Saturday July 19 Closing Devotion #ColaSalk 2025

 Closing Devotion: Made for More

Ephesians 2:10 CEB– "We are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives."

As you prepare to leave, remember that this week was never just about fixing a house—it was about transformation. The work you’ve done is important, but more important is the way God has shaped your heart. Take your symbol and all that it means to you into your life. You were made for more than this week, more than one act of service—you were made for a life of justice, love, and humility. Salkehatchie is not just a weeklong mission; it’s a way of living.

Carry what you’ve learned with you. Continue to seek ways to serve, to love, and to walk humbly with God. The world needs what you’ve discovered here. You have been consecrated, made holy, on purpose. Now go, and live out what God has begun in you.

Point to Ponder: How will you continue to live as someone made for more?"

Daily Prayer: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen. 

Friday July 18 on-site Devotion #ColaSalk 2025

 Friday: Day 5 – Finishing Strong

2 Timothy 4:7 – "I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith."

The end is in sight. The house has changed, and so are you. Today is about finishing well—not just the project, but the way you’ve grown in faith and relationships. What you’ve done this week matters. You were made for more, and this is just the beginning.

Point to Ponder: How will you carry this experience home with you?

Reminder for campers: Don't forget your symbol! Symbols are something from this week's job site that remind you of this week or a moment when God was with you or when you knew you were "Made for More." It could be something that represents a challenge or learning moment or a JOY! You decide and then it's kind of like show-and-tell when we were kids. You'll have an opportunity to lay your symbol by the altar and share why your symbol is important to you. We will do this in the sanctuary tonight during worship and share Communion with one another. Ask a veteran camper to tell you more if you're new! It's one of my most favorite parts of #ColaSalk

Daily Prayer: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen.

Thursday July 17 on-site Devotion #colaSalk 2025

 

Thursday: Day 4 – Running on Empty

Matthew 11:28 CEB – "Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."

Fatigue sets in, and patience wears thin. Today is about pushing forward, setting the team up to finish tomorrow, but also remembering that rest and renewal are part of God’s rhythm. And, while we can’t nap today, we know rest isn’t always sleep. While we don’t need to disassociate with scrolling, something that might feel restful, but is not actually resting. Rest can be found in joy, in a moment of connection with one another. In moments of meaning. Look for moments of gratitude, it will help your energy. Notice how far you’ve come. Look for places of progress. Let God refill your spirit.

Point to Ponder: Where can you find rest in God today?

Daily Prayer: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen. 

Wednesday July 16 On-Site Devotion #colaSalk 2025

 

Wednesday: Day 3 – Overwhelmed but Not Alone

Isaiah 41:10 CEB – "Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand."

By midweek, the work may feel overwhelming. Maybe the project looks impossible, or your energy is running low. This is when teamwork and faith matter most. You were never meant to do this work alone. You were not meant to do the work of Salkehatchie AND the work of walking in your faith alone. The world likes to say that we are independent, self-made people but you and I know that everyone relies on someone else. We rely on Ashland UMC to house us, we rely on local churches to feed us, we rely on donations to do this work ... .we cannot do any of Salkehatchie without a really big team!  Rely on your team both here at the site and parts of the bigger team making camp happen and always on God’s strength. God promises strength.

Point to Ponder: How can you support someone else today?

Daily Prayer: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen. 

Tuesday July 15 On-Site devotion #colaSalk 2025

Tuesday: Day 2 – When Things Get Real

Galatians 6:9 CEB – "Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up."

Day two can be tough. The work is harder than expected, and things don’t always go as planned. Frustration might creep in. It is HOT! But God calls us to perseverance. When challenges arise, lean on each other, and remember that transformation—of homes and hearts—takes time. The work you are taking on matters. This work is more than sweat-equity into a home, your actions, words and deeds will also impact the team you are working with. Do not tire of doing good! You never know the harvest that will come from this work. 

Point to Ponder: Where do you see God in the struggles?

Daily Prayer: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen.

Monday July 14 on-site Devotion #colaSalk 2025

Monday: Day 1 – Energy and Excitement

Colossians 3:23-24 CEB – Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. You serve the Lord Christ.

The first day is full of excitement and energy. You’re eager to jump in and make a difference. You are filled with righteous justice and abundant mercy. Today, remember that your work is an act of worship. It’s not about proving yourself but serving with a heart that honors God. Every nail, every board, every paint stroke is part of something bigger. What you are doing is important, but how you interact with the people matters too. Don’t get caught up in the task and miss the people or the moments of joy with one another! 

Point to Ponder: How can you serve with joy today?

Daily Prayer: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen. 

Saturday July 12 Devotion for evening worship July 12 #ColaSalk 2025

 Saturday: Welcome – Created for More

Micah 6:8 CEB – "He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God."

Welcome to Salkehatchie! We are so glad you are here. Our theme this year is Made for More. It is a reminder that you were made for more than an ordinary life—you were made for love, service, and transformation. The heading for Micah 6:8 is What does the Lord Require of you? The prophet Micah teaches that we are required to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. This week, you will be the hands and feet of Christ, learning to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. We invite you to be open to all that God has in store.

Point to Ponder: How do you hope to grow this week?

Daily Prayer*: Lord, I know who I am, because I know who you are. You are the God of justice, of mercy and of love. Help me to live into my identity as your child and into the truth that I was made for more. Help me to glorify you in all I say and do. Amen. 

*Campers will say this prayer each day with the homeowners and their site group. The hope is that repetition will reinforce the theme for the week and set their intention for the day, "help me to glorify You (God) in all I say and do."

Introduction to the Theme #ColaSalk 2025 July 12-19, 2025

 

Salkehatchie 2025 Devotions: Made for More

Theme overview:

This year is based on Micah 6:8 and the song, “Made for More” by Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson, and Josh Baldwin. The work we do at Salkehatchie is justice work, it is also a work of God’s mercy and this work should be done with humility or in some aspect will humble us. The format of the devotions is similar to previous years: scripture, devotion, ponder, prayer.  

Micah 6:8 CEB

What does the Lord require?

8 He has told you, human one, what is good and
        what the Lord requires from you:
            to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

 
Key Lyrics “Made for More:”

I know who I am 'cause I know who You are

The cross of salvation was only the start

Now I am chosen, free and forgiven

I have a future and it's worth the living

'Cause I wasn't made to be tending a grave

I was called by name

Born and raised back to life again

I was made for more

So why would I make a bed in my shame

When a fountain of grace is running my way

I know I am Yours

And I was made for more