Reflection: Friday is Writer’s Choice for the GROW Time devotion and it is Thanksgiving week meaning my family will be traveling to visit my parents in PA. I thought I would share my father’s favorite poem and also a writing by one of my favorite authors. Oddly, they tie together along with the verses above.
Reflection: The heading in my Bible for Psalm 80 is “For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” Of Asaph. A Psalm. I wonder how the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant” went? I wonder if anyone still knows? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear? I do know there is a song for Psalm 150 and if you have not heard it, then you need to get a copy Camp Mount Luther’s hit song CD, Lift Up Your Voices and listen to Track 3. It may not be the Psalm word for word but you will certainly get the gist of it!
Prayer: Thank you, God, for _____________________. Amen.
Reflection: “Be alert! The world needs more lerts!” That was the message seen on a billboard many years ago, laughed about and remembered ever since. I mean, really, what is a lert? Now, however, I am thinking it over more seriously in the context of today’s reading about the "Signs of the End of the Age" and "The Day and the Hour Unknown."
What would happen if we would all be alert…be a lert? What do lerts look like? What do lerts do? What do lerts see?
Perhaps lerts look just like you and me. Perhaps lerts do God’s work with their hands. Perhaps lerts see God in all creation, especially in each other.
Prayer: Dear God. Help me to be alert! Amen.
Reflection: November is a month when our focus turns to being thankful. We even have a day set aside in our national calendar to offer thanks for all that we have, and all that has been given to us by God.
As I was reflecting on this season, I thought back to my days at Lewistown Middle School. We held a dance one year, with the proceeds going to a charity. Honestly, I cannot remember what we gave to but the thing that stands out in my mind is that we called the dance the “Thanks for Giving” Dance. I remember doing announcements at the school, telling my fellow students to come out and support our efforts so we could raise funds for the important cause. And, I remember doing announcements after the fact, thanking them for giving to this important venture.
Reflection: Early in his letter to Christians at Ephesus, Paul thanks them. Nice thing to do. But why? What have the brothers and sisters done to earn Paul’s unceasing thanks? Paul tells them that he has heard of their faith and their love toward all the saints. And for that reason gives thanks for them.
That makes me wonder what people say about me when they are talking to other people. I can’t ever remember hearing about anybody talking about my faith. “That Jim Bricker, he sure is faithful.” Nope. Can’t say that rumor has ever gotten back to me. Love toward the saints at times, yep, that one could fly. I imagine that it is possible that you could hear about my love for folks.
Paul’s words today just make me pause for a bit. What do people say about me? If I’m remembered in anybody’s prayers is it in thanksgiving for my faith, for my love?
What do you think? How do people speak about you? Faith? Love? --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff.
Reflection: This Sunday, it's time in our churches to have our New Year's Eve parties. It's the last Sunday of the Church Year, as we celebrate the end of Pentecost with Christ the King Sunday. It's the Sunday that we are reminded once again that Jesus should be the king of our lives.
I find it interesting that this text from Ezekiel is appointed for this Sunday. Not only are we reminded this week that Christ is king, but we are reminded in this story that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, too.
Which reminded me that Jesus takes on many roles. And, that many of them are in paradox. How can a king also be a shepherd? Or, how can a shepherd be a king. Wait! David showed us that indeed a shepherd can be king. But Jesus shows us He can do it at that same time.
This week, as we prepare for Christ the King Sunday, think of all the "roles" Jesus plays in your life. King and shepherd might be two of them. What are others?
Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on March 7, 2013.
1. Relate any stories you have surrounding the "WWJD" craze from the late 1990s.
2. In what situations do you ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Do?"
3. In what ways do you treat others as you think you would treat Jesus if he walked on the earth today?
Reflection: In the late 20th Century there was a craze across this nation. Teens all across the land wore bracelets, necklaces, T-shirts and other apparel that said, "WWJD." The initials stood for "What Would Jesus Do?" It was a tool to remind the youngsters when they got in situations and were unsure how to react, they should think of what Christ would do in that situation.
I used the same kind of logic on a group of youngsters around that same time. When they would tease each other, push each other, or do something inappropriate, I would say to them, "Would You Do That to Jesus?" More often than not, their answer was "no."
Closing: Watch this video portraying an old camp song, "Whatsover You Do," which reminds us of today's lesson.
Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 29, 2013.
Reflection: A friend of mine once told me that if I learned nothing else from him, I should learn this: “Selfish desires get you nowhere.” As I think back over the time that has passed since he told me that, I realized that he did give me some valuable advice. I have remembered what he told me many times and have used it on more than one occasion.
Reflection: I like the last verse of this passage a lot. As we've been talking this week about giving openly with unclenched fists, we've been reminded to give of ourselves through our time, talent, and treasures. But I think this verse reminds us of something else.
Reflection: This week, as we are reading Biblical stories that reflect on our duty as Christians to give generously, we see examples of that. Monday, we read about how God gives freely. Yesterday, we read about those who used their talents wisely and gave them away, getting something in return. Today, we read about Deborah, who was a judge and prophetess.
I had to admit, I don't know too much about Deborah. But the little bit that I do know, I think she was a leader who lead with both her mind and her heart. I get the impression that she would be the type of leader who seizes the moment, takes charge, but often lets others get the credit for what she has done. Deborah was a very strong woman who gave lots of people advice. When she told Barak that he needed to go and fight he asked her to come with him. And she did. She was one who I believe would be generous toward people in her decision making.
Reflection: This week's readings are all about giving freely and not keeping your time, talent, and treasures in your clenched fists. Yesterday, we were reminded through our Psalm that God freely gives to us. Today, I think our story is reminding us that those who love God should want to give.
Many pastors and lay people will preach this Sunday about stewardship. This story lends itself to having those discussions. Thinking about that got me to thinking about how I learned about giving to God, through the work of the church. I remember being very young and asking my parents if I could have my own offering envelopes. They arranged that through the church office. And so, when I got my allowance, I would put some of it in the envelope for the following Sunday. I'm sure my change didn't affect the church budget greatly, but it taught me the importance of giving back to the church because of my love of God.
Why did I want to do that? Undoubtedly because of the example set by my parents. I watched them put a portion of their income in the offering envelope each week. It wasn't because of a sermon or a stewardship campaign, but because I saw the importance of that through my own folks.
Reflection: We are going to do something a little bit differently this week. Usually, on Mondays, we look at the gospel text for the coming Sunday. But this week, we are going to look at the Psalm first. That's because I think the Psalm sets up well the other lessons that we'll read later this week.
When I saw the assigned texts for this Sunday, I laughed a bit because it was Psalm 123. I thought to myself, "This psalm probably gets less reading time than it's counterpart 100 chapters earlier." We all have probably heard Psalm 23. But Psalm 123 is rich in meaning and lessons as well.
Verse two tells us, "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us." It reminds us that in all we do, we should look to God, our master. And then it tells us that we should ask God for mercy.
Reflection: Scripture and history are filled with stories about people of God screwing up. Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden, doing the one thing they were told not to do. Jacob trying to trick his dad and cheat his brother out of the firstborn's blessing, only to be cheated himself later in the story. King David . . . . Peter, the most clueless disciple, over and over again not getting the point Jesus is trying to teach his followers, then actually denying that he even knows Jesus after his arrest. Not a stellar bunch, are they?
been unwilling to love the neighbor (or family member) beside me. Situations where I have been engulfed in hopelessness, forgetting the promises and faithfulness of God. Times when I’ve lost sight of God’s call to live love and compassion and forgiveness toward all those I encounter. There are surely moments when each of us struggle to be who we are invited to be as followers of Jesus.
Following Jesus is not an easy road. Human nature makes us want to focus on ourselves, our needs, our own wants and priorities. It takes a colossal effort to set aside ourselves and focus on the needs of others. It takes patience and insight to listen and hear what Jesus is trying to say.
Reflection: I have a pretty good knowledge of the church year. I grew up in the Lutheran Church, was taught the church year in Sunday School and it was reinforced during discussions at home. I get excited at this time of year, when I know that Reformation Day is here and we can sing my favorite hymn, "A Mighty Fortress." I also like All Saints Sunday, when we sing "For All The Saints" and remember those who came before us and those saints living among us.
This past Sunday, as we were driving to church, I told my almost five-year-old daughter about our church observance for that day. I told her it was All Saints Sunday and that we would be remembering those we knew who died and are in heaven now. I asked to recall any saints who are in heaven. At first, she wasn't sure, but I reminded her of my Aunt Norma Jean and Uncle Paul, the two relatives whose funerals she's attended.
At church, the children's sermon reinforced what I taught her and we also talked about it again at Sunday School. That night, when I asked her about her day, she didn't volunteer any information she learned about church that day, but kids have a way of picking up stuff and not always telling you about it. I think she'll remember All Saints, especially when she looks at the toilet paper holder "saint" she made as a craft in Sunday School.
I thought of this experience as I read our Psalm for today. This Psalm reminds us that we are responsible to pass down the faith to the younger generations. My Sunday School teachers, pastors, and parents did that for me. It is now my turn to do that for my children. And verse six tells us that my children's children will also hear these stories, and rise up and tell their children.
Reflection: Chad has written recently about the Saints. We celebrated All Saints’ Day just two days ago. We remember those we love who have gone before us. We claim God’s promise for them. We do believe that they live in God’s marvelous, gracious presence. And we look to be reunited with them when our lives here are finished.
Paul in today’s passage addresses us, the saints who still live this life. He imagines the relationship between the saints who live on earth and those who live around God’s throne. He believes that in God’s time the living and the dead will be together in the presence of Jesus. Much has been made about how that will be. The “details” have made for some interesting conversations (and maybe a heated argument or two).
But, here is the bottom line. God has this covered. Our loved ones are with God. And when the time comes “we will be with the Lord forever.” So, we are encouraged and encourage each other to live faithfully and let God take care of those ultimate matters. --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff.
Reflection: In the Bible, I've often found passages like this. They recount Bible stories from the past. They remind us what has happened in God's story over the ages.
When I read this story today, I thought about how often we see these passages in the Bible. And I was reminded that no matter how much we've heard the old, old stories, it is important to hear them again and again and be reminded of God's faithfulness.
Lately, I've been thinking about the children and youth of today. Are they hearing these important stories of Adam, Eve, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Sarah, Ruth, Daniel, and David? Of course that list could go on and on. With the decline of Sunday schools, camp enrollment decreasing, and kids not attending church as they used to, I'm wondering how they are hearing these stories.
keep it burning for the Lord!
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray. Hallelujah!
Keep it burning ‘til the break of day.
sing hosanna to the King!
When I read today’s biblical text, I had one of those moments. “Hey, that’s the text for ‘Give Me Oil!’” It is such a difficult text, set in the midst of Jesus’ words about end times in Matthew. The parable is clearly about being alert, expecting the coming of the Lord. It has been such a long time, this waiting and watching. Who could blame of us for doubting that Jesus is coming?
I’d like to share the thoughts of Carla Works about this passage. Readers today may find themselves secretly sympathetic to the foolish maidens. Does the church really live as though the bridegroom's arrival is certain? Some have become caught up in trying to determine the day and the hour, while others have let their lamps run out. To live in vigilance means for the disciples to do the tasks that they have been appointed to do in preparation for the Master's coming. In Matthew's Gospel, those tasks include bearing witness to God's kingdom by welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and imprisoned (25:31-46), and making disciples in all the world (28:19-20).