Bible Readings and Devotion for July 7, 2020
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Devotion for July 7, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
Christian camping ministry is wonderful blessing to many. We are thankful every day that we have an excellent Lutheran Christian camp in our county, Fayette County, Texas. Lutherhill is a wonderful place for all ages. The core of their ministry is the Summer Camp weeks. Sadly these had to be cancelled this year due to COVID19 pandemic concerns.
One of the fun and worshipful aspects of Christian Camping Ministries are the songs. A few are simply fun songs for the moment. Most are songs which gather the campers together around the praise of God. From my days as a camp counsellor (summer 1991 at Lutheran Memorial Camp in Ohio), to my years bridging youth to camp, to these days when my son attends camp with other youth from our churches, there is one song which always brings back all my that time and place. It is this song: I Will Call Upon the Lord
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised
So shall I be saved from my enemies
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock
And may the God of my salvation be exalted
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock
And may the God of my salvation be exalted
Here is a video on YouTube which presents this song as I frequently hear it at camps.
The message of this song is simple, yet profound. We get to call on the Lord in the midst of life’s struggles and joys. He is the one thing or person or being who is always consistent throughout our lives. Our God is alive forever. Our God is strong. Our God is to be given worship, to be exalted. That means to be lifted up, at least figuratively. In worship we are recognizing that God is greater than we are. God is God, and we are not. In worship we give thanks that the God who is high and lifted up is also the one who has humbled himself. He humbled himself by taking on human form. He humbled himself, who knew no sin, by becoming sin for us. He humbled himself by taking on death, even death on a cross. His death and resurrection breaks the power of our final enemies, sin, death and the devil.
Our response to his great humiliation is to exalt him in worship. To celebrate his goodness and mercy. Because he cares for us, we can call upon him in prayer. We will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.
Prayer
God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
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