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

Kingdom Responsibility

Posted by Karah

Pause

Prepare your heart and mind to read God’s Word today. Pray, asking God to give you wisdom to apply the truth you learn today as you study Scripture.

Consider the definition of the word steward. What qualities do you think a good steward possesses? What characterizes someone who’s a bad steward? Journal a few thoughts.

Steward (n.)= Someone who looks after or manages something, like property or money.

Read Matthew 25:14-30 in your Bible.

“Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.” —Matthew 25:15b-18

Ask yourself:

Read verses 15-18,24-27 again. According to these verses, what are some characteristics of a good steward? What qualities characterize a bad steward? Explain.

The slave who hid the talent failed to make any kind of investment with what the master had given him, which displayed a lack of commitment to the master. His desire to be safe overrode his desire to please the master.

Has Jesus ever called you to be obedient in a way that would have cost you something? Why is obedience when things don’t make sense a good gauge of your commitment? Explain.

The master gave each slave something in this parable. They didn’t get the same amount, but no one was left out. The same is true of the kingdom of God. God has placed resources in the lives of every believer—talents, skills, gifts, capabilities—and we must be good stewards of all He has given us.

Respond

Think about the last few days or weeks and the opportunities you experienced to be obedient or faithful to God. What does your obedience (or disobedience) reveal about your commitment to God? Are you truly willing to follow Him wherever He leads, or only when it makes sense?

Ask God to help you to trust Him entirely and follow Him no matter where He leads, even if it doesn’t make sense or scares you.

In your journal, list some gifts, talents, skills, or capabilities that God has given you. How can you be a good steward of those gifts and use them for God’s glory? Jot down three ideas in your journal. Circle one you’ll focus on this week.

Behind the Story

The parable of the talents calls believers to obey Jesus in all things—even when risk or uncertainty is involved. This does not imply that we are to be foolish or take chances, but rather that we are to be obedient. When God calls us to step out in faith, we are to do so, even if the world thinks that choice is unwise, difficult, or senseless. Faithful obedience to the Lord pleases Him and accomplishes His kingdom purposes.

The Point

God has given each of us resources to use to build His kingdom. We must be good stewards of all He has given us.

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

Justified

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a quiet room where you won’t be distracted. Take a few moments to pray, asking God to prepare you to study His Word today.

Read Luke 18:9-14 in your Bible.

“Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. . . . But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God, turn Your wrath from me—a sinner!’” —Luke 18:10,13

Read verses 10-14 again. Compare and contrast the hearts and attitudes of the tax collector and Pharisee

Pharisee Tax Collector

The tax collector’s prayer was marked by humility and recognition of his standing (as a sinner) before God. The Pharisee’s prayer was marked by pride, self-righteousness, and judgment of others.

-Whom did Jesus say left justified? Why?

-The Pharisee was a religious leader and the person Jesus’ listeners would have expected to be the hero of the story, especially knowing the Pharisees’ emphasis on moral excellence. Why is it important to recognize that we aren’t justified because of our own goodness or effort, but Jesus’ goodness?

Respond

Believers are not self-righteous or prideful, pointing hateful fingers toward sinners and proclaiming they are better than them. Believers recognize their need for Jesus, turn to God in repentance, and urge others to do the same.

Pause to take stock of your life. Which attitude best describes yours: the Pharisee or the tax collector? Confess any sin the Holy Spirit reveals.

In what ways do you struggle with self-righteousness? What steps will you take this week to deal with this?

When are you most tempted to judge others for sinful choices? When that happens this week, think about the depth of your sinfulness and your own need for Christ. Let that realization affect the way you respond to others.

The last few devotions should have helped you to recognize the depth of your sin, your need for Christ, and the overwhelming nature of God’s grace. If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, talk to a parent, someone you trust from church, or a camp counselor about what it means to put your faith in Christ.

Behind the Story

Pharisees were Jewish religious leaders. The name Pharisee means separated ones. They believed that ritual, rules, and separation from common sinners was the way to please God.

Justification n.= Right standing before God, only made possible through Jesus Christ.

The Point

True believers recognize their sinfulness and need for God’s mercy. When we humbly turn to Christ in repentance, He justifies us.

Unconditionally Forgiven

Posted by Karah

Pause

Spend a few moments alone in prayer. Ask God to help you understand the great debt of which He has forgiven you.

Ponder the cost of a luxury car, a year’s tuition to an Ivy League college, or an enormous amount of credit card debt. If you owed that amount of money, how would you feel if someone paid it for you? Jot down a few ideas.

With that in mind, read Matthew 18:21-35 in your Bible.

“Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan.”—Matthew 18:25-27

Think through these questions:

-The debt the first slave was forgiven of was enormous, comparable to several million dollars in today’s currency. Knowing this, what does this parable help you to understand about the debt you owe because of your sin?

The slave was forgiven a debt he never could have repaid, even if he had several lifetimes to earn the money. The scandal of the gospel is that Jesus has done the same thing for us. Our good works, acts of righteousness, and endless efforts could never make up for the debt our sin created. But Jesus laid down His life and offered Himself as the sacrifice so that our debt could be paid.

-How does it make you feel to recognize that Jesus laid down His life to pay your debt? Journal a few thoughts.

Respond

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). Recognize that you are the debtor and Jesus has forgiven you, taking that burden off of you, not because you deserve it or earned it, but because He loves you.

-If you’re a Christian, ponder the depth of your sin and the great debt Jesus has paid for you. Record your praise in your journal.

-If you are not a believer, read Ephesians 2:8-9 and consider the Gospel. Will you accept God’s gift of grace today?

For further study, read Romans 5:1; Colossians 2:13-14; and Galatians 3:8.

Behind the Story

In the ancient Roman Empire, a talent was the highest known denomination of currency. Likewise, 10,000 was the highest number for which the Greek language had words. Therefore, the parable is meant to stress that this was an enormous debt that the slave had no hope of repaying on his own.

The Point

Salvation is impossible to earn; it can only be given. God has made a way for our salvation through Jesus.

Two Debtors

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a quiet place free of distractions. Repent of any sin the Holy Spirit brings to mind, then thank God for forgiving you.

Read Luke 7:36-50 in your Bible.

“Jesus replied to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’

‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘say it.’

‘A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?’

Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one he forgave more.’”

—Luke 7:40-43

Ponder these questions:

Reread verses 44-46. Compare the woman’s response to Jesus with the Pharisee’s response to Jesus. How are they different?

-The Pharisees knew only God was capable of forgiving sin, yet Jesus forgave the woman’s sins. In doing so, what was Jesus proclaiming about Himself? Why was that so offensive to the Pharisees?

-Skim over the passage once more. Jesus said that the woman’s extravagant gratefulness was proper because she truly recognized that she had been forgiven much. What does her example teach you about how those who have been forgiven by Jesus should live? Explain.

Respond

Those who recognize how much they have been forgiven live differently. Love and thankfulness characterize their lives. Do those qualities describe you? Why or why not? If not, what actions will you take to understand the depth of Jesus’ forgiveness and cultivate those characteristics in your life? Record two ideas in your journal.

Evaluate your response to Jesus and His forgiveness. If you’re more like the Pharisees, what needs to change in your life so you can express your gratefulness to Jesus? List two ideas in your journal.

Behind the Story

There is no specific word in Hebrew or Aramaic that means to show gratitude or to thank. Instead, speakers used words like love, praise, bless, and glorify to convey thankfulness or gratitude. Therefore, the phrase “love him more” in verse 42 probably means who was more grateful. The point is that someone who has been forgiven much appreciates it more.

The Point

Our lives testify to the truth of our salvation. The lives of those who have been forgiven much are characterized by love and gratefulness.

100% Devoted

Posted by Karah

Pause

Go somewhere different for your quiet time today. Find a place far away from the TV or computer and turn off your phone and other electronic devices. Focus your heart and mind 100 percent on God and His Word.

While many of Jesus’ parables taught about the kingdom of God, others revealed what following Him actually looks like. Read Luke 10:25-28 in your Bible. As you read, underline any words or phrases that teach you something about what Jesus wants from His followers.

“Just then an expert in the law stood up to test Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’

‘What is written in the law?’ He asked him. ‘How do you read it?’

He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’” —Luke 10:25-27

Ask yourself:

Look at what you underlined in your Bible. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind? Write it in your own words.

-Who in your life is a good example of loving Jesus in this way? Why did you pick him or her? What does that person’s life teach you about following Jesus?

-Read verse 28 again. Jesus said, “Do this.” What did He tell the expert in the law to do in order to inherit eternal life?

-Why does Jesus want His followers to be entirely committed to Him? Explain.

Respond

Jesus wasn’t giving His followers a checklist of things they have to do to earn eternal life; He was calling them to submit every bit of their lives and themselves to Him. He wants us to wholeheartedly commit to following Him.

Your relationship with Jesus and commitment to Him should shape your decisions and values. What does your life declare about your commitment to Jesus?

If there is anything in your life that is keeping you from completely following after Jesus and walking in His ways, confess it today. In your journal, jot down your action plan to remove those things from your life.

For further study, read Luke 9:23-24; Luke 14:26-27; and 2 Timothy 3:12.

Behind the Story

In the original language, “Do this” (v. 28) is in the imperative, emphasizing a continual commitment to Christ and the way He has called us to live. The expert of the law wanted to justify works-based salvation, but Jesus said salvation came through love and devotion to God instead of merits or works. How do you see the expert’s attitude toward works-based salvation at work in the world today?

The Point

To follow Jesus means to follow Him with every part of who you are—your entire being.

We Plant; God Grows

Posted by Karah

Pause

Make a list of five things that God does for you daily that you haven’t thanked Him for lately. Thank God for those things and ask Him to forgive you of ungratefulness.

Read Mark 4:26-29 in your Bible.

“The kingdom of God is like this,” He said. “A man scatters seed on the ground; he sleeps and rises—night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows—he doesn’t know how.”—Mark 4:26-27

Ponder these questions:

-What role did the man in the parable play in making the seeds grow? Explain.

A faithful farmer plants seeds. He can water the seeds and try to make sure all the conditions are perfect for their growth and success, but he is powerless to actually cause them to grow.

-If the seed is symbolic of the gospel, what does this parable teach you about the success of the gospel? Explain.

The success of the gospel isn’t dependent on you. Like the sower, you must be faithful to plant the seeds and share the gospel message, but you can’t cause people to place their faith in Jesus. You have to share your hope, but trust God to bring the harvest.

-Why should Christians find it encouraging that we’re not in charge of growing the crops? Explain.

Respond

The parable of the growing seed teaches us two things: there will be a harvest (demonstrating God’s faithfulness), and we must be faithful to share the gospel.

In your journal, list the names of people you know have heard the gospel, but have not yet trusted Christ as Savior. Commit to pray for these people on an ongoing basis. Ask God to help you to trust Him to bear fruit in those peoples’ lives, even if trusting Him to do so is difficult.

As a believer, you’re not responsible for how people respond to the gospel, but you are responsible to share it. Pray that God would provide opportunities to share your faith this week. Ask Him to help you be faithful.

You never know how God will use the gospel seeds you plant in others’ lives. Ask God to open your eyes to specific ways to point others to Jesus in your words, actions, and interactions this week. Jot down three ideas in your journal.

For further study of your commission to share the gospel, read Matthew 28:19-20.

Behind the Story

Jesus frequently used agricultural metaphors because His original audience would have been familiar with farming. They could easily relate to and understand the deeper meaning of these stories.

The Point

You are responsible for sharing the gospel, but God is the One who brings the harvest.

Good vs Evil

Posted by Karah

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.

Sowing More than Seeds

Posted by Karah

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.

The Greatest Treasure

Posted by Karah

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.

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.

Small but Significant

Posted by Karah

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.

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