MONTHLY ARCHIVES: November 2014

Shout it Out

Posted by Karah

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Ask God for opportunities to share God’s grace with others this week.

Think about the things you post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media sites. What are some of the things you are most eager to share? List a few below.

Read and study Psalm 107:1-3. These verses point to something those who have been redeemed by God should be doing. Underline it in your Bible when you find it.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that He has redeemed them from the hand of the foe and has gathered them from the lands— from the east and the west, from the north and the south.” —Psalm 107:1-3

Consider these questions:

  • What do these verses teach you about God’s character?
  • Why is that good news that the world needs to hear? Explain.
  • How has God been good to you? List some recent examples of ways you’ve experienced His goodness.

Respond

  • Those whom God has rescued from sin should always be talking about His goodness. Look over the list you created earlier. Who in your life needs to hear how God has been good to you? Jot down a couple of names below. Commit to share with them this week!
  • Read Psalm 107 in its entirety. This psalm details four different kinds of people who were in distress, yet God rescued them. Memorize the verses that speak to you.

Behind the Story

As a punishment for their disobedience, God allowed Israel to be taken captive in Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:15-23). But just as He predicted (Isaiah 45:1-7), God raised up a king, Cyrus to set his people free (Isaiah 45:1-17). This psalm specifically refers to God’s deliverance of Israel from the distress in Babylon. His purpose in their redemption was so they could proclaim His goodness. Why does today’s world need to hear about God’s goodness?

The Point

God redeems His people so they may speak of His goodness.


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Motivation

Posted by Karah

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Consider this thought: Legalism says God will love us if we change. The gospel says God will change us because He loves us!

Choose some of the reasons you try to do good works:

Feels good                               Makes parents happy

Makes God like me                  Looks good

To help my future                     To impress someone

Read Titus 2:11-14. These verses outline what the real motivation behind your good works should be. Circle that motivation when you read it.

“He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.”

—Titus 2:14

Paul explained that the gospel not only gives us eternal life, but also restores us to the original purpose for which we were created: good works which glorify God. We are changed by God’s work—and now free to live completely for God.

Ask yourself:

  • The word rendered “eager” in verse 14 is sometimes translated “zealous” or “committed.” This reflects a passionate dedication to pursuing the ways of God. How have you seen this principle at work in someone’s life?
  • Why is God’s grace a better motivator for your obedience than fear? Explain.

Respond

  • How passionate and committed are you to pursuing the ways of God? Examine your life and your motivation for doing good works. Does it reflect a desire to please God because you know what He has done to save you or are you just following rules?
  • For further study, read Ephesians 2:1-10. Ask yourself this question: How does the gospel affect the way I live now?

Behind the Story

While Titus 2:1-10 outlines the lifestyle believers are to pursue, verses 11-14 provide the theological basis for it. Because we have experienced God’s grace and redemption, Christians want to live in a way that pleases the Father. That includes renouncing sin, living wisely, and pursuing righteousness. You cannot claim to have received God’s grace if you are not actively learning to walk in His ways.

The Point

We do good works not to earn God’s favor, but because God has redeemed and changed us.


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Retro Friday: Lake Ridgecrest

Posted by Karah

Many of the activities that campers look forward to each year revolve around the lake. Blob wars, the rope swing, zip lines, canoeing, paddle boarding, and now the aqua climb are part of what makes camp fun! With the Blue Ridge Mountains set in the background, Lake Ridgecrest is arguably one of the prettiest views around, and has been known for its beautiful scenery since the camp opened in 1929. Most of us have probably even taken a picture by the Lake Ridgecrest sign when we’ve visited in the off season or returned to camp for another summer (Instagram anyone?!)

Even though the blob and the rope swing are staples of Lake Ridgecrest, they haven’t always been around. In fact, the lake use to look a lot different than it does now! The “P dock” was on the side of the lake where the canoes are kept, roping off a swimming area. The pictures shown here are actually even before we had the P dock! Check out what the swimming area use to look like before 1942. This camper is sitting where the water slide comes out today. Do you remember when the lake looked like this? What have been some of your favorite activities in Lake Ridgecrest? Comment below!

Lake 3

Lake 2

Lake 1

 


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Set Free!

Posted by Karah

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Begin your time with God today with a short prayer. Ask the Spirit to soften your heart to whatever God has for you to learn from His Word.

Read and study Colossians 1:11-14. As you read, look for the five benefits Paul listed that God gives to all believers.

List them here.

“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.” —Colossians 1:13-14

Rescued: Evokes the idea of God delivering His people from an oppressor. Skim over the verses that precede these verses. What is God rescuing His people from here?

Domain of darkness: In Scripture, darkness is often used to symbolize Satan or evil, while light  refers to God. How has God rescued us from Satan’s kingdom?

Forgiveness of sins: Forgive literally means “to send away” or “cancel.” In Christ, God completely canceled the debt of our sin. That means we can’t earn God’s forgiveness. In what ways do you find yourself trying to earn His forgiveness or favor? Why?

Respond

  • Re-read verses 13-14 and ponder the word “transferred.” To be transferred is to move from one place to another. As a Christian, you’ve been transferred from darkness to light, death to life. You have been placed in God’s kingdom when you once lived in the Enemy’s. Examine your life. What examples of this transfer do you see at work in your life? List two or three.
  • If the examples of God’s light in your life seem dim, prayerfully ask God to search your heart so you can deal with any sin in your life. Confess any sin the Holy Spirit reveals.

Behind the Story

Written around the same time, Colossians shares many similarities to Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. The primary focus of Colossians is to confront the “Colossian heresy,” false teachings that detracted from Jesus’ supremacy.

The Point

Because God has redeemed you, you are completely forgiven. You no longer have to live in sin’s chains.


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