It is interesting to be placed in the same dorm with junior high boys between the ages of 11 - 14 for an entire week. As the counselor, you find yourself as a disciplinarian more than a counselor. It reminds me of being a levy along a river, placed there for the here and now, but as we all know, nature has a way of over-taking the boundaries man puts in its way. So, we may tame a river during our lifetime, but the river can certainly erode, flood, and overtake what we put in its way.
Not that these boys were of a mind to do anything terribly wrong, but if given the chance, they might stay up well past their bedtime (taking away swim time curbed that). They might be a little more aggressive in the field of play than is good (go tell him you are sorry). They might blurt out language not fit for church camp, and in simple terms, they may bully someone where teasing goes past acceptable (do an act of kindness for the person you just humiliated). Beyond that, though, it wasn't anything that an old man and a college-aged kid couldn't handle.
And aren't they like the adults they learn from (parents, teachers, mentors, others)? Sinner/saints? Luther said something along the lines of "saints are sinners too, but they are forgiven." Saints in his mind meaning followers of Christ. Yes, we adults test the boundaries as well as our children.
Peter says it this way, "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you to be holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:16). We are assured through the resurrection that our sins are forgiven and that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, but "If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:9).
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for our youth. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving that they have opportunities to grow, and that we, as their caregivers, take time to grow as well, in order to teach, lead, and care for them as they move into their own faith lives.
Hope Men's Ministry
Monday, July 25, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Devotion 7.21.16
It is easy to love your team when they are winning. No doubt, social media is lit up when it comes to a winning team, and we talk smack about our team when they are good. We also go into hiding when they aren't good.
Likewise, there are times when it is easy to be a Christian, pontificating about society in general and issuing edicts about the deplorable conditions we find ourselves in. Shame on them (whomever that may be) for having fallen to the depths of depravity as society spins further out of control, for I know the love of Christ at work within me, and you clearly do not. And then we step out of the sanctuary and back into the world which can be hostile to the gospel.
So was the message the first night of camp as we climbed to the "wooden cross" on an adjacent ledge to the "lighted cross" mentioned in an earlier devotion. At this point of our camp, the first night, we had started talking about following Christ and sharing Christ to others. At this point in the hike, I read from Luke 9 about the transfiguration of Christ where he takes Peter, James and John with him to a mountain to pray. While there, Elijah and Moses appear with him and he is shown in his heavenly glory. Peter unwittingly says, "This is a good place to be, let us build tents here" to which Luke says, "...Not knowing what he said."
It's easy to be a follower of Christ when you are on a mountain top with Christ (and other Christians at Lutheran Camp). It's easy to proclaim the gospel, but like Peter, we want to stay there. Our calling is not to stay there, though, but to go out into the world and share that love of Christ with others. Not easy to do, we noted in that devotion, and the trappings of the world make it difficult, even for the best of us.
Pray that we have the courage to proclaim the gospel of Christ with others, even in the trappings of this world (comfort, stability at times, and things that distract us).
Hope Men's Ministry
Likewise, there are times when it is easy to be a Christian, pontificating about society in general and issuing edicts about the deplorable conditions we find ourselves in. Shame on them (whomever that may be) for having fallen to the depths of depravity as society spins further out of control, for I know the love of Christ at work within me, and you clearly do not. And then we step out of the sanctuary and back into the world which can be hostile to the gospel.
So was the message the first night of camp as we climbed to the "wooden cross" on an adjacent ledge to the "lighted cross" mentioned in an earlier devotion. At this point of our camp, the first night, we had started talking about following Christ and sharing Christ to others. At this point in the hike, I read from Luke 9 about the transfiguration of Christ where he takes Peter, James and John with him to a mountain to pray. While there, Elijah and Moses appear with him and he is shown in his heavenly glory. Peter unwittingly says, "This is a good place to be, let us build tents here" to which Luke says, "...Not knowing what he said."
It's easy to be a follower of Christ when you are on a mountain top with Christ (and other Christians at Lutheran Camp). It's easy to proclaim the gospel, but like Peter, we want to stay there. Our calling is not to stay there, though, but to go out into the world and share that love of Christ with others. Not easy to do, we noted in that devotion, and the trappings of the world make it difficult, even for the best of us.
Pray that we have the courage to proclaim the gospel of Christ with others, even in the trappings of this world (comfort, stability at times, and things that distract us).
Hope Men's Ministry
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Devotion 7.20.16
At some point in time during camp, after a temporary but large thunderstorm moved through the camp, someone in the group decided it would be a good time to take the kids on a hike to "the lighted cross." Wisdom and judgement tossed aside, the four of us (counselors) said, "Okay." After all, we were equipped with flashlights (every kid brought one). With the main trail wet, we had to take an alternate trail not familiar to everyone, and it was growing dark. So, sure, why not? Let's do this thing.
So, off we went, hiking along a trail with Austin (Ratke), the more experienced camper in the group in the lead, and me, the least experienced at camp but someone who runs and hikes, in the rear to take care of those toward the rear. Austin's voice, distinct, was ever present as we hiked our way up to the rim of the canyon overlooking the camp. My name was familiar by this point because Austin called it at least a dozen times for help and to think through our next steps. There was only one precarious spot on the trail and that was a step up that was about six feet in height which required assistance from me and the song leader, Tim, who joined us on this hike (he was my age).
Once we reached the lighted cross, we prayed a prayer of thanksgiving and asked for safe return. I told Austin that Tim and I would go back to the point that required assistance to be ready for the kids. As we walked, to the point, I noticed Tim was not using a flashlight (oh yes, I was). You need light? I asked Tim. No, he said, using night vision. By this point, my eyes had adjusted to the use of the light from a flashlight, but Tim followed the trail true to its form until we were about 10 feet from the dropoff, then he turned on his flashlight.
The opportunity did not go unmissed. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:104) We were safe and always had been safe despite the fact the conditions were not ideal. God had literally given us light for our path and we turned to his Word to ask for safety, his Son Jesus Christ, as Austin prayed at the top of the climb near the cross.
When do we allow God to lighten our path and when do we decide to go it alone? "Sorry God, I don't need you, I can do this?" The kids heard us pray and saw us work together as a team, which was part of the theme of camp as we go out in the world proclaiming the love of Christ.
Pray we are in constant prayer with God and that we know we can and do turn to him at all times, not just when we are in the valleys of life. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving that God listens to our prayers and answers them in his time.
Hope Men's Ministry
So, off we went, hiking along a trail with Austin (Ratke), the more experienced camper in the group in the lead, and me, the least experienced at camp but someone who runs and hikes, in the rear to take care of those toward the rear. Austin's voice, distinct, was ever present as we hiked our way up to the rim of the canyon overlooking the camp. My name was familiar by this point because Austin called it at least a dozen times for help and to think through our next steps. There was only one precarious spot on the trail and that was a step up that was about six feet in height which required assistance from me and the song leader, Tim, who joined us on this hike (he was my age).
Once we reached the lighted cross, we prayed a prayer of thanksgiving and asked for safe return. I told Austin that Tim and I would go back to the point that required assistance to be ready for the kids. As we walked, to the point, I noticed Tim was not using a flashlight (oh yes, I was). You need light? I asked Tim. No, he said, using night vision. By this point, my eyes had adjusted to the use of the light from a flashlight, but Tim followed the trail true to its form until we were about 10 feet from the dropoff, then he turned on his flashlight.
The opportunity did not go unmissed. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:104) We were safe and always had been safe despite the fact the conditions were not ideal. God had literally given us light for our path and we turned to his Word to ask for safety, his Son Jesus Christ, as Austin prayed at the top of the climb near the cross.
When do we allow God to lighten our path and when do we decide to go it alone? "Sorry God, I don't need you, I can do this?" The kids heard us pray and saw us work together as a team, which was part of the theme of camp as we go out in the world proclaiming the love of Christ.
Pray we are in constant prayer with God and that we know we can and do turn to him at all times, not just when we are in the valleys of life. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving that God listens to our prayers and answers them in his time.
Hope Men's Ministry
Monday, July 18, 2016
Devotion 7.19.16
Where does the energy come from? Men, I'm telling you, activity that would drop the average human in two hours had little effect or impact on the drive these young kids have. By Wednesday, I was thinking to myself that this will be the day when the kids eventually drop from exhaustion. Of course, I said that from my bed after having dropped from exhaustion, so I was hoping to have some company in the dorm, kind of that "please tell me I'm not the only one" moment.
The heat, significant, was oppressive, but to try to get the kids to rest in the heat of the day was as easy as changing tires on a car with no tools or car jacks. When we arrived, I had five cases of 40 bottles of water for just the junior high boys (18 in all). Pastor Eric said, "Maybe we can take the remainder to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering," to which I said, "Sure, we will probably have some left over." By week's end, we had to buy another case of water. It was that hot, and we were that thirsty.
Yet, it was apparent that these kids thirsted more than water. They were engaged in the bible studies we had for them as well as they were the games and activities we had, eager to answer questions and participate in discussions. They were bright and asked questions of various leaders when we took turns presenting. I was reminded of two passages during this time: "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:2) and Christ in the book of John, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" (8:37 - 38)
Our kids thirst for answers. We thirst for meaning and purpose. Christ brings us that living water that quenches that thirst for meaning and purpose. Christ is the living water that delivers us from the heat in our lives that we face. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving for his Son and for the living water he provides.
Hope Men's Ministry
The heat, significant, was oppressive, but to try to get the kids to rest in the heat of the day was as easy as changing tires on a car with no tools or car jacks. When we arrived, I had five cases of 40 bottles of water for just the junior high boys (18 in all). Pastor Eric said, "Maybe we can take the remainder to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering," to which I said, "Sure, we will probably have some left over." By week's end, we had to buy another case of water. It was that hot, and we were that thirsty.
Yet, it was apparent that these kids thirsted more than water. They were engaged in the bible studies we had for them as well as they were the games and activities we had, eager to answer questions and participate in discussions. They were bright and asked questions of various leaders when we took turns presenting. I was reminded of two passages during this time: "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:2) and Christ in the book of John, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" (8:37 - 38)
Our kids thirst for answers. We thirst for meaning and purpose. Christ brings us that living water that quenches that thirst for meaning and purpose. Christ is the living water that delivers us from the heat in our lives that we face. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving for his Son and for the living water he provides.
Hope Men's Ministry
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Devotion 7.18.16
So many stories and so little time. For almost one entire week, a group of kids and adults ranging in age from around eight or nine years old through 56 years of age (my age, I was the oldest from Hope Lutheran to attend), 33 (thirty-three) people from Hope (around 28 youth, four counselors, and one pastor) attended one summer camp at Ceta Glen, joining youth and sponsors from other Lutheran churches from West Texas to have a camp that numbered around 140 people I believe. It was a large gathering as some said for a year that also had a national youth gathering on the other end of the week (starting Saturday).
I am told the camp is 94 years old, and one of our member's grandfather was one of the first to camp there at the age of 8. I was assigned (along with another member of Hope, Austin Ratke), with 18 junior high boys ages 11 - 14, to that grandfather's first dorm room. Oh, it had running water, electricity, toilets, a/c, showers, and beds (about 20 bunk beds put in a room slightly bigger than the average living room in a house), but when you put a man in a room with adolescents whose primary objective at camp is to be adolescents, the housing conditions are primitive no matter what the modern conveniences are.
Play we did. Games with names like "Nuke 'Em," "Snow Ball Fights," "Slip n Slide Kickball," "Camp Olympics" and other such activities filled our time along with Bible Study (it is a church camp after all), song, and worship. The temperature hovered, in the canyon, around 110 - 115 degrees during that heat spell that saw temperatures in Lubbock around 105. At one point, I looked at my fellow counselor Austin and said, "These kids stink, but so do we," as we sat supervising some activity.
The theme of the camp was "Follow and Share" and the logo was an android with the words "Follow and Share" written in the face of the android (reflective of the modern social media culture). The passage that drove the event was from Matthew 4 in which Jesus calls his disciples to follow him, and immediately they drop their nets.
As men of a church and as fathers of some who went, we have a responsibility to teach these young children diligently to become those kinds of disciples like the men Christ called, and we have a responsibility to be disciples who share the good news in our own way as well. Over the next few days, you will hear stories that came from that setting, all good, that will give each of you reading these the opportunity to impact those around you in your home, your work, and your own church if you are not a member of Hope.
We pray a prayer of thanksgiving for our youth and the opportunities to develop them to become faithful followers of Christ. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving for their safety and for their safe return from each of these events. We prayer a prayer of thanks for everyone who made these events possible, from donations, prayers, and working directly with the youth as opportunities arose.
Hope Men's Ministry
I am told the camp is 94 years old, and one of our member's grandfather was one of the first to camp there at the age of 8. I was assigned (along with another member of Hope, Austin Ratke), with 18 junior high boys ages 11 - 14, to that grandfather's first dorm room. Oh, it had running water, electricity, toilets, a/c, showers, and beds (about 20 bunk beds put in a room slightly bigger than the average living room in a house), but when you put a man in a room with adolescents whose primary objective at camp is to be adolescents, the housing conditions are primitive no matter what the modern conveniences are.
Play we did. Games with names like "Nuke 'Em," "Snow Ball Fights," "Slip n Slide Kickball," "Camp Olympics" and other such activities filled our time along with Bible Study (it is a church camp after all), song, and worship. The temperature hovered, in the canyon, around 110 - 115 degrees during that heat spell that saw temperatures in Lubbock around 105. At one point, I looked at my fellow counselor Austin and said, "These kids stink, but so do we," as we sat supervising some activity.
The theme of the camp was "Follow and Share" and the logo was an android with the words "Follow and Share" written in the face of the android (reflective of the modern social media culture). The passage that drove the event was from Matthew 4 in which Jesus calls his disciples to follow him, and immediately they drop their nets.
As men of a church and as fathers of some who went, we have a responsibility to teach these young children diligently to become those kinds of disciples like the men Christ called, and we have a responsibility to be disciples who share the good news in our own way as well. Over the next few days, you will hear stories that came from that setting, all good, that will give each of you reading these the opportunity to impact those around you in your home, your work, and your own church if you are not a member of Hope.
We pray a prayer of thanksgiving for our youth and the opportunities to develop them to become faithful followers of Christ. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving for their safety and for their safe return from each of these events. We prayer a prayer of thanks for everyone who made these events possible, from donations, prayers, and working directly with the youth as opportunities arose.
Hope Men's Ministry
Friday, July 8, 2016
Devotion 7.9.16
Stephen Covey tells us that a successful person "begins with the end in mind." So, when I had the opportunity to deliver the message on Father's Day a few Sundays ago, I suggested that parents, moms and dads, sit down and ask, "What do we hope for our children when they become adults?" In essence, what qualities in terms of behavior and in terms of beliefs do we hope to develop in our children? Not what do we want them to be when they grow up, but what essential qualities do we expect for them?
As we approach camp for our children under the theme "Follow and Share," we've been bouncing around character traits we hope to discuss with our youth when it comes to "Spiritual Development." Here are some of the themes: Lead/Follow; Teamwork; Courage; Maturity/Wisdom.
There are any number of scriptural passages that support each of these, so the themes are given to you as parents and as members of your own congregations (not all Lutheran). As you develop your own children and youth in your midst, what commitment do you have to develop these boys and girls, soon to become young men and women, with Christian character traits, that they will take with them into their own adult lives?
Pray for our youth. Pray that God's Spirit strengthen them as they literally take a retreat to develop their faith lives in the name of a camp.
Hope Men's Ministry
As we approach camp for our children under the theme "Follow and Share," we've been bouncing around character traits we hope to discuss with our youth when it comes to "Spiritual Development." Here are some of the themes: Lead/Follow; Teamwork; Courage; Maturity/Wisdom.
There are any number of scriptural passages that support each of these, so the themes are given to you as parents and as members of your own congregations (not all Lutheran). As you develop your own children and youth in your midst, what commitment do you have to develop these boys and girls, soon to become young men and women, with Christian character traits, that they will take with them into their own adult lives?
Pray for our youth. Pray that God's Spirit strengthen them as they literally take a retreat to develop their faith lives in the name of a camp.
Hope Men's Ministry
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Devotion 7.8.16
Men, we are a team, so when you go out there, play as a team. I don't want anyone to start second-guessing the other. You each have a role in the outcome of this. You see men, we are a machine, and each part of the machine is important. The engine can't run without gas, so the tank is equally important to the engine, and each piston in that engine contributes to how well it runs. So, the mechanic is equally important making sure we have a well-oiled and fine-tuned machine that runs like it should. The mechanic is as important as the driver, who optimizes the effectiveness of the entire machine. That's how we win, by knowing we all have a part to play. So, are we ready to get out there and win and be a team? Huddle up....
Ah, the Friday night ritual. Win one for the Gipper kind of thing. Everyone so fired up they run out and forget their helmets in the locker room. Apparently, Tim Tadlock, Tech's baseball coach, used a tree (which I used as a principal of a school) and that you have to care for that tree to get it to grow.
Our youth have a very active summer, and next week, they learn to "Follow and Share." Part of that is to work together as a team, just like the church. If the team doesn't work well together, then there is that potential for God's Word to become diluted in the murky waters that flow from our message as a whole (okay, yes, I know and you know that God's Spirit has power over our frailty, and that He is made strong in our weakness, but we should strive to work in unity). What do we, as a church, teach our youth when they come through our doors and watch us, as adults, interact and work together? What is your call within that activity as we work together?
Paul calls us to "work together." "I...urge you to walk in a manner of the calling to which you have been called, with all the humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4)
Our youth are following Christ this summer through their activities. They are learning about their own faith as part of the larger faith of Christianity. How do we teach them that we follow? How do they see us work together. Children learn best what the see, not just hear. Pray that we model our teamwork in the unity of the fellowship in Christ. Pray that we exhibit the love of Christ toward one another and in those we share that love with.
Hope Men's Ministry
Ah, the Friday night ritual. Win one for the Gipper kind of thing. Everyone so fired up they run out and forget their helmets in the locker room. Apparently, Tim Tadlock, Tech's baseball coach, used a tree (which I used as a principal of a school) and that you have to care for that tree to get it to grow.
Our youth have a very active summer, and next week, they learn to "Follow and Share." Part of that is to work together as a team, just like the church. If the team doesn't work well together, then there is that potential for God's Word to become diluted in the murky waters that flow from our message as a whole (okay, yes, I know and you know that God's Spirit has power over our frailty, and that He is made strong in our weakness, but we should strive to work in unity). What do we, as a church, teach our youth when they come through our doors and watch us, as adults, interact and work together? What is your call within that activity as we work together?
Paul calls us to "work together." "I...urge you to walk in a manner of the calling to which you have been called, with all the humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4)
Our youth are following Christ this summer through their activities. They are learning about their own faith as part of the larger faith of Christianity. How do we teach them that we follow? How do they see us work together. Children learn best what the see, not just hear. Pray that we model our teamwork in the unity of the fellowship in Christ. Pray that we exhibit the love of Christ toward one another and in those we share that love with.
Hope Men's Ministry
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