Girls – Page 32

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Girls

Wear It

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take some time to look back over the studies from the last few weeks. Think about what you learned as you spent time studying God’s Word. What stands out to you most? Thank God for speaking to you through His Word.

Carefully read Colossians 3:12-15 in your own Bible. Jot down what a believer looks like according to this passage.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

—Colossians 3:12

Put on: Literally, clothe. In verses 5-9, Paul had outlined the sinful vices Christians should put to death. Here, he lists the qualities that should characterize believers.

Humility: An attitude that’s free from pride and the need to make yourself the most important. Who exemplifies this quality in your life? Why?

Gentleness: Refusing to demand one’s rights; allowing the Master to control your power and rights. What’s a real life example of this concept?

Patience: The capacity to bear injustice or injury without retaliation. This involves forgiving injustices committed against you. Does this describe your interactions with others? Why or why not?

Respond

Reflect on verse 12 of this passage. Who in your life needs to see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience from you? Pray and ask God to work through you as you develop this kind of character in your life. Jot down one way you’ll commit to live this out this week.

Behind the Story

When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colosse, false teaching had infiltrated the church. Gnosticism was the problem—combining ideas from other religions and philosophies, emphasizing special knowledge and denying Christ as God and Savior. Paul combated this error by teaching the supremacy of Christ and His death on the cross.

The Point

Truly living out God’s patience means displaying patience to others no matter the circumstance.

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

Proclaim & Persist

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about how quick you are to give up when people don’t respond the way you think they should. Now, thank God that He isn’t like that.

Think about a difficult situation you have faced or are facing right now. How quick are you to give up when something gets hard? Below, rate yourself from 1 to 10.

never give up give up at first sign of difficulty

1—-2—-3—-4—-5—-6—-7—-8—-9—-10

Read 2 Timothy 4:2-5 to discover a difficult situation Paul knew Timothy would face: proclaiming the gospel to those who didn’t seem to respond.

“Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.”

—2 Timothy 4:2

Ask yourself:

• When should you persist in proclaiming the gospel? What would that look like in your daily life?

• What does it mean to rebuke, correct, or encourage with “great patience”? Who do you know who truly lives that out? Explain.

• Why would correcting someone or sharing the gospel without patience be detrimental to the cause of Christ?

Respond

Do you know someone who needs to hear God’s message of hope? Have you tried sharing with them, only to become frustrated or discouraged? Commit to pray for anyone who came to mind by writing down their names. Ask God to give you opportunities to share His message with patience this week.

Behind the Story

Paul wrote this letter as he waited in a Roman prison for death by execution. He was convicted for being a follower of Christ. The letter was written to Timothy, Paul’s dear friend and the pastor of the church at Ephesus, as a sort of “passing of the torch” of leadership. Paul’s letter was to remind Timothy of what was truly important and to encourage him in the faith.

The Point

Because God is patient, wanting all to come to salvation, we must continue to share the gospel and encourage others with great patience and persistence.

A Patient Life

Posted by Karah

Pause

What things are causing you to be anxious? Instead of worrying about those things, lift them up to God.

Think about the words patient and impatient. What attitudes, feelings, or other words and phrases do you associate with each of those words? Write out your ideas.

Patient Impatient

Read Ephesians 4:1-5 in your Bible, then read over verse 2 again. Underline the words that should describe your way of life as a follower of Christ.

“Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us”. —Ephesians 4:1-2

According to this passage, why is it important for Christians to exhibit this kind of character? Explain.

Patience is a vital part of maintaining unity within the body of Christ, the church. Do you think that statement is true? Why? How have you seen it play out in your church?

Respond

• There are probably people all around you who try your patience. Think about the people in your life or church with whom you sometimes grow impatient. What are some specific ways you’ll choose to be patient with them this week? List two.

• Identify the triggers that cause you to be impatient, then outline specific actions you will take when tempted to respond impatiently.

• For further study, read Galatians 5:22-23 and to learn more about what walking with Christ looks like.

Behind the Story

The Book of Ephesians is a letter Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus to strengthen and encourage them. One of his key themes in the letter is the church. Chapter 4 stresses that unity should characterize the Body of Christ. That means that believers should have commitment, concern, and harmony with one another because of their common bond in Christ. How do you see this in your relationships with other Christians?

The Point

Because God is patient, you can be patient with others, especially within the body of Christ. Patience is vital to building unity in the church.

Extraordinary Patience

Posted by Karah

Pause

When are you the most impatient? Think about the people, situations, and circumstances that most often trigger your impatience. List a few below.

It’s easy for us to place our own characteristics on God. Because we get impatient, we think He will, especially in light of our sin. Even as Christians, we often sin, but we don’t have to worry that God will get impatient with us and walk away. That’s not who He is. Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17 to learn more.

“But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

—1 Timothy 1:16

Ponder these thoughts:

• Re-read verses 12-14. Underline the words Paul used to describe himself before he came to Christ. What words would describe you before Jesus came into your life?

• According to this passage, why is Paul an example of God’s great patience?

• Paul obviously still marveled at the power of the gospel and the transformation Jesus had brought into His life. He knew how bad he’d been, so he understood the patience God had shown Him in forgiving Him and never giving up on Him. Have you ever felt that way about the gospel? Why or why not?

Respond

• Meditate on these truths: Because God is patient, I know He can forgive and transform me, no matter the sin. Because God is patient, I know that He will never be impatient with me.

• Do you live like you believe those truths? What changes will you make today in order to do so? List one idea below.

• For further study, read Psalm 40:1-3 and consider the benefits of God’s patience. Also, read “A New Way to See” in The Jesus Storybook Bible, a story about Paul’s conversion.

Behind the Story

The “extraordinary patience” discussed in verse 16 suggests an attitude of moral restraint even when provoked. In His patience, God holds back overdue judgment and offers forgiveness rather than separation and lostness.

The Point

Paul claimed to be the worst example of sin, but his life gives proof of God’s great patience toward us. Jesus came into the world to save sinners and no sin is too great for forgiveness.

God’s Patience

Posted by Karah

Pause

Let the wonder of God’s patience toward sinners overwhelm you today by contemplating this quote:

“How wondrous is God’s patience with the world today. On every side people are sinning with a high hand . . . It is truly amazing that He does not instantly strike dead those who so brazenly defy Him.” —A.W. Pink

God’s patience is part of His character. But like everything in God’s economy, that patience has a purpose. Pore over Romans 2:1-4 in your Bible looking for that purpose. Underline it when you find it.

“Do you really think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

—Romans 2:3-4

Paul was writing to Jews who condemned the Gentiles for their wickedness while overlooking their own. His point was that everyone of us have gone our own way and will face judgment. Why would this have been vital news to the Jews? Why is it important to you?

God isn’t just patient and tolerant with the Gentiles; He is patient with all people. This isn’t careless oversight. He is patient in order to lead people to repentance. What does this reveal about God’s character? Explain.

Respond

When has God’s kindness led you to repentance? Journal your thoughts and thank Him for showing you such kindness.

For further study, listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Kindness” on The Noise We Make.

Behind the Story

Many scholars see Romans 2 as a warning to the Jews not to assume that their national identity was enough to give them right standing before God. Many Jews believed that because they had historically been God’s people, had the Law and supposedly kept it, that God would regard them as righteous. But Paul said everyone has fallen short of God’s standard. It is only a relationship with Christ that brings salvation, not your family’s faith or how good or moral you are.

The Point

In God’s kindness, He gives ample opportunity for repentance, but judgment is coming. Don’t mistake His patience for approval of sin!

Listening to God

Posted by Karah

Pause

How often do you really listen for God? Start your time with Him today in prayer, but also sit in silence before Him. Ask Him to help you hear Him speak through His Word.

Think about a time when you tried to warn someone about some danger, but that person wouldn’t listen to you. How did you feel? Jot down words or phrases that describe that moment.

Often, we treat God’s warnings the same way. Read Nehemiah 9:29-31 in your Bible, then re-read verse 30. Because of the Israelites’ continual disobedience to God, they were exiled to Babylon, leaving Jerusalem in ruins. Nehemiah served as the leader who worked to restore the city and lead the people.

“You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit warned them through Your prophets, but they would not listen. Therefore, You handed them over to the surrounding peoples.”

—Nehemiah 9:30

• Examine the Israelites’ responses to God’s actions. Why wouldn’t they listen? When has that described you?

• The prophets’ messages were inspired by the Holy Spirit, but the people ignored them. How receptive are you to the Holy Spirit’s leading? What causes you to ignore it?

Respond

Despite persistent and repeated failure, God doesn’t abandon His people. How has God been patient with you? Write a prayer of thanksgiving for His patience below, followed by a commitment to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading.

For further study, read Deuteronomy 30:11-20 to find out more about God’s commands for the Israelites.

Behind the Story

The Book of Nehemiah details the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. The central character, Nehemiah, served as the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes of Persia. After hearing of the sad state of affairs in Jerusalem, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return and rebuild the city and its fortifications. The king granted his request and granted access to resources to finish the job. The walls were completely rebuilt in 52 days (Neh. 6:15-16).

The Point

Even in light of Israel’s cycle of rebellion, God didn’t turn his back on them. He was patient with the Israelites, calling them back to Himself. He does the same for us.

The Reason

Posted by Karah

Pause

Before you begin today’s study, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to reveal Himself through His Word.

Write your own definition for the word patient. Include qualities and characteristics of patience.

Read and study 2 Peter 3:8-9 in your Bible.

“Dear friends, don’t let this one thing escape you: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”

—2 Peter 3:8-9

Ask yourself:

• How does your definition of patience compare to the concept presented in these verses? Explain.

• There is a reason for God’s patience. (See v. 9). Why does His patience work to our benefit?

• Why is it important that God is a patient God?

PATIENT adj.= Long-suffering; steadfast; slow to anger, especially in response to sin

Respond

• Meditate on verse 9 of this passage. Praise God for being patient with you and offering salvation through His Son, Jesus.

• For further study on waiting patiently for Christ, read James 5:7-8.

Behind the Story

The word repentance (v. 9) doesn’t mean to just “tell God you are sorry.” It’s acknowledging and turning away from wrong behaviors. Jesus’ words in Luke 5:32 are a reminder of His mission on Earth—to call sinners to repentance. Repentance is essential to knowing God and experiencing His salvation.

The Point

God is not slow, as it sometimes seems. He is always patient toward sinners, giving us time to respond to His invitation.

Be Like God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Spend a few minutes reviewing what you’ve learned about God’s character this week. Thank Him for being a God who loves to show compassion to His children!

Do people often comment that you’re “just like” one of your parents or another family member? Think about physical similarities, attitudes, or actions you often display that resemble that family member. Jot down a few of the things that come to mind.

Read Ephesians 4:32–5:1. As God’s children, our character should reflect that of our Father. Underline the character traits that should be on display in believers’ lives.

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.”

—Ephesians 4:32-5:1

Ask yourself:

• Believers should be kind and compassionate to others because that is the example God has shown us. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

• We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us in Christ—who paid a great price so that our sin could be forgiven. Who in your life do you find it hard to forgive? Why?

Respond

• Look over the list of people you find it hard to forgive. Pray over the names one by one, asking God to help you to become more like Him and forgive so that the people on your list can come to know more about Him and His character through your obedience.

• Mull over this question: If the only way people had to learn about God’s compassion was your life, what would your life teach them? Would the way you live accurately represent God’s character?

Behind the Story

Chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians were written to help believers understand how their lives should be different after salvation. In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul described putting off the old self and putting on the new. Then, in Ephesians 4:25-31, he outlined particular sins that should no longer characterize a believer’s life. Ephesians 4:32–5:1 should be read in conjunction with these verses. If we are in Christ, then we should begin to exhibit His characteristics.

The Point

As dearly loved children of God, we should want to be like Him, showing compassion and extending forgiveness to others.

Active Compassion

Posted by Karah

Pause

Start your time alone with God by considering this quote:

“People may excite in themselves a glow of compassion, not by toasting their feet at the fire, and saying: ‘Lord, teach me compassion,’ but by going and seeking an object that requires compassion.”

—Henry Ward Beecher

Read Mark 6:30-43 in its entirety in your Bible.

“So as He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to teach them many things.”

—Mark 6:34

The Greek word used for compassion here, splanchnizomai, is only used of Jesus in the New Testament (Matt. 18:27; Luke 20:33;15:20). It suggests more than pity and involves action. How did Jesus show compassion to the people? How has He shown it to you?

Re-read verses 34-35,42. Jesus saw the peoples’ spiritual need and met it, then recognized their physical need—hunger—and met it. What does that tell you about how you should reach out to others?

Consider Jesus’ response when He saw the people and their needs and contrast it with the disciples’ response. Which better describes how you view others? Why?

Respond

It is impossible for us to minister effectively in the world if we ignore physical or spiritual needs. We must work to meet both. Think about the needs in your church, community, or world. Which ones do you feel led to meet? Jot down two ways you’ll take action to meet those needs this week.

Is there someone in your life to whom it is hard to show compassion? Pray for that person this week, asking God to help you see them through Jesus’ eyes.

Behind the Story

Of the miracles of Jesus, the Feeding of the 5,000 is the only one recorded in all four gospels. The disciples approached the peoples’ hunger with human wisdom and concluded they could do nothing to help. The lack of resources allowed Jesus the opportunity to display His power and show the disciples that God is not limited by what we can see and supply.

The Point

We must show compassion to those around us, reaching out to meet physical and spiritual needs.

A Happy Father

Posted by Karah

Pause

Put away anything that might distract you. Thank God for the day He has given you and ask Him to use this time in His Word to transform your life, desires, and actions.

Read the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. What’s your favorite part of the story? Why? Sketch your favorite scene or jot down a few ideas about why this scene captures your heart.

“So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.”

—Luke 15:20

Think through these questions:

• What does this parable teach you about God’s compassion for you?

• The rebellious son left home with his inheritance and squandered it. Later, he “came to his senses” and went home, admitting his sin to his father (v. 21). What does this passage teach you about true repentance and God’s response to it?

Respond

God isn’t passive when it comes to His children. He seeks us out, provides opportunities for us to respond to the gospel, and—like the father in the parable—is actively waiting for us to return to Him.

• If you are a Christian, take some time to thank God for the way He drew you to Himself and continues to work in your life.

• If you are not a believer, know that God will not force you to follow Him. But He longs for you to admit your sin and come to Him, something He celebrates with great joy. Don’t let this opportunity to respond to His gospel pass you by.

Behind the Story

In the culture of Jesus’ day, it was considered degrading for an elderly man to run. But in Jesus’ story, the father ran to his son and threw his arms around him. This is a picture of how God responds to us when we come to Him for salvation. God is eager to receive sinners. When we come in repentance, He responds with love, joy, and acceptance.

The Point

Because He is compassionate, God meets repentant sinners where they are. He celebrates when we return to Him.