MONTHLY ARCHIVES: May 2013

Let It Go

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Teeny

1 Let’s Recap

Verse 12 starts out with the word, “Therefore.” That lets you know you should probably back up a bit for better understanding. Writing from prison, Paul was explaining to the Colossian believers that in Christ, life should be different (Col. 3:1-4). They needed to put aside all ungodly behaviors, things like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies. If all that kind of stuff had been going on among them, then don’t you think they were probably holding onto some grudges against each other?

Read Colossians 3:12-14 below. Underline all the things Christians are told to do in these verses.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.” —Colossians 3:12–14

2 Ask yourself:

Why do you think Paul used the phrase “put on” in reference to the qualities he mentioned in these verses?

How well are these qualities displayed in your life? Explain.

Do your thoughts about forgiveness line up with those presented in this passage? Why or why not?

3 The Point

Because we all have a sin nature, we fall short sometimes. What that means is that we all need forgiveness. That’s where Colossians 3:12-14 comes in. The short version is this: God forgave you; you need to forgive others.

Some things to remember when people make you mad, disappoint, or hurt you:

God forgave you.

Each of us struggles against our sinful nature.

Sometimes when someone else struggles with their sinful nature, you have to deal with some of the fallout.

Only two things in life really matter—loving God and loving people.

Christians must cultivate a lifestyle of forgiveness (Col. 3:13).

4 Take Action

Think about your life. Are you holding on to past hurts or grudges in any area of your life? Is there someone you need to forgive? Turn it over to God today.

Saying and doing are two different things. How will you choose to live out your forgiveness today?

There are a lot of myths about forgiveness.


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Shine

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Teeny

There are many ways that people shine. Maybe you . . .

  • are a stand-out on the tennis court.
  • make people laugh a lot.
  • are really good-looking.
  • are a Little Chief or a Belle
  • get good grades.
  • can sing.
  • get tons of “likes” and comments on Facebook
  • are really nice to everyone.
  • are a leader in your youth group.

Name one thing that makes you stand out. Jot it down below, along with why you think God made you that way.

 

Now, read Matthew 5:13-16 below. Underline the reason Jesus said we should live committed lives. (Hint: it’s in verse 16!)

13“‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

14‘You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”

—Matthew 5:13–16

Ask Yourself

What does Jesus’ reason teach you about the purpose of your life? Explain.

How well are you living up to that purpose? Explain your answer.

The Point

There’s the earthly point of the Christian life. When you live to please God, your life will help people in this dark world see God’s glory and give Him praise. Whatever you do—however you stand out—it should be for one purpose: to point people to Jesus.
Take Action

What are three specific things you will do to let your light shine for Jesus this week? Comment below, or in your Journal…


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Trip Day Session 1B 2012

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Ragan

Here are some of the highlights of the trip days from Session 1B 2012!


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Cherokee 22

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Ragan

We announced in the fall that we were building a new Cherokee cabin. That cabin in now finished and ready for campers this summer! Check out the pictures below to see the final product!

 


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Oxymoron

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Teeny

An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory terms, like jumbo shrimp. Match the words below to form oxymorons.

pretty     same     living      act      good

difference     grief     dead     ugly    naturally

Think About It
Read Matthew 5:10-12. How about that for an oxymoron: blessed persecution, blessed insults, and blessed evil? It sounds crazy, and nothing any of us would want to invite. But Jesus said it, so it must be true. Believers pursue God’s way of life even when it runs counter to the things the world considers to be important. Because of this, you will face opposition and persecution, but you will be blessed.

Take Action
OEvaluate your life. Is it different from the way the rest of the world lives or do you fit in? Explain. (In your Journal)

Do you act differently at Camp than at home?

If people do insult you and make fun of you because you’re a Christian, is it because you represent Him well or because you judge and antagonize? Explain.

In what area of your life is God calling you to live differently for His glory? What steps will you take to do so this week?


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Trip Day Session 2B 2012

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Ragan

Here are so awesome highlights of all the great trips we took during Session 2B!


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Staff and Campers

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Ragan

We love our campers!  You are what makes camp, well, camp.  Here are some of our favorite moments of staff hanging out with campers during the summer!


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Be Real

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Teeny

Fake diamonds. Fake money. Fake eyelashes. Fake Moustaches (at Camp) Fake Picassos. Fake you?

Journal
Read Matthew 5:8-9. In what ways are you sometimes tempted to fake righteousness? It’s something we all struggle with from time to time, but true believers have a deep-seated inward desire to pursue the things of God. God knows your heart—you can’t fake faith with Him. Take some time right now to get real with God. In your journal, write your honest prayer about where you currently stand with Him.

Behind the Story
The religion God’s people had come to know was one of hypocrisy. The religious leaders of the day faked righteousness by doing all sorts of outwardly religious things. They went to church, gave offerings, obeyed the commandments (when people were watching), and even prayed out loud. But their hearts were impure—they were far from God (Matt. 23:25-28).


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Marva is Ready for Summer 2013

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Sharon

The summer is almost here!  We’ve spent the last 9 months planning and preparing for you to have an awesome time at camp!  Marva is ready to get here and hopes you feel the same.  Here’s a little insight in to her excitement for summer 2013!

 


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