Girls – Page 17

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Girls

Where the Magic Happens

Posted by Karah

Ever wonder what the Crestridge office looks like during the school year? Here’s a little sneak peek! Can you guess which desks belong to which person (Amanda, Grace, Katie, Sharon, Scout)?

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A Model Prayer

Posted by Karah

Pause

Spend five minutes sitting before God in silence. Focus on all the ways that God has blessed your life and thank Him for those blessings.

Imagine what it would be like if you were invited to speak to a great king or important authority figure. Would you know what to say? Would you know the proper protocol? Wouldn’t you be glad if someone, who knew the king well, could coach you in what to say? Record a few thoughts in your journal.

Jesus did exactly that when He modeled for believers how to talk to God. As you read Matthew 6:9-15 in your Bible, focus on what this prayer teaches you about who God is and the kind of relationship He wants to have with you.

“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”—Matthew 6:9-10

Examine Jesus’ prayer and consider what it teaches about God’s character. Under the headings below, jot down which parts of the prayer teach you about those topics. Then, journal a few reasons you know those statements are true.

He is trustworthy.

He provides for me.

He wants me to be honest.

I must submit to Him.

Respond

In your journal, write out a prayer using Jesus’ model:

-Acknowledge God for who He is, expressing your trust in and submission to Him.

-Pray about your needs and requests. This isn’t a time to tell God what to do, but to ask Him to work in your life and trust Him to do so.

-Repent and confess any sin.

-End by once again praising God and resting in His authority and goodness.

-For further study of prayer, read Jesus’ prayer for believers in John 17.

Behind the Story

Some of the phrases in the Model Prayer can be a little confusing. Let these explanations deepen your understanding.

–“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven“ Acknowledges the sovereignty to God

–“Give us our daily bread” Asking God for what we need daily and trusting He will provide it.

–“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” Confessing our sins to God and forgiving those who have hurt us.

The Point

Christians will pray in a way that reflects their trust in God as the One who knows best and will fulfill their needs.

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

“Real” Prayer

Posted by Karah

Pause

Read Psalm 63:1-2 aloud. Make this your personal prayer as you begin your quiet time today.

As you read Matthew 6:5-8 in your Bible, notice that Jesus was once again challenging the genuineness of a believer’s actions. Prayer is supposed to be an intimate conversation with the Father rather than an opportunity to promote our own good works.

“But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6

Thoughtfully answer the following questions:

-How are we not to pray? Jot down some ideas about what that looks like.

-Circle a phrase you use frequently in your prayers.

In Jesus’ name

Be with me today

Bless this food

Other: _____________

It’s easy to get into the habit of repeating “prayer” phrases without giving much thought to what we’re saying. Jesus also cautions us against praying so that others will see how “spiritual” we are. Worrying about what others think of us when we pray aloud turns our focus away from God. When you pray aloud, who are you impressing?

-What kind of prayer honors God?

-Prayer is about being intimate with God, holding nothing back. He wants you to be real with Him. Does that describe your prayer life? Why or why not?

Respond

-Before you pray, pause to think about the One to whom you’re praying. Meditate on God in all His glory, majesty, and power.

-Have a conversation with God. Thank Him, honor Him, confess, and offer your requests, but in all of it, be honest with God. Really focus on what you’re saying and don’t just go through the motions. Record your prayer in your journal if writing helps you to focus.

-Examine your prayers. Are you repeating phrases or truly seeking to align your heart with God’s? Are your prayers more about telling God what to do or asking Him to work in your life and reveal His ways to you?

For further study read Psalm 88 and pay attention to how real David’s prayer was.

Behind the Story

The word “hypocrite” used in today’s Scripture passage comes from the Greek word hypokritai which means stage actors. It refers to one who wears a mask and puts on a show for an audience, but when the audience is gone, the mask comes off and his or her true self shows.

The Point

Prayer is an intimate conversation, not an opportunity to show off our own righteousness.

Biggest Fear or New Found Wonder of the World?

Posted by Karah

Hi Everyone!

So, if someone were to ask me what my biggest fear was, although there are most definitely things that are far greater fears to me than this, I’d probably say SPIDERS!

They give me the heebie geebies. I can hardly thinking about or look at them without cringing. They are small, can hide, and are just straight up creepy. They have 8 creepy little legs that, when they get on you, make your skin crawl! I could go further but if you aren’t afraid of them, I don’t want to foster that fear.

Why bring this up? Well, because our friend Hayley Martin (2016, 2017 Videographer) just shared a video with me of this “greatest fear” of mine. And, as opposed to closing it right away, I couldn’t stop watching! And, I HAD to share it!

This “creepy” little fellow is amazing!

#1 He’s a climber.

#2 He knows exactly what he’s doing.

#3 Look how precise he is. He doesn’t even have a ruler or level!

#4 His body is literally making his climbing rope, his home, his safety net, his food catcher, and I’m sure more!

#5 Think about how creative, smart, and loving his Creator is to make him be able to do all of this! There’s no way that little guy could have just “happened”!

Check out this video…

God says He tells us about Himself thought His creation!

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:20

So, challenge for the day, what does this little guy tell you about your amazing Creator!? What are YOUR #1-#5!? Same or different than mine??

Share your thoughts in a comment if you’d like, I promise I’ll talk back! Scout might too 😉

Whether or not you have a ton of thoughts, I hope you’ll enjoy this amazing like critter and think about his amazing Creator.

Much love,

KTG

Posted in Girls | Tagged amazing, cc4g, creator, Crestridge, devo, fear, spiders, thought for the day | Leave a reply

Genuine Giving

Posted by Karah

Pause

Reflect on this quote by Dennis Bakke:

“What is the chief end of giving? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had explained that following Him would affect His followers’ relationships. Then, as we’ll study the next few weeks, He began to detail how that relationship would transform their daily lives and decisions. Read Matthew 6:1-4 in your Bible.

“But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” —Matthew 6:4

The fact that Jesus’ followers would give was a given. Offerings and generosity were already important parts of the Jewish culture. But Jesus wanted His followers to understand that the motivation for giving was just as important as the act. Think through these questions:

-What does unrighteous giving look like? Why is it important that we are genuine in our desire to give?

-According to this passage, what is our reward when we give because we want others to see how good we are? What is the reward when we give because we want to honor Jesus?

-Think about the people you know. Who is a good example of a genuine, righteous giver? How does that person’s generosity help you to know more about Jesus? Explain.

Respond

-There’s no denying that all believers struggle with wanting approval; however, in a heart that has been changed by God, there should be a battle against the sinful desire of seeking the applause of others. Our ultimate goal should be that God be recognized and praised because of our giving.

-Think about a recent act of giving. Ask yourself: Did I give to make myself look good or to glorify God?

-If your motives were less than genuine, repent and ask God to change your heart.

-Thank God for His generosity toward you in Jesus. Stress that you wouldn’t know what true generosity was if the Father had not sent Jesus.

-For further study on how to give, read Deuteronomy 15:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Behind the Story

The phrase “to announce it with trumpets” in verse 2 could have been a literal description because the receptacles for offerings at the temple were in a shape of a trumpet. When coins were dropped into the repository, the offering made a loud noise, drawing attention. Whether it was a literal or figurative example, the meaning is clear. Jesus’ followers should avoid making a big show of their generosity.

The Point

Jesus’ followers will give to the needy out of grace and mercy rather that to gain praise from the world.

Choose Love

Posted by Karah

Pause

Turn off your phone, the TV, your computer, and any other distraction that might keep you from fully focusing on the Lord for the next few minutes. Ask the Lord to help you concentrate only on Him as you study Scripture today.

Who are some famous enemies? List a few that come to mind.

While you may not have a so-called archenemy in your life, there are probably people you don’t like or who mistreat you. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus even had something to say about how we should treat those people. Read Matthew 5:43-48 in your Bible.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” —Matthew 5:44-45

Answer these questions:

How did Jesus’ command fly in the face of the general thinking of the day? How did it call His followers to a higher standard? Explain.

Why would He tell us to love those who hurt us? Can we truly do that in our own strength or power? Why or why not?

What could be the end result of Christians actually living out this command? Explain.

Respond

Think about the people in your life right now. Who are your “enemies,” the people who it is difficult for you to love, encourage, or help? Someone who is easy for you to overlook? The genuine test of true Christianity is how believers treat those they dislike or who have mistreated them. Jot down the names that came to mind in your journal. Commit to pray for these people, their relationship with Jesus, and for God to help you love them.

In your journal, list two ways you could begin to show those people the love of Jesus this week. Pray for God to strengthen you and give you the courage to follow through with your ideas. Ask that He would use your interactions to draw these people closer to Himself.

For further study of what loving your enemies looks like, read Romans 12:20; 1 Corinthians 4:12; and 1 Peter 2:23.

Behind the Story

The words “love your neighbor” appear in Leviticus 19:18. However, nowhere in the Old Testament is anyone commanded to hate their enemies. Evidently, though, some of Jesus’ contemporaries argued that the command to love your neighbor also implied the opposite—that a person was to hate everyone who was not his neighbor.⁵ Jesus’ instruction flew in the face of this idea.

The Point

A relationship with Jesus transforms the way we treat even those who dislike or mistreat us.

⁵Holman Christian Standard® Study Bible Notes for Matthew 5:43. Available at: http://msb.to/&lRhFSmp

Going the Extra Mile

Posted by Karah

Pause

Focus on all that you have to be thankful for today. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness and provision in your life.

Revenge n.= To avenge (as oneself) usually by retaliating in kind or degree; to inflict injury in return for an insult

Think about our world today. We live in a culture that craves revenge. The general expectation is that people should pay for every way they’ve wronged us. How do you see that to be true in society today? Record a few ideas in your journal.

Revenge isn’t a new issue. Jesus had something to say about it in the Sermon on the Mount. ReadMatthew 5:38-42 in your Bible.

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” —Matthew 5:38-39

Ask yourself:

Why do you think revenge is such a temptation when someone wrongs us? Explain.

What does Jesus say we should do instead of exacting revenge on others? Write it in your own words.

Think about a situation in your life where you might want revenge. How would showing compassion instead of anger point others to Jesus?

Respond

Is there a situation you’re facing right now in which you’re tempted to hold a grudge instead of extending grace to the other person? Pray over that situation, asking Jesus to fill you with His love so you can respond as He would.

Journal a prayer, asking God to change your perspective and help you choose love and mercy over revenge.

Pray by name for the people in your life who are constantly seeking revenge and payback. Ask God to give you opportunities to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile in their lives.

Behind the Story

Originally, the “eye-for-an-eye” law was not given to exact revenge, but to legislate justice. Jesus, however, called His followers to a different response, one designed to display the mercy and grace God has shown us. How would truly living like this change the way the world views Christians?

The Point

Mercy and grace—not revenge—should characterize our conduct and treatment of others.

Promises

Posted by Karah

Pause

Before you begin, listen to one or two of your favorite worship songs to help quiet your heart and focus your mind on Jesus. Consider listening to “Holy Spirit” by Kari Jobe (Majestic, 2014).

Read Matthew 5:33-37 in your Bible.

“But let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.” —Matthew 5:37

Initial each statement that applies to you in the list below.

I committed to helping with a project, but when the time came I stayed home instead.

I signed up for a church activity, but something else ended up sounding more fun so I went there instead.

I told my parents I’d clean my room (or another chore), but I ended up hanging out with friends instead.

I told someone I’d pray for them, but never actually did.

Thinking about your answers and today’s passage, consider these questions:

Have you ever been guilty of breaking a commitment or promise you made to someone? Do you think that was a big deal? Why or why not?

Children of God tell the truth and live up to their word. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

Jesus’ teaching flew in the face of the thinking of the day. He said it was better to make a promise and live up to it than to thoughtlessly use God’s name to back up a vow you don’t intend to keep.

Behind the Story

At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the religious leaders had expanded oaths to cover all kinds of promises made to one another. “Levels of truth” emerged from the varieties of oaths. Swearing on heaven and God was considered more binding than swearing by earthly things.⁴

Respond

As Christians, we should be people of integrity.

Take stock of your life. Does it prove that you are a promise keeper? Do you tell the truth and refuse to twist it so that it benefits you? Would your friends and family members agree with your assessment? Why or why not?

If God has revealed any areas that do not please Him, confess and repent of them today. Commit once again to live in ways that please Him.

If you’ve disappointed someone in the past, how can you rebuild his or her trust? In your journal, record three steps you’ll take over the next few weeks to be a trustworthy person in those situations.

Pray, asking God to help you become a person whose word is trustworthy and honoring to Him.

The Point

Followers of Jesus tell the truth and their word can be counted on.

⁴Stuart 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)”

The Heart

Posted by Karah

Pause

If it’s a nice day, sit outside as you read your Bible and pray. Enjoy God’s creation all around you, thanking Him for His provision.

Next, Jesus turned His attention to lust, adultery, and divorce. Instead of focusing on these outward actions, Jesus went straight to the cause: the heart. Read Matthew 5:27-30 in your Bible.

“But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

—Matthew 5:28-29

Thoughtfully answer the following questions:

How are lust, divorce, and adultery symptoms of a deeper heart issue? Explain.

In our flesh, we will always subvert, destroy, and twist everything God meant for good, including passion, sex, and marriage. How does today’s passage help you better understand the depth of your need for Jesus?

Why is it important to recognize that without a relationship with Jesus, we will always default to sin and cannot live to please God in any area of our lives?

Examine verses 29-30. This is hyperbole and is meant to promote the message that believers must do whatever it takes to correct sinful heart attitudes. Why is it vital that we deal with sinful attitudes? Explain.

Hyperbole n. = Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Respond

We’re incapable of resisting sin on our own. Even as followers of Jesus, we are still tempted to sin, and we can still choose to disobey Him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart for sinful attitudes that do not reflect Jesus’ heart and the way He has called you to live. Confess and repent of these sins today.

In your journal, list specific actions you will take this week to deal with your heart issues. Be specific and take the drastic steps necessary to cut those attitudes out of your life.

For further study of how Jesus transforms our hearts, read Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; and Galatians 2:20.

Behind the Story

At this time, the Pharisees were allowing divorces for frivolous reasons. Jesus wanted His followers to see the intention behind the laws about divorce. Marriage is sacred and should not be treated frivolously. Essentially, Jesus’ point was that “Marriage is intended to be an exclusive, one-on-one relationship—for life. The only excuse a person has for violating this principle through divorce is that the other partner has destroyed it through ongoing, unrepentant adultery.”³

The Point

Jesus deals with our heart issues. He calls His followers to a higher standard that is only possibly because of a transformed heart.

³Stuart 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)”

Green & White

I know you miss camp. Since you can't be with us, we want to bring a little Camp Crestridge to you each week. Here you will find weekly devotions to remind you of what you learned about God; news, pictures, and videos of camp as we make improvements or just do something ridiculous; and even some posts from the road as we travel to see you and your friends!
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