Camp Ridgecrest – Page 14

What Does Your Life Say

Posted by anthologycreative

I know it’s silly, but I have to ask: Does an apple tree bear oranges or a grape vine produce strawberries? The answer is a big, obvious “NO!”

Now let me ask you this. What kinds of fruit should a Christian bear?

Read 1 John 3:4-6. Focus on verse 6.

What is the law being referred to in the passage?

How did John define sin?

Who is the sinless One who was revealed to take away your sins?

What did John mean when he wrote that anyone who sins has not seen God?

In what ways has your life changed since you became a Christian?

Do Christians never sin? Is that what John is trying to say in today’s Scripture passage? Not quite. We may belong to God’s family now, but we’re still in this world. Sooner or later, we’re bound to mess up. But we know for certain that when we became God’s children, we were also freed from sin’s tight grip. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can choose to stop sinning and start following Him.

So it is a problem when you can’t (or won’t) stop sinning. Think about it. As God’s child, you’ll genuinely want to leave old, sinful habits behind. Of course that’s not easy—but God knows that. But that’s why He gave you the Holy Spirit. He never expected you to escape from sin in your own strength. Instead, He has provided the way out and the means to stay out. What great love is that!

You Don’t Have To Measure Up

Posted by anthologycreative

Think about what it means to be your parents’ child. How are you like your mom or dad? How are you different? How much of your identity is tied up in whose child you are? Why?

Read 1 John 3:1-3 twice, stopping to think about verse 1.

What is the promise found in this passage?

What does it mean to be called a child of God?

Why is it so important that Christians know God loves them unconditionally?

According to these verses, what should your motivation be for becoming pure? Why?

How does being God’s child change the way you look at and treat others?

Nothing beats being God’s child! If you’re a Christian, that’s your identity. Let’s face it, where else can you go to find unconditional love and acceptance but in His arms? He is the Holy God who knows and has made everything. Yet He is willing to take us for His own!

And it doesn’t stop there. In today’s passage, John assured us not only of our identity in God but also of the future that lies waiting for us. And although he doesn’t tell us exactly what it’ll be like, one thing’s for sure: we’re going to be with our Father! That alone should convince you it’s going to be more awesome than anything you can ever imagine!

Sockwar!

Posted by phil

Tron. An good movie. And even better Sockwar here at Camp Ridgecrest! Wish you all could have been a part of this one. Good thing we captured it on camera, this is a must see. Sorry it will make you miss camp even more…

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, sockwar | Leave a reply

He Is Faithful To Forgive

Posted by anthologycreative

We all make mistakes. You can’t argue with that; it’s a given. I have to confess, however, that I hate owning up to mine. And since I specialize in making mistakes, I have to keep owning up to them over and over again! Sometimes I think I should just hang a sign around my neck, “Yes, I did it. I’m sorry.” Then I won’t have to speak up anymore!

Maybe you know what I’m talking about.

Read 1 John 1:8-10. Read verse 9 out loud.

According to the passage, how do we deceive ourselves?

What did John mean when he wrote that the truth is not in us?

What does this passage tell you about God’s forgiveness?

Why is it important that you recognize your sin and confess it?

What sins do you need to confess to God today? Seek His forgiveness; He’s willing to give it!

Last week we were reminded that we’re liars. In today’s passage, we’re forced to admit that we make a lot of mistakes. Being honest about ourselves can be difficult. All these confessions get us down and make us feel like failures.

Yet we don’t have to stop there. Defeat isn’t for God’s children. Jesus has overcome, and through Him, forgiveness and fresh starts become ours to claim. The point of these verses is that you are a sinner. If you claimed otherwise, you’d be a liar. But God is a God of forgiveness. And if you sincerely ask for forgiveness, He will forgive you. No doubt about that—He promised, and He always keeps His word. It’s what happens afterward that’s up to you. Changing for the better is the mark of true repentance. It’s one of the best ways you can ever thank Him for all He’s done for you.

Choctaw Cabins Get New Floors and Walls

Posted by anthologycreative

The last time we updated everyone on the progress taking place on Choctaw Hill, the exterior of the cabins was nearing completion. From the outside, it seemed the job was pretty much done. But there still much work that needed to be done. Today, we can announce the the cabins are about 99% done. They do not have the furniture moved back in, but they have received a face-lift on the inside. Each of the cabins are now equipped with brand new walls, ceilings, and floors. You will also be able to note the new doors that cabins have received. Another upgrade you will see are the wooden window shutters that can cover screen windows in the winter to protect the cabins from winter weather. In the pictures below, you will see all of these new additions as well as a preview of the new windows to the old walls that show some of the old camper and staff names. In one picture, you will see names of camp friends from decades ago, including Chris Shirley, as well as his son Andrew. Enjoy!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Cabin Restoration, Camp Ridgecrest, Choctaw, New Cabins | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: Under the Trinity Tree

Posted by phil

Each summer at Camp Ridgecrest, campers and staff alike find themselves sitting under this great tree on the middle green.. Over the years it has earned the name the “Trinity Tree” partially because of its 3 strong trunks that all come together as one at the base. I’m sure many staff have used this analogy to help explain to campers how our God can be the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all at once. It’s helps young men see the power, strength, beauty and mystery of God in a more tangible way. It also serves as a reminder to all who pass through it’s shadows that we are not doing our own work here at Camp Ridgecrest. Rather we serve in the shadow of a God who desperately wants to bring each and every camper close to himself. I can only imagine the number of campers who decided to follow Jesus during a campfire, sitting beneath this great landmark. What stories can you recall about this special spot in camp? Funny Sockwar intro skits, other camp-wide games, campfire stories, and more. Here is a picture of 2 legends here at Camp Ridgercest. Can you tell who they are…doing what they do best. Share below…

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Alumni, Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Trinity Tree | Leave a reply

Don’t Just Talk

Posted by anthologycreative

Everybody knows this group of people lie all the time—because they generally get caught in their lies. Who are they?

Here’s a clue: their name begins with a “C.” Celebrities? Yes, but that’s not the group I have in mind. Give up? Try Christians. Yup, we’re guilty, too.

Read 1 John 1:5-7. Concentrate on verse 6.

What was John’s main point in this passage?

What does it mean to walk in the light?

How are you walking in the light? Explain.

Based on John’s description of liars, would you consider yourself one? Explain.

What does walking in darkness look like? Give examples.

In what ways have you lied to yourself and to God?

John wrote that if what we do doesn’t reflect what we say, then we’re liars. If we say we love Christ and obey Him, but our lives say otherwise, we’re lying. Hits close to home, doesn’t it?

See, it’s through your actions that you prove you are God’s child. When your words match what you do, when what you say you believe affects how you live—people have less reason to doubt you and more reason to give God a chance.

It’s tough but true: because we bear His name, everything we do reflects on Him. So if you truly love God, your life will reflect Him. And people will listen when you talk about your faith because they see it in action in your life.

Gladiator Night

Posted by phil

We love letting boys be boys, and in the meantime feel like men. In a society where kids just have to grow up too fast, we pride ourselves on giving kids the chance to remain kids and have a blast! But just for fun, we also love giving them the chance to let their testosterone run wild and play hard in a safe environment! They love it…check it out…

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Gladiator Night, Ridgercest Summer Camps, VLOG | Leave a reply

You Have Been Set Free

Posted by anthologycreative

Don’t you just love stories about underdogs who fight their way to freedom and end up inspiring others at the same time? It doesn’t matter if it’s real or made up. Such stories never fail to make us smile. And for a little while, life just feels good.

Could it be because it reminds us of our own stories of freedom in Christ? Even though we’re not the heroes of our stories, we win because sin has lost its power over us. We no longer worry about having to be good enough for God.

Read Galatians 4:8-11. Go back and read verse 9 again.

Think about yourself before you knew God. What were you like?

How does knowing God give you freedom?

What could make someone who has been set free go back to his old way of life?

In what areas of your life do you feel the pull to return to old ways of living? Why?

Why was Paul upset about the Galatian Christians observing special times? How could this be a problem?

As a Christian, what are some rules you think you should follow? Why?

Are these rules Scriptural?

The Christian life isn’t supposed to be like writing a paper with a strict rubric to follow. You don’t have to live up to a prescribed set of rules in order to please the Father. Through His grace and in faith, you are given the freedom to grow and be like His Son, Jesus. Paul was writing to people who had accepted Christ, yet had gone back to keeping all the rules and observances of their old religious practice. They had experienced the freedom of Christ through grace and faith and were now making their relationship with Him all about living up to rules. God doesn’t want that from us! Now isn’t that a big relief? Get rid of those rules you cling to and start following Him! He’s set you free. So go and be free!

God Loves You

Posted by anthologycreative

Read Galatians 4:1-7.

Slavery—it isn’t something we willingly think about. Yet every day, we can’t help but hear stories of those who are caught in this evil.

In the newspaper, on the Internet, or from our friends, we hear of children forced to work in mills and factories and of young girls caught in human trafficking. We see consumer campaigns urging us to stop buying clothing made in sweatshops all over the world. We’re aware of how ugly slavery is, and the plight of slaves touches our hearts. But most times we don’t like to dwell on their daily lives. It’s too tragic and overwhelming.

In today’s passage, however, we are reminded that spiritually, we too were once in the same desperate condition. Sin held us in its unyielding grip. There was no escape. And even though we thought we were in charge, truth was, we never had any power over anything. Satan held our past, our present, and our future in his cruel hands.

Enter Jesus. Suddenly, there is hope and a way of escape. Suddenly, we have a choice and a future. And God, the Almighty One, becomes our Father. How things have changed! Instead of being nobodies, we’ve been welcomed into an eternal family, loved and accepted by the Father. God doesn’t hold you at arm’s length. If you are a believer, you are a dearly loved child of the Creator Himself.

Don’t let the wonder of that kind of love escape you today. When things get stressful, remember whose you are. Rest in the love of a Father who will never leave you. You are loved!

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OUR PADDLES

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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