Read: Daniel 12:3; Philippians 2:12-16 The dark sky over Star Mountain Camp rumbled with thunder. “Macaroni and cheese, everybody freeze!” Sam, the camp counselor, called out over the rowdy summer campers. It had been raining all week, and everyone was getting restless. “For this next game, I’ll need volunteers,” Sam announced. Hands shot up all over the rec room. “You and you,” Sam said, pointing to twin brothers Aiden and Connor. Choruses of “No fair!” and “I was first!” rose up from the grumbling campers. “Okay, change of plans,” Sam said. “I think what everyone has is a case of the rumble-grumbles. It’s becoming an epidemic!” “What’s a leopard-demic?” asked one of the younger campers. “Epidemic,” Sam corrected. “It’s something that spreads—like a bad rash.” “Ewwww,” said the campers. “So that’s something we want to fix fast, right?” Sam asked them. Young heads slowly started to nod. “Who remembers our Bible verse for the week?” asked Sam. The twins raised their hands. “You, then you,” Sam said, pointing to each of them. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing,” Connor began. “So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation,” Aiden continued. “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” “I want everyone to follow me,” Sam said, leading the way outside. He pointed at the sky as the group huddled together in the cool night air. “Check out the stars!” Gazing at the sparkling sky far above them, murmurs of “Wow!” and “Awesome!” drifted up from the campers. “That’s how Jesus wants you to shine—here at camp, when you go home, at school, wherever you are,” Sam told them. “How do you think you can do that?” “I guess one way is to remember everything Jesus has done for us instead of grumbling,” Connor suggested. “And that He wants us to love and encourage one another,” Aiden said thoughtfully. “Right,” said Sam. “Remember, if you belong to Jesus, you reflect Him—just like those stars in the night sky.” He paused. All was calm. All was bright. “Hey!” Aiden exclaimed suddenly. “The sky stopped rumbling!” Connor grinned. “And the campers have stopped grumbling.” –Kelly Hope How about you? Do you find it easy to grumble or argue instead of being loving and encouraging to others? Remember that those who trust in Jesus shine like stars that stand out in the night sky. When you feel the rumble-grumbles coming on, remember that you belong to Jesus, who died to save you and fills your life with His love and blessings. Then trust Him to help you reflect His light. Today’s key verse: Do everything without grumbling or arguing…Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV) Today’s key thought: Don’t grumble
