Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.

Put to Death

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think for a moment about the sinful actions, attitudes, and thoughts from which God has saved you. Focus your heart by praising and thanking Him for saving you, forgiving you, and protecting you.

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

—Colossians 3:3

Read Colossians 3:1-10 in your Bible.

• Read verse 3 again carefully. Write it in your own words.

• Based on what you have learned about God’s wrath this week, why does His wrath come on the disobedient who live immoral lives?

• According to these verses, what sins should you put away as a believer?

• If you’re a Christian, God has forgiven your sin, and you no longer face His righteous wrath against sin. So, why should you put these things away, if you’re already saved from God’s wrath? Explain.

Respond

• Look back at the sins listed in verses 6, 8-10. Which sins are still part of your life? Remember, you can be sinning in your thought life, even if you aren’t physically participating. Confess these sins to God, asking Him to help you remove them from your life, once and for all.

• Be aware of the temptations that trigger these sins in your life. List ways you will deal with these temptations when they pop up in your life. Jot down one or two actions you’ll put into practice today.

Behind the Story

The Book of Colossians is a letter Paul wrote to the church at Colosse. False teachers had tried to convince the Colossian believers that true spirituality required obtaining knowledge, adhering to certain rules, or having spiritual experiences. Paul directly opposed this teaching by reminding the believers that their life is hidden with Christ. He alone is their salvation. He alone is sufficient.

The Point

Because God is holy and we are His, we should continue to put away sinfulness so that we will become more like Him.

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

Helpless

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think of a time when you were absolutely helpless and needed someone to give you a hand. How did you feel? Thank God that He doesn’t leave us helpless.

When you think about the word helpless, what images come to mind? Write your ideas below.

“For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly. But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!”

—Romans 5:6,8

Read Romans 5:6-10 in your Bible. Read verses 6 and 8 again carefully, then answer these questions:

• In the context of this passage, what does it mean to be helpless? Explain.

• If no one can save themselves and we are all under the wrath of God without a relationship with Christ, what do these verses teach you about the importance of sharing the gospel?

• Clearly, the good news of God’s great rescue is vital information. Is the gospel’s importance reflected in your daily life? How?

Respond

• Think of people in your daily life who do not know Christ. List a few names below.

• Meditate on Romans 5:8, reminding yourself that Christ loved each of these people enough to die for them. Ask God for opportunities to show others His incredible love.

Memory Verse

Ask a friend or parent to help you memorize John 3:36. Try reciting it to them. If it helps you to move while memorizing, toss a ball back and forth with your partner as you recite the verse.

Behind the Story

Romans 5 assures us of God’s great love for us by explaining that He chose to take upon Himself His own wrath, which we rightfully deserved. Verses 9-11 go on to tell us that in Christ, God declares us:

• righteous: right according to God’s standard; our sins are removed.

• reconciled: our broken relationship with our Creator has been restored.

The Point

We must share the gospel, because everyone who doesn’t trust in Christ for salvation is subject to God’s wrath.

Payment Made

Posted by Karah

Pause

Make sure you find a quiet place where you can be alone as you study God’s Word. Before getting started, ask Him to help you understand His truth and to apply it to your life.

What are some things you couldn’t do and stay true to who you are? What actions or attitudes would conflict with your character? List a few ideas.

God cannot remain true to His character and just ignore sin or sweep it aside. Because He is righteous, holy, and just, sin and rebellion cannot go unpunished. But, thankfully, God has made a way for us so that we do not have to remain under His wrath—His full fury against sin. Read Romans 3:21-26 in your Bible to find out what it is.

“God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed.”

—Romans 3:25

Sometimes translated “propitiation,” “sacrifice of atonement,” or “mercy seat,” the concept is that Jesus has become the sacrifice for our sin, turning God’s wrath away from us. How does it make you feel to know Jesus died in your place?

By believing in Christ and accepting His sacrifice, His righteousness can be applied to your life. When God looks at you, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. Clearly the only thing that has the power to save is the finished work of Christ. Do you believe this is true? Why or why not?

Respond

• Jesus willingly took God’s wrath on Himself on your behalf. Meditate on this. How will you let it change the way you live today and every day? Jot down one idea.

• If you have never placed your faith in Christ for salvation, you are still under the wrath of God. Prayerfully consider “The Gospel” on page 2. God’s invitation demands a response. How will you respond today?

• For further study on sacrifices, read about the Passover in Exodus 12:1-11. How is the Passover lamb a picture of Jesus’ sacrifice? How does reading this account give you a greater appreciation for what Jesus did for you?

Behind the Story

Throughout this passage, Paul relied heavily on sacrificial imagery and terms that would have been familiar to his readers. He clearly presented Jesus as the sinless sacrifice prefigured by the Old Testament sacrifices. For more on Old Testament sacrifices, read Leviticus 16–17.

The Point

The immensity of God’s love can only be understood by recognizing His wrath toward our sin and His willingness to take that wrath on our behalf.

Life or Wrath

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote to begin your time with God:

“You’re not adopted as God’s child until you confess and turn away from your wrongdoing and receive the freely offered gift of forgiveness and eternal life that Jesus purchased with his death on the cross. Until you do that, you’ll always be on the outside looking in.” —Lee Strobel

Pore over John’s words in John 3:27-36. Underline any words or phrases that show you why Jesus is so important.

“The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”

—John 3:36

Re-read verse 36 again, then consider what this passage teaches you about what brings God’s wrath and what brings eternal life. Record your answers.

Wrath Eternal Life

• According to John 3:36, there is no middle ground between God’s wrath and eternal life. You can only be saved by trusting Christ. How do you sometimes find yourself trying to earn God’s favor?

Respond

Consider in what ways you still strive to avoid God’s wrath and earn His favor through your own merit or actions, rather than resting in what Christ has done:

Actions:

Words:

Thoughts:

Attitudes:

Today, instead of trying to earn God’s grace, live in thankfulness for the grace you have already received.

Behind the Story

By affirming Jesus’ identity, John explained the monumental role belief in Jesus plays in a person’s eternal destiny. Only Jesus can remove the wrath of God. Apart from Him, we have no hope of ever escaping it.

The Point

Those who have accepted Christ have received eternal life, but those who reject Him continue to live under God’s wrath.

Not Hidden

Posted by Karah

Pause

If weather permits, go outside for a few moments. Listen to the sounds. Breathe in the scents. Take note of the details in nature. As you do, praise the God who created it and is revealing Himself to us through it.

The world’s definition of wrath ranges from extreme anger to annoyance. When Scripture talks about God’s wrath, it does not describe minor annoyance. If you were writing a definition for God’s wrath as described in the Bible, what would it be? Write it below.

Read Romans 1:16-20, then re-read verses 18-20.

“For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.”

—Romans 1:20

In verses 16-17, Paul pointed out that God had revealed His righteousness through the gospel. In verse 18, he begins discussing God’s wrath. What is the relationship between God’s righteousness and His wrath? Explain.

Verses 18-20 stress that no one has an excuse for not knowing God because He has revealed Himself generally through nature and specifically through His Word and through Christ. This is the truth that humans have suppressed (v. 18). Why do they do that? How do you see that in our culture today?

Respond

• How has God revealed Himself to you through His creation, His Word, and ultimately through Christ? Thank Him for this knowledge. Journal your short prayer below.

• For further study on how God has revealed Himself through creation, read Psalm 19:1-4.

Behind the Story

The two seemingly opposite topics of God’s righteousness and His wrath appear alongside each other in Romans 1 because they are inseparable. God can’t be righteous and holy, and also turn a blind eye to sin. God hates the sin that separates us from Him and destroys us. He will stop at nothing, not even sacrificing His own Son, to free us from sin and bring us into fellowship with Himself.

The Point

God has clearly shown us what He is like, and we cannot claim ignorance of His existence of power. We can accept or reject Him, but everyone must give a response.

Holy Wrath

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about what you know about God’s character—holy, just, wrathful. In recognition of who He is, kneel or lie face down as you pray, asking Him to use today’s Scripture to teach you more about Himself.

Read Psalm 90:7-12 in your Bible.

“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”

—Psalm 90:12

Read verse 12 again carefully, then answer these questions:

• Was God justified by His extreme anger toward the Israelites? (See “Behind the Story.”) Why or why not?

• To number your days is to value them and choose to live in ways that please God because you recognize that life is short and know that God hates sin. Who in your life is a good example of that kind of attitude? Why?

Respond

God’s righteous response to sin is His holy wrath. How would your life be different if your attitude toward sin reflected His? Journal your response. Ask God for wisdom so that you will “number your days” and live out your life in a strong, healthy relationship with Him.

Behind the Story

Psalm 90 was written by Moses in response to God’s anger toward the Israelites. God had freed them from slavery, but they repeatedly disobeyed and rebelled. Their faithlessness kindled God’s anger. The ultimate result of their disbelief was wandering in the wilderness for the rest of their lives, instead of entering the paradise God wanted to give them. These people understood firsthand the cost of sin and the wrath of God.

The Point

God’s holy anger toward sin seems extreme to us because we don’t understand the horrendous destruction of sin. If we did, we would take our sin more seriously and live much differently.

Protected

Posted by Karah

Pause

Reflect on God’s compassion and patience. How can a compassionate God also be wrathful? Ask God to help you understand the full scope of His character as you study His Word today.

It’s easy for us to think about God’s love, compassion, and faithfulness. God is all of those things and more. But because He is just and holy, God is also a wrathful God. How does it make you feel to think about God as a God of wrath? List a few responses.

Now, read Nahum 1:2-6 in your Bible. Read verse 2 again carefully. Underline the emotions expressed by God in these verses.

“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The Lord takes vengeance against His foes; He is furious with His enemies.”

—Nahum 1:2

• How would you feel if those emotions were directed at you? Explain.

• If wrath was not part of God’s character, what would our world be like?

• God’s wrath is not directed at His children, but at His enemies, those who oppose Him. God is always ready to defend and fight for those who belong to Him. Why is this an important truth to understand?

Respond

God is passionate about protecting His people. He will direct His wrath at everyone and everything that opposes Him and His purposes. Nahum expressed those truths in a short two-stanza hymn. Write your own hymn of praise to God below, praising His character and power to defend and defeat all that oppose Him.

Behind the Story

Although the book of Nahum is written to the southern kingdom of Judah, God’s anger is directed toward their oppressors in Nineveh. Nahum comforts God’s people as he promises them that those who hate and harm them will indeed be punished, and that their own suffering will cease. It’s a reminder of God’s fierce protection. Without God’s intervention, the people of Judah had absolutely no chance to stand against their foe.

The Point

God’s righteous response to those who oppose Him and His children is wrath.

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.

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.

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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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