CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Boys

Hungry and Thirsty

Posted by Karah

IMG_5211Pause

Think about a time when you were extremely hungry or thirsty. What was your mood? Describe how you felt, both emotionally and physically.

With that experience in mind, read Matthew 5:6, then answer the questions that follow.

“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

People who are hungry or thirsty devote their time and energy to fulfilling those needs. Knowing this, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Explain.

Continuing with the hunger metaphor, what might keep a person from experiencing spiritual fullness?

Matthew 5:6 tells us that those who follow Christ have a deep desire to see God’s standard established and obeyed in every area of life, particularly in their own lives. Who has been a good example of that kind of righteousness in your life? Why?

Respond

Evaluate your life. Do you exhibit a deep desire to live according to God’s standard and pursue righteousness? How does your life display that desire? If that desire feels faint, ask God to ignite your heart with a desire to obey Him in every area of your life.

If you have never had a desire for righteousness, that may point to a problem. Talk with your parents, pastor, or a trusted Christian mentor about why pleasing God should be important to Christians.

Look back at the verses you’ve read from the Beatitudes so far. Sum up what you’ve learned from each one. Notice how they build on each other to describe the journey of coming to know Christ.

For further study of what living righteously looks like, read the Book of James in the New Testament. If you’d like to study this more in-depth with a group, consider James: Faith Under Pressure by Pam Gibbs (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2011).

Behind the Story

In Matthew 6, Jesus specifically chooses hunger and thirst to describe a person’s desire for righteousness. This is not the pleasant hunger we experience when we smell our favorite meal. This is an uncomfortable rumbling in an empty belly, characterized by hunger pangs and dry mouth. This deep hunger produces a kind of focus and desperation that doesn’t exist otherwise—a truly spiritually hungry person will be determined to satisfy the deep spiritual belly ache.

The Point

Kingdom citizens desire to see God’s standards established and obeyed in every area of their lives.


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A Star Wars Sock War

Posted by phil

It finally happened. A Camp Ridgecrest favorite activity…. Sock War! Watch this Star War’s version of Sock War as good and evil battle it out and the winning team is determined by a light saber battle on the dock. Check out this short clip….


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Strength Under Control

Posted by Karah

aa48995e-499c-4ac1-a911-7a179f385316Pause

Mull over this quote to begin your time with God today:

“Our identity rests in God’s relentless tenderness for us revealed in Jesus Christ.”
—Brennan Manning

Read Matthew 5:5 in your Bible. Underline what this verse says will happen to those who are gentle.

“The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”

—Matthew 5:5

In today’s world, gentleness is often considered a weakness. But in today’s Scripture passage, the word gentle carries the connotation of strength under control. Think through these questions:

Think of what you know about Jesus and the way He interacted with people during His earthly ministry. How did He display strength under control?

Think about the most gentle Christian you know. How do you see that person submitting his or her life to the Holy Spirit’s control? Explain.

Matthew 5:5 pictures believers who have submitted every part of their lives to Jesus’ control. Their lives are characterized by humility, courteousness, self-control, and a tender, compassionate nature. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

Who is in control of your strength? How do you know? Explain.

Respond

Consider how your understanding of gentleness has changed since studying it today.

In what ways are you still struggling to submit every part of your life to the lordship of Jesus? In your journal, make a list of reasons He deserves full control of your strength, then spend some time in prayer, asking Him to help you thoroughly submit to Him.

How has Jesus been gentle toward you? Ask God to help you recall all the times He has been mercifully gentle with you. Praise Him for each instance. Be specific in your praise!

Behind the Story

A gentle person is not a weak person, but rather a person whose strength is harnessed and focused. The term describes those who are powerful, but who have the maturity and grace to use their power for constructive rather than destructive purposes. Matthew 5:5 also echoes Psalm 37:11 in which the gentle are those who stubbornly trust God and surrender to His authority even when they cannot make sense of their circumstances.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are gentle and focused on Christ.


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Carnival Comes to Ridgecrest

Posted by phil

No need to go anywhere! We’re bringing the Carnival to Camp. Twice a summer, we hire an entire Carnival crew to come set up at Camp Ridgecrest. The girls grab a shuttle over from Camp Crestridge for the largest Activity of the summer. The campers enjoy truck loads of inflatable rides, snow cones, cotton candy, carnival food, games, music, live entertainment, dunk booths, magic shows, costumes, and more! It’s an unforgettable evening for everyone. Check out this short video below….


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Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Posted by Karah

IMG_0396Pause

List the blessings in your life—from obvious ones to hardships that have turned to blessings. Ask God to open your eyes to His blessings as you study His Word today.

Read Matthew 5:3-4 in your Bible. Read verses 3-4 again carefully, then complete the list below.

“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.” —Matthew 5:3-4

 

Blessed are _________________________________

 

Because ___________________________________

 

Blessed are _________________________________

 

Because ___________________________________

 

Known as the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-11 describes what it means to be a citizen in God’s kingdom. These verses describe the character of true believers.

Consider this quote from Stuart Weber:

“The beginning of repentance is the recognition of one’s spiritual bankruptcy—one’s inability to become righteous on one’s own.”

Ask yourself:

What does it mean to be spiritually bankrupt?

How does verse 3 illustrate spiritual bankruptcy?

Look at verse 4. Believers recognize their sinfulness and their inability to do anything about it. This brings them to a place of repentance. How does verse 4 demonstrate that?

Respond

Have you ever recognized your own spiritual bankruptcy? Journal about that experience. Write Jesus a thank-you for rescuing you from your spiritual poverty.

Today’s verses describe the recognition of sinfulness and repentance that leads to salvation, but as a believer, you know that you still sometimes sin. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life today so that you can confess it and enjoy restored fellowship with God.

For further study, consider doing a group Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount. Try “Sermon on the Mount” by Jen Wilkin (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2014).

Behind the Story

The Gospel of Matthew is filled with moments of instruction from Jesus to His disciples, including the Sermon on the Mount. The first part of this teaching (vv. 3-11) is commonly called the Beatitudes and focuses on characteristics of true Christ-followers. Although each of these characteristics seem to be able to stand alone, they are meant to be understood together. The Beatitudes build on each other, like individual bricks to make a wall. Jesus began the Beatitudes by focusing on the hearts of Christ-followers, followed by describing characteristics of their relationship with God and with others.

The Point

Because kingdom citizens realize they can’t save themselves, they mourn and repent of their sin.


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Bedlam Ball

Posted by phil

The game is appropriately named Bedlam Ball, as we have close to 200 over-sized inflatable balls in play at once! With close to 15 teams, all represented by Countries from around the world, this Olympic themed event was full of energy! The rain didn’t slow us down one bit… Check out this short video of Bedlam Ball at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys!


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Organized Crime

Posted by phil

A camp favorite, Organized Crime, was a huge hit over the weekend. A simple game, but driven by our staff’s creative minds and their ability to entertain the kids, makes this activity such a success. Be sure to ask your camper’s what their favorite part was on your ride home from camp on Friday! Watch this short video to get a taste of the excitement….


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A Whole Heart

Posted by Karah

adb709b7-3c24-4a91-b360-f47b911751c4Pause

Prepare your heart by listening to the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by Jadon Lavik (I Have Decided to Follow Jesus [Single], 2011).

Think about a homework assignment, chore, or task you recently completed halfheartedly. What words might describe how you worked? Why did you put so little effort into it? Journal a few thoughts.

With that in mind, read Luke 9:57-62 in your Bible.

“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” —Luke 9:62

Ask yourself:

After reading these verses, can a true disciple live a life characterized by halfhearted faith? Explain your answer.

What does wholehearted commitment to Christ look like?

Look at the excuses the people gave in this passage for not wholeheartedly committing to Jesus. What excuses do you give for halfhearted commitment? What things do you allow to get in the way of obedience?

Why is it important to understand that faith in Jesus is more than just a simple statement of belief? What do your actions and the way you live your life have to do with it? Explain.

Respond

Following Jesus is much bigger than marking off an item on a checklist or going to a weekly event at church. Jesus wants control of every part of your life.

Evaluate your life. In what ways does your life demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to Jesus? If the Holy Spirit reveals areas marked by a lack of commitment or obedience, confess them immediately. Admit to Jesus once again how much you need Him in every area of your life.

What steps will you take this week to follow your commitment with action? List two or three in the comments below.

The way you live out your faith is a witness to those around you. When people see that you truly believe Jesus deserves your wholehearted commitment, they will want to know more about the Savior you serve. Ask Jesus to remind you of this truth daily.

For further study, read Mark 8:34-38; Luke 14:25-33; Galatians 2:19-21; and Philippians 3:7-11.

Behind the Story

It may seem harsh that Jesus would tell a potential disciple to “let the dead bury their own dead.” But it’s most likely that this man’s father had not died yet. After all, would he be sitting around having a conversation with Jesus if his father was waiting to be buried? Ultimately, this man was procrastinating on following Jesus until a much later date.

The Point

Jesus calls His followers to wholehearted commitment.


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Gladiator Night 2016

Posted by phil

Gladiator Night is an unforgettable experience for our campers and unlike anything they have done before. It’s a time for boys to be messy, act like Gladiators and attempt “feats of strength” along side their cabin mates. It’s always a blast! Check out this quick video….


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Bring Someone with You

Posted by Karah

thumb_IMG_9477_1024Pause

Thank God for how He is transforming you. Ask Him to give you a heart for those who need to know Jesus.

The last few weeks, you’ve learned that Jesus’ followers are transformed by the Holy Spirit, called to a new way of life, and humbly aware that their salvation is found in Christ—not their own merit, effort, or good works. Today, you’ll learn another important truth about disciples: they bring people to Jesus. Read John 1:35-42 in your Bible.

“He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah!’ (which means “Anointed One”),  and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which means “Rock”).” —John 1:41-42

 

Next to each quote below, record why it was an important step in the process of Andrew bringing Simon to Jesus:

“followed Jesus” (v. 37)-

“Rabbi, where are you staying?” (v. 38)-

“stayed with Him that day” (v. 39)-

“found his own brother” (v. 41)-

“brought Simon to Jesus” (v. 42)-
Andrew met the Messiah and couldn’t keep the good news to himself. Who has been an Andrew in your life? How?
Andrew didn’t try to reason or argue his brother into believing. He simply invited Peter to come and see. What might be some ways we could invite people to come and experience Jesus for themselves?
Respond

Think about the people who have been Andrews in your life. Thank God for each one. Consider thanking those people personally.

Who are the people in your life who need to experience Jesus? Pray for each one by name, asking God for opportunities to share your hope in Christ.

Sharing your faith isn’t about browbeating, arguing, or using guilt to force someone to accept Jesus’ invitation. It’s about presenting Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of changing hearts. Ask God to prepare peoples’ hearts and give you the opportunity to talk to them about Jesus.

For further study, read Matthew 28:16-20 and Mark 2:1-12.

Behind the Story

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels (“synoptic” means “seen together” or “seen with”). These three Gospels tend to view Jesus’s life and ministry from the same angle. John approached the story from an entirely different angle and uses a very different writing style than the other Gospels. Earlier this week in Mark 1, we studied Jesus calling Andrew and Simon as they were fishing. Many scholars believe that the event in Mark and the one in John’s Gospel describe two separate events with John recounting the disciples’ conversion and Mark recording their call to service.

The Point

Disciples bring others to Jesus.


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