MONTHLY ARCHIVES: January 2014

God’s Point of View

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote:

“Job clung to God’s justice when he was the best example in history of God’s apparent injustice. He did not seek the Giver because of his gifts; when all gifts were removed he still sought the Giver.” —Philip Yancey in Where Is God When It Hurts?

Imagine you’re faced with a decision. In trying to decide what’s right or wrong, where would you turn for an answer—the Bible or People Magazine?

You probably chose Scripture, which is good. But think about the voices of the world—celebrities, people in positions of power—who define what injustice is and tell us how we should respond to it. As Christians, we should look at injustice from a biblical point of view. We shouldn’t let celebrities or powerful people dictate our definition of injustice or color our response to it.

“Many seek a ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the Lord.”  —Proverbs 29:26

Read Proverbs 29:25-27. What are some examples of injustice you see in the world?

What does this passage teach you about trusting God and His justice more than the world’s?

According to these verses, who is the source of true justice? Do you live like you believe that? Why or why not?

What do these verses teach you about how to respond to injustice?

The Point

As followers of Christ, we should not let popular thought or people in power define injustice or dictate how we respond to it. We must look to God, whose very character is just, and His Word, responding with compassion, love, and absolute trust in Him.

Respond

• Ask yourself: Does my definition of and response to injustice in this world line up with God’s? List one area of injustice you will trust to Him this week.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see injustice from God’s point of view and respond like He does. Jot down one way you will actively respond to injustice in your family, school, or community as God would have you to.

Behind the Story

Verse 26 doesn’t prohibit seeking help through government institutions or even the legal system. It does, however, call believers to place more faith in God than human institutions. How would truly living this way change our society?

Memory Verse

Read over and memorize Isaiah 1:17.


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The Standard

Posted by Karah

Pause

Go to a place outside where you can see the vastness of the sky, landscape, or even the ocean. Dwell on how immeasurable it seems, how infinite. Then, understand that God is even more infinite. Praise Him for being bigger than you can imagine.

Read Proverbs 2:7-9 in your Bible. These verses contain an “If-Then” pattern. Underline the conditions; put a box around the results.

He stores up success for the upright;

He is a shield for those who live with integrity

so that He may guard the paths of

justice and protect the way of His loyal followers.

Then you will understand righteousness, justice,

and integrity—every good path.

—Proverbs 2:7-9

The Hebrew word, tōm, implies genuineness and reliability; sometimes translated “honest” or “honorable.” Who do you know who exemplifies integrity? How?

What does it mean that God will “guard the paths of justice”?

The Hebrew word mishpāt, means “to govern.” It calls us to render decisions based on God’s justice, not our own. How does the world seek to define justice? How is it different from God’s definition?

Respond

• The world’s definition of justice is sometimes thinly veiled revenge. That’s what justice will be to you, too, unless you get to know God and pursue His ways. What steps will you take to know Him better this week? Write one below.

• For further study on the benefits of pursuing integrity and justice, read Psalm 84:11 and Proverbs 10:9, 20:7, 28:18, and 30:5.

Behind the Story

Proverbs is a genre of writing known as Wisdom literature. Most ancient cultures had some form of Wisdom literature, which was designed to educate people about how to deal with ordinary matters of life. Biblical Wisdom literature is unique, though, because it asserts that God is the starting point for true wisdom (Prov. 1:7, 9:10).

The Point

Because He is just, God is the standard for what is right and wrong. His justice will ultimately prevail, not the world’s warped definition.

 


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Exciting Construction Updates

Posted by Sharon

Lots of construction crews have been busy this year at Crestridge!  We’d like to fill you in on what all has been happening the past several months.  There are three projects at this point.

1. The two cabins are coming along well.  The shells are finished (minus the siding and roofs).  Now it’s time to get started on the inside.  Previously, we said that the new cabin on Chip/Chick Hill will be a Chickasaw cabin.  There has been a change and that cabin will now be a Chippewa cabin.  There will still be four Chippewa cabins and six Chickasaw cabins.  The staff cabin (currently known as the Mansion) will also be a Chippewa cabin.  The current Chickasaw 6 will be a staff cabin. The Chippewa cabin is a little different.  It has the porch on the side instead of on the end.  It looks great!
We’ve also decided to have six Cheyenne cabins and six Choctaw cabins. So if you have finished 6th grade, you’ll be in the Cheyenne Village.  If you have finished 8th grade, you’ll be in the Choctaw Village.  For those who have finished 7th grade, you’ll either be in Cheyenne or Choctaw.

2. We are adding a covered porch across the front of the Lodge.  This will allow more covered, outdoor space for the cooking skill!

3. Marty and Rob are updating the bathrooms in the Infirmary.  We don’t have any pictures to show at this point, but this is a huge improvement!  They are updating the light fixtures, vanities, toilets, and added new tile floors!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to see up-to-date photos!

 


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Always Right

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about the things you’ve done this week when your motives weren’t quite right, or the ways you tried to manipulate a situation to your advantage. Now, thank God that He isn’t like that.

Read Deuteronomy 32:1-4.

The Rock—”His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true.” —Deuteronomy 32:4

“The Rock” points to God’s stability, strength, and enduring nature. How have you seen God’s stability and strength on display lately?

God doesn’t just do what is right some of the time, and He doesn’t have an angle. There is no hint of injustice with Him. Why is it important that God always does what is right?

What is the relationship between partiality, favoritism, and injustice?

Respond

Read the remainder of Moses’ song in Deuteronomy 32. It details the Israelites’ history and how God had always been at work in their lives. If you were writing a song to describe God’s work in your life, what lyrics would you use? What examples of God’s justice and faithfulness toward you would you include? Jot down your ideas.

Behind the Story

Moses’ use of words and phrases like “fall like rain,” “settle like dew,” and “showers” is not just poetic. Instead, they point to the gentleness of Moses’ teaching and his belief that God’s Word would soften the hard soil of the peoples’ hearts and produce obedience. He didn’t call for a storm that would rage against the people, but a quiet shower and a soft dew that would gently bring the people in line with God. How has God’s Word done that in your life?

Memory Verse

Write Isaiah 1:17 in your journal, on your mirror with a dry erase marker or on a note card. Underline the key words or phrases. Read over it several times today.

The Point

All of God’s ways are just. Even when circumstances seem hard, unfair, or beyond your understanding, God’s ways are always perfectly right.


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Find us on Instagram

Posted by Sharon

                   

Crestridge is now on Instagram!  If you are on Instagram, take a second to follow us…CampCrestridge.  There are so many ways to keep in touch with camp and your camp friends.  You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, the Green & White (Crestridge blog), Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube, etc.  We love being able to see you throughout the year!


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Firm Foundation

Posted by Karah


Pause

Turn off all distractions and focus your mind on God. Think about the words you would use to describe Him and His character. Spend a few moments simply praising Him.

The foundation of a building is the base upon which everything else is built. The foundation bears the load of the entire building and supports its structure. If it’s crooked, warped, or not level, the building won’t be as strong as it should be. Imagine a house built on a faulty foundation, then sketch your idea below.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; faithful love and truth go before You.” —Psalm 89:14

Read Psalm 89:13-14. Verse 14 reveals some of the core components of God’s character. Underline them as you discover them, then think through these questions:

• What does it mean to say that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne (or rule)? What does it teach you about how He rules? (God’s rule and sovereignty are based on righteousness and justice. He can only do what is right, just, equitable, and fair.)

• What does it mean to say that God is just? How would you define justice?

Respond

Mull over these thoughts: What would our world look like if God wasn’t just? What if God was corrupt? Where would you find hope, stability, or purpose? As you realize how important God’s justice really is, praise Him for it. Thank Him that He is a good God whose way and rule is always right! Journal your response.

Behind the Story

Psalm 89 is classified as a psalm of lament, a psalm in which the writer brings a concern or complaint to God. The writer of Psalm 89 recognized the power and the goodness of God, but also saw the devastation and destruction God’s people faced. If God is really loving, good, powerful, and perfect, how can His people be suffering? It’s a question many wrestle with today. We, like the psalmist, will ultimately find our footing in the firm foundation of God’s faithful justice.

The Point

One of the core components of God’s character is His justice. He alone determines what is right and fair, and He will always do what is right. He is the very standard for what is right and wrong.


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