Devotions – Page 24

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Devotions

Broken Hearts

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about a time when you were overwhelmed by grief. How did God show you His compassion during that time? Thank Him for His compassion toward you.

Think about that time when you were overwhelmed with grief again. How did you feel? How did you express your grief? Circle any words or feelings that apply:

scared confused

overwhelmed remorseful

upset sorrowful

wanted to be alone wanted to ignore it

You’ve probably grieved after the death of someone you love or the loss of a dream or relationship. But have you ever grieved or wept over your sin? Think about that as you read Joel 2:12-13.

“Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.”

—Joel 2:13

• In the Old Testament, tearing your clothing was a symbol of grief and repentance. What have you had to mourn over in your life in order to make a change and live differently? Explain.

• Joel said outward expressions of grief meant nothing if the person’s heart wasn’t changed. Think about this in relation to sin and repentance. How do you know this to be true?

Respond

• Mull over this thought: Real repentance is more than saying you’re sorry. It involves a change in the way you live, think, or act.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and your life and reveal any sin that needs to confessed. Truly mourn over it and repent.

• For further study on repentance, read 2 Corinthians 7:5-11 and listen to “Why You Brought Me Here” by Andy Gullahorn.

Behind the Story

While the Old Testament often calls people to circumcise their hearts, this is the only instance it mentions tearing their hearts. This suggests deep grief over sin and a commitment to change. Living according to God’s standard isn’t about following rules, but rather submitting your life to His control.

The Point

Genuine repentance is more than just words. When we truly repent, God forgives because He is compassionate.

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

Open Arms

Posted by Karah

Pause

Of all the things on your “to-do” list today, nothing is more important than hearing a word from God. Ask God to reorder your priorities and help you read and apply His Word to your life.

Read Micah 7:18-19. The prophet lists several things that make God unique in these verses. Underline them as you read them.

“Who is a God like You, removing iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love. He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

—Micah 7:18-19

God is incomparable; no one and no other god can do what He can. Do you live like you believe this? Why or why not?

The Hebrew word for “compassion,” rāham, denotes a tender love, like the love of a mother for a child. What would it be like if this wasn’t part of His character?

“Vanquish our iniquities” and the idea of casting our sin into the depths of the sea points to God’s forgiveness. In Christ, He has defeated the enemy of sin and taken away our guilt. It isn’t just out of sight, but out of reach, out of mind, and out of existence.

Respond

• Take a few minutes to ask the same rhetorical question Micah posed: “Who is a God like You?” Spend some time praising Him simply for who He is. Thank Him for your salvation.

• If you have never trusted Jesus for salvation, the astounding truth that God has defeated sin may not mean much to you. Respond to God’s invitation today.

• For further study on God’s forgiveness of sin, read Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Matthew 26:28; Acts 10:43; Colossians 2:13; and Hebrews 8:12.

Behind the Story

On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, present-day Jews fast and pray, spending most of day in the synagogue. It is the holiest day of the year, during which the people confess their sins and seek God’s forgiveness. Toward the end of the day, Micah 7:18-20 is read. While we clearly see the gospel in these verses, Jews do not. Yom Kippur will be observed on September 13-14 this year. Spend some time praying that many peoples’ eyes will be opened to God’s forgiveness in Christ this year.

The Point

There is no one like our compassionate God. Only He can defeat our sin and completely forgive us.

Waiting for You

Posted by Karah

Pause

To prepare your heart for God’s Word, listen to and ponder the lyrics of several worship songs about God’s compassion. Consider “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong United.

Read over Isaiah 30:18 several times, even reading it aloud. The prophet Isaiah spoke these words to an unrepentant, rebellious people. Again and again, Isaiah had warned the people of Judah of the destruction and judgment that would come. But in Isaiah 30:18, God spoke to the people through Isaiah and clearly displayed His compassionate nature.

“Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for Him are happy.”

—Isaiah 30:18

Ask yourself:

• God was actively waiting for the people to repent so He could show them His mercy and compassion. He was ready and willing to act as soon as they came to Him. How does this help you to better understand who God is?

• God is a personal, compassionate God, waiting for us to come to Him. How have you seen this aspect of His character in your life?

Respond

Has the Holy Spirit brought to mind something in your life you need to repent of as you’ve studied this passage? God is waiting for you. How will you respond? Record your thoughts or prayers.

• For further study, read the Book of Jonah. Jonah ran from God, but God compassionately pursued and rescued him.

Behind the Story

The phrase “all who wait patiently for Him are happy” in verse 18 has a dual meaning. In context, Isaiah was telling the people of Judah that blessings would come to all who expectantly waited for God to rescue them from the Assyrians. For us, “those who wait” refers to faithful believers who don’t rush ahead of God to find our own solutions to problems, but instead seek God and wait with hope, expecting Him to act.

The Point

God is holy and just, but He is also compassionate and ready to respond with mercy the moment we come to Him in repentance.

A Compassionate God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Take a deep breath and ask God to reveal more of His character to you today.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”

—Psalm 103:8,13

Read Psalm 103:8-14 in your Bible. Underline the words or phrases that teach you about God’s compassion and how He shows it to us.

• Think about the analogy in verse 13. How does it help you to better understand God’s compassion? If compassion isn’t a big part of your relationship with your parents, how is God’s compassion different?

• How have you seen God display His compassion in someone’s life? In your life?

Respond

Think about God’s compassion toward you—shown most clearly in Jesus willingly taking on our sin and defeating it on the cross. Journal your response to God’s compassion below. Take time to thank and praise Him for specific ways He has treated you with compassion.

Behind the Story

In verses 11-12, the psalmist used imagery to help us understand both God’s love and compassion toward us.

“As high as the heavens”: This is an immeasurable distance used to show that God’s love for us is infinite.

“As far as the east from the west”: Another immeasurable distance is used to help us see that God doesn’t just forgive; He takes our sin away, removing it from our lives.

The Point

Compassion is a key component of God’s character. Because compassion is at the core of who He is, God has not given us what we deserve: punishment for our sin.

Ruler Over All

Posted by Karah

Pause

God’s sovereignty is a difficult subject to wrap your mind around, but it’s crucial to understanding who God is. Stop right now and ask Him to give you an open mind and heart to hear and experience what His sovereignty truly looks like.

“Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth. Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases.”

—Psalm 115:1-3

Read Psalm 115:1-2 carefully, paying attention to what it teaches you about God and His character. Then, consider these questions:

• How does this passage point to God’s sovereignty?

• “Whatever He pleases” doesn’t mean that God is always changing His mind or giving in to whims; it means He does what He has planned. How would truly recognizing this aspect of God’s character change your point of view on things that happen in the world? In your life?

• Why is it vital that God’s children understand that He is absolutely sovereign?

Sovereign-adj.= Possessing supreme or ultimate power; God’s absolute rule and reign

Respond

• Take a minute to really think about the concept of God’s sovereignty. He is over all. Nothing happens that He has not ordained for His glory and purposes. In a world that seems out of control, God is in control. What an amazing God! Praise Him for that today.

• For further study of God’s sovereignty, read Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:35, and Romans 9:19-21.

Behind the Story

Written at a time when Israel had suffered devastating defeats and when God seemed nowhere to be found, this psalm records the taunts of Israel’s pagan enemies. They misjudged Israel’s defeat in battle as the result of God’s weakness or non-existence, even asking, “Where is your God now?” But instead of complaining, Israel announced their confidence in Him, declaring God sovereign over all, including the powerless idols these nations worshiped. Idols can do nothing, but our God is on His throne and knows His plan and purpose.

The Point

God is the ultimate Ruler with supreme power over all. He does what He pleases, always acting for His glory and your good—wanting to bring you back into a right relationship with Him.

Worthy of Worship

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a few moments to worship God. Pray aloud a psalm, sing your favorite worship song to Him, or just sit in silence, meditating on His greatness.

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory

and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens

and on earth belongs to You.”

—1 Chronicles 29:11a

Read David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 in your Bible. Take note of all the words or phrases that reflect how David viewed God. Think through these questions:

• What are some of the words or phrases David used to express why God was worthy of worship? What words or phrases would you use?

• Notice the phrase “in the sight of all the assembly” in verse 10. Why is it important that this wasn’t just David’s private worship?

Respond

Read over David’s praise in verses 10-13 again. If you were writing your own prayer of praise to God, what aspects of His character would you include? Jot down a few.

Look over those words again. As you live your daily life—not just at church—are you living like those things you praised God for? If so, how? If not, what changes will you make today to trust God’s greatness and majesty more in those areas?

Behind the Story

Chapters 28 and 29 in 1 Chronicles detail David’s final days as leader. Earlier in life, David had endeavored to build a temple for God, but God had explained that David’s son would build the temple (1 Chron. 17). In the closing days of his reign, David commissioned his son Solomon to build the temple, donated much of his personal fortune to the project, called the people to support Solomon in building the temple, and to also offer their own gifts and talents to the Lord to use in the process.

The Point

Because God is majestic, He is worthy of our worship. We should worship Him, but we should also call others’ attention to His character and lead them to worship Him, too.

Shout it Out!

Posted by Karah

Pause

Silence your phone and turn off anything that could distract you from God’s Word and what He needs to say to you today. Spend some time in silence before God, kneeling as acknowledgment of His majesty.

In your Bible, read Psalm 145:1-7, underlining any words or phrases that point to God’s majesty.

“One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts. I will speak of Your splendor and glorious majesty and Your wonderful works.”

—Psalm 145:4-5

Your works and your mighty acts: Telling of God’s great works in history and in your own life. Who needs to hear what God has been doing in your life?

Splendor: The sum total of God’s attributes; the vast greatness of who He is; His magnificence.

Majesty: God’s grandeur, beauty, and honor.

Wonderful works: God’s mighty deeds and miracles, all of which display His power and awe those who see them. What works of God in your life or someone else’s have brought you to a place of awe?

Splendor, glorious majesty, and wonderful works describe God’s majestic character, but if you told your peers and friends about Him using these words, they’d probably think you were pretty weird. How would you describe God’s character to your friends?

Respond

Look at the list of people who need to hear about God’s work in your life that you listed earlier. Pray for each one by name, asking God for opportunities to share. Jot down one way you’ve seen God at work recently that you’ll tell them about.

Read the entire psalm, underlining any words or phrases that teach you about our majestic, yet personal, God.

Behind the Story

Psalm 145 was written by David to extol God’s greatness. In it, he used several verbs to describe ways that he, along with others, will tell others about God’s greatness: declare, proclaim, speak, give a testimony, and joyfully sing. It’s interesting to note that in Psalm 145:7, the phrase “give a testimony” literally means “pour out a memory.” That means the people were telling about important things God had done in their lives. What memories will you pour out in praise to God?

The Point

When you realize the truth about God’s majesty, you won’t want to keep it to yourself. If God is this majestic, this powerful, you must tell “the next generation” about Him.

Unveiled

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote:

“The purpose of worship is to change the face of the worshiper.”

—Max Lucado

“We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

—2 Corinthians 3:18

Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

How would you write verse 18 in your own words? Give it a try:

What does this verse have to say about you? Who are you to become more and more like? Are you?

As followers of Christ, we should be becoming more and more like Him. It’s not a change that happens overnight, but by the Holy Spirit, God works in our daily lives to conform us to the image of His Son. In salvation, God takes the veil of sin away from us so that we can truly see Him and become like mirrors, reflecting His light to the world.

Respond

• Personalize this verse and pray God’s Word back to Him. Ask Him to reveal the areas in which you aren’t reflecting Him and confess them to Him today.

• Memorize Philippians 1:6, trusting that God will do as He promised.

• For further study and greater context, read 2 Corinthians 3:14-18.

Behind the Story

After Moses witnessed God’s glory on Mt. Sinai, he wore a veil over his face while the glory of God faded. The people had to look at the glory through the veil. In today’s passage, Paul reminded His readers of Moses’ veil, using it to symbolize the spiritual blindness we all have before Jesus opens our eyes. When you became a Christian, that veil was taken away, so that now you can truly know God and reflect His glory, love, and power to the world around you because He lives in you.

The Point

If you’re a Christian, Jesus has removed the veil from your heart. You are being transformed into His likeness and should reflect His majesty to the world around you.

Heirs of God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Start your time with God today with a time of worship. Listen to “Desert Song” by Hillsong United to prepare your heart.

“The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

—Romans 8:16-17

Read Romans 8:14-17 in your Bible. Read verses 16-17 again carefully and think through these questions:

• Think about what the children of extremely wealthy people stand to inherit someday, even though they’ve done nothing to earn it. How do you feel about those children?

• As a child of God, what do you stand to inherit?

• What have you done to deserve that immense inheritance? Is this fair?

You are a child of the Most High, Amazingly Majestic God. Your inheritance far surpasses anything a wealthy family could leave their children.

Respond

If the Most High God dwells within you, then you share in some of His majesty. Grab a dry erase marker and go look in the mirror. Do you look like you share in Jesus’ glory? Do you feel majestic? On the mirror around your reflection, list ways you are majestic because Christ dwells in you and God is your Father. Cling to Biblical truth, not your feelings, as you write.

Behind the Story

In this passage, Paul declared that children of God should not “fall back into fear.” Why? Their relationship with God is secure. They’ve been adopted and get to call Him Abba forever! They will never lose their place in His family. Not only are they children, but also heirs, even co-heirs with Christ. Why is this good news?

The Point

As Christians, we are heirs of God Himself! Fear doesn’t have to run your life because you know the majestic Father through the Son and are guided by His Spirit.

A Majestic Son

Posted by Karah

Pause

Briefly look back through the last two devotions on majesty, then consider how God’s majesty is displayed in Jesus, His Son. Thank Jesus for what He has done in your life.

Who do people say you look like? Do you agree? Jot down or sketch some characteristics you share with that person.

With that concept in mind, read Hebrews 1:2-4 in your Bible.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” —Hebrews 1:3

What does it mean that Jesus is the radiance of God’s nature?

The word, character, comes from the Hebrew, charaktēr, meaning “engraving.” Used only here in the New Testament, it pictures a distinguishing mark being imprinted onto an object, like a coin. The idea is that Jesus gives us a clear picture of God’s character. How does He do that?

God’s word is a powerful force. By it, He created the world, and through it, He governs the world. How does this help you to understand His majesty better?

Respond

Consider the ways Jesus gave up His majesty when He took on flesh. Meditate on what the majestic Creator and ruler of the universe gave up to die on the cross for your sins. Thank Him for His sacrifice. Journal your prayer below.

Behind the Story

The writer of Hebrews gave importance and authority to the words and actions of Jesus by setting Him apart from the prophets. Jesus didn’t just speak for God—He was God. By asserting that God spoke through Jesus “in these last days,” (v. 2) it might seem as though the writer of Hebrews thought the end of the world was near. More than likely, however, the writer meant that God spoke with finality through Jesus, His Son. Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation and the only way to be saved.

The Point

Jesus possesses the full majesty and character of God the Father. He is God. He created the world, then took the sins of that world upon His own shoulders, making a way for our salvation and eternal life with 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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