Good vs Evil

Pause

Be honest with God about the things that are distracting you from focusing on Him today. Ask Him to clear your head of these thoughts so you can focus on His Word.

Think about your favorite movies or books that deal with the battle between good and evil. Jot down a few titles below in the comments!

Good and evil aren’t foreign concepts in Scripture. As Jesus taught about the kingdom of God, He was clear that a time would come when good and evil would be sorted out. Read Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 in your Bible. Underline the imagery that symbolizes the good and circle the imagery that symbolizes evil.

“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin and those guilty of lawlessness. They will throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Anyone who has ears should listen!”—Matthew 13:41-43

According to Jesus’ explanation, He identified Himself as the sower and the good seed as “sons of the kingdom” (v. 31), meaning those who believe in Him and are part of His kingdom. The weeds symbolize those who continually do evil and pursue sin.

-Jesus said that the field symbolized the world. Knowing this, what do these verses teach you about good and evil in the world you live in?

-What does this passage teach you about what will eventually happen to those who have placed their faith in Christ? Those who have continually pursued sin?

-How does this passage give you hope and help you to rest in God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness? Explain.

Respond

Praise God that no matter how much evil there is, He will eventually triumph over it. Pray about specific examples of evil and sin you see in the world today. Ask Him to give you patience to trust His perfect timing to come and end the evil in this world.

In your journal, record the names of three people in your life who don’t know Jesus. Ask God to give you opportunities to share the truth of His Word with them this week.

Behind the Story

God did not promise a perfect life. In fact, this passage emphasizes that the wheat, representing believers, will be surrounded by weeds of nonbelievers. Simply put, believers will live in the midst of an evil world. Living in a world characterized by sin and evil can become disheartening, but this parable should give hope to believers, assuring them that God’s perfect judgment will come and all that is wrong will one day be made right. The parable simultaneously provides a warning to nonbelievers. God will have final judgment; the evil in this world will be punished.

The Point

We live in an evil world, but as believers, we can be encouraged by God’s faithfulness. He will one day right all that is wrong.

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

WillPower 5K (aka…the best race ever!)

For the past 4 years, Ridgecrest Summer Camps has sponsored the WillPower 5K race. The race was started to raise awareness for HHT. One of our very own camp family members, Will NeSmith, discovered he had this genetic condition by suffering from a spontaneous brain hemorrhage. Here’s a little more about Will’s story (which can also be found at www.willpower5k.com)…

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Hemorrhage, HHT, Race, Running, Stroke, Will NeSmith, Willpower, WillPower 5K | Leave a reply

Sowing More than Seeds

Pause

Get alone in a quiet location and kneel. Ask God to teach you more about Himself today so you can better follow Him and tell others about His love.

Read Matthew 13:1-9 In your Bible. Using the headings below, record in your journal the four different places the seed fell and their results.

Where the seed fell:

Results:

Now, read Jesus’ explanation of the parable in Matthew 13:18-23.

“But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times what was sown.”

—Matthew 13:23

According to Jesus’ explanation, whom or what does the seed represent? Whom does the sower represent? Why is that important?
The four types of soil describe responses to the gospel: hardened hearts; joyful acceptance with no actual commitment; interest in Jesus that wanes in the face of the world’s pleasures or anxieties; and those who receive God’s Word, understand it, and seek to fulfill it. Which best describes your response to the gospel? Why?

Consider verse 22. What are some “worries of this age” that might entice someone away from the truth of the gospel? Explain.

Respond

Placing your faith in Jesus is a decision you make in a moment, but is proven by your commitment, perseverance, avoidance of idolatry and anxiety, and the presence of spiritual fruit in your life.

If God has used this passage to convict you of your need for Jesus, place your faith in Him today.

Commitment, perseverance, and avoiding idolatry and anxiety is a daily struggle. Think about the circumstances in your life in which it seems easier to give up on God and follow after the world. Ask God to focus your heart and mind on Him and remind you of His truth, even when trusting Him seems too difficult.

For further study of spiritual fruit, read Galatians 5:22-23.

Behind the Story

Taken in context, the parable of the sower has much to do with Jesus’ discussion of those who hear and choose to believe His teaching (Matt. 13:10-17). Each of the “soils” heard the gospel; but only one, “the good soil,” chose to accept and receive it. The gospel has the power to change our lives and hearts, but we must accept it and place our faith in Christ for it to do so.

The Point

Many will reject the truth of the gospel, but those who accept it will bear spiritual fruit.

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

“I have come to give you life, and life to the FULL.” John 10:10

I go to a church in Swannanoa, Valley Hope, and am a part of a small group there. Right now we are going through Ephesians, and every time we meet, we study the chapter for that week and ask ourselves, “What does this say about God? What does this say about me? And what does this say about our community/church?” Last week, we were studying Ephesians 3 and particularly looked at verses 17-19, “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

We then discussed the three main questions I mentioned and the woman leading discussion followed up by asking us, “When is the last time you were so overwhelmed by God’s love for you, you just couldn’t believe it?” For the past week I have been thinking about this question. When was that time for me? I mean, if I open my eyes I can see the works of his love all around me constantly – in the good and the tough times. But when was the last time I was overwhelmed by His love for me

I’ve reflected back on times in middle school, high school, and college where the Lord’s love overwhelmed me. I’ve thought of times even in the past 6 months where I can identify His overwhelming love for me. But every time, I keep coming back to my summers at Crestridge. When I was a Cheyenne and found my life-long best friend. When I was a Choctaw going through an identity crisis, my counselor revealed the truth of Christ’s identity and love for me. When I was a Cherokee and was humbled greatly when my fire didn’t light in the Belle Test (Read Luke 10:38-42). When I was a SALT and learne
d how to worship and lead through service… But most of all, being on staff for 3 summers and getting to look girls in the eye who are in the very place I once was and tell them, “You are loved, you are beautiful, and you are worth knowing by your Creator.” I got to atch my amazing staff of 12 counselors love their girls. In all their brokenness, Christ made himself complete and loved their campers through them.

It’s crazy to me that the Creator of the Universe chooses to know us and love us. His love is not based on our works or His need for us. He simply loves us because we are His. Dive into His arms today, and know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Christ has come to give you life to the full. It’s time for a beautiful adventure

Posted in Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge Staff, Campers, Ephesians 3, God, love | Leave a reply

The Greatest Treasure

Pause

Meditate on this quote from John Piper:

“Fight for us, O God, that we not drift numb and blind and foolish into vain and empty excitements.”

Personalize that prayer and pray it today to begin your quiet time.

Think about the most important things in your life, from relationships to actual items. List the top three things you treasure. Be honest.

1.

2.

3.

Now, read Matthew 13:44-45 in your Bible.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.”

—Matthew 13:44

Reread Matthew 13:44-45 and answer these questions:

-How did the men respond when they found the treasure and the pearl? Why are those reactions important? Explain.

-A parable points to a greater truth, and this parable has to do with the value of God’s kingdom. What does it teach you about how valuable knowing Jesus is?

-Jesus used the words “treasure” and “pearl”—both denoting precious, invaluable resources—to describe what it meant to know Him and be a part of His kingdom. Would you use the same kinds of words to describe your attitude toward your relationship with Him? Why or why not?

Respond

A relationship with Jesus is so valuable that it reorients believers’ lives and becomes their focus. Can you truly say He is the most important Person in your life today?

If you are a believer and God has used this devotion to help you see other relationships or things you’ve allowed to take His place in your life, confess those things today. Ask God to center your heart on Jesus.

Look over the list of things you treasure most. Can you follow God and still treasure those things? If not, what steps will you take to get those things out of your life and make Jesus your focus? List two in the margin.

For further study of the all-surpassing value of knowing Jesus, read Philippians 3:7-11.

Behind the Story

The man in the field stumbled on the buried treasure by accident whereas the merchant had been searching for pearls as a career. This shows that God reaches out to every person on this earth whether or not they actively reach out to Him. The world searches for meaning and purpose in many things—wealth, fame, power, to name a few—but true meaning and purpose can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Point

When we realize the value of knowing Jesus, He becomes the focus of our lives.

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

Small but Significant

Pause

Take a few minutes to look out the window or walk outside. Gaze at the trees and plants. Thank God for the ways creation points you to Him.

Read Matthew 13:31-33 in your Bible.

“He presented another parable to them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It’s the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it’s taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.’”

—Matthew 13:31-32

Ask yourself:

-What two items does Jesus compare the kingdom of God to in these verses? What does that help you to understand about the kingdom of God? Explain.

-How much of the flour did the yeast spread through? Why is that important to note?

-The intention of a parable is to use a story to teach one main truth. Knowing that, what truth does the mustard seed and the yeast teach you? Write it in your own words.

-What do these verses help you understand about God’s kingdom? Explain.

Respond

Though His message seemed unimportant and His group of followers was small, Jesus declared that His kingdom would spread throughout the world. In baking, the work of the yeast can seem insignificant, slow, and small; yet, the tiniest amount of yeast causes entire loaves of bread to rise. How do you see Jesus at work in your heart, even in small ways? How is He changing the way you think or act? Praise God for the ways He is at work in your life, even those no one else might notice.

Mull over recent headlines or events in the news. It’s easy to think that the gospel has no power in today’s world, but God is still at work. Ask Him to open your eyes to how He is working to advance His kingdom. Pray that He would guide you to ways you can join Him in that work.

For further study about how God’s kingdom grows, read 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.

Behind the Story

By itself, a mustard seed seems insignificant. Throughout the ancient world, mustard seeds were known for their miniscule size. But when God grows them, He creates magnificent trees that provide shelter for other creatures. This parable shows how God can take the smallest of items and produce great results for His kingdom. Just like yeast permeates the entire dough of bread and affects it, God’s work is not confined by fences, state borders, or human laws. His reign knows no boundaries.

The Point

The kingdom of God will have an incredible impact and its message will pervade the entire world.

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

Evolving Traditions for Belles and Trekkers

The Belle test and Ranks of Trekkers and Belles have been a long standing tradition at Camp Crestridge for years and years. We love the experience this provides for our campers. The lessons that come from the challenge, the test, and the outcome of it don’t stop at the lifting of the silence ban. Many times those lessons are just beginning. We love how God uses this experience in each of our lives (whether we are in the test or not) in very different ways. For some it is a once in a lifetime unique experience that challenges them in fun ways that can only be experienced at camp, for others it is a pivotal point in their walks with the Lord, for others it is a time they discover things about who God has made them to be, for some it is an experience of discipline and dedication and dependence. Whatever the impact, we love that there always IS an impact. It is an opportunity for us all to see challenges, tests and experiences as coming from the Lord and being FOR the Lord.

This year we want to share how an element of the Belle and Trekker Tradition will be evolving. In the past we have had girls who have, or will be receiving the rank of Trekker or Belle sit in the spotlight on the stage during our Council of Progress Ceremony. This year we will have the Trekkers and Belles sit in the audience with their fellow cabin mates out of the spotlight. We will still have them walk across the stage to receive their honor bands and ranks, but we hope that this will allow them to simply enjoy the ceremony and message as we all do, without having the eyes of camp on them. Our desire is to provide a setting for all of our girls to both celebrate like crazy with those who have had a unique experience AND to easily focus on Christ and the growth He is working in us through the encouraging illustrations and His word spoken through our camp leadership.

Chippewa, Chickasaw, Creek, Cheyenne, Catawba, Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chehoapek, WE CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO GET HERE!

So many things to look forward to!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Belle, Belles n Trekkers, cc4g, Council of Progress, CP, Evolving Traditions, Girls, Trekker | Leave a reply

The Reason for Parables

Pause

Turn off your electronic devices and find a quiet place. Ask God to use the Scripture from this week to give you a better understanding of His kingdom.

Think about your favorite story—whether it’s a family story, novel, or the plot of a movie. Jesus often told stories as He was teaching, using imagery to point to greater truths. To discover more about why Jesus told parables, read Matthew 13:10-17 in your Bible. Focus on verses 16-17.

“For this reason I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand.”—Matthew 13:13

Dig deeper with these questions:

-Jesus told the disciples that they were currently seeing things the prophets had longed to see. What did He mean? Explain in your own words.

-Underline Jesus’ explanation of why He told parables. Is it confusing? Why or why not?

In simple terms, Jesus told parables to divide the crowd. He wasn’t trying to prevent people from understanding His teaching with difficult, mysterious stories. Those who acknowledged Him as Messiah would hear His teaching and understand, applying it to their lives. Those who refused to recognize Him as the Messiah would also refuse to accept His teaching, even going so far as to consciously choose not to believe.

Why is it dangerous to hear and understand God’s truth, then choose not to believe it? Explain.

Respond

Meditate on Matthew 13:10-17 and the difference between people who listen and understand and those who understand and refuse to let God’s truth change their lives. Which category describes you? Why?

If the Holy Spirit reveals a hard heart toward God’s truth, admit this to God. Ask Him to soften your heart to His truth so that you may live accordingly.

Part of being a follower of Christ is knowing His teachings and applying them to your life. In your journal or in the comments below, write two ways you will become a better listener to God’s Word.

Behind the Story

When discussing why He used parables, Jesus used the imagery of hearing and seeing (v. 13) to describe the condition of the skeptics’ hearts. They would physically look, but not “see,” meaning understand or believe. They would hear Jesus’ teaching, but not listen or understand, a figurative reference to their rejection of the truth and their willful disbelief.

Parable (n.) = An earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

The Point

Followers of Jesus accept His teaching and apply it to their lives. Those who hear Jesus’ teaching and reject Him will face judgment.

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

Our Florida Adventures

One of the great things about our job is that we get to dream about summer all year long. We get to think of new activities, new skills, how to improve our current activities, look for incredible staff, keep in touch with our camp family and much more! One of the most exciting things we get to do is travel around and visit our camp family and tell their friends about camp. Our most recent excursion has been in Florida. We are on our last day of a two week trip. Our travels have taken us to Orlando, Jupiter, Miami, Bradenton, Tampa, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Jacksonville. We have seen lots and lots of campers and staff! We even got to see two of our camp staff get married! Seeing our camp family is encouraging and just good for the soul! We love hearing from our campers and staff about what God has been teaching them over the year and how they are applying that in their lives. It’s a good motivator to get back to camp and continue getting ready for the summer. We have lots to do but we are excited to see campers running around camp again and growing deeper in their relationship with Christ! Summer 2017, here we come!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Animal Kingdom, Bradenton, Camp family, Campers, Chick-fil-a, Disney, Florida, FSU, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Jupiter, Magic Kingdom, Miami, Orlando, Staff, Tallahassee, Tampa, UF, UNF, Wedding | Leave a reply

One Way

Pause

Focus your mind and heart on the beautiful gift of salvation by listening to “Christ is Enough” (Hillsong Live, 2013).

Read Matthew 7:13-29 in your Bible. Focus on the imagery that Jesus used. In your journal, try sketching icons that represent that imagery.

“But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”

—Matthew 7:26-27

Ponder these questions:

-How do these images all point to the same truth? Write that point in your own words.

These images help us to understand that there is only one way to be saved, one way to a fruitful life, and only one foundation upon which we should build our lives: Jesus.

-What are some other things that people today think will save them? List a few for our culture.

-What are the consequences of trusting in something or someone else other than Jesus for salvation? Explain.

We live in a world that thinks there are many ways to God or that it would be more secure to build our lives on things like wealth, power, popularity. But in the end, the only thing that matters is Jesus.

Respond

Faith in Jesus is not just lip service. If your life doesn’t reflect a relationship with Him and you have no inward desire to obey or live to please Him, you need to check yourself. Talk and pray with your parents, pastor, or a mature Christian mentor.

Think about your friends, family members, acquaintances who are trying to find salvation and meaning in someone or something other than Jesus. Pray for them, asking God for opportunities to tell them about Jesus.

For further study on salvation, read Romans 3:23; 6:23; and 10:9-10.

Behind the Story

In Matthew 7:24-27, the adjectives “sensible” and “foolish” are used to describe a person’s spiritual and mental state, not his or her intellect. The storm in these verses symbolizes God’s judgment. The one who hears and acts on Jesus’ teachings is sensible and prepared. The one who hears and does not act is foolish and will be destroyed.

The Point

Jesus’ followers know that Jesus is the only way to enter God’s kingdom. We must make sure our lives reflect that and share this truth with others.

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