Karah – Page 17

AUTHOR ARCHIVES: Karah

Persecuted

Posted by Karah

Pause

List what you’ve learned about the character of Christ-followers through the last few week’s devotions. Thank God for the ways you see Him building you into the person He has called you to be.

Think about a time when you were treated unfairly. What happened? How did you respond? Journal a few thoughts.

Read Matthew 5:10-12 in your Bible. Underline the phrase “persecuted for righteousness are blessed.”

“Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” —Matthew 5:10

Ponder these questions:

Persecution n. = To treat continually in a way meant to be cruel or harmful; especially to cause to suffer because of belief.

Consider the definition of persecution. Would you ever consider someone going through persecution to be blessed? Why or why not?

What is the difference between being treated unkindly in general and being persecuted for your faith in Christ? Which is described here? Explain.

Today’s Scripture passage describes persecution that comes into believers’ lives because they are living righteously. Why is it important to recognize that persecution is not the result of sin?

Persecution comes to God’s children because their lives contrast with the ways of the world. How does your life and the things that are important to you differ from the things the world values?

Respond

Instead of asking God to keep you safe and happy, ask Him to give you boldness and strength. The early believers prayed for this while under threat of imprisonment (Acts 4:23-31). Pray that you would live boldly for Him, even when it isn’t easy.

Set aside specific time to pray for believers around the world who are being persecuted. See www.persecution.org and www.imb.org/pray for prompts.

For learn more, read 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 and Philippians 4:11-12.

Behind the Story

Matthew 5:10-12 doesn’t promise that every wrong in the world will be righted immediately and that everyone who is treated unfairly will receive an earthly reward. Rather, these verses declare that those who are treated unfairly because of their faith in Christ will receive a heavenly reward.

The Point

Kingdom citizens will face persecution.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Peacemakers

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a peaceful location inside or outside. Think about peaceful places in nature, then focus on the God who created those peaceful places.

Peacemaker n. = One who is actively involved in bringing reconciliation between those in conflict.

Mull over the definition of peacemaker above. Who are some famous peacemakers in history? How did they work to bring about peace and reconciliation? List a few ideas.

Now, think about your life. Who has been a peacemaker in your life? When has someone helped to bring peace and reconciliation when you were in conflict with someone else?

With those experiences in mind, read Matthew 5:9 in your Bible.

“The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.” —Matthew 5:9

The peace discussed in this verse isn’t the end of a battle. It’s a sense of wholeness and harmony that can only be achieved through a relationship with Jesus.

Knowing this, what does it mean to be a peacemaker as described in this verse? Explain your answer.

Christians are peacemakers because they seek to reconcile people to God and each other. Others will see this and know that these people are truly God’s children. Who is a good example of this kind of peacemaking in your life? Why?

Respond

The only way for people to experience true peace and reconciliation is through a relationship with Jesus.

Those who don’t know Christ are at war with God. Who fits that description in your life? List two names in your journal.

Only the Holy Spirit can give a person peace with God, but peacemakers can show the way and assist people to understand how to be reconciled to God. What steps will you take this week to be a peacemaker in the lives of those people you listed above? Record two ideas in your journal. Pray that God would give you opportunities to follow through.

For further study, read Colossians 1:21-22 and Romans 5:10-11. How has God been a peacemaker to us? What is our part as peacemakers to others in this process?

Behind the Story

There are many kinds of peace, such as military, relational, and environmental, but the kind of peace in Matthew 5:9 is spiritual. A person at peace spiritually is a person at peace with God. The only way to be at peace with God is to become a child of God. People who have not been reconciled to God through the forgiveness of their sins are enemies of God (Rom. 5:10) and therefore are not at peace with Him.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are actively involved in bringing others to Jesus.

Pure Focus

Posted by Karah

Pause

Set aside distractions, such as electronic devices, and ask God to help your heart completely focus on Him during this time.

Take a moment to ponder the idea of purity. What kinds of things might you describe as being pure? What colors would you use to symbolize purity in a drawing? Record your response.

Read Matthew 5:8 in your Bible and underline the word pure when you read it.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

—Matthew 5:8

Ponder these questions:

Based on your understanding of purity, what does it mean to say that someone is pure in heart? Explain.

Purity means that something is undiluted, uncontaminated, and clean. Pure gold is 100 percent gold. So, to be pure in heart means that your heart is 100 percent focused on Jesus and His ways.

Are people naturally pure in heart? If not, how does someone become pure in heart? Explain.

None of us are naturally pure in heart. Our sinful flesh craves sin. But if we are believers, we have an inner desire for purity and holiness in our lives because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Christians recognize that they belong to God and single-mindedly pursue Him. Those who pursue God and His ways will experience His favor.

Respond

Examine your heart. What sin have you allowed to make it impure? What have you allowed into your life that takes your attention and affection away from God? Confess and repent of these things.

In your journal, list situations or temptations distract you from following Jesus with an undivided focus. Jot down ways you will choose to live for God when faced with those situations. Ask God to open your eyes to the way out of temptation He will provide.

For further study, read Psalm 51, focusing on verse 10. Notice who cleans the heart and purifies guilt. Read this psalm as a prayer, asking God to purify your heart.

Behind the Story

Another word for pure is clean. In Matthew 5:8 it is used to denote a cleanness of heart and describes the absence of dirt and grime from one’s life. We cannot achieve this kind of purity through our own effort; it only happens through the forgiveness of Christ. Only those who have experienced that forgiveness will be able to enter heaven and see God. Who in your life needs to hear about the forgiveness only Jesus can give?

The Point

Kingdom citizens have a single-minded focus on God and His way, removing anything that could corrupt or distract them from following Christ.

Mercy

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned the last few weeks about what it means to be a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom. Thank Him for making a way for you to know and serve Him.

Reflect on a time when you received something you didn’t deserve. What was it? What emotions did you experience? How did you respond? Record a few thoughts below.

Now, read Matthew 5:7 in your Bible.

“The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.”

—Matthew 5:7

Answer these questions:

Mercy is a key aspect of God’s character. Ponder the definition of mercy. How has God shown mercy to you?

If you are a Christian, you have experienced God’s overwhelming mercy in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection on your behalf. How does knowing God has given you something you don’t deserve affect the way you live? Explain.

Since God has treated you mercifully, how should you treat others? Why?

Respond

If you are a believer, you have received God’s abundant mercy that you in no way deserved. Thank God for His mercy and grace toward you and praise Jesus for willingly laying down His life on your behalf.

If you have never responded to God’s merciful and gracious gift of salvation, made possible through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, do so today. Talk to a parent or a Christian you trust about the Gospel.

Prayerfully consider if there is anyone from whom you have been withholding mercy. Ask God to help you to show that person mercy, just as He has shown you mercy.

For further study, read Matthew 18:21-35. How does this parable explain mercy? Do you think the unmerciful servant understood the true meaning of mercy? Why or why not?

Behind the Story

Every believer has experienced this undeserved kindness from God by receiving forgiveness and eternal life, when what they deserved was eternal separation from God. Members of God’s family are “objects of mercy.”² Because they have been recipients of mercy, God’s children understand it and, in turn, give mercy to others. A person who has not experienced mercy has a limited understanding of it and is less able to give this undeserved kindness to others.

Mercy n. = An act of kindness delivered to one who has no claim to that kindness.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are merciful because they have experienced God’s abundant mercy.

²Stuart Weber, Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Matthew 5 – The King Speaks His Heart (Part I)”

Hungry and Thirsty

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about a time when you were extremely hungry or thirsty. What was your mood? Describe how you felt, both emotionally and physically.

With that experience in mind, read Matthew 5:6, then answer the questions that follow.

“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

People who are hungry or thirsty devote their time and energy to fulfilling those needs. Knowing this, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Explain.

Continuing with the hunger metaphor, what might keep a person from experiencing spiritual fullness?

Matthew 5:6 tells us that those who follow Christ have a deep desire to see God’s standard established and obeyed in every area of life, particularly in their own lives. Who has been a good example of that kind of righteousness in your life? Why?

Respond

Evaluate your life. Do you exhibit a deep desire to live according to God’s standard and pursue righteousness? How does your life display that desire? If that desire feels faint, ask God to ignite your heart with a desire to obey Him in every area of your life.

If you have never had a desire for righteousness, that may point to a problem. Talk with your parents, pastor, or a trusted Christian mentor about why pleasing God should be important to Christians.

Look back at the verses you’ve read from the Beatitudes so far. Sum up what you’ve learned from each one. Notice how they build on each other to describe the journey of coming to know Christ.

For further study of what living righteously looks like, read the Book of James in the New Testament. If you’d like to study this more in-depth with a group, consider James: Faith Under Pressure by Pam Gibbs (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2011).

Behind the Story

In Matthew 6, Jesus specifically chooses hunger and thirst to describe a person’s desire for righteousness. This is not the pleasant hunger we experience when we smell our favorite meal. This is an uncomfortable rumbling in an empty belly, characterized by hunger pangs and dry mouth. This deep hunger produces a kind of focus and desperation that doesn’t exist otherwise—a truly spiritually hungry person will be determined to satisfy the deep spiritual belly ache.

The Point

Kingdom citizens desire to see God’s standards established and obeyed in every area of their lives.

Strength Under Control

Posted by Karah

Pause

Mull over this quote to begin your time with God today:

“Our identity rests in God’s relentless tenderness for us revealed in Jesus Christ.”
—Brennan Manning

Read Matthew 5:5 in your Bible. Underline what this verse says will happen to those who are gentle.

“The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”

—Matthew 5:5

In today’s world, gentleness is often considered a weakness. But in today’s Scripture passage, the word gentle carries the connotation of strength under control. Think through these questions:

Think of what you know about Jesus and the way He interacted with people during His earthly ministry. How did He display strength under control?

Think about the most gentle Christian you know. How do you see that person submitting his or her life to the Holy Spirit’s control? Explain.

Matthew 5:5 pictures believers who have submitted every part of their lives to Jesus’ control. Their lives are characterized by humility, courteousness, self-control, and a tender, compassionate nature. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

Who is in control of your strength? How do you know? Explain.

Respond

Consider how your understanding of gentleness has changed since studying it today.

In what ways are you still struggling to submit every part of your life to the lordship of Jesus? In your journal, make a list of reasons He deserves full control of your strength, then spend some time in prayer, asking Him to help you thoroughly submit to Him.

How has Jesus been gentle toward you? Ask God to help you recall all the times He has been mercifully gentle with you. Praise Him for each instance. Be specific in your praise!

Behind the Story

A gentle person is not a weak person, but rather a person whose strength is harnessed and focused. The term describes those who are powerful, but who have the maturity and grace to use their power for constructive rather than destructive purposes. Matthew 5:5 also echoes Psalm 37:11 in which the gentle are those who stubbornly trust God and surrender to His authority even when they cannot make sense of their circumstances.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are gentle and focused on Christ.

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Posted by Karah

Pause

List the blessings in your life—from obvious ones to hardships that have turned to blessings. Ask God to open your eyes to His blessings as you study His Word today.

Read Matthew 5:3-4 in your Bible. Read verses 3-4 again carefully, then complete the list below.

“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.” —Matthew 5:3-4

Blessed are _________________________________

Because ___________________________________

Blessed are _________________________________

Because ___________________________________

Known as the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-11 describes what it means to be a citizen in God’s kingdom. These verses describe the character of true believers.

Consider this quote from Stuart Weber:

“The beginning of repentance is the recognition of one’s spiritual bankruptcy—one’s inability to become righteous on one’s own.”

Ask yourself:

What does it mean to be spiritually bankrupt?

How does verse 3 illustrate spiritual bankruptcy?

Look at verse 4. Believers recognize their sinfulness and their inability to do anything about it. This brings them to a place of repentance. How does verse 4 demonstrate that?

Respond

Have you ever recognized your own spiritual bankruptcy? Journal about that experience. Write Jesus a thank-you for rescuing you from your spiritual poverty.

Today’s verses describe the recognition of sinfulness and repentance that leads to salvation, but as a believer, you know that you still sometimes sin. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life today so that you can confess it and enjoy restored fellowship with God.

For further study, consider doing a group Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount. Try “Sermon on the Mount” by Jen Wilkin (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2014).

Behind the Story

The Gospel of Matthew is filled with moments of instruction from Jesus to His disciples, including the Sermon on the Mount. The first part of this teaching (vv. 3-11) is commonly called the Beatitudes and focuses on characteristics of true Christ-followers. Although each of these characteristics seem to be able to stand alone, they are meant to be understood together. The Beatitudes build on each other, like individual bricks to make a wall. Jesus began the Beatitudes by focusing on the hearts of Christ-followers, followed by describing characteristics of their relationship with God and with others.

The Point

Because kingdom citizens realize they can’t save themselves, they mourn and repent of their sin.

A Whole Heart

Posted by Karah

Pause

Prepare your heart by listening to the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by Jadon Lavik (I Have Decided to Follow Jesus [Single], 2011).

Think about a homework assignment, chore, or task you recently completed halfheartedly. What words might describe how you worked? Why did you put so little effort into it? Journal a few thoughts.

With that in mind, read Luke 9:57-62 in your Bible.

“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” —Luke 9:62

Ask yourself:

After reading these verses, can a true disciple live a life characterized by halfhearted faith? Explain your answer.

What does wholehearted commitment to Christ look like?

Look at the excuses the people gave in this passage for not wholeheartedly committing to Jesus. What excuses do you give for halfhearted commitment? What things do you allow to get in the way of obedience?

Why is it important to understand that faith in Jesus is more than just a simple statement of belief? What do your actions and the way you live your life have to do with it? Explain.

Respond

Following Jesus is much bigger than marking off an item on a checklist or going to a weekly event at church. Jesus wants control of every part of your life.

Evaluate your life. In what ways does your life demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to Jesus? If the Holy Spirit reveals areas marked by a lack of commitment or obedience, confess them immediately. Admit to Jesus once again how much you need Him in every area of your life.

What steps will you take this week to follow your commitment with action? List two or three in the comments below.

The way you live out your faith is a witness to those around you. When people see that you truly believe Jesus deserves your wholehearted commitment, they will want to know more about the Savior you serve. Ask Jesus to remind you of this truth daily.

For further study, read Mark 8:34-38; Luke 14:25-33; Galatians 2:19-21; and Philippians 3:7-11.

Behind the Story

It may seem harsh that Jesus would tell a potential disciple to “let the dead bury their own dead.” But it’s most likely that this man’s father had not died yet. After all, would he be sitting around having a conversation with Jesus if his father was waiting to be buried? Ultimately, this man was procrastinating on following Jesus until a much later date.

The Point

Jesus calls His followers to wholehearted commitment

Bring Someone with You

Posted by Karah

Pause

Thank God for how He is transforming you. Ask Him to give you a heart for those who need to know Jesus.

The last few weeks, you’ve learned that Jesus’ followers are transformed by the Holy Spirit, called to a new way of life, and humbly aware that their salvation is found in Christ—not their own merit, effort, or good works. Today, you’ll learn another important truth about disciples: they bring people to Jesus. Read John 1:35-42 in your Bible.

“He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah!’ (which means “Anointed One”), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which means “Rock”).” —John 1:41-42

Next to each quote below, record why it was an important step in the process of Andrew bringing Simon to Jesus:

“followed Jesus” (v. 37)-

“Rabbi, where are you staying?” (v. 38)-

“stayed with Him that day” (v. 39)-

“found his own brother” (v. 41)-

“brought Simon to Jesus” (v. 42)-

Andrew met the Messiah and couldn’t keep the good news to himself. Who has been an Andrew in your life? How?
Andrew didn’t try to reason or argue his brother into believing. He simply invited Peter to come and see. What might be some ways we could invite people to come and experience Jesus for themselves?

Respond

Think about the people who have been Andrews in your life. Thank God for each one. Consider thanking those people personally.

Who are the people in your life who need to experience Jesus? Pray for each one by name, asking God for opportunities to share your hope in Christ.

Sharing your faith isn’t about browbeating, arguing, or using guilt to force someone to accept Jesus’ invitation. It’s about presenting Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of changing hearts. Ask God to prepare peoples’ hearts and give you the opportunity to talk to them about Jesus.

For further study, read Matthew 28:16-20 and Mark 2:1-12.

Behind the Story

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels (“synoptic” means “seen together” or “seen with”). These three Gospels tend to view Jesus’s life and ministry from the same angle. John approached the story from an entirely different angle and uses a very different writing style than the other Gospels. Earlier this week in Mark 1, we studied Jesus calling Andrew and Simon as they were fishing. Many scholars believe that the event in Mark and the one in John’s Gospel describe two separate events with John recounting the disciples’ conversion and Mark recording their call to service.

The Point

Disciples bring others to Jesus.

Born Again

Posted by Karah

Pause

Stop for a minute and think about the ways your life has changed since you began to follow Jesus. Thank Him for making a way for you to know the Father.

Think about Jesus’ invitation to Nathanael to join Him in His work. You learned that true disciples know that Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with the Father. Today, you’ll learn that disciples of Christ experience spiritual rebirth and transformation. Read John 3:1-21 in your Bible.

“Jesus answered, ‘I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit.'” —John 3:5-6

Ponder these questions:

Jesus told Nicodemus that two births were required to enter the kingdom of God: one physical and one spiritual. How is someone born again? (Hint: look at verses 15-18.)

Spiritual rebirth is an act of God in which the Holy Spirit makes you brand new. It happens in the moment you place your faith for salvation in Jesus. What word or words describe how you feel when you think about how you have been reborn? List a few ideas below.

Following Christ isn’t about following a bunch of rules, behaving better, or doing good works. It’s about being transformed. Why is that important for us to understand? Explain.

Respond

If you are a believer, list a few ways you can see the Holy Spirit transforming you. Ask your parents, a Christian friend, or a mentor about ways they see God at work in your life. Thank God for the ways His power is on display in your life.

Who in your life needs to hear about the good news of what Jesus has done and the transformation they can experience? What steps will you take to share the gospel this week?

For further study, read Romans 10:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; and 1 Peter 1:3-12.

Behind the Story

Nicodemus was a member of the Pharisees, one of the religious ruling groups of the day. He had seen the miracles Jesus had done (such as the wedding at Cana in John 2) and knew that no ordinary human could do those things. Pharisees believed that religious and ethical purity earned God’s favor, which led to a deep concern for obeying every facet of the law. Nicodemus may have come to visit Jesus at night because it was less likely the other Pharisees would notice.

The Point

Disciples of Christ experience spiritual rebirth and transformation.

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