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

The Reason for Parables

Posted by Karah

Pause

Turn off your electronic devices and find a quiet place. Ask God to use the Scripture from this week to give you a better understanding of His kingdom.

Think about your favorite story—whether it’s a family story, novel, or the plot of a movie. Jesus often told stories as He was teaching, using imagery to point to greater truths. To discover more about why Jesus told parables, read Matthew 13:10-17 in your Bible. Focus on verses 16-17.

“For this reason I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand.”—Matthew 13:13

Dig deeper with these questions:

-Jesus told the disciples that they were currently seeing things the prophets had longed to see. What did He mean? Explain in your own words.

-Underline Jesus’ explanation of why He told parables. Is it confusing? Why or why not?

In simple terms, Jesus told parables to divide the crowd. He wasn’t trying to prevent people from understanding His teaching with difficult, mysterious stories. Those who acknowledged Him as Messiah would hear His teaching and understand, applying it to their lives. Those who refused to recognize Him as the Messiah would also refuse to accept His teaching, even going so far as to consciously choose not to believe.

Why is it dangerous to hear and understand God’s truth, then choose not to believe it? Explain.

Respond

Meditate on Matthew 13:10-17 and the difference between people who listen and understand and those who understand and refuse to let God’s truth change their lives. Which category describes you? Why?

If the Holy Spirit reveals a hard heart toward God’s truth, admit this to God. Ask Him to soften your heart to His truth so that you may live accordingly.

Part of being a follower of Christ is knowing His teachings and applying them to your life. In your journal or in the comments below, write two ways you will become a better listener to God’s Word.

Behind the Story

When discussing why He used parables, Jesus used the imagery of hearing and seeing (v. 13) to describe the condition of the skeptics’ hearts. They would physically look, but not “see,” meaning understand or believe. They would hear Jesus’ teaching, but not listen or understand, a figurative reference to their rejection of the truth and their willful disbelief.

Parable (n.) = An earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

The Point

Followers of Jesus accept His teaching and apply it to their lives. Those who hear Jesus’ teaching and reject Him will face judgment.

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

One Way

Posted by Karah

Pause

Focus your mind and heart on the beautiful gift of salvation by listening to “Christ is Enough” (Hillsong Live, 2013).

Read Matthew 7:13-29 in your Bible. Focus on the imagery that Jesus used. In your journal, try sketching icons that represent that imagery.

“But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”

—Matthew 7:26-27

Ponder these questions:

-How do these images all point to the same truth? Write that point in your own words.

These images help us to understand that there is only one way to be saved, one way to a fruitful life, and only one foundation upon which we should build our lives: Jesus.

-What are some other things that people today think will save them? List a few for our culture.

-What are the consequences of trusting in something or someone else other than Jesus for salvation? Explain.

We live in a world that thinks there are many ways to God or that it would be more secure to build our lives on things like wealth, power, popularity. But in the end, the only thing that matters is Jesus.

Respond

Faith in Jesus is not just lip service. If your life doesn’t reflect a relationship with Him and you have no inward desire to obey or live to please Him, you need to check yourself. Talk and pray with your parents, pastor, or a mature Christian mentor.

Think about your friends, family members, acquaintances who are trying to find salvation and meaning in someone or something other than Jesus. Pray for them, asking God for opportunities to tell them about Jesus.

For further study on salvation, read Romans 3:23; 6:23; and 10:9-10.

Behind the Story

In Matthew 7:24-27, the adjectives “sensible” and “foolish” are used to describe a person’s spiritual and mental state, not his or her intellect. The storm in these verses symbolizes God’s judgment. The one who hears and acts on Jesus’ teachings is sensible and prepared. The one who hears and does not act is foolish and will be destroyed.

The Point

Jesus’ followers know that Jesus is the only way to enter God’s kingdom. We must make sure our lives reflect that and share this truth with others.

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about the last time someone was generous to you. As you start your devotion, thank God for this person’s generosity.

Read Matthew 7:7-12 in your Bible. As you read, underline the words or phrases that describe God’s generosity toward His children.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 7:11-12

Answer these questions:

-What did this passage teach you about God’s generosity? His trustworthiness? Explain.

-This passage points to persistent reliance on God and trust that He will meet our needs. Who is a good example of that in your life? Why?

-God desires to give His children good things, but just because we ask for something, doesn’t mean it is a good gift. The gifts God loves to give are those that will build His kingdom.

-Underline verse 12. Because disciples have experienced God’s generosity, the least we can do is treat others as we would like to be treated. How does doing so display submission to God and a desire to put His purposes before our own?

-God blesses His children so they can be a blessing to others. How can generously giving to someone open the door to the gospel? Explain.

Respond

-In your journal, list of all the ways that God has been generous to you recently and in the past. Thank Him for each one.

-Think about the needs in your church and community. Pray over each one. What steps will you take this week to help meet those needs through the means God has generously provided for you? Jot down two action points in the margin.

-Memorize Matthew 7:12. You will have many opportunities this week to interact with others. How will you put this verse into action?

For further study on generosity, read Acts 4:32-35.

Behind the Story

Matthew 7:12 is often called the Golden Rule. Many parallels to this rule appear in history, but most are stated negatively. Jesus stated the rule positively, instructing His followers to take action on behalf of others. This is not something we can or will want to do in our own power; we can never carry out this command completely in our own power. In stating the command positively, Jesus therefore underscored our need for a relationship with Him.

The Point

Knowing that God has treated us generously, we must treat others the way we would want to be treated.

Watch Your Attitude

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this question: Do others see me as being more loving or more judgmental? Invite God to help you examine your heart as you read today’s Scripture.

Jesus addressed judgmental attitudes toward others. Well aware of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, Jesus didn’t want His followers to follow their example. Read Matthew 7:1-6 in your Bible.

“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” —Matthew 7:4-5

Dig deeper with these questions:

-What is the difference between being judgmental and judging? Explain.

-Jesus wasn’t saying that His disciples would never have to make moral judgments or exercise discernment, but that they shouldn’t be characterized by an overly critical and fault-finding attitude. Why is it so easy to be critical or find faults?

-Jesus challenged His followers to first examine their own lives and deal with their own sin, recognizing that they were no better than anyone else. Why is that an important part of living out your faith? Explain.

Respond

-It’s easy to go through life pointing out others’ faults, but never dealing with the sin in our own lives. Today, ask God to examine your life and heart and reveal any sin that you need to confess. Repent today.

-Who are the people in your life you most often find yourself being judgmental or critical of? Write their names in your journal and pray over each relationship. Ask God to remind you of the grace He has shown you and pray that He would change your heart toward those people.

-Maybe there is someone in your life who is incredibly critical of you and always ready to point out your flaws and sins. Instead of getting angry, pray that God would empower you to love that person and respond in a way that gives all the glory and attention to Him.

-For further study, on how to respond to another Christian struggling with sin, read Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-4.

Behind the Story

While a harsh, critical attitude should not characterize believers, we should practice discernment. Dogs and pigs (v. 6) were both considered unclean animals in the Jewish culture and probably refer to people who were openly resistant to or active enemies of the gospel message. According to Stuart Weber, “Jesus was teaching his people to use discernment when sharing the truth with others. To persist in sharing with a resistant person wastes time and energy. It can also destroy a relationship that might prove fruitful later.”(1)

The Point

Followers of Christ are not to be characterized by judgmental attitudes or critical spirits.

(1)Stuart Weber, Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Matthew 7–The King Speaks His Heart (Part III)”.

What’s Your Focus?

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote from R.H. Mounce: “Worry is practical atheism and an affront to God.”

What things do you worry about most? List a few ideas.

Worry is a big deal in our relationship with God. Worry displays a lack of faith. Instead of trusting Him to meet those needs or work in that situation, we attempt to take control and find the answer ourselves. With that in mind, read Matthew 6:25-34 in your Bible. Focus on the promises of God outlined in these verses.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

—Matthew 6:33-34

Answer these questions:

-Jesus lovingly explained that the real problem wasn’t anxiety, it was not trusting God. What metaphors did Jesus use to demonstrate how God provides for His creation? Be specific.

-How does the way that God cares for the birds and flowers encourage you to trust Him for your needs?

-Jesus said that our focus in life should be about building His kingdom. Is this your focus? If not, what is getting in the way?

Respond

Trusting God to provide for your daily needs, may not be a stretch of faith, but trusting Him enough to give up all of your wants in order to devote your life to building His kingdom may be the bigger issue.

-Ask God to give you a greater desire for Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any desires you are allowing to get in the way of helping to build His kingdom here on earth. List what He reveals in your journal and record specific steps you’ll take to trust Him and invest in His work.

For further study on trusting God, read Proverbs 3.

Behind the Story

Jesus wasn’t telling His followers not to think about or plan for the future in this passage. We can and should plan, but Jesus did prohibit worrying about the future. Instead, He encouraged His followers to focus on the challenges of the present day.

The Point

We can focus on building God’s kingdom because we can trust that He will provide for our personal needs.

Lasting Treasure

Posted by Karah

Pause

Before you dive in to your quiet time, ponder this quote from Francis Chan:

“Our greatest fear should not be of failing, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

We live in a culture that is all about getting as much as you can get, so we whine, work, and devote our hearts to going after what the world says we need in order to have value and worth. Read Matthew 6:19-24 in your Bible. Focus on what Jesus said believers should devote their hearts to.

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.”

—Matthew 6:19-20

Ask yourself:

-What is the difference between an earthly treasure and a heavenly treasure? Explain.

-You can determine where your treasure is by the ways you spend your time, money, and what you think about most often. What does that reveal about the treasures of your heart? Explain.

-Jesus uses the analogy of a master and a slave. How does money and earthly treasures enslave us?

-What does it look like when someone’s life is completely controlled by Jesus?

Respond

Either your heart belongs to Jesus completely or it belongs to something or someone else. Evaluate yourself. What does the way you spend your time, money, and what occupies your thoughts most reveal about where your treasure lies? If this evaluation reveals anything that takes your focus and heart away from God and His work, confess it now. Ask Jesus for a heart that’s completely focused on Him.

In your journal, draw two hearts. In the first heart the earthly treasures you struggle with. In the second heart, list things that you can do to store up eternal treasures. Ask God to give you a heart that is totally devoted to Him.

For further study on money, read Ecclesiastes 5:10 and Hebrews 13:10.

Behind the Story

In the society in which Jesus was ministering, masters rarely shared a slave. But if they did, naturally one slave would prefer one master over the other. Jesus warned believers to that if they loved possessions and made them the most important things in their lives, they would wind up hating God. Is that still true in today’s world? Why or why not?

The Point

We must devote our lives to things with eternal value.

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.

“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.

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

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