Weekly Devotions

Tempted

Posted by Karah

Pause

Mull over this quote from Francis Chan:

“I have one good reason why you should walk away from temptation right now. One reason: God. Is. Better.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much would you say Jesus can really relate to your life and problems? Why? Record a few thoughts below.

Now, read Matthew 4:1-11 in your Bible like you’re reading it for the very first time. Answer the following questions:

What is something from these verses that stands out to you now that you’ve never really noticed before? Why did it stand out?

For what reason would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness where He would be tempted by the Devil?

To discover the answer to that question, read Hebrews 2:14-18.

“Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.” —Hebrews 2:17-18

Why does it matter that Jesus became like us and was tempted just as we are?

How has Jesus helped you in the midst of temptation?

Respond

Underneath each heading, list ways you’re tempted in those same areas. Now, considering how Jesus responded to temptation, pray about how He wants you to respond to yours.

physical desires (bread):

importance (reveal greatness):

worldly success (granted kingdoms):

For further study, read a parallel account of Jesus’ temptation in Luke 4:1-13.

Behind the Story

The only Person who can serve as a mediator between God and humanity is the One who is both God and man. Because Jesus was tested and suffered as a man and remained faithful, He was able to appease God, turning God’s righteous wrath for our sins away from us. Because Jesus knows what it is like to be us and has been tempted Himself, He also knows how to help us when we face temptation.

The Point

Because Jesus faced temptation, He can help us when we are tempted.

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

Transformed

Posted by Karah

Pause

List a few ways you have seen God at work in your life recently. Thank Him for pursuing you and moving in your life.

Read Matthew 3:1-12 in your Bible. John’s message was difficult. He boldly called people to repentance and stressed that those who didn’t follow Christ would face eternal judgment.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out.” —Matthew 3:11-12

The Holy Spirit indwells those who believe and repent, making believers holy through inner transformation.

Jesus is the Savior, but also the Judge. Those who do not repent will face divine judgment.

Think through these questions:

After reading these verses, do you think it is possible for someone to be a Christian without anything about their lives or attitudes changing? Why or why not?

Repentance is more than saying you’re sorry. It involves recognizing you have lived in opposition to God, grieving over that, and expressing a desire to live according to God’s standard. Why is this important to understand? Explain.
Respond

Everyone has the same choice: follow Jesus or reject Him. If you reject Him, you will face the eternal consequences of our decision. What decision have you made? How do you know?

If you are a Christian, evaluate your life. How has God transformed not only your actions, but the attitudes and intentions of your heart? Thank Him for the ways He is continuing to transform you to the image of His Son.

For further study, read Matthew 7:15-20; 12:33; and 13:23.

Behind the Story

John’s words toward the religious leaders who came to listen might seem overly harsh. It wasn’t that John didn’t wish for all people to repent, but he knew a few things about these people:

Their attention was on worldly power. John’s attention was on Jesus.
They had no intention of repenting. As descendants of Abraham, these Jews thought they were guaranteed escape from God’s wrath.
Their actions didn’t match their claim to be God’s people. Jesus would preach repentance and baptism as a symbol of inward change, something these men weren’t concerned with.

The Point

Those who follow Jesus will be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Those who reject Him will face eternal judgment.

Lamb of God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Change the location of your quiet time today. Sit silently before God for a few minutes before beginning, focusing your heart and mind on Him alone.

Apart from Luke’s recounting of Jesus’ experience in the temple when He was 12 years old, the Gospels are silent about Jesus’ childhood and teen years. The Gospel writers simply pick up with Jesus’ life when He was about 30 years old and getting ready to begin His ministry.

Read John 1:29-34 to learn about an important moment in Jesus’ life as He was preparing for His public ministry. As you read, underline the names with which John identifies Jesus.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me.’” —John 1:29-30

Answer these questions:

At Passover, the priests would sacrifice a lamb to atone for the peoples’ sin. Knowing this, what was John saying about Jesus when He identified Him as the Lamb of God?

Reread verse 30. How did John point to Jesus’ eternal nature? To His superiority? Explain.

John also identified Jesus as the Son of God (v. 34), referencing Jesus’ eternal nature, but also His ability to reveal the true nature and heart of God in a way the people had never experienced before.

How could Jesus—God in the flesh—give the people a clearer understanding of God’s character and purposes than God’s Old Testament interactions had?

Respond

John recognized that Jesus was God in the flesh. He understood that Jesus would be the One who would atone for our sin.

If you aren’t a Christian, sin separates you from God. Your good deeds and your effort cannot atone for that sin; only Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf can do that.

If you are a believer, dwell on what Jesus has done for you. Like John, acknowledge His eternal nature and worship Him as He deserves. Thank Him for becoming the Passover Lamb and praise Him for revealing God’s heart to you.

For further study, read Isaiah 53:7; Revelation 5:6,12; and Revelation 7:17.

Behind the Story

In the Book of Exodus, when God’s people were captives in Egypt, God instructed them to slaughter a lamb without defect and put its blood on the tops and sides of the doorframes. That blood signified God’s people and saved those homes from death that night. After that, the Jewish people remembered the Passover festival each year with a feast where lamb was the main course. John’s listeners would have been familiar with the concept of the Passover lamb and the salvation its shed blood pointed toward. In referring to Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” John identified Jesus as the One who would be the ultimate sacrifice, whose blood applied to sinners’ hearts would cause God’s judgment to pass over them, giving life and providing escape from eternal death.

The Point

John identified Jesus as the One who will atone for sin and attests to His eternal nature.

Priority One

Posted by Karah

Pause

Listen to the song “Draw Near” (Passion: Even So Come, 2015) as a prayer, inviting God to speak to you today.

Jesus’ experience at the temple revealed more than His wisdom and authority. It also revealed His priority and focus. Read Luke 2:48-52 in your Bible.

“Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”

—Luke 2:49

Mary and Joseph had known Jesus was no ordinary child since before His birth, but Scripture’s relative silence about His childhood seems to suggest that it was pretty normal. Now after years of normalcy, Jesus’ divine nature broke in again.

Think through these questions:

Why do you think Mary and Joseph were astonished by Jesus? Explain.

Mull over Jesus’ response to His parents in verse 49. How would you write it in your own words?

What does verse 49 teach you about Jesus’ identity and His understanding of His mission?
Respond

Jesus understood that He was God’s Son and that His life should be devoted to the things that mattered to God. As believers, Jesus hasn’t asked us to make Him one of many priorities in our lives. He is to be our priority. He is the lens through which we view everything and the One who shapes our actions, words, relationships—everything in our lives.

Evaluate your life. What are you devoted to? What absorbs most of your thoughts or time? Where do you spend most of your money? What is most important to you? Be honest as you list your thoughts in your journal.

If this examination reveals that something other than God is your primary focus, confess and repent today. Ask God to help you make the necessary changes to center your life on Him.

To learn more about Jesus’ priorities and those of His followers, read Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 22:36-40.

Behind the Story

Jesus’ family didn’t always understand His priorities. In John 7:2-5, His brothers didn’t yet believe in Him or understand what He was about. In Mark 3:21,31-32, His family thought He was crazy and tried to get control of Him. In John 2:1-11, Jesus and His mom didn’t share the same way of thinking.

Regardless of what other people thought, Jesus knew His purpose and would not be distracted from it. What about you? When your priorities revolve around God’s kingdom, even the people closest to you might not understand or agree. What will you do?

The Point

Jesus understood why He had to come and what His priorities were.

With Authority

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder the definition of authority. Before beginning your quiet time, acknowledge Jesus as the sole authority over your life.

Authority n.= The right to give orders and make decisions; power to influence others, especially because of recognized knowledge about something.

Knowing the definition of authority, what kinds of things were you an authority about at 12? What could you talk about with absolute authority? List a few ideas.

At 12, most of us aren’t authorities on much. The same can’t be said of Jesus. Read Luke 2:41-47 in your Bible.

“And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.” —Luke 2:47

It was common for rabbis to sit in the temple courts and discuss theology with interested listeners. But it was not common for children to take part in those conversations, much less amaze the crowd with their understanding. Ask yourself:

What does this event in Jesus’ earthly life teach you about His wisdom? His authority? Explain.

Why would Jesus have had authority to speak about matters of theological importance, even as a child? Write it in your own words.

How does this event help you to further understand that Jesus was no ordinary man? Explain.

Respond

Are you astounded by Jesus’ wisdom and authority or bored and distracted? In your journal, record a prayer, asking God to give you a deep hunger for His and His ways.

Evaluate your life. Are you acknowledging Jesus as the sole authority in your life? If yes, then how?

Even as a Christian, it’s easy to try to be the authority in our own lives. Ask God to reveal any ways you are trying to wrestle control from Him. Confess these things today.

For further study, read Luke 5:21; Matthew 9:34; and Matthew 12:2,14. Why do you think the religious leaders went from being astounded by Jesus when He was a child to hating Him as an adult?

Behind the Story

This is the only incident in Scripture about Jesus’ life between the time He was a small child and His baptism by John (John 3:21-22). Jewish families made the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. At 12 years of age, this was Jesus’ last Passover before He was considered an adult.

The Point

Jesus could teach with authority because He is the Authority.

Share the Good News

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about the different ways various people responded to the news that the Messiah had been born. Joyfully thank God for sending His Son to dwell among us so that you could have a relationship with Him.

Think about the older believers in your life, even senior citizens. Who is the best example of what it means to be a godly man or woman? Why? What characteristics does he or she display? Journal a few thoughts below.

Now, read Anna’s story in Luke 2:36-38. A prophetess, Anna had lived a long life and had spent it in service to God. As you read, underline the actions that display Anna’s faithful service to the Lord.

“At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” —Luke 2:38

Think through the following questions.

Anna’s life was marked by her devotion to God. Her faith and trust in Him shaped every part of her life. Could the same be said of you? Why or why not?

Anna’s faithfulness wasn’t confined to her actions. When she saw that the Messiah had come, she shared her hope with others. Why is it important that we not only live the gospel, but also talk about it when God gives us opportunities?

Respond

Anna saw the Messiah and couldn’t keep the good news to herself. Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? What steps will you take this week to live and speak the gospel into that person’s life? Write two in the margin.

You can choose right now to begin living a life completely devoted to the Lord. What steps will you take to learn more about Him, grow closer to Him, and serve Him? Write a list in your journal.

Consider godly older Christians whose lives have been well lived for the Lord. Pray about asking one of them to mentor you.

Behind the Story

It is very unlikely that Anna could have lived at the temple, because women were not usually allowed to stay in the temple overnight. It’s a phrase meant to stress the idea that she was there all the time, pointing to Anna’s long and single-minded devotion to God.

The Point

Our lives should be marked by devotion to the Lord and a willingness to share the hope we have in Him.

Promised One

Posted by Karah

Pause

Quietly sit before God, preparing your heart to meet with Him.

Read Micah 5:2 in your Bible.

“Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.”

—Micah 5:2

Ask yourself:

What two things does this verse reveal about the promised Messiah?

Micah 5:2 declares that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem, while simultaneously pointing to His eternal nature. While the Jews knew what the prophets had said about the coming Messiah, they had been waiting for His arrival for centuries. Knowing this, read Luke 2:1-7 in your Bible.

“While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place.”

—Luke 2:1-7

Think through the following questions:

How do these verses reveal that Jesus was the promised Messiah mentioned in Micah 5:2?

Why is it important that the divine Son of God was laid in a manger? What does that communicate about God’s character? About Jesus?

Respond

Taken together, Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-7 record God’s fulfillment of prophecy and attest to Jesus’ deity and the eternal nature of God’s plan of redemption through Jesus.

Mull over these thoughts: God planned salvation before the foundation of the earth. Long before I existed, God was making a way for me to know Him and spend eternity with Him. Record your response in your journal.

Revel in the humility and humanity of Jesus’ birth. The Holy One of heaven was laid in a lowly manager. Thank God for a Savior willing to set aside the riches He rightfully deserved so that you might be saved.

For further study of Jesus’ eternal nature, read John 1:1-14.

Behind the Story

Notice the mention of Judah in Micah 5:2. In Genesis 49:10, when Jacob blessed his sons, he had pointed to a ruler who would come from among Judah’s descendents. This was partially fulfilled in David’s line, who became monarchs of Israel. But since Jacob also promised a ruler whose reign would never end, his blessing also points to the Messiah who would be born of David’s line. That is why Luke was careful to mention David’s place in the genealogy of Christ.

The Point

The promised Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy.

Speaking Truth

Posted by Karah

Pause

Mull over what you’ve learned in this past month’s devotions. Thank God for the gift He has given us in Jesus.

Over the course of the month, you’ve studied how God faithfully prepared the world for the promised Messiah. Even so, Jesus came into a world that doubted God’s faithfulness, questioned Jesus’ identity and purpose, or downright scoffed at His good news of salvation. For a better picture of this, read Acts 13:16-40.

“And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our ancestors. God has fulfilled this for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm: You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” —Acts 13:32-33

While all of the rest of this month’s devotions occurred before Jesus’ birth, this passage happened after His death, resurrection, and ascension. Paul and Barnabas had gone into the synagogue at Antioch to share the good news that Jesus was the Messiah. Ask yourself:

How did Paul tie Jesus to these Old Testament events? How did Paul present Jesus as the Messiah?

Ponder verses 38-39. Paul proclaimed that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God had provided forgiveness of sin and the only way humanity could be set free from sin. Why is this message still vital today?

Think about the response discussed in verses 40-41. How does the world continue to scoff at the gospel today?

Respond

Paul was speaking to a group of people who didn’t want to hear the gospel because it was offensive and revealed hard truths about their sin nature.

Who are the people in your world who have heard the gospel, yet continue to reject Jesus?

How can you be faithful to the truth of the gospel and share it with them this week? Ask God to give the courage and willingness to share and to provide opportunities to do so.

When do you feel most threatened because of your faith? Pray about these situations, asking God to help you remain faithful to the gospel.

For further study of the forgiveness of sin we have in Jesus, read Luke 24:44-49; Acts 2:38-40; and Acts 5:29-32.

Behind the Story

It was Paul and Barnabas’ custom to visit the synagogue first when they arrived in a new city. The synagogue was the center of Jewish life. The people not only worshiped there, but the synagogue also served as the center of education. It was where judicial matters were decided, as well as a social gathering place. Intent on sharing the good news that Jesus was the promised Messiah with the Jews, it was the logical place for Paul and Barnabas to begin their missionary work.

The Point

In a world of scoffers, we must remain faithful to the truth of the gospel no matter what.

He is Faithful

Posted by Karah

Pause

Thank God for His trustworthiness. Focus your heart on Him. Praise Him for this and other aspects of His character.

Read Luke 1:39-45 in your Bible. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary were related. Soon after Gabriel had informed Mary that she would be the Messiah’s mother, Mary went to visit Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John.

Reread Elizabeth’s response when Mary arrived. How did she respond to Mary and the good news of the child Mary was carrying?

Note the number of times Elizabeth used the word blessed. Elizabeth was affirming the great thing God was doing through Mary. Mary’s blessedness depended entirely upon the identity and greatness of her child, Jesus. Elizabeth was pointing praise to God, the One who was acting in time and space to make salvation possible. Read Mary’s response in Luke 1:46-56.

“And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.”

—Luke 1:46-49

Ask yourself:

What aspects of God’s character did Mary praise in these verses? Explain.

Look at verses 54-55. Mary declared that God had been faithful to keep His promise of the Savior, the promise He had given to Abraham. How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life? Be specific.

How does knowing that God is faithful help you to trust Him more?

Respond

Think about how God has been faithful to you in Jesus. How does God’s faithfulness inspire your praise? Using Luke 1:46-56 as a model, record your own prayer or song of praise to God in your journal.

Mary pointed to a time when “all generations” would give praise to God because of the blessing He had given to them in Jesus. Think about your generation—your peers, classmates, and teens around the world. How will you share the blessing God has given us in Jesus with your generation? Pray about this and record any action steps the Holy Spirit reveals.

For further study, find the connection between trust and praise in Psalm 28:7; 40:3; and 56:4.

Behind the Story

Luke 1:46-56 is often called the Magnificat, a Latin phrase derived from Mary’s opening words. It is similar in tone and style to Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Like Hannah, Mary praised God for what He was about to do and thanked Him for the part she was privileged to play.

The Point

Knowing God is faithful, we must praise Him.

God’s Plan

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote from Charles Swindoll to begin your time with God: “We must cease striving and trust God to provide what He thinks is best and in whatever time He chooses to make it available.”

God’s preparation for salvation through Jesus didn’t begin there. It began before the foundations of the earth. Read Galatians 4:4-7 in your Bible. Pay attention to words or phrases that denote the eternal nature of God’s plan to redeem His children.

“When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. . . . So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

—Galatians 4:4-5,7

“When the time came to completion” is sometimes translated as the fullness of time. From the beginning, God knew the exact moment Jesus would need to come to live among us.

What does this teach you about God’s intentionality and His desire to redeem us? About the importance of Jesus’ incarnation?

Ponder verse 5 and underline the two things Jesus came to do. What did Jesus do to redeem us? Explain in your own words.

Why is it important to recognize that we can only become God’s children through His gift of Jesus, not our own merit or effort?

What is the difference in a slave and a son? Explain.

Respond

From eternity, God’s plan was redemption through Jesus—His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Eternal salvation is available, but we must respond to His invitation.

In Jesus, God has acted to buy us back from our sin and made a way for us to become His children. It isn’t about how good we are or what we’ve done; it’s about what Jesus has already done.

God’s timing is perfect. He knew the exact moment Jesus needed to come into the world, and He can be trusted with your life. Pray right now over circumstances in your life where you feel like God is silent, too slow, or too fast. Ask Him to help you trust Him and His purposes.

For further study of God’s wisdom and trustworthiness, read Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 9:10; 62:8; 118:8; and Proverbs 9:10.

Behind the Story

The phrase “born of woman” in Galatians 4:4 implies the virgin birth, but also points to Jesus’ full participation in the human condition. He was born of a woman, just like all other people. His birth was normal, and He experienced a normal childhood. He was like us. He also faced the same expectations as everyone else, as “born under the law” attests. But there is one big difference between Jesus and the rest of humanity. Whereas humanity continually falls short of the law, which exposes our sinfulness, Jesus fulfilled the law entirely without sin.

The Point

God’s timely plan in Jesus was always clear: to redeem us from sin and call us into His family.

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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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