Devotions – Page 23

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Devotions

Life or Wrath

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote to begin your time with God:

“You’re not adopted as God’s child until you confess and turn away from your wrongdoing and receive the freely offered gift of forgiveness and eternal life that Jesus purchased with his death on the cross. Until you do that, you’ll always be on the outside looking in.” —Lee Strobel

Pore over John’s words in John 3:27-36. Underline any words or phrases that show you why Jesus is so important.

“The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”

—John 3:36

Re-read verse 36 again, then consider what this passage teaches you about what brings God’s wrath and what brings eternal life. Record your answers for each.

Wrath Eternal Life

• According to John 3:36, there is no middle ground between God’s wrath and eternal life. You can only be saved by trusting Christ. How do you sometimes find yourself trying to earn God’s favor?

Respond

Consider in what ways you still strive to avoid God’s wrath and earn His favor through your own merit or actions, rather than resting in what Christ has done:

Actions:

Words:

Thoughts:

Attitudes:

Today, instead of trying to earn God’s grace, live in thankfulness for the grace you have already received.

Behind the Story

By affirming Jesus’ identity, John explained the monumental role belief in Jesus plays in a person’s eternal destiny. Only Jesus can remove the wrath of God. Apart from Him, we have no hope of ever escaping it.

The Point

Those who have accepted Christ have received eternal life, but those who reject Him continue to live under God’s wrath.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Not Hidden

Posted by Karah

Pause

If weather permits, go outside for a few moments. Listen to the sounds. Breathe in the scents. Take note of the details in nature. As you do, praise the God who created it and is revealing Himself to us through it.

The world’s definition of wrath ranges from extreme anger to annoyance. When Scripture talks about God’s wrath, it does not describe minor annoyance. If you were writing a definition for God’s wrath as described in the Bible, what would it be? Write it below.

Read Romans 1:16-20, then re-read verses 18-20.

“For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.”

—Romans 1:20

In verses 16-17, Paul pointed out that God had revealed His righteousness through the gospel. In verse 18, he begins discussing God’s wrath. What is the relationship between God’s righteousness and His wrath? Explain.

Verses 18-20 stress that no one has an excuse for not knowing God because He has revealed Himself generally through nature and specifically through His Word and through Christ. This is the truth that humans have suppressed (v. 18). Why do they do that? How do you see that in our culture today?

Respond

• How has God revealed Himself to you through His creation, His Word, and ultimately through Christ? Thank Him for this knowledge. Journal your short prayer below.

• For further study on how God has revealed Himself through creation, read Psalm 19:1-4.

Behind the Story

The two seemingly opposite topics of God’s righteousness and His wrath appear alongside each other in Romans 1 because they are inseparable. God can’t be righteous and holy, and also turn a blind eye to sin. God hates the sin that separates us from Him and destroys us. He will stop at nothing, not even sacrificing His own Son, to free us from sin and bring us into fellowship with Himself.

The Point

God has clearly shown us what He is like, and we cannot claim ignorance of His existence of power. We can accept or reject Him, but everyone must give a response.

Holy Wrath

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about what you know about God’s character—holy, just, wrathful. In recognition of who He is, kneel or lie face down as you pray, asking Him to use today’s Scripture to teach you more about Himself.

Read Psalm 90:7-12 in your Bible.

“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”

—Psalm 90:12

Read verse 12 again carefully, then answer these questions:

• Was God justified by His extreme anger toward the Israelites? (See “Behind the Story.”) Why or why not?

• To number your days is to value them and choose to live in ways that please God because you recognize that life is short and know that God hates sin. Who in your life is a good example of that kind of attitude? Why?

Respond

God’s righteous response to sin is His holy wrath. How would your life be different if your attitude toward sin reflected His? Journal your response. Ask God for wisdom so that you will “number your days” and live out your life in a strong, healthy relationship with Him.

Behind the Story

Psalm 90 was written by Moses in response to God’s anger toward the Israelites. God had freed them from slavery, but they repeatedly disobeyed and rebelled. Their faithlessness kindled God’s anger. The ultimate result of their disbelief was wandering in the wilderness for the rest of their lives, instead of entering the paradise God wanted to give them. These people understood firsthand the cost of sin and the wrath of God.

The Point

God’s holy anger toward sin seems extreme to us because we don’t understand the horrendous destruction of sin. If we did, we would take our sin more seriously and live much differently.

Proclaim & Persist

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about how quick you are to give up when people don’t respond the way you think they should. Now, thank God that He isn’t like that.

Think about a difficult situation you have faced or are facing right now. How quick are you to give up when something gets hard? Below, rate yourself from 1 to 10.

never give up give up at first sign of difficulty

1—-2—-3—-4—-5—-6—-7—-8—-9—-10

Read 2 Timothy 4:2-5 to discover a difficult situation Paul knew Timothy would face: proclaiming the gospel to those who didn’t seem to respond.

“Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.”

—2 Timothy 4:2

Ask yourself:

• When should you persist in proclaiming the gospel? What would that look like in your daily life?

• What does it mean to rebuke, correct, or encourage with “great patience”? Who do you know who truly lives that out? Explain.

• Why would correcting someone or sharing the gospel without patience be detrimental to the cause of Christ?

Respond

Do you know someone who needs to hear God’s message of hope? Have you tried sharing with them, only to become frustrated or discouraged? Commit to pray for anyone who came to mind by writing down their names. Ask God to give you opportunities to share His message with patience this week.

Behind the Story

Paul wrote this letter as he waited in a Roman prison for death by execution. He was convicted for being a follower of Christ. The letter was written to Timothy, Paul’s dear friend and the pastor of the church at Ephesus, as a sort of “passing of the torch” of leadership. Paul’s letter was to remind Timothy of what was truly important and to encourage him in the faith.

The Point

Because God is patient, wanting all to come to salvation, we must continue to share the gospel and encourage others with great patience and persistence.

A Patient Life

Posted by Karah

Pause

What things are causing you to be anxious? Instead of worrying about those things, lift them up to God.

Think about the words patient and impatient. What attitudes, feelings, or other words and phrases do you associate with each of those words? Write out your ideas.

Read Ephesians 4:1-5 in your Bible, then read over verse 2 again. Underline the words that should describe your way of life as a follower of Christ.

“Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us”. —Ephesians 4:1-2

According to this passage, why is it important for Christians to exhibit this kind of character? Explain.

Patience is a vital part of maintaining unity within the body of Christ, the church. Do you think that statement is true? Why? How have you seen it play out in your church?

Respond

• There are probably people all around you who try your patience. Think about the people in your life or church with whom you sometimes grow impatient. What are some specific ways you’ll choose to be patient with them this week? List two.

• Identify the triggers that cause you to be impatient, then outline specific actions you will take when tempted to respond impatiently.

• For further study, read Galatians 5:22-23 and to learn more about what walking with Christ looks like.

Behind the Story

The Book of Ephesians is a letter Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus to strengthen and encourage them. One of his key themes in the letter is the church. Chapter 4 stresses that unity should characterize the Body of Christ. That means that believers should have commitment, concern, and harmony with one another because of their common bond in Christ. How do you see this in your relationships with other Christians?

The Point

Because God is patient, you can be patient with others, especially within the body of Christ. Patience is vital to building unity in the church.

Extraordinary Patience

Posted by Karah

Pause

When are you the most impatient? Think about the people, situations, and circumstances that most often trigger your impatience. List a few.

It’s easy for us to place our own characteristics on God. Because we get impatient, we think He will, especially in light of our sin. Even as Christians, we often sin, but we don’t have to worry that God will get impatient with us and walk away. That’s not who He is. Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17 to learn more.

“But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

—1 Timothy 1:16

Ponder these thoughts:

• Re-read verses 12-14. Underline the words Paul used to describe himself before he came to Christ. What words would describe you before Jesus came into your life?

• According to this passage, why is Paul an example of God’s great patience?

• Paul obviously still marveled at the power of the gospel and the transformation Jesus had brought into His life. He knew how bad he’d been, so he understood the patience God had shown Him in forgiving Him and never giving up on Him. Have you ever felt that way about the gospel? Why or why not?

Respond

• Meditate on these truths: Because God is patient, I know He can forgive and transform me, no matter the sin. Because God is patient, I know that He will never be impatient with me.

• Do you live like you believe those truths? What changes will you make today in order to do so? List one idea below.

• For further study, read Psalm 40:1-3 and consider the benefits of God’s patience. Also, read “A New Way to See” in The Jesus Storybook Bible, a story about Paul’s conversion.

Behind the Story

The “extraordinary patience” discussed in verse 16 suggests an attitude of moral restraint even when provoked. In His patience, God holds back overdue judgment and offers forgiveness rather than separation and lostness.

The Point

Paul claimed to be the worst example of sin, but his life gives proof of God’s great patience toward us. Jesus came into the world to save sinners and no sin is too great for forgiveness.

God’s Patience

Posted by Karah

Pause

Let the wonder of God’s patience toward sinners overwhelm you today by contemplating this quote:

“How wondrous is God’s patience with the world today. On every side people are sinning with a high hand . . . It is truly amazing that He does not instantly strike dead those who so brazenly defy Him.” —A.W. Pink

God’s patience is part of His character. But like everything in God’s economy, that patience has a purpose. Pore over Romans 2:1-4 in your Bible looking for that purpose. Underline it when you find it.

“Do you really think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

—Romans 2:3-4

Paul was writing to Jews who condemned the Gentiles for their wickedness while overlooking their own. His point was that everyone of us have gone our own way and will face judgment. Why would this have been vital news to the Jews? Why is it important to you?

God isn’t just patient and tolerant with the Gentiles; He is patient with all people. This isn’t careless oversight. He is patient in order to lead people to repentance. What does this reveal about God’s character? Explain.

Respond

When has God’s kindness led you to repentance? Journal your thoughts and thank Him for showing you such kindness.

For further study, listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Kindness” on The Noise We Make.

Behind the Story

Many scholars see Romans 2 as a warning to the Jews not to assume that their national identity was enough to give them right standing before God. Many Jews believed that because they had historically been God’s people, had the Law and supposedly kept it, that God would regard them as righteous. But Paul said everyone has fallen short of God’s standard. It is only a relationship with Christ that brings salvation, not your family’s faith or how good or moral you are.

The Point

In God’s kindness, He gives ample opportunity for repentance, but judgment is coming. Don’t mistake His patience for approval of sin!

Be Like God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Spend a few minutes reviewing what you’ve learned about God’s character this week. Thank Him for being a God who loves to show compassion to His children!

Do people often comment that you’re “just like” one of your parents or another family member? Think about physical similarities, attitudes, or actions you often display that resemble that family member. Jot down a few of the things that come to mind.

Read Ephesians 4:32–5:1. As God’s children, our character should reflect that of our Father. Underline the character traits that should be on display in believers’ lives.

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.”

—Ephesians 4:32-5:1

Ask yourself:

• Believers should be kind and compassionate to others because that is the example God has shown us. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

• We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us in Christ—who paid a great price so that our sin could be forgiven. Who in your life do you find it hard to forgive? Why?

Respond

• Look over the list of people you find it hard to forgive. Pray over the names one by one, asking God to help you to become more like Him and forgive so that the people on your list can come to know more about Him and His character through your obedience.

• Mull over this question: If the only way people had to learn about God’s compassion was your life, what would your life teach them? Would the way you live accurately represent God’s character?

Behind the Story

Chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians were written to help believers understand how their lives should be different after salvation. In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul described putting off the old self and putting on the new. Then, in Ephesians 4:25-31, he outlined particular sins that should no longer characterize a believer’s life. Ephesians 4:32–5:1 should be read in conjunction with these verses. If we are in Christ, then we should begin to exhibit His characteristics.

The Point

As dearly loved children of God, we should want to be like Him, showing compassion and extending forgiveness to others.

Active Compassion

Posted by Karah

Pause

Start your time alone with God by considering this quote:

“People may excite in themselves a glow of compassion, not by toasting their feet at the fire, and saying: ‘Lord, teach me compassion,’ but by going and seeking an object that requires compassion.”

—Henry Ward Beecher

Read Mark 6:30-43 in its entirety in your Bible.

“So as He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to teach them many things.” —Mark 6:34

The Greek word used for compassion here, splanchnizomai, is only used of Jesus in the New Testament (Matt. 18:27; Luke 20:33;15:20). It suggests more than pity and involves action. How did Jesus show compassion to the people? How has He shown it to you?

Re-read verses 34-35,42. Jesus saw the peoples’ spiritual need and met it, then recognized their physical need—hunger—and met it. What does that tell you about how you should reach out to others?

Consider Jesus’ response when He saw the people and their needs and contrast it with the disciples’ response. Which better describes how you view others? Why?

Respond

It is impossible for us to minister effectively in the world if we ignore physical or spiritual needs. We must work to meet both. Think about the needs in your church, community, or world. Which ones do you feel led to meet? Jot down two ways you’ll take action to meet those needs this week.

Is there someone in your life to whom it is hard to show compassion? Pray for that person this week, asking God to help you see them through Jesus’ eyes.

Behind the Story

Of the miracles of Jesus, the Feeding of the 5,000 is the only one recorded in all four gospels. The disciples approached the peoples’ hunger with human wisdom and concluded they could do nothing to help. The lack of resources allowed Jesus the opportunity to display His power and show the disciples that God is not limited by what we can see and supply.

The Point

We must show compassion to those around us, reaching out to meet physical and spiritual needs.

A Happy Father

Posted by Karah

Pause

Put away anything that might distract you. Thank God for the day He has given you and ask Him to use this time in His Word to transform your life, desires, and actions.

Read the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. What’s your favorite part of the story? Why? Sketch your favorite scene or jot down a few ideas about why this scene captures your heart.

“So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.”

—Luke 15:20

Think through these questions:

• What does this parable teach you about God’s compassion for you?

• The rebellious son left home with his inheritance and squandered it. Later, he “came to his senses” and went home, admitting his sin to his father (v. 21). What does this passage teach you about true repentance and God’s response to it?

Respond

God isn’t passive when it comes to His children. He seeks us out, provides opportunities for us to respond to the gospel, and—like the father in the parable—is actively waiting for us to return to Him.

• If you are a Christian, take some time to thank God for the way He drew you to Himself and continues to work in your life.

• If you are not a believer, know that God will not force you to follow Him. But He longs for you to admit your sin and come to Him, something He celebrates with great joy. Don’t let this opportunity to respond to His gospel pass you by.

Behind the Story

In the culture of Jesus’ day, it was considered degrading for an elderly man to run. But in Jesus’ story, the father ran to his son and threw his arms around him. This is a picture of how God responds to us when we come to Him for salvation. God is eager to receive sinners. When we come in repentance, He responds with love, joy, and acceptance.

The Point

Because He is compassionate, God meets repentant sinners where they are. He celebrates when we return to Him.

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I know you miss camp. Since you can't be with us, we want to bring a little Camp Ridgecrest 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! We will update you a few times a week, so check back often!
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