin Luther
 
How else can I say it?  I find joy and strength in worship.  Whatever has been going on all week, going to church Sunday morning brightens my spirit and recharges my battery.  I like how Martin Luther puts it.  That would be me.  Running.
 
The people to listened as Ezra read book of the law of Moses and they understood as it was explained.  Nehemiah called the day holy and encouraged them not to mourn or weep for the joy of the Lord is (their) strength!  Perhaps they ran to worship, too.
 
-- Ruth Gates

We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 19, 2016.
 
Prayer:  Lord, speak to me as I gather for worship with my neighbor.
 
Reading:  Luke 4:16-21 (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:   Some Sundays it is necessary to stay home from church.  But I really miss it when that happens.  Some Sundays I go to church looking for a particular person that I want to share something with or ask a question.  I appreciate the opportunity to just listen to the Word rather than being responsible to proclaim it.  God meets me in that Word and in hymns, liturgy, prayers, and sacrament.  And, God meets me in the social time that follows worship when we have a snack (My wife, June, says, “Eat up, that’s lunch.”) and engage with my neighbors.
Jesus, too, worshipped in the community.  He came to the synagogue, read and proclaimed the good news in the midst of the neighbor.  Though it is possible to hear the word in the privacy of your TV room from a televangelist, it just isn’t the same as worshiping with your neighbors.  In fact, I think that is the way Jesus meets us, in the midst of our neighbors.  The Word is proclaimed and the sacrament is served in the midst of the neighbor.

--Jim Bricker

For the next few Fridays, we look at Day 1 texts from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
 
Prayer:  Guide us in our generosity, God.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  Acts 2: 41-47 (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: 
 
How can we be generous today?  Do you ever wake up and ask that question to yourself?  I don’t think I ever have done that.  But our theme this summer at camp reminds me that we should do that.  We will be learning about the early Christian community, which gathered in their homes to share meals and praise God.  Maybe I should invite some friends or neighbors for a meal.  That would be generous.   
 
God also calls us to be generous caretakers of the world. As I’m talking my daily walk, maybe I’ll look for ways that I can pick up litter, or do something for my community.  Maybe I’ll do a random act of kindness.  That always makes me feel good.  Wow!  There are so many ways that I can be generous.
 
How can we be generous today?
 
--Chad Hershberger

Prayer:  O Lord, protect and heal with your steadfast love.  Amen
 
Reading:  Psalm 36:  5-10 (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: God’s love is steadfast and His faithfulness reaches out to all of us.
 
I have a young friend who faced major surgery and decision-making. She lives in NYC; her family in Seattle, WA. Her bright, happy spirit amazed me. She remains steadfast with a faith that she will come through this surgery with renewed good health. This all took place just a week before Christmas.
 
I feel like a bystander cheering her on from the bleachers. May God’s steadfast love protect and heal her. We read this in Psalms and many other Bible  passages. I do believe in His infinite caring!
 
-- Alice Yeakel

Prayer:  Spirit of God, guide us to know and use our gifts and may we all find a way to fit in.  Amen.
 
Reading:   I Corinthians 12:  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:   Recently in the weekly church newsletter there was a call out for someone to take over keeping up the church website once the present volunteer "retires."  Don't look at me.  Sign me up to bake bread for Communion or lead Sunday School songs.  Sure, I could learn how to be a webmaster but I don't think my heart would be in it.  Besides, the person who is a whiz with technology might be the last one to sign up to sing.
 
There are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit.  There are varieties of service but the same Lord.  There are varieties of activities but the same God who activates them in everyone.  Someone will step up to be the webmaster.  I will keep singing.  We all find a way to fit in.
 
-- Ruth Gates