Total Bedlam Vlog

Posted by Sharon

We introduced a new game to Camp Crestridge today.  We borrowed the game from Camp Ridgecrest and the campers seemed to love it!  It was crazy during the game, balls flying everywhere!  Check out the footage…


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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.


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Tuesday Traditions

Posted by Sharon

Every Tuesday night, each cabin builds a fire and cooks their dinner at their cabin.  After dinner, they head to the campfire area to sing songs with Ron and hear a message from one of our staff.  This night has it all – fun, laughter, singing, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature, and precious time with our Lord!

 

 


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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


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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?


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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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Shine

Posted by Karah

There are many ways that people shine. Maybe you . . .

  • are a stand-out on the tennis court.
  • make people laugh a lot.
  • are really good-looking.
  • are a Little Chief or a Belle
  • get good grades.
  • can sing.
  • get tons of “likes” and comments on Facebook
  • are really nice to everyone.
  • are a leader in your youth group.

Name one thing that makes you stand out. Jot it down below, along with why you think God made you that way.

 

Now, read Matthew 5:13-16 below. Underline the reason Jesus said we should live committed lives. (Hint: it’s in verse 16!)

13“‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

14‘You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”

—Matthew 5:13–16

Ask Yourself

What does Jesus’ reason teach you about the purpose of your life? Explain.

How well are you living up to that purpose? Explain your answer.

The Point

There’s the earthly point of the Christian life. When you live to please God, your life will help people in this dark world see God’s glory and give Him praise. Whatever you do—however you stand out—it should be for one purpose: to point people to Jesus.
Take Action

What are three specific things you will do to let your light shine for Jesus this week? Comment below, or in your Journal…


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Oxymoron

Posted by Karah

An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory terms, like jumbo shrimp. Match the words below to form oxymorons.

pretty     same     living      act      good

difference     grief     dead     ugly    naturally

Think About It
Read Matthew 5:10-12. How about that for an oxymoron: blessed persecution, blessed insults, and blessed evil? It sounds crazy, and nothing any of us would want to invite. But Jesus said it, so it must be true. Believers pursue God’s way of life even when it runs counter to the things the world considers to be important. Because of this, you will face opposition and persecution, but you will be blessed.

Take Action
OEvaluate your life. Is it different from the way the rest of the world lives or do you fit in? Explain. (In your Journal)

Do you act differently at Camp than at home?

If people do insult you and make fun of you because you’re a Christian, is it because you represent Him well or because you judge and antagonize? Explain.

In what area of your life is God calling you to live differently for His glory? What steps will you take to do so this week?


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Staff and Campers

Posted by Karah

We love our campers!  You are what makes camp, well, camp.  Here are some of our favorite moments of staff hanging out with campers during the summer!


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Be Real

Posted by Karah

Fake diamonds. Fake money. Fake eyelashes. Fake Moustaches (at Camp) Fake Picassos. Fake you?

Journal
Read Matthew 5:8-9. In what ways are you sometimes tempted to fake righteousness? It’s something we all struggle with from time to time, but true believers have a deep-seated inward desire to pursue the things of God. God knows your heart—you can’t fake faith with Him. Take some time right now to get real with God. In your journal, write your honest prayer about where you currently stand with Him.

Behind the Story
The religion God’s people had come to know was one of hypocrisy. The religious leaders of the day faked righteousness by doing all sorts of outwardly religious things. They went to church, gave offerings, obeyed the commandments (when people were watching), and even prayed out loud. But their hearts were impure—they were far from God (Matt. 23:25-28).


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