CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Girls

The Door

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a minute and talk to God about what’s on your mind-—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Ask God to prepare your heart to study His Word.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” —John 10:9

Read John 10:1-10.

In Jesus’ day, people would have understood that the gate to the sheepfold was a shepherd or watchman lying across the opening in the wall. As you will study more next week, Jesus was also known as the Good Shepherd. Put simply: Jesus is the leader and protector of His people.

Think through these questions and write the answer in your journal:

Circle the phrase “the door” throughout the passage. What does Jesus’ identity as the door tell you about the way to eternal life? About your salvation? Explain.

Jesus is the only way to enter eternal life. He provides salvation to all who place their trust in Him. When you trust Jesus as Savior, you become His. Your salvation and your place with Him in eternity is secure.

-In verse 9, Jesus promises three things to those who enter through Him. List them in the margin of your Bible.

-Read verse 10 again. What did Jesus promise here? Write His promise in your own words.

-What does Jesus’ promise in verse 10 reveal about His character?

Respond

Jesus didn’t only promise life after we die. He also promised abundant life while we’re here on the earth. How has He provided abundant life to you? Journal a prayer of thanks to God for all He has done for you.

Doors let things in and keep things out. For further study on the function of doors in Scripture, read Genesis 4:7; Psalm 141:3; Colossians 4:2-3; and Revelation 3:20.

Behind the Story

A sheepfold was a secure enclosure surrounded by a high wall or fence. The entrance was the only opening and would have been protected by a watchman or guard. The guard served as the protector of the sheep and the gate to the sheepfold. The only way to get to the sheep was to climb the wall or confront the guard. [1]

The Point

Jesus is the only way to be saved. Anyone who comes to Him in faith can know the security of His salvation.

 

 

[1] Kenneth Gangel, Holman New Testament Commentary – John, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “John 10 – The Good Shepherd”. Accessed July 23, 2015, LifeWay devotional outline.


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The Light of the World

Posted by Karah

Pause

Before you dig into God’s Word today, check out “The Light in Me” by Brandon Heath (Leaving Eden, 2011). Think about what it means to have the light of the world.

Read John 1:1-5;3:19-21. Ask yourself:

Who is the Light and who sent that light to men?

Why did the people like darkness (v. 19b–20)? Are people still this way today?

According to verse 21, those who live by the truth ______________ ______    __________

“Then Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life’.”

—John 8:12

Read John 8:12-20.

Jesus wasn’t saying He provided light or enlightenment; He was the Light. Since God was the light that guided the Israelites through the desert, the religious leaders would have immediately understood that Jesus was also claiming divinity.

When the Jews questioned Jesus’ claim of divinity, what was His response (v. 19)? Write it in your own words.

Respond

When you need to do something well, you find a place with good lighting. The same should be true in your walk with Christ—when you want to live well, draw close to Him. Are you seeking Christ in all you do? Talk honestly about this with God and ask Him to help you draw near to Him.

For further study on walking in the light, check out John 11:10; James 4:8; and 1 John 1:7.

Behind the Story

Jesus spoke these words during the Festival of the Tabernacles, in which special golden lamps were lit to remind the people of God’s faithfulness when He led them through the desert with a pillar of fire (Lev. 23). At the end of the feast, the lights would be extinguished.

The Point

God has revealed Himself to the world in Jesus. When we place our faith in Him and follow Him, we can know God.


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The Bread of Life

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find somewhere quiet where you can be alone with the Lord. Place your cell phone out of reach and spend the next few minutes free of distraction.

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.” —John 6:35

Read John 6:22-40. Think through these questions:

In verses 26–27, notice the two different types of hunger mentioned.

-Where does “the food that lasts for eternal life” come from? Explain.

-Circle the two required responses (v. 35) to Jesus as the Bread of Life. What does this mean? Explain in your own words.

The people were amazed by the signs Jesus performed, but still refused to believe He was the Son of God (v. 36).

Read verses 39-40. Jesus mentions two things that are God’s will. Highlight those two things. What does this teach you about salvation? Eternal life?

Jot down a few things, other than Jesus, that people often look to for meaning and purpose.

Respond

Bread is necessary for survival. Just like God provided manna to satisfy the Israelites’ hunger in the wilderness, He gave Jesus to sustain us spiritually. Faith in Jesus is necessary for eternal life.

Do you think of Jesus as necessary to your everyday life? Why or why not? Journal your response.

The good news of Christ affects us in practical and spiritual ways. How can you share Christ’s love today to meet someone’s physical and spiritual needs? Jot down some ideas in the margin.

Behind the Story

After God rescued the Israelites from Egypt in the Old Testament, He provided bread for them during the forty years they wandered in the desert. This bread was called manna (Ex. 16:1-7; 16:31). Years later Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life—He would not only fulfill their physical hunger, but their spiritual hunger as well.

The Point

Just as bread is necessary for sustaining physical life, Jesus is necessary for eternal life. He knows our needs and will satisfy us.


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A little bit of Crestridge in Haiti

Posted by Sharon

I had the opportunity to go back to Haiti last week with my church here in Asheville. We served in the same community that we went to back in March. It was so great to continue building relationships with the families and Haitian staff there. Here are a few highlights from the trip:

I got to meet the family of the little boy I sponsor through Poverty Resolutions. I had met him back in March but this time I got to go to his house and meet his family. That was by far one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced! I am so thankful that God provides the funds to give to that family! I got to see how the sponsorship allowed him to be in their program (which involves many things) and receive a hearty meal each day.

  

I got to serve alongside a fellow Crestridger, Sarah Knowles! Sarah and I helped with the medical clinic, played with the kids, helped with the Child Development Program and Preschool. We were given the opportunity to teach around 50 kids a new song in English. We decided a camp song would be great! We chose “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart” because we thought it would be relatively easy. Turns out it was very challenging but we think they got it! I think they like sticking to songs in their native language (Haitian Creole). I don’t blame them!

  

 

I’m so thankful for the time I was able to spend with these people! Their joy and love for the Lord is inspiring!

 


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Boldness

Posted by Karah

Pause

Stop and take a deep breath. Clear your mind and ask God to teach you through His Word today.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4

Read Revelation 21:1-8. Ask yourself:

According to verse 1, what will pass away? What will no longer exist?

Verses 1–7 focus on the reality of eternity for believers. Verse 8 portrays the reality of eternity for those who never sincerely committed their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. What is the punishment for those who reject Jesus?

Biblical scholars suggest the “One seated on the throne” (v. 5) is Jesus. He previously spoke as the judge, but in these verses He spoke as Creator.

Jesus said He would make everything new. What promises of God will be fulfilled in the new Jerusalem? Hint: Look at verses 3-4.

According to verse 8, who are the wicked, those who will burn in the lake of fire?

Respond

These verses should cause Christians to live with great hope and boldness, knowing that our eternity is sure, our Savior wins, and all will be made right. It should also challenge us to share our faith with others so that they may experience eternity with Christ rather than eternal separation and punishment.

Have you ever shared with someone about Jesus? Have you ever shared your faith with someone who trusted Jesus as Savior as a result? God desires you to be bold in sharing your faith, not passive. In your journal, jot down some ideas to help you break the ice when sharing Christ.

Are you compassionate toward people who don’t know Jesus? Do you have a burden to share His love with them? Knowing their fate in eternity, offer a prayer asking God to make you more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to reveal to you anyone you need to share your faith with.

For further study on the new Jerusalem, read Isaiah 65:17–19 and Revelation 19:7-8.

Behind the Story

The new Jerusalem is the new earth for all believers—their final home. New Jerusalem’s description as an adorned bride connects with Revelation 19:7-8, which highlights the marriage supper of the Lamb of God.

The Point

We can boldly proclaim our faith because we are sure of eternity.


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Fallin’ For You

Posted by Karah

It’s that time of year again! It is fall and we could not be more excited here in Black Mountain!!!! The weather is cool, the air is crisp, the leaves arechanging and THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO! Seriously, this fall season has so many fun things in store for you and your family. This fall, we want to encourage you guys to have fun and experience the beauty of the season! We have brainstormed the top ten things all you Crestridgers should experience this fall. Here is a little bit of fallin’ for you:

#10. Go to a pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin. Now, don’t just pick out any old pumpkin. Find the biggest or silliest looking pumpkin you can find! Every pumpkin needs a home.

#9. Carve the pumpkin! Go to your local store and find a pumpkin carving kit and a candle for illumination. Clean out the center of that lovey pumpkin but make sure you keep all of your pumpkin seeds for #8! Take a sheet of paper and draw out your design. Place the design on the face of your pumpkin and carve away!

#8. Bake your pumpkin seeds. Put all of your seeds in a bowl with 2 teaspoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure you stir it occasionally!

#7. Go apple picking. Apple picking is another fall classic. Grab the whole family, find the closest apple orchard and pick some delicious apples for #6!

#6. Bake an apple pie. Apple pie is a delicious dessert that the whole family will love! Here’s a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

Double-Crust Pastry, 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 8 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (8 medium), 2 tablespoons butter or margarine.

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare Double-Crust Pastry. 2. Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Stir in apples. Turn into pastry-lined pie plate. Dot with butter. Trim overhanging edge o pastry 1/2 inch from rim of plate. 3. Roll other round of pastry. Fold into fourths and cut slits so steam can escape. Unfold top pastry over filling; trim overhanging edge 1 inch from rim of plate. Gold and roll top edge under lower edge, pressing on rim to seal; flute as desired. Cover edge with 3 inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. 4. Bake 40-50 minutes or until crust is brown and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Serve warm if desired.

#5. Rake a huge pile of leaves and jump in!

#4. Build a fire, roast some marshmallows and make some s’mores! Camp isn’t the only time you can have s’mores. Fall weather is the perfect time for a good fire. Sit down with your family and enjoy some quality time. Roast your marshmallows, get some Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Reese’s and make Crestridge’s famous Crossover S’mores.

#3. Take a walk outside. Get outside and enjoy this fall season by finding a hiking trail near you!

#2. Make a list of all the people you are thankful for and write them letters!

#1. Come visit us in Black Mountain! Seriously, the leaves are beautiful and you don’t want to miss it!!!

Well, thats surely not all for fall but a good start on how you and your family can make the most out of this season. Hope you enjoyed these fallin’ tips for you! Get out, have fun and fall hard for fall!


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Coffee and Convo with Ashley Genoble

Posted by Ashley Genoble

Hey camp family! It’s a quiet afternoon around the office today. The rest of the team is all out and about doing a variety of things to make camp awesome. So it’s just me and my cup of coffee hanging out together. I know I sure enjoyed coffee and convo with Becky and Elise so I figured why not let you in on the convo I’m having with myself while I drink my coffee!

Me to self: What has been the best part about coming back to camp after being gone for 5 years?

Self: Oh gosh! Literally everything! Being back in the mountains (especially now that the leaves are changing!), introducing my husband to the camp family, meeting so many awesome new campers and staff that have joined the family since I’ve been gone, seeing past campers all grown up and joining staff, spending tons of time with Sharon (and Scout!), I could go on and on but should probably move on…

Me to self: What is your favorite song we sing in the dining hall?

Self: I don’t do favorites!! But I guess any that we get to stand in our chair for! I really like Farther Along because of the stomp clap clap and the slower Ky Yi at the end.

Me to self: What is your favorite Bible story?

Self: There we go again with “favorites”. It really depends on the season and what’s going on in my life. I really liked studying the story of Esther a couple of months ago. It is full of so many intricate details that shows God at work. Esther is also an example of boldness, courage and humility.

Me to self: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Self: Wow I love sleep and thank God He made it part of our day. But if He hadn’t then I would have a solid 7-8 more hours to read, work out, clean, spend more quality time with friends and family, paint my nails, the list goes on and on!

Me to self: What are some small things that make your day better?

Self: A text from a friend I haven’t talked to in a while, bright blue skies, Scout falling asleep in my lap.

Me to self: What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Self: Definitely Israel. Man that plane ride and jet lag were no joke but totally worth it!

Me to self: If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make?

Self: Maybe I can by taking the woodworking skill at camp! Definitely some fun furniture- a coffee table and a big kitchen table so we can have people over. I’m so inexperienced at woodworking I don’t even know what professional woodworkers can make!

Me to self: Would you rather be able to teleport anywhere or be able to read minds?

Self: Hmm…it’s tempting to say read minds but that takes all the fun out of getting to talk to people. Teleporting would allow me to visit people and places all over without having to fly…not a fan of flying.

Me to self: What is the silliest thing you get nostalgic for?

Self: All the movies on VHS at my parents’ house…especially my complete collection of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movies and Dunkaroos…

Me to self: If you could pick a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Self: “Love you, mean it” has become my go-to phrase, especially while I was in full-time youth ministry. I just want people to know how truly loved they are by me and Jesus!

Me to self: Alright Ashley, that’s enough. You are out of coffee and have work to do!

Thanks for hanging out with me and my cup of coffee! Can’t wait until we can hang out for real this summer! And in case you are wondering, Scout still hasn’t returned Becky’s call so keep checking back to see if we ever get to interview him! Love you, mean it!!


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Free from Fear

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think of a current situation in your life that scares or intimidates you. Pray, asking God to comfort you and give you confidence in whatever you face.

“Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

—Matthew 10:28-31 

Carefully read Matthew 10:26-31. Answer these questions:

-In your Bible, highlight each phrase that commands you not to fear or be afraid. What are the reasons Jesus tells believers not to fear? Explain in your own words.

-Whom does today’s Scripture say you should fear? Why? Explain.

Fearing God is not about dreading Him, but honoring Him. When you fear God, you recognize His authority and show Him the reverence He deserves.

-What does it look like to live out a healthy fear of God? Explain.

Judgment will come one day, but believers do not need to be afraid. We can trust God to be true to His word to reward believers and punish His enemies.

Respond

Prayerfully consider your life. Do your actions, words, and heart attitude reflect one who is grateful and secure in their eternity with a Holy God? Why or why not?

Jot down the name of someone you know who doesn’t know Jesus. In your journal, record some ideas on how you can share His love with that person.

For further study on believers and judgment read 1 John 4:17-18.

Behind the Story

Jesus’s sermon in verses 16-25 offered words of wisdom to the believers of His day, but apply to believers of every generation. He knew of His impending death and resurrection, and the opposition His believers would face. Therefore, in this sermon (vv. 26-31) He strongly emphasized fearing God, not man.

fear (n.) =respectful, reverent, awe.

The Point

Believers don’t need to fear judgment because our loving Father will be our Judge.


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On the Road Again

Posted by Ashley Genoble

On the road again is a phrase we’ve heard a lot over the past week. We have been traveling the southeast since Sunday visiting and recruiting for next summer.

The trip started Sunday morning with the first stop being in Greenville, SC where Scout started his vacation at his grandparents’ house. The rest of the crew then made our way to Birmingham, AL to meet up with former staff at Samford University. We had an incredible time catching up with former staff and meeting their friends who might be interested in working at camp next summer. We also had the chance to meet some potential new camp families at a home show while in Birmingham.

Next stop was a quick hug at the University of Alabama before continuing on to Starkville, MS. In Starkville we got to see former Assistant Director Katie Greenwell and a host of other former staff. We got to meet middle and high school students who are both interested in coming to camp as campers and also keeping us in mind once they graduate. We had the privilege of attending chapel at Starkville Christian School where Katie, Rachel Witbeck (former discipleship director), and Hayley Martin (former videographer) all teach. Elise had the opportunity to share with the students a powerful word on failure and how the Lord can use it in our lives.

After Starkville we made our way to Oxford, MS and the University of Mississippi. Ole Miss was another great experience of catching up with former staff and meeting potential new ones. It is exciting to think that some of the girls we have had the pleasure of meeting over the last week could spend the entire summer with us.

And that brings us to our current location, Linden, TN, where we will spend a couple of nights with our friends on the Camp Crestridge Alumnae and Friends board.

So what about you? Where are you at this week and who are you sharing your love for Camp Crestridge with? Camper registration and staff applications are in full swing! Join us as we continue to share the place we love with so many we come in contact with. We can’t wait to see who the Lord brings to camp this summer!


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Pure Life

Posted by Karah

Pause

Listen to “Lifestyle” by Isaac Carree (Reset, 2013). Think about how this song encourages believers to live in ways that please God.

“If your hand or your foot causes your downfall, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than to have two eyes and be thrown into hellfire!”

—Matthew 18:8-9

Read Matthew 18:8-9.

Although sin does not cause you to lose your salvation, God takes sin seriously. The vivid metaphors in this passage do not call us to harm ourselves physically, but emphasize the seriousness of sin and the importance of living in righteousness. A Christian’s ultimate goal is to respond to salvation in faith, love, and obedience to God.

Living in sin and struggling with sin are two different things. Even after you become a Christian, you won’t be perfect; however, you shouldn’t continue in sinful habits.

List a few characteristics of those who live in righteousness and those who have sinful lifestyles.

 

         Righteous                                          Sinful

 

Look at the definition of righteousness below. How can believers live lives characterized by righteousness? Explain.

Respond

Consider how God wants us to avoid sin. In your journal, list the people, places and things that tempt you to sin. How can you avoid these temptations?

Examine your heart: Do you have any unconfessed sins? Repent and ask God to help you turn from those sins and live for Him. For further study on living with a pure heart read Proverbs 4:23 and Romans 12:2.

Behind the Story

Jesus gave a sermon in Matthew 5:27-30 on lust and adultery using much of the same imagery He used in today’s Scripture. However, in Matthew 18:8-9 Jesus applied these illustrations to all types of sin.

Righteousness (adj) = Conduct characterized by Christ-likeness; not natural to human beings, but available to those who trust in Christ as Savior.

The Point

A life characterized by sin points to not knowing Christ. Believers’ lives, on the other hand, should be characterized by purity.


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