Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Psalm 78:1-8 (NRSV)

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.

He established a decree in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children;
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their ancestors,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.

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Reflect

After having just spent the last week at church camp, the words of the psalmist resonate within my heart. Camp Cumberland, Missouri Presbytery, was established in 1892. Since that time, it has offered a place and an opportunity for each generation to hear the Word of God, put it into practice, and share it with the next generation.

I first attended Camp Cumberland as a camper in 1968 and continued through 1977. A few years later I returned as staff and have only missed one summer since that time. My children, as well, attended as campers and are returning as staff and board members.

This year at camp, I watched the oldest campers serve as role models to the younger ones. They made sure everyone was included, taught them songs and games, and promised whole-heartedly to return as staff. Their actions reminded me how important it is to tell the next generation of “the glorious deeds of the Lord…so that they should set their hope in God….”

Look for ways to serve in Sunday school, VBS, and yes, church camp! The next generation is waiting to hear.

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Pray

Dear Lord, let me be willing to use my talents to serve the next generation. Give me the courage to be open and honest as I share what I have learned with others. Remind me that they are not only listening to what I say, but watching how I live me life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go with God.