This week's devotion is from Deacon Tanya Behnke, based on Matthew 5:13-16

 

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Pastor Zach, Ana, Nick & I recently returned from Pinecrest.  (Pinecrest is a lutheran leadership ministry for high school and college age youth that meets for a week every August - it is amazing) For me personally it is always a very inspiring week, being able to see the campers grow into amazing leaders that go out into the world and make a difference.  Although our staff remains relatively the same, our faculty changes each year which gives an opportunity for new voices to be added in.  One of our faculty this year, David, did some lyric modification to a song we sing every year, which has stuck with me since camp.  

 

The song is based on the verses from Matthew above.  The first verse is:  "You are the light of the world, you are the light of the world, so shine, shine, shine where you are, you are the light of the world."  It continues on to say "You are a city on a hill", "You are a candle in the dark", "You are a star in the night" and "You are the salt of the earth" before returning to "You are the light of the world."  

 

It is all about letting our light shine before others, letting our true selves shine through to the world.  Seeing the entire camp singing this during our candlelight service has always been moving to me.  But this year during our evening vespers, David was speaking about this song and made some modifications that I hope camp keeps in as future verses.  It's one thing to sing to a camp full of youth that "you" are the light of the world.  I truly believe that with all of my heart.  They are the bright stars in this world.  I believe that each and every person reading this devotion is a much needed light in this world! YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!!!

 

But David had us also sing "I am the light of the world."  Now, that is a harder one for me to handle because so often I (and I'm sure many others) easily see the good and the light in others while less able to see it in myself.  There is recognition and ownership in saying "I am the light of the world".  To be honest, it felt uncomfortable to me.  Knowing that Jesus tells us we are the light of the world is very different from feeling that I'm living up to that goal.  

 

Try singing it now "I am the light of the world, I am the light of the world, so shine, shine, shine where I am, I am the light of the world."

 

The second modification was a little easier, adding "We are the light of the world".  As uncomfortable as the "I" statement felt, this felt right.  Singing this together felt like community at its finest because often it is our community, whether it be Pinecrest, or Calvary, or family, or any other group, that shines brightest in this world.  Joining our light and gifts together brightens this world so much!  It's like when you're in an airplane at night looking down and seeing city lights down below.  Individually, we shine, but together we can make a greater difference in this world! 

 

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus, We know that you told your followers that they are the light of the world and that includes each of us.  Some days it is hard to remember that.  Help us to see our own light so that we can shine, both individually and with community.  We are the light of the world, we are the light of the world, so shine, shine, shine where we are, we are the light of the world!  Help us to live into our light today! Amen.

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Previous devotion is from Pastor Zach, based on the 2025 VBS theme, "At the Table" 

 

Each year, Calvary’s VBS program is based on curriculum provided by ELCA World Hunger, an organization which, for fifty years, has been reaching and helping communities in need. This program not only provides a fun atmosphere for kids, but also introduces them to the needs of others around the world.

 

The writers of this year’s theme say: “The phrase “at the table” comes from a story in the Gospel of Luke (24:13-35), in which the resurrected Jesus appears to two followers traveling on a road to the town Emmaus. They don’t recognize him at first, and instead discuss recent events about Jesus’ death. The three of them show openness to each other, asking questions and answering with vulnerability. Finally, when Jesus eats with them and breaks bread around the table, the two people recognize him and he disappears. So much of this story – from the vulnerability shown to others, to the willingness to listen and tell one’s own story, to revelation of God around a meal – resonates with ELCA World Hunger’s dedication to advocacy. We can invite kids to grow as storytellers and storyhearers in preparation for a life lived on behalf of others.”

 

So often, our faith focuses on us and our individual relationship with God. And, frankly, that’s an easier faith to have! But Jesus invites us to the margins: to feed the hungry, to care for the sick, to forgive debts, and to welcome the stranger. That’s where Jesus is, and that’s what we mean when we pray, “thy kingdom come!”

 

It is a gift to have the group of volunteers at Calvary who lead our neighborhood’s young people in learning the deepest and most important parts of our faith—that after receiving God’s love, we are to share it with others.

 

Let us pray.

 

O God, your work is done through our hands. Bless the ministries of this congregation, especially VBS, that we may embody your love for the world. Thank you for this week’s volunteers who have planned, led, taught, and inspired our young people. Raise up among us voices who draw our attention to those in need. And, in all things, keep our hearts and minds set on the mind of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.​

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Previous devotion is from Deacon Bob Lewis, based on Luke 12:22-31

 

Do Not Worry

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22  Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  23  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  24  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  25  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?  26  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27  “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  28  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!  29  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  30  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  31  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Just a little background information.

 

For those of us who write these devotions, for each month we have assigned scriptures to comment on (write a devotion for). Most of time that is what we do, although sometimes we may write about something else that our hearts call us to comment on. And sometimes the scriptures

assigned to us, at least in my case, and in particular the one for this month, ends up having special meaning. That’s because, true confession time, I’m a worrier. I have always been a worrier. I try

not to, I really do, but no matter how much I try not to, I find things to worry about. Verse 25 says “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” If it did I’d probably live to 150 !! I suspect I’m not alone as someone who worries. I do believe in scripture. I do realize that I’m too blessed to be stressed. I’ve seen time and time again that there was not need to worry about

whatever it was. I go through periods where I stop being a worrywart, but then after a while I go back to the same old stupid stuff.

 

So if you’re like me, and you find yourself worrying about too many things that you know you shouldn’t, remind yourself of Luke 12: 22-31. Write it down and keep it in your pocket or wallet. Or in your notes on your phone like I’m doing. I found this prayer:

 

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart burdened by

worry. I confess that I often allow anxiety to control my thoughts

and actions. I know you have promised peace that surpasses all

understanding, and I ask that you would fill me with that peace

now. Help me to release my worries to you, trusting that you are

in control, even when I cannot see the way forward. Replace my

fear with faith, my anxiety with your love, and my doubt with your

steadfast presence. Grant me the strength to face each day with

confidence, knowing that you are with me always. Amen.​