Devotions – Page 26

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Devotions

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.

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. | Leave a reply

Without a Doubt

Posted by Karah

Pause

Read over the lyrics of the first verse of the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Thank God that there is “no shadow of turning with Him.” Thank the unchanging God for His constancy in your life.

Read James 1:16-18 in your Bible. Then, consider verses 17-18 below. As you read, underline any words or phrases that point to God’s generosity or goodness.

“Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the first fruits of His creatures.”

—James 1:17–18

Unlike the light of the sun, which can be blocked by clouds or the rotation of the earth, God does not change. Because He is unchanging, He is also always unchangingly good and generous.

Every good gift comes from God, therefore, we must acknowledge the greatest gift He gives us, “new birth” or salvation. How is God changing you, making you different from before you knew Christ?

The message of truth is the gospel. We only become new through the truth of the gospel, which is constant and unchanging, something you can stake your life on.

Respond

• Have you experienced a new birth in Christ? If you are not a Christian, carefully consider the gospel, “the message of truth.”

• If you are a Christian, what trials are you trying to handle on your own, refusing to trust them to an unchanging, generous, good God? Give it to Him today. Below, jot down one way you’ll acknowledge you’re trusting Him in this situation.

Behind the Story

The Book of James was written to Jewish Christians who had been scattered by persecution. It was written to encourage believers, challenging them to endure trials and exhibit consistent Christian character through it all.

The Point

God will not act outside of His character. Because He is unchanging, you can trust—even in times of great trial, confusion, or doubt—that He is good and generous.

Our Constant

Posted by Karah

Pause

Consider this quote: “God is unchanging in His love. He loves you. He has a plan for your life. Don’t let the newspaper headlines frighten you.” —Billy Graham

Read Hebrews 13:7-8, looking for what it has to say about God’s unchanging nature. Underline any words or phrases that teach you about this aspect of His character.

“Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

—Hebrews 13:7-8

These verses stress that Jesus has been eternally present and active in the lives of His people. What examples of Jesus’ constancy do you see in your own life or in the world around you?

We live in a world where everything is constantly changing. Why is it important for you, as a believer, to root your faith in the unchanging nature of Christ and His gospel? How does that keep you from being distracted by other things the world says are important?

Respond

• Meditate on this thought: People change. Circumstances change. You change—but Jesus doesn’t. You can always depend on His commitment to you.

• How would truly understanding that affect how you live your life? Jot down one specific way you’ll let it change you this week.

• For further study on God’s unswerving commitment to His children, read John 1:12-13, 10:28-29; Ephesians 1:14; Philippians 1:6; and Hebrews 7:25.

Behind the Story

Hebrews 13:8 stresses Christ’s unchanging nature by pointing to His work in the past, present, and future.

SANE YESTERDAY: Points out that Jesus was the Father’s agent in creation. See Hebrews 1:2,10.

TODAY: Jesus currently sits at the Father’s right hand, a place of honor. He continues to intercede for us.

FOREVER: Jesus will rule the universe forever. See Hebrews 1:8,10-12 for more.

Memory Verse

Make memorizing James 1:17 a group project. Find a study partner so you can discuss the verse and help each other memorize it.

The Point

Jesus has been—and will be—the same forever. In a constantly changing world, you can absolutely trust the unchanging, constant, powerful Lord.

No One Greater

Posted by Karah

Pause

Turn off anything that could distract you from God and His Word. In the quiet, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your study.

Think about the last time someone didn’t keep a promise to you. Circle the words that best describe how you felt:

Hurt Angry Unimportant

Betrayed Used to it Annoyed

You live in a world where people don’t keep their promises, but you serve a God who does. Read Hebrews 6:13-20 in your Bible. Then consider verses 17-18 below:

“Because God wanted to show His unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.”

—Hebrews 6:17–18

This phrase refers to Abraham and his descendants, but also points to all believers.

To take an oath is to call on a greater witness to guarantee that you will keep a promise. If God is so great that He can swear on Himself and guarantee that what He has said will happen, what does that mean for salvation? For any and every promise God has made?

Why does God’s unchanging character give us great confidence and hope? When have you seen this in your own life?

Respond

• Meditate on this truth: Because God is unchanging, He will keep His promises.

• Do you sometimes feel like God hasn’t kept His word to you? Have an honest conversation with Him about those things. Ask Him to open your eyes to how He is at work and how He has remained faithful to you.

• For further study on how God always accomplishes His purpose, read His fulfilled prophecies about Jesus: Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18,25; Deuteronomy 18:18 and Matthew 21:11; Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 3:1,5:5-6.

The Point

God will accomplish His purposes. What He has said, He will do. He does not change.

The Unchanging God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a minute and think about how many times you’ve changed your mind already today. Now, thank God that He is not like you, constantly changing His mind and purpose. Ask Him to prepare your heart to meet with Him.

In your Bible, read Psalm 102:25-28. Then, consider verses 25-27 below. As you read, underline the words or phrases that point to God’s unchanging character.

“Long ago You established the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; all of them will wear out like clothing. You will change them like a garment, and they will pass away. But You are the same, and Your years will never end.”

—Psalm 102:25–27

• What do these verses teach you about God’s character? Why is it important that God never changes?

• If God never changes, what does that mean for His purposes or work? Explain.

The Point

God is unchanging. He established the earth, and He remains on His throne. He is unwavering about carrying out His divine work and will always remain true to His purpose.

Respond

Unchanging. Permanent. Steadfast. Immutable. That is who God is. He doesn’t change and isn’t led away by whims. He remains committed to His work and His purpose. Let the enormity of that truth overwhelm you today. Journal your prayerful response below.

Behind the Story

Written during the Babylonian captivity, Psalm 102 reflects a low point in the history of Israel. God’s Word was not being proclaimed and the temple lay in ruins. The psalm begins in despair. Recognizing his frailty and the momentary nature of his life, the psalmist cried out to God and found hope in God’s unchanging nature. Why is understanding God’s unchanging character important in today’s world?

Memory Verse

Read James 1:17 aloud several times, carefully considering what the words mean. Then, paraphrase it in your own words.

God’s Love

Posted by anthologycreative

Read 1 John 4:19-20. Ask yourself:

According to these verses, what is the relationship between God’s love for us and the way we love others? Why is that important?

If you had to write these verses in your own words, what would you say? Jot down your ideas in your journal or in the space below.

How well do you think you live up to these verses? Explain.
What keeps you from fully obeying these verses in your daily life?

The Point

You can’t be a follower of Christ and hate the very people He created in His own image. You don’t get to hold grudges. You don’t get to pick and choose who you love and who you don’t. Followers of Jesus are meant to be salt and light to the entire creation, including those who are easy to love and those who aren’t.

Take Action

It’s easy to love people who are a lot like you—people you understand. It’s not easy to love people you don’t get or really don’t like. Who are the hard-to-love people in your life? Why?

How will you choose to love those people in Jesus’ power this week? List a few concrete steps you’ll take to do so.

“Our sin nature includes a natural preference to a warm huddle of people just like us.” – Ed Stetzer

A Generous God

Posted by anthologycreative

In his 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol, writer Charles Dickens created the literary character Ebenezer Scrooge. He was a stingy, greedy, cold-hearted, rich man who hated Christmas and everything that brought others happiness. He had tons of money, but was unwilling to share it or any kindness with anyone else. The character quickly became well-known throughout the world. Today, the term “Scrooge” has even come to mean a complaining, stingy miser.

Many people see God as a lot like Ebenezer Scrooge, in control of so many good things, yet unwilling to share them with humanity, despite our great need. Scripture, however, tells quite a different story.

Read Matthew 7:7-12 in your Bible.

What characteristic of God do you see in these verses? Explain your answer.
What are believers encouraged to do in this passage?
Does this passage mean that if you ask God for something, you’re guaranteed to get what you want? Why or why not?
Read verse 12 again carefully. Where have you heard this statement before? What do you think it means? What would it look like to practice that in real life?

The Point

God is generous. That is His very character. He has shown His generosity to us by making a way to save us from our sin and inviting us into eternal life with Him. His generosity is all around us: He guides and directs our steps; He does not turn His back on us; He never stops pursuing us despite our sinfulness.

Take Action

Evaluate your life. How generous are you? With your money? Your time? Your opinions about people? Take some time to think it over. Then, list three ways you’ll allow God be generous to others because God has been generous to you.

Behind the Story

This passage does not imply that we will get whatever we ask God for if we’re persistent about it. The passage assumes that the person asking, seeking, and knocking is seeking God’s will above all else. The word “it” in verse 7 doesn’t refer to a particular item or thing the person requested; instead, it means that God will give you what He deems best.

Constructive Criticism

Posted by anthologycreative

Consider Tyne Daly’s quote and the definition of criticism below.
“A critic is someone who never actually goes to the battle, yet who afterwards comes out shooting the wounded.”—Tyne Daly, actress

criticism—noun
• The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes

1 Now, read Matthew 7:1-6, focusing on the first two verses. Ask yourself:

What do these verses have to do with criticism?
What are the key words in this passage?
What do you think Jesus meant when He advised His followers not to judge others?
Should believers never confront the sin of others? Why or why not?
What’s the difference between holding someone accountable and condemning someone? Explain.

2 The Point

As believers, we are supposed to be the gracious presence of God to those around us, but we aren’t to turn a blind eye to their sin. Jesus isn’t saying we should never confront sin; He is saying we should do so in humility, recognizing our own sinfulness and need for grace. Our words shouldn’t condemn, but rather draw others closer to Christ.

3 Behind the Story

The word translated “judge” in these verses was a Greek word that can imply to analyze or evaluate, as well as to condemn or avenge. Believers are clearly called to discern (analyze and evaluate); but judgment—in the sense of condemnation or avenging—belongs solely to God.

4 Going Deeper

So, how do you put this into practice in real life? Consider Jesus’ example. He often had some pretty harsh things to say to the religious leaders of His day—and even to His own disciples. For more, read:

Mark 8:33
Mark 12:24
John 4:1-26
John 8:1-11

Always Together

Posted by anthologycreative

Think about things that should always go together. Now, list as many as you can think of. Don’t worry! We’ve started the list for you.

PB&J
Baseball and hot dogs
Salt and pepper
(make your list in the comment below…)

Now, read Luke 2:36-38. Pay close attention to verse 37.

If you were describing Anna and her devotion to God, what would you say?
Could the same be said of you? Why or why not?
How would you define fasting? Why?
According to verse 37, what did Anna do while she was worshiping at the temple?
What is the relationship between fasting and prayer? Is fasting just abstaining from something or should you also devote time to prayer when you’re fasting? Explain.

The Point

Fasting isn’t just about not doing something. For Christians, it should be closely tied to prayer and studying God’s Word. The purpose of fasting is to draw near to God, better understand His purposes, and discern His will.

Take Action

Anna was faithfully devoted to God as she waited for Him to fulfill His promise to Israel. What are you waiting for God to fulfill in your life? How can you spend that time focusing on God and serving Him? List a few ideas below.

Week In Review

Take some time today to think over all the things you’ve learned in your time with God this week.

The motivation behind your giving, praying, and fasting matters. Are you doing those things because they’re expected or get a lot of attention?

We have a tendency to want to measure our righteousness by the things we do for God. In what areas of your life have you noticed that kind of attitude?

In light of the Scripture you’ve studied this week, what changes do you think God is calling you to make?

Earnestly Seek Him

Posted by anthologycreative

Read Psalm 145:17-21 below.

In your Bible, underline all the characteristics of God you learn in this passage. Circle all the things these verses say He will do for those who truly seek Him. Put a box around David’s response to God’s actions in his life.

“The Lord is righteous in all His ways and gracious in all His acts. The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love Him, but He destroys all the wicked. My mouth will declare Yahweh’s praise; let every living thing praise His holy name forever and ever.”

—Psalm 145:17–21

Journal

Spend the next 10 minutes thinking, praying, and writing about these verses in your journal. Write about what these verses teach you about God, prayer, and what the motivation behind your prayers should be. End your time by journaling a prayer to God, expressing your desire to know Him more and see His will at work in your life and the world around you.

earnest—adjective

• resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction • in earnest: occurring to a greater extent or more intensely than before

seek—verb

• attempt to find (something)
• attempt or desire to obtain or achieve (something) • ask for (something) from someone

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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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