Be Bold!

Posted by Karah

A superhero, police officer, and an army ranger. What do all three have in common?

The answer? All three display great courage and boldness. In the movies, superheroes courageously do what everyone else is scared to do. The Army Rangers are elite members of the U.S. Army who have displayed great courage and boldness. Police officers often face difficult situations in which they have to be daring, valiant, and brave.

As Christians, courage and boldness should also be traits in our lives. Read Jeremiah 38:14-18 to learn more. Ask yourself:

How did Jeremiah exhibit courage and boldness in this passage?

What would you have done or said if you had been Jeremiah? Why?

Jeremiah must have felt like he was in a “no-win” situation. When you’ve been in “no-win” situations that called for you to be bold about your faith, what did you do? Why? What did you learn?

Journal
It’s easy to say that you’ll be bold for Christ when you’re not in the middle of a “no-win” situation. But Jeremiah proved his trust in God was more than just talk—and when he faced a scary situation, he delivered a message that could probably lead to his execution. Take some time to process that today. In what areas of your life could you use a little more boldness or courage to stand up for Christ? As you think or pray over that, jot down your thoughts and prayers in your journal. Express your fears, concerns, and desire to boldly follow Christ.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
—Winston Churchill

BOLD— adjective
– (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous
– (of a color or design) having a strong or vivid appearance

COURAGE— noun
– the ability to do something that frightens one
– strength in the face of pain or grief


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Something New Is Coming

Posted by Phil

OK, so maybe we went a little overboard. But what can we say, we got excited! Watch this…something new is coming to Ridgecrest Summer Camps…. and I think you are going to like it… We will announce what it is on May 1st.


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Encourager

Posted by Karah

Who’s the most encouraging person in your life? You know, the one who reminds you of what’s really important. The one who lifts you up, prays for you, and sticks by you when you’re suffering or life is just hard. Jot down the first few names that come to mind.

Read Jeremiah 38:7-13. Think through these questions:

In these verses, who stood up for Jeremiah?

Do you think it took courage for Ebed-Melech to stand up for Jeremiah? Why or why not? What risks might he have undertaken in order to help Jeremiah?

Think about a time when you’ve felt defeated or abandoned. Who stood up for you?

Being abandoned at the bottom of a cistern was probably a spiritual low point for Jeremiah. What has been your spiritual low point? Who encouraged you in your faith during that time? What did you learn?

The Point
As a Christian, you don’t have to handle opposition or tough times on your own. In times of trial and suffering, God will provide people, His Word, and His presence to encourage you and lift you up, just like He did for Jeremiah.

Take Action
Look at that list of encouragers you created earlier. Over the next few weeks, find a way to express your appreciation to those people. Write them a Facebook message, send a note, or call them up. Just express your thanks for how they have encouraged you in your faith.

 
Maybe you’re not the one who’s discouraged or going through a tough time. Who do you know who needs an “Ebed-Melech” in his or her life? What steps will you take to encourage that person this week?


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Sock War 2B – Socklympics

Posted by Karah

Antarctica is upset because they were not invited to the Socklympics so they have stolen the torch!  Which team will be able to stop Antarctica and get the torch back?


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Unpopular

Posted by Karah

POPULAR — [adjective]:
liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group

intended for or suited to the taste, understanding, or means of the general public rather than specialists or intellectuals

(of a belief or attitude) held by the majority of the general public


THINK ABOUT THAT definition as you read Jeremiah 38:4-6 in your Bible.

Jeremiah had spent years proclaiming the truth: that the people were sinners and they would be overthrown by the Babylonians. What consequences did Jeremiah face for proclaiming that truth?

Is God’s truth more or less popular with the world today than it was in Jeremiah’s day? Explain your answer.

Why do you think God’s truth irritates and offends people so much?

 

THE POINT
The gospel is offensive to the world because it exposes our own sinfulness and our need for a Savior. When you’re bold enough to speak God’s Truth, what you say won’t be popular. Are you prepared to proclaim the Truth even if it isn’t easy or popular?

 

TAKE ACTION
Take a few moments to evaluate your reaction to today’s Scripture passage. Are you scared of proclaiming the truth? Do you doubt that you could ever be that bold? Whatever you feel, be honest with God in prayer. Ask for Him to help you be bold despite your fears and doubts.

 
Have you ever truly counted the cost of following Christ? Take time this week to examine your relationship with Christ. Are you willing to let Him be your everything, even if it’s unpopular or comes at a great cost?


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A New Hire for the Camps

Posted by Phil

As of Friday March 1st, we have a new full time employee with the camps. For years people have asked us how we survived with only 1 maintenance person. With around 70 buildings, 7 vehicles, heavy equipment, 130 acres, and new projects always on the horizon, we have had our hands full. Marty Quinn has faithfully served with us for about 8 years! And now, he has some help!

Rob Wilson has served at LifeWay’s Ridgecrest Conference Center since 1998. He was currently operating as the Grounds and Water Department Manager when we hired him onto our Maintenance Team. While Rob has expertise in plumbing and operating heavy machinery, he also has experience with just about every situation that he can expect here at the Camps!

Rob grew up around Black Mountain, NC and currently lives here with his wife and 2 boys. Introduce yourself to Ron when you see him and help make him feel welcome to the Ridgecrest Summer Camps family!


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Honest

Posted by Karah

“There is always a way to be honest without being brutal.”
—Arthur Dobrin


JOURNAL
Think about that quote as you read Jeremiah 38:1-3 in your Bible. Jeremiah had to deliver God’s word to the people and what he had to say wasn’t pleasant. Even though his job was difficult and his message was hard to deliver, Jeremiah didn’t let it stop him from speaking the truth. He knew it was more important to obey God than craft lies that would make the people happy. How is God calling you to speak or live out His truth even though it’s hard and won’t be popular? Spend some time thinking, praying, and writing about it in your journal.

 

TAKE ACTION
Is there someone in your life who God is calling you to speak His truth to? Who? What steps will you take to do so this week.

 
How you speak the truth of God matters. Read Ephesians 4:11-15. How can you “speak the truth in love” to others? Also, check out Galatians 6:1. How can you restore others “with a gentle spirit”?


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Sock War Session 1B – Revenge of the SWALTS

Posted by Karah

Everyone is out to get revenge on the SWALTS after they enforced their crazy rules during the Amazing Race.  Who will reign supreme in Camp?  Will it be the Campers, Counselors, or the SWALTS?  Watch this highlight video from Sock War 1B to find out!


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Punishment

Posted by Karah

1 THINK ABOUT THE LAST TIME you got into trouble for something. Maybe it was at school or with your parents. Did your punishment fit the crime? Do you think your punishment was fair? Why or why not?

 

2 YOU’VE HEARD IT SAID—a million times—that life isn’t fair. Being a Christian doesn’t make life any more fair, either. Sometimes, as you serve the Lord, you’ll face situations and circumstances that just seem so unjust. Read Jeremiah 37:11-17 for an example.

How would you describe what happened in these verses?

Why do you think that Irijah didn’t believe Jeremiah when Jeremiah tried to explain why he was leaving Jerusalem?

Do you think Jeremiah doubted God’s goodness or character during his unfair imprisonment? Why or why not? Would you have doubted God?
3 JOURNAL
Have you ever done something you knew was right or what God wanted and gotten punished for it? What happened? What did you learn? How did God use that situation to His glory? In the space below, write about that time and what God taught you.

 

4 THE POINT
As you follow Christ, there will be times when the world will treat you unfairly. Don’t be surprised when it happens and don’t let your circumstances cause you to question God’s goodness. God is always fair and good. He will use all things to bring glory to His name.

 

BEHIND THE STORY
In these verses, Jeremiah tried to leave Jerusalem by the Benjamin Gate. The Benjamin Gate was on the north wall of the city and anyone who wanted to go to the tribe of Benjamin’s territories would have left the city by this gate. Some scholars think Jeremiah was going to inspect land he had just purchased in his hometown of Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel (Jer. 32).


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The Good Fight

Posted by Karah

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:6–8

 

JOURNAL
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he was in a Roman prison and knew that he didn’t have much time left. His trial was yet to come, but he knew acquittal was unlikely and a death sentence was all but certain. Still, he took the time to write Timothy and pass along some final advice and encouragement. The verses you read today were Paul’s summation of his life and ministry. As you read them, think about the way you’d like your life and your relationship with Christ to be described at the end of your life. In your journal, write that description as a prayer.


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