Boys – Page 31

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Boys

Tell the World

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote and ask God to prepare your heart for what He has to teach you:

“If [God] is unchanging, it follows that he could not be unfaithful, since that would require him to change. Any failure within the divine character would argue imperfection and, since God is perfect, it could not occur.” —A.W. Tozer

Read 2 Peter 3:8-13 in your Bible. If God is unchanging, He is unchanging in His promises. What things does God promise in these verses? Underline any promises you find.

“But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.” —2 Peter 3:10

These verses point out that God has promised judgment and it will come one day, “like a thief.” How does knowing this change the way you think about sharing your faith with others? Explain.

We live in a world where few people actually do what they said they would—and most consider that God falls into the same category. How does a deeper understanding of God’s unchanging character help you to explain that isn’t true?

Respond

• There is an urgency reflected in this passage that we sometimes don’t seem to feel today. Ask God to renew your desire to share the gospel.

• Think of the people you interact with on a daily or weekly basis. Begin praying by name for those you know don’t have a relationship with Jesus. Ask God to prepare their hearts and provide opportunities for you to share your story of salvation. Write down the name of two people you’ll be praying for.

Behind the Story

Peter wrote 2 Peter to expose false teachers infiltrating this band of believers and to counter their influence with the truth. He was particularly concerned with his readers’ spiritual maturity and their denial of Jesus’ return, a key doctrinal error. In chapter 1, Peter challenged his readers to grow in their faith, believing a growing Christian would be less susceptible to false teachings. How are you growing in your faith?

The Point

God is unchanging, and He has promised that judgment will come. Knowing this, we must share the gospel so that others may come into a relationship with Him.

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

Merry Christmas – Win $50!

Posted by phil

Merry Christmas from your camp family here at Ridgecrest Summer Camps! We hope that this holiday season is tons of fun, marked by encounters with Jesus. Somehow, we are loved so much by our Creator that He decided to help us understand who He is by moving into our neighborhood and living among us. Enjoy your time with family and friends this Christmas Season.

Just for fun, we are giving away $50 to the camp store for the best and most creative Caption that you come up with for our Christmas Card. Simply email your caption to rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com. We will announce the winner after the holidays! Good luck, and Merry Christmas!

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, Christmas Card, Merry Christmas, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Weighing In

Posted by Karah

Pause

Focus your thoughts on Jesus today. Spend some time worshiping Him through your favorite worship song.

Because God is unchanging, we must live with integrity, being the same behind closed doors as we are in public. Consider Proverbs 11:1-3 in your Bible. Underline the qualities God hates; circle those He honors.

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.”

—Proverbs 11:3

• Dishonest scales are a kind of fraud. Living without integrity is, too, because you say one thing and do another. Are there areas of your life in which you’re doing that? Explain.

• Humility involves an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, while integrity suggests wholeness, actually being who you seem to be. Why do you think integrity and humility are so important to God? Are they characteristics you can truly see in your life? Why or why not?

Respond

Think about those areas of your life or faith that are dishonest, where you’re trying to look one way but really living another way. Confess them to God. Record one way you will commit that part of yourself to Him and live honestly this week.

Behind the Story

In ancient times, scales were often made of two bowls connected by a crossbar. To determine an accurate weight, merchants would put items with known weights on one side and the purchase on the other. Merchants could easily cheat their customers by using scales that weighed heavily or weights that were not as heavy as they looked.

Memory Verse

Review James 1:17, then create a rhythm or tune that fits the verse. Repeat the verse several times throughout the day, using the rhythm or song to help you recall it.

The Point

To be God’s child is to be like Him: living a life that matches our words. God expects integrity and humility to characterize His children.

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

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.

Happy Thanksgiving #tbt

Posted by phil

Happy Thanksgiving Camp Ridgecrest family! As you enjoy family and friends and all the other things that you are thankful for, we wanted to give you a little gift. We hope that this video from a few years ago will make you laugh. Check out this version of the Ridgecrest Summer Camps Turkey Bowl. And don’t forget about our Christmas Clothing Store, available on our website for a limited time!

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, summer camp, Thanksgiving, Turkey Bowl, Turkey Bowling | 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.

Choctaw Egypt

Posted by Karah

The renovation of the Choctaw Egypt is under way. In the first stage of construction,stripping it all out, you can already tell that its going to look great! We are excited about the final product, and we know you are as well. We will keep you all posted on how the bath house is coming along.

Posted in Boys, Uncategorized | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Choctaw, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: Daily Schedule

Posted by Karah

Most campers and staff could probably give a summary of the day to day schedule at Camp Ridgecrest. New and exciting things are always happening at camp, but Ridgecrest is known for a few of its staple daily activities. Meal times, morning watch, and skills are just an example of some of the things that have a set time at camp each day. With the exception of trips and camp outs, the schedule remains the same year to year.

Have you ever wondered if the daily schedule has always been the same? A 1943 brochure for Camp Ridgecrest for Boys includes a typical daily schedule for that time period. Skills were held in the morning and the afternoon, first aid and life saving classes were offered, and there was even a nighttime cabin inspection! Do you see any similarities between this and the current daily schedule? Do any of you remember when the daily schedule looked more like this one? Comment below and tell us about it!