Sunday, July 26

Romans 8:38 & 39
Nothing will separate us from the love of God.

When my beautiful daughter Stephanie died by suicide I asked God where are you? In my grief I thought that God had deserted us. With the help of the body of Christ, those who serve, I now know that it is I who has moved. God is still and always will be there for me.

Prayer: God help us to believe and trust in You. Amen

Monday, July 27

Romans 8:26
“We do not know what we should pray for, but the spirit intercedes for us.”

It’s interesting to observe the campers during prayer. At the beginning of the week they are inattentive, hats are on and they seldom comment about the prayer. After a few days they are attentive, hats are off, heads are bowed and they share their thoughts.

Prayer: Dear Lord we are mindful that even in our prayers, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. We give you thanks Lord for Fortune Lake where we feel your living presence. Amen

Tuesday, July 28

Ephesians 2: 21-22
“In him the whole building is joined together
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
And in him you to are being built together to become a dwelling
in which God lives by his spirit.”

Each day the counselors demonstrate their love for each other. Each day I see youngsters who are loners at the beginning of the week becoming close friends with other campers

Prayer: Dear Lord we give You thanks that you have broken down the dividing wall between us and our Father and one another. May we be thankful for this gift. Amen.

Wednesday, July 29

Matthew 13: 31-32 The parable of the mustard seed.

Even though camp experience is short we see former campers who are active in their parishes’, becoming ministers, and witnessing in their communities. We become more committed to continuing to reach out to the body of Christ.

Prayer: Lord help us to remember that even the smallest actions for our youth can become major inspirations in their life. Amen.

Thursday, July 30

1 Corinthians 9: 26.
“Therefore, I do not run aimlessly ... I have disciplined my body.”

The valiants at camp could relate to this verse. When we talked about discipline one of the counselors reminded the campers that they don’t have to serve, they get to serve. One of the younger campers told us that getting to serve was the topic of his pastor’s sermon. This was amazing to me because I don’t often remember a sermon. We need to listen to our youth!

Prayer: God we give thanks for the wonderful young people in our synod. Help us to provide them with camp programs and to be attentive to their insights. Amen.

Friday, July 31

Ephesians 6: 13-20.
Put on the Full Armor of God.

One of Northern Michigan University’s athletes recited these verses as he dressed for a game. As he put on each piece of equipment he asked for truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation. Sounds like an unusual prayer to prepare for a contact sport. He was one of the Wildcats’ best goalies. Recently I met his family and it was evident that he lives his life just like he played the game. With the full armor of God.

Prayer. Pray in the spirit in all occasions, be alert and always keep praying. Amen.

Saturday, August 1

Hebrews 5:12
“by this time you ought to be teachers,
and you need someone to teach you the elementary truths
of Gods words all over again”

I am grateful for a weekly Men’s ministry meeting. Often I struggle with the meanings of scripture. I have brothers in the group who help keep us focused on the basics. Any one in the area is welcomed.

Prayer: God we thank you for brothers and sisters who are faithful. Enable us to help each other to grow in faith. Amen.