MONTHLY ARCHIVES: December 2013

Tell the World

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote and ask God to prepare your heart for what He has to teach you:

“If [God] is unchanging, it follows that he could not be unfaithful, since that would require him to change. Any failure within the divine character would argue imperfection and, since God is perfect, it could not occur.” —A.W. Tozer

Read 2 Peter 3:8-13 in your Bible. If God is unchanging, He is unchanging in His promises. What things does God promise in these verses? Underline any promises you find.

“But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.” —2 Peter 3:10

These verses point out that God has promised judgment and it will come one day, “like a thief.” How does knowing this change the way you think about sharing your faith with others? Explain.

We live in a world where few people actually do what they said they would—and most consider that God falls into the same category. How does a deeper understanding of God’s unchanging character help you to explain that isn’t true?

Respond

• There is an urgency reflected in this passage that we sometimes don’t seem to feel today. Ask God to renew your desire to share the gospel.

• Think of the people you interact with on a daily or weekly basis. Begin praying by name for those you know don’t have a relationship with Jesus. Ask God to prepare their hearts and provide opportunities for you to share your story of salvation. Write down the name of two people you’ll be praying for.

Behind the Story

Peter wrote 2 Peter to expose false teachers infiltrating this band of believers and to counter their influence with the truth. He was particularly concerned with his readers’ spiritual maturity and their denial of Jesus’ return, a key doctrinal error. In chapter 1, Peter challenged his readers to grow in their faith, believing a growing Christian would be less susceptible to false teachings. How are you growing in your faith?

The Point

God is unchanging, and He has promised that judgment will come. Knowing this, we must share the gospel so that others may come into a relationship with Him.

 


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Choctaw Egypt & Apache Cabin Update

Posted by Karah

Here is a look at the footers for the Egypt. Also check out the new Apache cabin and it’s sweet view!


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Merry Christmas – Win $50!

Posted by phil

Merry Christmas from your camp family here at Ridgecrest Summer Camps! We hope that this holiday season is tons of fun, marked by encounters with Jesus. Somehow, we are loved so much by our Creator that He decided to help us understand who He is by moving into our neighborhood and living among us. Enjoy your time with family and friends this Christmas Season.

Just for fun, we are giving away $50 to the camp store for the best and most creative Caption that you come up with for our Christmas Card. Simply email your caption to rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com. We will announce the winner after the holidays! Good luck, and Merry Christmas!


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Weighing In

Posted by Karah

Pause

Focus your thoughts on Jesus today. Spend some time worshiping Him through your favorite worship song.

Because God is unchanging, we must live with integrity, being the same behind closed doors as we are in public. Consider Proverbs 11:1-3 in your Bible. Underline the qualities God hates; circle those He honors.

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.”

—Proverbs 11:3

• Dishonest scales are a kind of fraud. Living without integrity is, too, because you say one thing and do another. Are there areas of your life in which you’re doing that? Explain.

• Humility involves an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, while integrity suggests wholeness, actually being who you seem to be. Why do you think integrity and humility are so important to God? Are they characteristics you can truly see in your life? Why or why not?

Respond

Think about those areas of your life or faith that are dishonest, where you’re trying to look one way but really living another way. Confess them to God. Record one way you will commit that part of yourself to Him and live honestly this week.

Behind the Story

In ancient times, scales were often made of two bowls connected by a crossbar. To determine an accurate weight, merchants would put items with known weights on one side and the purchase on the other. Merchants could easily cheat their customers by using scales that weighed heavily or weights that  were not as heavy as they looked.

Memory Verse

Review James 1:17, then create a rhythm or tune that fits the verse. Repeat the verse several times throughout the day, using the rhythm or song to help you recall it.

The Point

To be God’s child is to be like Him: living a life that matches our words. God expects integrity and humility to characterize His children.


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Steady on the Rock

Posted by Karah

Pause

Go to a quiet place where you can think. Before you open your Bible or begin to pray, sit in silence before God, simply inviting and enjoying His presence.

Read Ephesians 4:14-16 in your Bible.

“Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head-Christ.”

-Ephesians 4:14-15

Think about that person you know who is always chasing after what’s most popular or trendy. What words would you use to describe him or her? Why shouldn’t you be like that as a believer?

According to these verses, what keeps us from being blown about by the shifting winds of culture? How have you found this to be true in your life?

Respond

• What are the winds and waves in your life? What are you allowing to shape your thinking or distract you from Christ? Acknowledge them to God today. List one way you’ll root your thinking in Christ, not what’s popular or enticing.

• For further study on the unity and resisting false teaching, read and study: Colossians 2:2,8-10,16-19; Hebrews 13:9.

Behind the Story

While imprisoned for his faith, Paul became aware of false teachings that were infiltrating the Ephesian churches. So, he wrote a letter designed to teach the truth of the gospel and challenge the Ephesian Christians to base their faith in its unchanging truth.

The Point

We must stay connected to God, trust Him, and find our fulfillment in Him, rather than being tossed by the changing winds of culture.

 


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