Clean Hands, Pure Heart

Pause

Look over the last few devotions, recalling what you’ve learned about God’s justice. Spend some time praising God for who He is—just, always right, always good.

Read Isaiah 1:16-18 and consider the questions that follow:

“Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause. “Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.

—Isaiah 1:16-18

Where do you see God’s desire to fight injustice in this verse? Underline any words or phrases that highlight how you should respond to injustice.

According to this passage, what is God’s attitude toward sin?

God called His rebellious children to repent of their sin and return to Him so they could live lives full of His compassion and justice. How has He done the same in your life?

Respond

• Thank God for His compassion toward you and His gift of salvation in Jesus. Ask Him to help you see others through the lens of His love and compassion.

• Take a hard look at yourself. Are there any areas of your faith where you’re just going through the motions, looking good on the outside, but rife with sin on the inside? Admit them to God today and ask Him to make you as white as snow.

• For further study on God’s love for the defenseless, read Jeremiah 7:5-7, 22:3; Zechariah 7:10; Matthew 23:23, 25:31-46; and James 1:27.

Behind the Story

Isaiah was a prophet in Jerusalem around 700 B.C. He lived in a time when the Israelites had turned their back on the Lord. While they went through the motions and rituals of their faith, their hearts were far from God. He called this corrupt, rebellious people to repent and return to Him and His ways. Today’s passage stresses an important truth: God doesn’t care how good we look on the outside or the things we do. He cares about our hearts and how we live out the ordinary days of our lives.

The Point

If you’re a Christian, God has called you to a new way of life characterized by His compassion and love, especially in our treatment of the defenseless, poor, and forgotten.

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

Retro Friday: Hiking

Hiking has been one of the biggest aspects of Camp Ridgecrest since it opened in 1929. Campers get to experience nature by hiking different trails in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. While always scenic, these hikes can sometimes be challenging as well. This picture was found in a 1950 camper newspaper, depicting one of these exhilarating hikes to Mount Mitchell. Do any of those faces look familiar? What’s your favorite hike at camp? Comment below!

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Example

Pause

Concentrate for a moment on the presence of pain and suffering in the world. What troubles you most? Lift these troubles to God, trusting that He is already at work in those situations. Ask Him to prepare your heart for how He might use you to fight injustice.

Parents often tell their kids to be a good example. Think back over your life. Who has been a good example to you over the years? How?

As a Christian, you don’t have to search for an example of how to live your life. Through His actions, His Word, and Jesus’ earthly example, God has told us how to live. He is our example. As you think about this concept, read Deuteronomy 10:17-19 in your Bible. Where do you see God being an example to us?

“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. You also must love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” —Deuteronomy 10:18-19

• The words “fatherless” and “widow” point to people who have no one to defend them. Who are those people in your life?

• A foreigner is a stranger, someone who doesn’t fit in, a wanderer, an alien. Who are the people in your life who just don’t fit in?

• Verse 19 is a directive to follow God’s example in our dealings with the defenseless, homeless, and different. Does your attitude toward these people reflect God’s? Why or why not?

Respond

Look over the names you listed earlier. Pray over them, asking God how He would have you reach out to the fatherless, widows, and foreigners in your life. Record any actions He brings to mind. Circle one that you will take this week.

Behind the Story

Moses first spoke the words recorded in Deuteronomy 10 to the Israelites. Now 40 years after their exodus from Egypt, they were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses took the opportunity to remind the people of their covenant with God and how He expected them to live their lives. Moses did all of this knowing that he would not lead his people to their destination. For more on that, read Numbers 20.

The Point

God calls His children to follow His example. Because He fights injustice and stands up for the defenseless, homeless, and overlooked, we should, too.

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

Ridgecrest Shake 2013

What tribe do you think had the best moves?!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Harlem Shake, Ridgecrest Summe Camps | Leave a reply

God’s Point of View

Pause

Ponder this quote:

“Job clung to God’s justice when he was the best example in history of God’s apparent injustice. He did not seek the Giver because of his gifts; when all gifts were removed he still sought the Giver.” —Philip Yancey in Where Is God When It Hurts?

Imagine you’re faced with a decision. In trying to decide what’s right or wrong, where would you turn for an answer—the Bible or People Magazine?

You probably chose Scripture, which is good. But think about the voices of the world—celebrities, people in positions of power—who define what injustice is and tell us how we should respond to it. As Christians, we should look at injustice from a biblical point of view. We shouldn’t let celebrities or powerful people dictate our definition of injustice or color our response to it.

“Many seek a ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the Lord.”  —Proverbs 29:26

Read Proverbs 29:25-27. What are some examples of injustice you see in the world?

What does this passage teach you about trusting God and His justice more than the world’s?

According to these verses, who is the source of true justice? Do you live like you believe that? Why or why not?

What do these verses teach you about how to respond to injustice?

The Point

As followers of Christ, we should not let popular thought or people in power define injustice or dictate how we respond to it. We must look to God, whose very character is just, and His Word, responding with compassion, love, and absolute trust in Him.

Respond

• Ask yourself: Does my definition of and response to injustice in this world line up with God’s? List one area of injustice you will trust to Him this week.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see injustice from God’s point of view and respond like He does. Jot down one way you will actively respond to injustice in your family, school, or community as God would have you to.

Behind the Story

Verse 26 doesn’t prohibit seeking help through government institutions or even the legal system. It does, however, call believers to place more faith in God than human institutions. How would truly living this way change our society?

Memory Verse

Read over and memorize Isaiah 1:17.

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

The Standard

Pause

Go to a place outside where you can see the vastness of the sky, landscape, or even the ocean. Dwell on how immeasurable it seems, how infinite. Then, understand that God is even more infinite. Praise Him for being bigger than you can imagine.

Read Proverbs 2:7-9 in your Bible. These verses contain an “If-Then” pattern. Underline the conditions; put a box around the results.

“He stores up success for the upright;

He is a shield for those who live with integrity

so that He may guard the paths of

justice and protect the way of His loyal followers.

Then you will understand righteousness, justice,

and integrity—every good path.”

—Proverbs 2:7-9

The Hebrew word, tōm, implies genuineness and reliability; sometimes translated “honest” or “honorable.” Who do you know who exemplifies integrity? How?

What does it mean that God will “guard the paths of justice”?

The Hebrew word mishpāt, means “to govern.” It calls us to render decisions based on God’s justice, not our own. How does the world seek to define justice? How is it different from God’s definition?

Respond

• The world’s definition of justice is sometimes thinly veiled revenge. That’s what justice will be to you, too, unless you get to know God and pursue His ways. What steps will you take to know Him better this week? Write one below.

• For further study on the benefits of pursuing integrity and justice, read Psalm 84:11 and Proverbs 10:9, 20:7, 28:18, and 30:5.

Behind the Story

Proverbs is a genre of writing known as Wisdom literature. Most ancient cultures had some form of Wisdom literature, which was designed to educate people about how to deal with ordinary matters of life. Biblical Wisdom literature is unique, though, because it asserts that God is the starting point for true wisdom (Prov. 1:7, 9:10).

The Point

Because He is just, God is the standard for what is right and wrong. His justice will ultimately prevail, not the world’s warped definition.

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

2013 Theme: Not My Own

Do not be independent and try and rely on yourself. Be dependent and trust that the Lord will take care of you!

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Always Right

Pause

Think about the things you’ve done this week when your motives weren’t quite right, or the ways you tried to manipulate a situation to your advantage. Now, thank God that He isn’t like that.

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

Retro Friday: Camp Newspaper

Looking back over the years, Camp Ridgecrest has given boys the ability to excel at numerous different skills. Campers are given ample time to participate in activities that interest them. Did you know that there used to be a camp newspaper run solely by campers? In the early years of camp, boys interested in journalism and writing were able to write and print a newspaper called THE ECHO. Trained counselors would help the campers put out a newspaper each session filled with the things that interested them. THE YEARBOOK was also published each session, containing information about campers and counselors.

Another activity campers could participate in was an orchestra. Boys who owned and played an instrument were asked to bring them to camp. Lessons were held and performances were put on by the campers each session. The picture above comes from a 1949 brochure, showing boys reading the newspaper published by campers. Do you remember when these activities were offered? Do you think they would be popular today? Comment below and let us know what you think!

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Firm Foundation

Pause

Turn off all distractions and focus your mind on God. Think about the words you would use to describe Him and His character. Spend a few moments simply praising Him.

The foundation of a building is the base upon which everything else is built. The foundation bears the load of the entire building and supports its structure. If it’s crooked, warped, or not level, the building won’t be as strong as it should be. Imagine a house built on a faulty foundation, then sketch your idea below.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; faithful love and truth go before You.” —Psalm 89:14

Read Psalm 89:13-14. Verse 14 reveals some of the core components of God’s character. Underline them as you discover them, then think through these questions:

• What does it mean to say that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne (or rule)? What does it teach you about how He rules? (God’s rule and sovereignty are based on righteousness and justice. He can only do what is right, just, equitable, and fair.)

• What does it mean to say that God is just? How would you define justice?

Respond

Mull over these thoughts: What would our world look like if God wasn’t just? What if God was corrupt? Where would you find hope, stability, or purpose? As you realize how important God’s justice really is, praise Him for it. Thank Him that He is a good God whose way and rule is always right! Journal your response.

Behind the Story

Psalm 89 is classified as a psalm of lament, a psalm in which the writer brings a concern or complaint to God. The writer of Psalm 89 recognized the power and the goodness of God, but also saw the devastation and destruction God’s people faced. If God is really loving, good, powerful, and perfect, how can His people be suffering? It’s a question many wrestle with today. We, like the psalmist, will ultimately find our footing in the firm foundation of God’s faithful justice.

The Point

One of the core components of God’s character is His justice. He alone determines what is right and fair, and He will always do what is right. He is the very standard for what is right and wrong.

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