Camp Crestridge for Girls

We Belong To God

Posted by Karah

“God invites us to work in the world
to foster God’s purposes. Part of that call is
to acknowledge in our hearts and lives that
our very being and everything we have belongs to God, and we are caretakers
using ourselves for His Kingdom.”

—Dr. William O. Avery

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, focusing on verses 4-5. Read over the passage a couple of times, underlining what the Macedonian believers did in verse 5.

Ask yourself:
What does it mean to give yourself to the Lord?

When the Macedonians realized that their lives and all they had belonged to God, how did it affect how they lived and how they gave to others?

Does knowing that you are God’s and all you have belongs to Him affect your generosity? Why or why not?

Take Action
Read over the quote from Dr. Avery on this page. All that you have—including your life—belongs to God. How will you allow Him to use you in His kingdom work this week? List a few concrete ideas in your journal or the comment section below.
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Evaluate your own generosity. Does your generosity reflect a deep understanding that your life is not your own? Why or why not? If your attitude doesn’t reflect God’s, what changes will you make today so that it does?

Going Deeper
If you want to gain a deeper understanding that your life is not your own, read 1 Corinthians 6:20 and Galatians 2:20. Take some time to journal about these Scriptures and your response to them.

Behind the Story
The Macedonians Paul referred to in this letter was probably a reference to Christian churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, cities located in the Roman province of Macedonia. The Macedonian believers were facing severe persecution, and in the midst of that, experienced a spontaneous, overwhelming desire to give to the churches in Jerusalem. Paul asserted that this joyful, willing attitude came from God and was an example of His grace at work. In Paul’s reasoning, God’s grace may not lighten our burdens or take away our poverty, but it will open our hearts and loosen our grip on belongings, money included.

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

Motivation Matters

Posted by Karah

Question: What do all three of these things have in common?

A grand slam to win the game in the bottom of the
ninth inning.
An encore from the band at a sold-out concert.
A camper who gets tapped out for Little Chief or Belle.

Answer: They’re all things that get a lot of attention. For weeks to come, people will talk about these feats. There might be news coverage, and Twitter and Facebook will be teeming with comments on the topic.

Think about the last time you did something that got a lot of public recognition or attention. What did you do? Why? Was getting all that attention a motivating factor for you to do it?

Read Matthew 6:1-4 in your Bible.

What do these verses teach you about your motivation to give to others? Explain.

When have you done something good or even godly because you wanted people to take notice or applaud you? What do these verses say about that kind of attitude?

What does it mean to be a hypocrite? Are there areas of your life in which you’re being a hypocrite? Explain.

hypocrite—noun

• a person who claims to to have moral standards or beliefs to which his or her own behavior does not conform; pretense.

The Point
Jesus clearly expects giving to those in need to be a vital part of His followers’ lives. But motivation matters—and when we give, it isn’t about getting attention or making a name for ourselves. Instead, we should give quietly, out of a desire to please God.

Take Action
What are some ways you could put Jesus’ teachings about how to give into practice right now? List three ways you’ll do so this week.

Obedience

Posted by Karah

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch Christian, who, along with her father, helped provide safety for Jews during World War II. After a raid on their house, she and her family were sent to a concentration camp.

Life in the camp was dreadful—but Corrie and her sister focused their lives on extending the love of Jesus to fellow prisoners. Decades later, Corrie began a worldwide ministry to testify of God’s love and forgiveness.

After one of many speeches on grace, Corrie was approached by a man who came to shake her hand. He was a former prison guard in the camp. It was only through the power of Christ that Corrie was able to extend grace to this man.

Take Action
Memorize 1 John 4:19. It will help you to remember why you’re called to love others, even when it’s hard.

Journal
Think about Corrie Ten Boom’s story as you read Matthew 5:43-48 in your Bible. Jesus’ command is for us is to love our neighbors—and our enemies. The people who hurt us, ridicule us, gossip about us, and make fun of us. All of them. Who do you find hard to love? Be honest about it to God. Record your prayer, asking Him for His grace and strength to help you love those people. List a few ways you will commit to show that person God’s love this week.

Week in Review
Take some time today to think over what you’ve learned this past week.

The kind of life Jesus has called you to won’t make sense to the world. How does that challenge or convict you?

Being a Christian isn’t about keeping rules; it’s about following Christ in radical obedience. Are you keeping the rules or cultivating a relationship with Jesus?

An Eye For An Eye

Posted by Karah

Read Matthew 5:38-42 below. Then, dig deeper into what the words and phrases really mean.

“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. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

—Matthew 5:38–42

One of the oldest laws in the world, this principle was supposed to be used to help courts determine appropriate punishments that fit the crime.

A slap on the right cheek was usually a backhanded slap which was considered a high insult. In commanding His followers to turn the other cheek, Jesus was instructing us not to seek vengeance even when facing the worst offense possible.

In Jesus’ day, the outer garment called the coat was an essential garment since it protected people from the cold and doubled as a blanket for the poor. In Old Testament law, people could sue for others’ shirt (inner garment), but taking their coat was not permitted because it was too severe. Jesus’ instructed His followers to go beyond what the law said to reconcile with others.

Roman soldiers could legally force civilians to carry their gear for up to a mile. Jesus instructed His followers to carry it one more mile as an act of service and love.

The Point
If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re called to a radical way of life that won’t make sense in the world’s eyes. Are you living that way?

Take Action
How will you live radically different. Below, list three ways you’ll put today’s Scripture passage into practice in your life this week.

Keep Your Word

Posted by Karah

When actor Gary Sinise gave his word to Marine Cpl. J.B. Kerns, he intended to keep it. So, he did.

In March, Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, were set to perform at a benefit concert to raise money for Kerns, a Virginia Marine who lost part of his right arm and both legs below the knee in Afghanistan last year. Sinise had to cancel that appearance because of a car accident, but rescheduled it for May 24, 2012.

Sinise didn’t say why he chose to keep his word to Cpl. Kerns, but Christians do have a reason to keep their word. Read Matthew 5:33-37 in your Bible. Pay close attention to verse 37.

Oath—noun
• a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says, or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says
• a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one’s words • something (as a promise) corroborated by an oath

Behind the Story
In Jesus’ day, oaths to God were considered binding. Therefore, Jews would avoid using God’s name in their oaths and sub in other things (like heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own heads). In this passage, Jesus condemns that sort of flippant, careless type of speech. Your yes should be yes. Your no should be no. You should keep your word.

Take Action
Take some time to evaluate yourself. How well do you keep your word . . .
to your parents?
to your friends?
to your teachers?
to coaches/teammates?
to your counselors/cabinmates?
to your church?
to God?

Excuses

Posted by Karah

“I forgot.” or “It’s not my fault!”

Think about times in the past when you let someone down. What excuses did you give for your behavior?
It’s human nature to try to excuse or justify our bad behavior. But as Christians, we simply can’t rationalize our sin, even when society accepts it.

Read Matthew 5:27-32 to learn more. After you’ve read through the verses several times, ask yourself some tough questions:

Addicts tend to rationalize their behavior. As sin addicts, so do we. How do you rationalize the sin in your life?

If you could sit with Jesus, like a friend, and talk through your reasoning, what do you believe He would say?

Check out verses 29-30. What is God’s attitude toward sin? How would you write these verses using modern-day examples?

The Point

Sin is sin. We can rationalize it and make excuses for our sin, but that doesn’t make it OK. True disciples of Christ don’t excuse their sin; they put a stop to thoughts and behaviors that lead to sin.

Harmony

Posted by Karah

Harmony–noun: the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions having a pleasing effect
• the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole • agreement or concord

In music, it’s when different notes are played or sung together in order to make the music sound best. In relationships, it’s when our relationships are in good order and healthy, when we live in agreement and peace rather than contention and disagreement.

Read Matthew 5:23-26 in your Bible. Answer these questions In the comment field below:

According to these verses, what effect does holding a grudge or not forgiving someone have on your worship? Why?

When is it easy for you to forgive? When is it more difficult? Why?

Journal
Do you actively forgive? Is there someone who you need to call, text, or email today? Pour out your heart to God in your journal, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal to you who you might need to forgive. Then, act on it.

It’s Not About Rules

Posted by Karah

New Heights

Few people have reached the heights Sergey Bubka did. The Ukranian Olympian broke the world record for men’s pole vaulting 35 times in his career.

As a 19-year-old, Bubka was already a notable athlete after an upset victory at the World Championship of Athletics.

The Ukranian pole vaulter would go on to win six consecutive world championships from 1983-1999. He became an Olympic gold medalist in 1988. And in 1991, Bubka became the first person to clear 20 feet—a height that has not been matched since. To this day he remains the current world record holder.

His athletic career is one of unprecedented heights, earning him nicknames like “The Tsar” and being called the “Hero of Ukraine” by the Ukrainian president. He even has a stadium named after him in his home country.

Bubka reached higher levels than anyone ever expected. As a believer, Jesus calls you to the same thing.

Read Matthew 5:20-22. Consider these questions:

– How would you summarize this passage in your
own words?
– What higher standard did Jesus call His followers to?
– What impact do these verses have on the way you live your daily life? Explain.

The Point

Clearly, to Jesus, living obediently isn’t just about following all the rules. It’s about the condition of your heart. If your heart is pure, then your actions will be, too. And Jesus values purity.

“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”

—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

The Authority

Posted by Karah

Think about the last few days. What are some laws or codes of conduct you’ve chosen to obey? List as many as you can think of in your journal, or in the comment field below.

When you choose to obey a law, rule, or a person, you give them authority in your life. You allow them to determine how you will live. As believers, Scripture is supposed to have authority in our lives. Did it make your list?

authority—noun
• The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience • [often with infinitive ] the right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another

Fulfill—verb
• To meet the requirements of (a business order) • bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted)

Read Matthew 5:17-19 in your Bible.

What do you think it means that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets?
What do these verses teach you about the authority Scripture should have in your life?
Does Scripture have authority in your life? Why or why not?

Behind the Story

In today’s passage, “the Law” refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and “the Prophets” is a reference to the Old Testament history books and those by the major and minor prophets. Jesus knew that His audience made the Law into a checklist of do’s and don’ts. He wanted to free them from the burden of being tied to the checklist, but He didn’t come to get rid of the Law. Jesus came to fulfill it and to make right what we couldn’t do on our own. But until it’s all said and done, the words of the Bible are ours to live by.
Take Action

Scripture is full of promises from God. But it’s also full of expectations for your Christian life. These expectations aren’t rules for the sake of rules, but rules that bring joy because of how Christ has transformed you. In your journal, list three verses from Scripture that challenge the way you live. How will you live in obedience to them this week?

Let It Go

Posted by Karah

1 Let’s Recap

Verse 12 starts out with the word, “Therefore.” That lets you know you should probably back up a bit for better understanding. Writing from prison, Paul was explaining to the Colossian believers that in Christ, life should be different (Col. 3:1-4). They needed to put aside all ungodly behaviors, things like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies. If all that kind of stuff had been going on among them, then don’t you think they were probably holding onto some grudges against each other?

Read Colossians 3:12-14 below. Underline all the things Christians are told to do in these verses.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.” —Colossians 3:12–14

2 Ask yourself:

Why do you think Paul used the phrase “put on” in reference to the qualities he mentioned in these verses?

How well are these qualities displayed in your life? Explain.

Do your thoughts about forgiveness line up with those presented in this passage? Why or why not?

3 The Point

Because we all have a sin nature, we fall short sometimes. What that means is that we all need forgiveness. That’s where Colossians 3:12-14 comes in. The short version is this: God forgave you; you need to forgive others.

Some things to remember when people make you mad, disappoint, or hurt you:

God forgave you.

Each of us struggles against our sinful nature.

Sometimes when someone else struggles with their sinful nature, you have to deal with some of the fallout.

Only two things in life really matter—loving God and loving people.

Christians must cultivate a lifestyle of forgiveness (Col. 3:13).

4 Take Action

Think about your life. Are you holding on to past hurts or grudges in any area of your life? Is there someone you need to forgive? Turn it over to God today.

Saying and doing are two different things. How will you choose to live out your forgiveness today?

There are a lot of myths about forgiveness.

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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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