During Lent, our confirmation students met with mentors to talk about faith and life—growing in identity, belonging, and purpose through caring relationships. Together they also co-wrote reflections on a Bible verse, and we’ll be sharing these devotionals throughout the Easter season as an invitation to embrace thoughtful dialogue and respond to God’s grace with love in the world.
This devotional was written by 8th grader Evelyn Preisinger and her mentor Stacie Schubert
Introductions
Evelyn: I’ve always been a very stubborn person when it comes to my faith. I’ve always been a very stubborn personal in general, actually. As a kid growing up in the church, it always felt like no stories had any true meaning. Yes, I know that “for god so loved the world”, but what does that really mean? I was told these verses so many times, starting from such a young age, that I never truly processed them or took any meaning from them. So, I never really tried. I took these verses as simply words that held no meaning. Because of this, I became quite stubborn whenever someone told me to listen to the bible. Recently, I’ve been trying to revoke this. I’ve been stepping back and trying to hear these stories truly for the first time, and I hope you’ll join me.
Stacie Schubert: cradle Lutheran, former camp counselor and pastor.
Evelyn's Scripture verses:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
I like to interpret this verse in a way that makes sense to me. I believe that the Bible was meant for us, and we can interpret it in a way that makes sense for us and our lives. This verse reminds me that if you live your life with good virtue towards yourself and others, you will improve it greatly. I find that I often overthink situations and try to do too many things at once. This verse reminds me that if I
trust the ideals of God, I can find more peace. Basically, if uphold good virtues for how I treat myself and others, I improve the overall quality of my life. For me, this means being empathetic and present in my life.
Time to ponder:
What does this verse mean in terms of the context of your life? How might God’s ideal path for you differ from another persons? Why do you think the best path for a person can be interpreted as guidance from God?
Stacie’s Scripture verses:Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
For most this is an overused wedding verse but for me the verses have special meaning. When I lost one of my oldest and dearest college friends in August of 2022 I was asked to preach at her funeral. When thinking about appropriate verses these from 1 Corinthians came to mind. When I think about my friend Bailey I think of the way she exhibited unconditional love. Love that was patient and kind. Love that protected and trusted and always had hope. Whether it was for her kids, for me or the Broncos, Bailey’s love was felt by everyone she knew. Although Bailey wasn’t an overly emotive person, she was never short on an ‘I love you’ and you never questioned it. It’s something I admired about her and something I give thanks every day that I experienced through her.
Time to ponder:
Who in your life has shown you the type of love described in 1 Corinthians? How does it make you feel to know that type of love
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