Weekly Devotions

Do Not Be Afraid

Posted by Karah

Pause

Kneel in prayer as you prepare to meet with God. Thank Him for His faithfulness and trustworthiness.

What are your plans for today? For this week? For the future?

Read Matthew 1:18-25 in your Bible. As you read, look for Joseph’s plan for how he would respond to Mary’s pregnancy. Underline it when you read it.

“So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.” —Matthew 1:19

Dig deeper with these questions:

What were the main points of Joseph’s plan? What does Joseph’s plan reveal about his character? Explain.
Joseph had a sensible plan to deal with Mary’s pregnancy, but God changed all of that. How did His plan differ from Joseph’s?
When have you seen God completely change someone’s plans? What did you learn from that experience?
Do you have trouble being obedient to God when His plan doesn’t seem to make sense to you? Why or why not?

Respond

Even though Joseph didn’t understand what God was doing, he trusted God and actively obeyed Him.

What is God calling you to do that doesn’t make sense? What circumstances in your life seem confusing or senseless? Ask God to help you trust Him and obey Him in those situations, even when His plan is unclear.

Think about the plans you are already making—for today, this week, for the rest of your life. Lay these plans down before God, asking Him to guide and direct your steps as you seek His wisdom. Record your commitment in your journal using the following format: Lord, my life is yours. Guide me in your wisdom and help me to honor you in all I do.

For further study of God’s ways, read Isaiah 55:8. For an example of someone who obeyed even though he didn’t understand, read Exodus 3.

Behind the Story

The angel instructed Joseph to name the baby even though he wasn’t the biological father. In naming Jesus, Joseph was accepting the legal responsibility for the child.

The Point

Like Joseph, we must be willing to trust God’s plan, whether it makes sense to us or not.

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

Without Fear

Posted by Karah

Pause

What do you think of when you hear the word rescue? What images or words come to mind? List a few of them below.

Now, read Luke 1:67-80 in your Bible. These verses are Zechariah’s prophecy after the birth his son, John the Baptist. Focus on verses 73-75.

“He has given us the privilege, since we have been rescued from our enemies’ clutches, to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days.”

—Luke 1:73b-75

Underline the word rescued in the verses above. What did Jesus rescue us from? Draw a circle around your answer.

The Jews pictured salvation as rescue from political enemies, but God’s salvation is about being free to serve Him without hindrance or fear.

How does sin create hindrances and fear in serving God? Explain.

When sin reigns in our lives, we cannot pursue any kind of holiness or righteousness. How do you know this to be true?

Mull over verses 76-77. Why is it important to understand that God’s salvation is centered on the forgiveness of sin? Explain.

Respond

Without Jesus, you are a slave to sin. But in Jesus, He has given you the power to not sin! You won’t be perfect, but sin doesn’t have power over you.

Evaluate your life. Against what sins do you feel powerless? Have you asked Christ to help? Do so right now.

Thank Jesus for what He has done to free you from sin and allow you to serve God without hindrance. Record your prayer in your journal.

When we are mired in sin, we sometimes become afraid of how God will react if we’re honest with Him about that sin. He already knows. Be honest, confess your sin, and seek His forgiveness.

For further study about the life of righteousness, read Romans 6:15-23.

Behind the Story

Luke 1:67-79 is Zechariah’s prophecy regarding his son, John the Baptist, and the coming Messiah. It is traditionally called the “Benedictus,” which is taken from the first word of the passage in Latin. Verses 71-75 clearly state that the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus fulfill God’s covenant with David (Luke 1:69; 2 Sam. 7:12-16) as well as the oath God swore to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).

The Point

Jesus rescues us from slavery of sin so we can serve Him without fear or hindrance.

Who’s Ready?

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Begin your time with God in prayer. Ask Him to help you understand His Word.

Scripture tells us that God sent a special prophet, John the Baptist, into the world to prepare His people for the coming Messiah. Learn more about him in Luke 1:2-25, 57-66.

“And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.” —Luke 1:17

Consider these questions:

Reread Zechariah’s response to the angel in verses 5-25. Was Zechariah ready for the message? How do you know? Explain.

Were Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s neighbors and families ready for the truth about John? Why or why not?

Focus on verse 17. Elijah was one of the most revered Old Testament prophets whose ministry was centered on calling the people back to God and His righteous ways. John would do the same. Why is this important?

Respond

God had a purpose for John, and He has a plan for you, too. Pray that you will grow in relationship with God and walk according to His ways and wisdom and fulfill His purpose for your life.

Knowing God’s purpose for your life is intricately tied to knowing Him. What specific steps will you take this week to grow in relationship with Him? List two below.

Think about how you came into a relationship with Jesus. How did the Holy Spirit prepare you? Who did God use to bring you close to Him? Record your thoughts in your journal. End in a time of prayer, thanking God for pursuing you.

For further study of how others responded to God’s call, read Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:4; and 1 Samuel 3:10.

Behind the Story

Hundreds of years before John the Baptist’s birth, God had spoken through the prophet Malachi of a time when He would send “Elijah the prophet” to His people. This Elijah would “turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:5-6). Malachi’s prophecy isn’t about the reincarnation of the most revered prophet in Israel’s history. Instead, this promised prophet would share the same mission as Elijah: to call the nation back to God. In Matthew 17:10-13, Jesus identified John the Baptist as the Elijah whom Malachi had foretold.

The Point

God used John the Baptist to prepare the people for the coming Messiah.

Jesus Is Truth

Posted by Karah

Pause

Thank God for the ability to meet with Him and study His Word so you may walk in truth. Ask Him to teach you as you dig into Scripture today.

Throughout history, the church has faced a number of false teachings, many centered around Jesus, His role, and His incarnation. Think about the misconceptions about Jesus people have today. Circle all that apply and list a few of your own.

Just a teacher.

One of many ways to God.

Not that important.

Wasn’t really resurrected.

Just a historical figure.

Not who He says He is.

__________________

So, what does the truth of Jesus’ incarnation have to do with fighting false teaching? Read 1 John 4:1-6 in your Bible.

“This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” —1 John 4:2

What does this verse teach you about how to separate correct teaching from false teaching? Write it in your own words below.

Now, read 2 John 1:7.

“Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.” —2 John 1:7

What message did John say “deceivers” carry into the world? Explain.

All week, you’ve studied Scripture about the incarnation—that Jesus became flesh and lived among us. Think through these questions:

Why do you think John emphasizes that belief in the incarnation is a way you can know if someone is speaking by the Spirit of God?
Why would denying the incarnation be detrimental to the gospel?

Respond

Listen carefully to the messages you hear about Jesus today. Whether from discussions at school, things you hear on the radio, or messages from a teacher at church, what do they teach about Jesus? Consider: Does this message affirm that Jesus was God in flesh? Or is it some false message?

Behind the Story

The core of the Christian message is that Jesus—fully God and fully human—lived a sinless life and died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins. Any teaching that denies this truth is not true Christianity. Be careful to pay attention to the claims people make about Jesus.

The Point

The truth of the incarnation helps us to identify and counter false teaching.

The Throne of Grace

Posted by Karah

Pause

Begin today with prayer, asking God to help you experience His power as you spend time in His Word.

In the incarnation, Jesus was both God and man. How exactly that worked is something our finite minds have trouble comprehending. Knowing Jesus is divine, it’s tempting to think that life on earth was somehow easier for Him or that He doesn’t really know what it’s like to be us. But the fact of His humanity and Scripture tell us otherwise. Read Hebrews 4:14-16 in your Bible.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” —Hebrews 4:15-16

How does this passage acknowledge Jesus’ divinity? How does it point to His humanity?

Why is it important that Jesus faced temptation, just as you do? Explain.

Jesus faced temptation, yet didn’t sin. As a Christian, why is that important? How does this affect the way you respond to temptation? Explain.

Because Jesus sympathizes with our weakness, we can approach His throne of grace. How do we do that?

Respond

Believers have the power to resist temptation and flee from sin in Jesus.

Identify the recurring temptations in your life. Maybe it relates to lust or pornography; lying to your parents or cheating at school. Maybe it involves failing to stand for Christ in front of your friends. Write a commitment in your journal: When I face ____________, I will ask Jesus for the strength to overcome.

You probably have Christian friends who are currently struggling with temptations. Who needs to be reminded of the power he or she has in Christ to resist? What steps will you take to do so this week? Jot down two in your journal.

For further study of temptation, read Luke 4:1-13 and James 1.

Behind the Story

The author of Hebrews may have written this passage to answer questions people of his day were asking: If Jesus is God, how can He understand my temptations? How can Someone so great understand the problems I face? Because Jesus took on flesh and became like one of us, He faced all of the temptations we face. He had the same appetites, desires, and needs we have. The difference is Jesus never gave in to sin.

The Point

Because of Jesus’ victory over sin, we can trust Him when we face temptation.

Empowered for Righteousness

Posted by Karah

Pause

Smartphones can be great, but they can be death to your time with God. Turn off your apps or your phone, and everything else that keeps you connected to the world. In prayer, ask God to meet with you today as you study His Word.

How do people describe you? Jot down a few ideas below.

So, what did people say about Jesus? Peter was one of Jesus’ closest followers. Read how Peter described Jesus in 1 Peter 2:21-25. Then, focus your attention on verse 24.

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds.” —1 Peter 2:24

Ponder these questions:

Underline the phrase “bore our sins” in verse 24. How would you explain this idea in your own words?

Jesus took the consequences of our sin upon Himself and died in our place to make atonement for our sin. Because of this, sin no longer has power over those who have a relationship with Jesus. According to verse 24, how should that change the way we live?
As Christians, sin should no longer define our lives. Righteousness should characterize our lives as believers. Does it characterize your life? Why or why not?

Respond

Think about how well you are reflecting Christ’s life of righteousness. If you are known more for your athletic accomplishments, academic achievements, or anything else than for your walk with Christ, pray that Jesus would empower you to live for righteousness.

Look at your calendar or write down the highlights of your schedule for the rest of this week. Where will you go? Who will you see? What will you do? List ways you will choose to live in righteousness as you go about your daily routine

For further study, read “Walking in the Power of God,” by George Fox from Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith.

Behind the Story

The word righteousness involves right living. Jesus is the example of righteous living—He endured suffering and derision without sin. While we will never lead sinless lives as Jesus did, the power of Christ at work in us will allow us to lead lives that are characterized by righteousness.

Righteousness n.= Right living according to God’s standard; matching your life with God’s commands, love, and purposes

Atonement n.= To cancel of cover one’s sins; theological doctrine that God has reconciled sinners to Himself through Jesus.

The Point

Because Jesus made atonement for our sins, we can live for righteousness.

Jesus Frees Us From Sin

Posted by Karah

Pause

Begin your time with God with honest confession. What sins have you committed? Ask God for His forgiveness for each sin and thank Him for His mercy and grace.

Consider the definition of condemnation below. What words come to mind when you think about the word condemned?

Condemnation n. -To be declared guilty or wrong; to experience censure or punishment

The truth is, we’re all condemned. We have all broken God’s laws, and the law condemns us of our sin. But the story doesn’t end there. Read Romans 8:1-11 in your Bible. Underline any form of the word condemned when you read it.

“For God has done what the law, weakened by flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” —Romans 8:3-4

The law reveals the kind of life that pleases God, but it can’t empower us to live that way. The law can do nothing about our sin, and we are incapable of living a life that pleases God in our own strength.

Read verses 3 and 4 again. How has God condemned sin? Explain.

What’s the difference between following a bunch of rules to earn God’s favor and trusting Jesus to make you pleasing to God?

Which of those understandings best describes you? Why?

Respond

The only way you can have victory over sin and live to please God is through a relationship with the One who has already conquered sin: Jesus.

Even as believers, it’s easy for us to make following Christ about a bunch of rules, good things we strive to do in our own strength to earn God’s favor. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any way you are trying to do that today. Confess these things and choose once again to rest in Jesus’ finished work.

Memorize Romans 8:1. Any time you feel condemned by your sin, speak the verse aloud, remembering what Jesus has done for you.

Behind the Story

In Romans, Paul wrote to Jewish believers who had been taught they could be righteous by following the law. While the law can help us to know when we have failed to live up to God’s standards, it cannot make us righteous. Only Christ can do that. People cannot make themselves holy by their own effort; we will always fail. It is only by the work of Christ in our lives that we can live in victory over sin.

The Point

In Jesus, God has done what the law could not: defeated sin.

Jesus Conquered Death

Posted by Karah

Pause

As you begin your time with God, turn down the noise of your own thoughts. If a distracting thought comes to mind, intentionally set it aside. Choose to focus your mind on Christ and His Word.

The Bible teaches that death is a consequence of sin (Rom. 6:23). But Jesus’ incarnation even has an effect on death. Read Hebrews 2:5-18 in your Bible to learn more. Underline what Jesus’ death accomplished when you read it.

” . . . and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.” —Hebrews 2:15

Answer these questions:

What do these verses help you better understand about Jesus, His divinity, superiority, or the reason He came?

Reread verses 14-15. In your own words, outline the reasons Jesus came to live among us.

In His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has defeated sin’s power over us and abolished the fear of death. While death still occurs, believers no longer have to live in fear of it.

Why? What hope do we have that non-Christians don’t? Explain.

Jesus became a man. He suffered and died on the cross. His death paid the penalty of sin, and His resurrection provided a way for eternal life. Those who follow Jesus will still face an earthly death, but will spend eternity with Him.

Respond

Many people list death among their greatest fears. Consider your own thoughts on death. How does the promise of eternal life affect those fears? Be honest with God about your fears as you list them in your journal. To close your prayer and express your trust in Him, write Jesus in large letters on top of the list.

Scripture teaches that sin and the fear of its consequences can enslave us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin you are allowing to have control over you. Boldly confess these sins, seeking forgiveness and placing your trust in what Jesus has already done to set you free.

For further study of Jesus’ power over death, read John 11 and 1 Corinthians 15.

Behind the Story

One of the main themes of the Book of Hebrews is Jesus’ superiority and unique role as the only Mediator between God and humanity. In Hebrews 2, the author carefully explained that Jesus is greater than the angels. Angels often spoke for God, but Jesus revealed God most clearly. Angels were created beings; Jesus was the divine Creator. In later chapters of Hebrews, the author outlined how Jesus is superior to the high priest and the prophets. In fact, Jesus is exalted over everything. Knowing this is true, how should it affect our daily lives?

Incarnation n. =Theological term used to describe God taking on human flesh and living on earth

The Point

Jesus became like us so that He could set us free from slavery to sin and destroy death’s power over us.

Like Us

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about someone who knows more about something than you do—a sport, skill, or topic—yet has been willing to come alongside you and teach you at your pace. Thank Jesus for doing the same thing when He came to live among us.

Why would Jesus—the Holy Son of God—humble Himself to come live among us? Read Philippians 2:5-11 in your Bible to discover the answer. As you read, circle the phrases that indicate Jesus’ divine nature. Draw a box around the words that point to His humanity.

“Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men.” —Philippians 2:5-7c

Ask yourself:

Consider verse 6. What does it mean to say Jesus has equality with God? Write it in your own words.
Think about Jesus’ divinity. What rights, privileges, and glory did He give up to live among us? Explain.
Why is it important that Jesus was both God and man? Explain.
Look at verse 8. What was the reason Jesus took on our humanity and came to live among us? Why is that important?

Respond

Jesus is God. He has the exact nature of God, yet He became like us so that we can have a relationship with the Father.

Jesus emptied Himself to take on the role of a slave. Keep that same attitude yourself. Look for ways you can serve others today. Record two ideas in the margin.

Meditate on verse 8. Jesus willingly laid down His life so that you could have a relationship with the Father, a relationship your sinfulness makes impossible. If you are not a Christian, talk to someone you know about what it means to follow Jesus. If you are a believer, celebrate and thank Jesus for what He has done on your behalf.

For further study, read “The Grace of Humility,” by Jeremy Taylor in Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith.

Behind the Story

When Paul wrote that Jesus “emptied Himself,” he meant that Jesus left behind His position, rank, and privilege to take on human form. Because He became flesh, Jesus faced temptation; experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain; endured an excruciating death on the cross. Jesus did for us all of this for us.

The Point

Jesus set aside the glories He rightfully deserved to become like us. In doing so, He made a way for us to have a relationship with the Father.

Jesus Became Flesh

Posted by Karah

Pause

You have the opportunity to meet with Jesus Christ today. Focus your mind on Him right now. Thank God for His Word and the opportunity to study it.

The Gospel of John uses a variety of names to describe Jesus. One of the names it uses for Jesus is “the Word.” Read John 1:14 below.

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” —John 1:14

• Jesus existed at the beginning of time. He is God, the Son. He is full of glory. What does it mean for Him to take up residence among us? Take a moment to journal a few thoughts below.

Now, read John 1:1-18 in your Bible. As you read, circle any words or phrases that were used to describe Jesus. Think through these questions:

• List some of the words that you circled in today’s passage.

• What do these words reveal about Jesus, His character, and His purpose? Explain

• Read verse 18 again. What does it mean to say that Jesus has revealed the Father? How does He do that?

• Look over the words you circled one more time. How do they further illustrate that Jesus reflects the nature of God? Explain.

Because Jesus is God, He was able to reveal God and His character in a way people had never experienced before.

Respond

• Meditate on the nature of Jesus: fully human, yet fully God. What difference does it make in your life today that God became flesh? Record your prayerful response in your journal.

• Ponder this thought: Through Jesus, we received God’s clearest message. In Jesus, we see the very heart of God. Respond in your journal.

• For further study, meditate on John 14:7-11.

Behind the Story

The phrase translated “took up residence among us” in John 1:14 literally means pitched His tent or tabernacled. In the time after the exodus, God commanded Moses to make a tabernacle, a large tent, as a dwelling place for God (Ex. 25:1-8). God is present everywhere, but the tabernacle served as a visual reminder of His presence to the people of Israel. The wording of John 1:14 indicates that Jesus was the visual presence of God among His people.

The Point

Jesus is God in the flesh and came to live among us to make the Father known.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2014 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

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