MONTHLY ARCHIVES: February 2013

Punishment

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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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Retro Friday: Lakeside Dock

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Did you know that Lakeside Chapel used to have a dock? This picture was taken in the mid to late 1960’s or early 1970’s. We know this because the boy sitting in the front left of this picture is wearing one of the jersey’s that camp used to have every year. The number on the back of the jersey corresponded with the year. This dock was most used by staff during Morning Watch. Our Lakeside Chapel now has a platform with a podium for staff to use during their devotions for Morning Watch. Take a look below to see what Lakeside Chapel looks like now compared to the picture above. Comment below to let us know if you remember when Lakeside had a dock!

 


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The Good Fight

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“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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Man Skill

Posted by matt

There is one statement that gives me chills every time it makes its way into a conversation; Men of the Ridgecrest Nation. Camp Ridgecrest is alive with boys becoming men, and men becoming better men, so much so, that camp offers a Man Skill to sharpen and hone those raw qualities of a man. Here’s a little sneak peek into the infamous Man Skill.

 


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Support of Your Father

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AT THE 1992 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES in Barcelona, Spain, British runner Derek Redmond was poised to win a medal in the 400 meters sprint. He had posted the fastest time in the first round and won his quarter final. As he prepared for the finals, Redmond probably remembered the same race four years earlier at the Olympics in Seoul, Korea, when he’d been forced to withdraw because of an injury. He was determined to finish the race this time.

But in the 1992 finals, his hamstring snapped about 250 meters from the finish line. Injured and disappointed, Redmond was determined to finish the race and began to hobble along the track, simply putting one foot in front of the other. His dad joined him on the track, and together they completed the final lap. Even though finishing was hard, painful, and exhausting, Redmond kept going. He refused to leave his race unfinished, so he continued with the support of his father.

 

THINK ABOUT THAT STORY as you read 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Focus on verse 5.

 How do these verses encourage you?

Reread Paul’s advice to Timothy in verse 5. How would you rewrite that advice to help you in a difficult situation you’re facing? Jot it down below.

 

THE POINT
You will face discouragement and difficulty in this life, even when you know you’re doing what God has called you to do. In those times, don’t give up! Keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing—putting one foot in front of the other—with the support of your Father.

 

TAKE ACTION
Think of a difficult situation you’re currently facing. What steps will you take today to keep doing what God has called you to do in that situation? List three.



MEMORIZE 2 Timothy 4:5. When you feel like following God is too difficult, remind yourself of this Scripture.


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Retro Friday: Activities on Lake Ridgecrest

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Lake Ridgecrest is the center of Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. It was the intial step in creating a summer camp for boys back under the administration of the SBC Education Board. Lake Ridgecrest is a 15-acre man-made lake. This picture shows campers canoeing and sailing during their free time. For many years Lake Ridgecrest has been a popular activity among all tribes. The lake looks a little different now with a large dock, floating dock, two blobs, zipline and a slide. Of course we still have canoes and playaks. This summer we are excited that we will be adding paddleboards! Tell us your stories about Lake Ridgecrest! We’d love to hear from you!


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Not Alone

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LET’S RECAP…
In the previous verses, Jeremiah had been obedient and done what God had called him to do. As a result, he’d been beaten and imprisoned. When he was released, Jeremiah continued to prophesy and preach even though his words were unpopular. But staying committed and obedient to God’s call wasn’t easy, as Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 20:7-10 attest. Jeremiah struggled with what God had called him to do. He knew what God wanted was right, good, and perfect. But knowing that didn’t make dealing with his discouragement any easier.

 

JOURNAL
Even in his darkest moments, Jeremiah seemed to remember that he was not alone in this difficult time. Read Jeremiah 20:11-13 in your Bible. Then, take some time to process what you’ve read and journal about it in the space provided. Think about a time when you realized that God had not left you alone in a difficult time. How did you feel His presence? How did knowing He had not deserted you help you deal with the situation? Jeremiah also noticed that God was powerful to act and aware of what was going on. How have you noticed the same things during your dark times? 

“Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity.” -Charles Spurgeon


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Retro Friday: Spilman Lodge

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Did you know that Spilman Lodge is the largest and oldest vertical log structure east of the Mississippi River? Spilman Lodge was built in 1942 though this picture was not taken then. Spilman is one of our most popular buildings around camp. When the bugle rings for lunch kids race into Spilman to stand behind their chairs and wait for the stop, clap, clap and “Further Along”. Our campers eat, play tribal activities and have a few different skills in Spilman. We also have a large fireplace in case council ring or campfire are rained out.

We have added an extension on the front of Spilman to include a porch, complete with rocking chairs and our new skill boards, and a wing for the Sioux to be able to eat when they are in camp. Do you remember Spilman Lodge before the extension? We’d love to hear some of your stories about Spilman!


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