MONTHLY ARCHIVES: September 2011

He Didn’t Wait

Posted by Melissa

I’ll wait until ________ . Fill in that blank. I’ll wait until I’m good enough. I’ll wait until I get things a little more under control. I’ll wait until I’m old enough, better looking, or know exactly what I’m doing.

What’s the problem with that line of thinking?

Read Romans 5:6-8. Pay close attention to verse 8.

What do these verses teach you about the timing of Jesus’ arrival here on earth? Why is that important?

In these verses, which words describe us?

Why didn’t Jesus wait until we were good enough before He came?

How does Christ’s sacrifice prove God’s love for us?

Have you experienced that love? Explain.

Romans 5:6-8 reminds us that God’s grace is never overdue. His timing is perfect! It’s a mystery, isn’t it, to think that Jesus would die for such sinful, messed up people? But Paul says that’s the reason we are to rejoice in the gospel.

The fact is, Jesus didn’t wait until people had it together to come and rescue us. He didn’t wait until we were good enough, had cleaned ourselves up enough, or even realized that we needed rescuing. He came to us when we were at our worst, before we even knew we needed a Savior. He died for us while we were still dead in our sin so that He could raise us to life with Him! He offered His love and forgiveness without condition. And He still offers that love, forgiveness, and hope today. Have you experienced it?

But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! —Romans 5:8

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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God is Intimately Involved

Posted by Melissa

Think about a moment when you were humbled. Maybe you were standing in the midst of some of God’s most beautiful creation and realized His greatness. Perhaps you realized the limits of your abilities in a humbling and slightly embarrassing display witnessed by half the school. How did you feel? What did you learn—about yourself and humility?

Read Philippians 2:5-11, focusing on verses 7-8.

What do these verses teach you about Christ’s character?

Verse 8 says Jesus “humbled Himself.” How?

Why was Jesus’ earthly life a humbling experience for Him?

In your own words, define the word “servant.” Why is that a fitting description of Jesus? Explain.

How did Jesus serve others by living among us and sacrificing Himself?

When is it most difficult for you to be humble or to serve someone else?

What did Jesus receive because of His obedience to humble Himself?

The Bible teaches that Jesus was with God the Father in the beginning and that throughout eternity, He has been equal with His Father (John 1:1-3; Phil. 2:6). In today’s Scripture passage, we begin to understand that Jesus humbled Himself by taking on flesh and becoming like us. Then He went to the cross and died a sinner’s death so that we could be redeemed. Thank God today that Jesus was not content to remain in heaven but became a servant for you. The God you worship isn’t a God who stands far off from you. He’s intimately involved with your life because of Jesus.

Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. —Philippians 2:7-8

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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What Camp is like without the Campers

Posted by Sharon

Have you ever thought about what camp is like after the summer?  Have you ever wondered what we do when you’re not here?  It’s a hard transition when you leave camp and there’s only a few of us here.  I’m sure you probably go through a “camp” withdrawal after you leave.  We go through a “camper” withdrawal as well.  Just know that we are here thinking and praying for you.  Anytime you want to stop by or send us a message to let us know how you’re doing, we’d appreciate it!  Well, hopefully this will give you an idea of what camp is like without the campers…

What Camp Is Like Without Campers from Ridgecrest Summer Camps on Vimeo.

I hope you heard at the end of the video that we are getting a brand new Store/Museum this year!!!  Construction will be starting soon so be sure to check back for updates!


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Hold His Hand

Posted by Melissa

Your friends forgot to include you in their weekend plans. Maybe your parents forgot to pick you up after school. Whatever the situation, you felt abandoned and forgotten. But have you ever felt abandoned by God?

Read Psalm 37:23-26. Zone in on verse 24.

What promises did the psalmist proclaim for God’s people in these verses?

What was the condition for these promises?

How have you seen God’s guidance in your life?

In what areas of your life are you having difficulty trusting that God will come through for you?

Psalm 37 is all about how God will come through for His people. Earlier in the passage, the psalmist had encouraged readers to trust in God’s provision and seek His leadership in their lives. All of these promptings imply a quiet assurance that God will act in His good timing. In today’s passage, the psalmist outlines the tender care God shows to those who seek and follow Him. He guides their steps, holds their hands, and never allows them to be discarded or disowned. He upholds them and meets their needs. That is what God will do for you. So when He seems far away, take heart! He promises to come through for those who put their trust in Him.

Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand. —Psalm 37:24

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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God Will Take Care of You

Posted by Melissa

Do you ever feel like you’re wandering around with no direction in life? Maybe you’re not quite sure why you’re taking certain classes this year. Or maybe life just doesn’t seem to make much sense in general right now. You might be trying to make big decisions, like where or if you’ll go to college or what to do after graduation. Maybe you just want to know if your crush feels the same way about you. Whatever the circumstances, uncertainty can be scary.

Concentrate on verse 7 as you read Deuteronomy 8:1-10.

According to these verses, why did God lead the Israelites on a 40-year journey through the desert?

What had He promised them?

How had God provided for the Israelites while they were in the desert?

Why did God allow His people to feel uncertain for so long? (See vv. 2,5.)

In what area of your life do you need to “observe the commands of the Lord” (Deut. 6:17) as you wait on Him?

How might God be using uncertainty in your life to draw you closer to Him?

In what situation is God calling you to trust in His provision?

The Israelites traveled the hot, arid land by foot, totally removed from the comforts of civilization, susceptible to attack, and without a way to grow food or find water—but God took care of their every need. We sometimes believe that accounts of God’s provision and protection are only found in Bible stories. But if you ask some friends who have been walking with the Lord for awhile, they can probably tell you how God has provided for them. God wants to lead you, guide you, and provide for you in all parts of your life. Let Him.

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams of water, springs, and deep water sources, flowing in both valleys and hills.
—Deuteronomy 8:7

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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