Freedom!

Freedom!
Read This Passage: Proverbs 6:1-5

“Do this, then, my son, and free yourself, for you have put yourself in your neighbor’s power: Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.” —Proverbs 6:3

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE THIS! Yep, we live in a gotta-have-it kind of world. The latest in technology and gaming systems? Check. The coolest clothes and things to make life easier? Mark those off, too. The newest cell phone, best credit card perks, and every gadget you can think of seem to all be high on our lists of gotta-have items.

All these things are great when we use them wisely, but it is so easy to get carried away. High phone bills and even higher credit card bills are everywhere we look. And more often than not, greed and the allure of an easier way of life fuel our desire for more. Before we know it, we find ourselves entangled in financial obligations, bound by extreme debt. As a result, our relationships suffer.

The Bible tells us that we should free ourselves from the power of debt and live in financial freedom. Today’s key verses warn us to stay away from relationships and agreements that bind us, financially or otherwise. You might not think it applies to you, but it does. Be wise with your money and humble yourself in your wants and desires. Don’t be foolish when it comes to the relationships you allow into your life. Live in Christ’s freedom.

Pray
Father, help me to be wise about my finances and my relationships.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Proverbs, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Freedom

Freedom!
Read This Passage: Proverbs 6:1-5

“Do this, then, my son, and free yourself, for you have put yourself in your neighbor’s power: Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.” —Proverbs 6:3

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE THIS! Yep, we live in a gotta-have-it kind of world. The latest in technology and gaming systems? Check. The coolest clothes and things to make life easier? Mark those off, too. The newest cell phone, best credit card perks, and every gadget you can think of seem to all be high on our lists of gotta-have items.

All these things are great when we use them wisely, but it is so easy to get carried away. High phone bills and even higher credit card bills are everywhere we look. And more often than not, greed and the allure of an easier way of life fuel our desire for more. Before we know it, we find ourselves entangled in financial obligations, bound by extreme debt. As a result, our relationships suffer.

The Bible tells us that we should free ourselves from the power of debt and live in financial freedom. Today’s key verses warn us to stay away from relationships and agreements that bind us, financially or otherwise. You might not think it applies to you, but it does. Be wise with your money and humble yourself in your wants and desires. Don’t be foolish when it comes to the relationships you allow into your life. Live in Christ’s freedom.

Pray
Father, help me to be wise about my finances and my relationships.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Proverbs, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity
Read This Passage: Luke 6:27-31

“Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” —Luke 6:31

I ONCE HEARD the story of a woman who had been imprisoned in concentration camps in Germany during the Holocaust. Miraculously, she survived. She had lived through the torture and agony of the concentration camps, watched friends and family members die, and endured abuse and cruelty from many of the German guards.

Much later in her life, one of the guards who had so violently abused her and been responsible for many Jewish deaths came to her seeking forgiveness. This amazing lady, because of the love of God in her life, was able to forgive this man for all the atrocities he and others had done to her, her family, and her friends. Isn’t that amazing?

People are capable of terrible, hurtful, destructive things. Yet we are called to forgive them and treat them as we want to be treated. We can only do that through the love of God. We cannot do it on our own.
In today’s key verse, you find the idea behind the Golden Rule. Forgiveness is supposed to be a marked part of our lives as Christians. And we’re called to not just forgive, but to treat others with the same respect and compassion we would want shown to us. And the people in your life don’t always deserve that. Neither do you.

Jesus made it very clear that we are to respond to all people, including our enemies, with forgiveness and respect. He tells us to love them, do good to them, and pray for them. We’re to treat them the way we want to be treated, whether they deserve it or not. That command is never easy to follow, but it’s absolutely necessary to developing successful, godly relationships in your life.

Real Choices
Think about the relationships in your life in which you’re experiencing conflict and tough situations.  They could’ve have been at camp or at home. What do you need to do to forgive these people in God’s power? How would you like to be treated in the same situation?

Digging Deeper
Read Ephesians 4:24-32. What do these verses have to say about relationships? How do they challenge you in your relationships?

Pray
Father, please help me to always reflect Your love and show kindness even in times of adversity.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Luke, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity
Read This Passage: Luke 6:27-31

“Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” —Luke 6:31

I ONCE HEARD the story of a woman who had been imprisoned in concentration camps in Germany during the Holocaust. Miraculously, she survived. She had lived through the torture and agony of the concentration camps, watched friends and family members die, and endured abuse and cruelty from many of the German guards.

Much later in her life, one of the guards who had so violently abused her and been responsible for many Jewish deaths came to her seeking forgiveness. This amazing lady, because of the love of God in her life, was able to forgive this man for all the atrocities he and others had done to her, her family, and her friends. Isn’t that amazing?

People are capable of terrible, hurtful, destructive things. Yet we are called to forgive them and treat them as we want to be treated. We can only do that through the love of God. We cannot do it on our own.
In today’s key verse, you find the idea behind the Golden Rule. Forgiveness is supposed to be a marked part of our lives as Christians. And we’re called to not just forgive, but to treat others with the same respect and compassion we would want shown to us. And the people in your life don’t always deserve that. Neither do you.

Jesus made it very clear that we are to respond to all people, including our enemies, with forgiveness and respect. He tells us to love them, do good to them, and pray for them. We’re to treat them the way we want to be treated, whether they deserve it or not. That command is never easy to follow, but it’s absolutely necessary to developing successful, godly relationships in your life.

Real Choices
Think about the relationships in your life in which you’re experiencing conflict and tough situations.  They could’ve have been at camp or at home. What do you need to do to forgive these people in God’s power? How would you like to be treated in the same situation?

Digging Deeper
Read Ephesians 4:24-32. What do these verses have to say about relationships? How do they challenge you in your relationships?

Pray
Father, please help me to always reflect Your love and show kindness even in times of adversity.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Luke, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Freely Given

Freely Given
Read This Passage: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, in order to know what has been freely given to us by God. —1 Corinthians 2:12

HERE’S SOMETHING YOU may not know: Murfreesboro, Ark., is home to the only diamond mine in the world that allows the public to search for and keep any gems it finds—for a small fee, of course. My family visited this tourist spot last summer during a week that boasted 100 degree temperatures. We paid our fees to enter the park and rented the necessary equipment: shovels, pails, and strainers. Our excitement grew with every display we stopped to read, complete with headlines recounting 7-carat wonders. Even the sight of multitudes of bedraggled fellow -“miners” digging in 37 acres of dirt did not deter us. We had visions of a great discovery. And since we had seven “miners” in our family and two diamonds on average were found each day, we figured our chances were good.

Our enthusiasm did not last long. Squatting is hard, and it was hot. After about an hour of digging, sifting, kicking, changing spots, and questioning why we ever thought this was a fun idea, we quit. It was a unanimous decision, quite possibly the only one of the entire vacation. We chalked it up as a learning experience.

In today’s passage, Paul informed his readers that spiritual wisdom doesn’t come by experience. It isn’t a matter of human intellect or sitting under the best teachers. Paul pointed out that the ability to discern what is of Christ and what is not comes from the Holy Spirit. And as a Christian, it’s been freely given to you by God.

Wisdom is key to a successful life. And God has given it to you in the form of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him!

Real Choices
Do you base your relationship with Christ on past spiritual experiences or how much you know about the Bible? Acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s guidance, not what you do in your own power, as your only means of becoming a “spiritual person.”

Digging Deeper
How does Scripture describe the condition and abilities of our own reasoning in today’s passage? In Romans 8:7? How are you refusing to submit yourself to God’s leadership?

Pray
Make a habit of praying each day that the Holy Spirit would grant you spiritual wisdom.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 1 Corinthians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Freely Given

Freely Given
Read This Passage: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, in order to know what has been freely given to us by God. —1 Corinthians 2:12

HERE’S SOMETHING YOU may not know: Murfreesboro, Ark., is home to the only diamond mine in the world that allows the public to search for and keep any gems it finds—for a small fee, of course. My family visited this tourist spot last summer during a week that boasted 100 degree temperatures. We paid our fees to enter the park and rented the necessary equipment: shovels, pails, and strainers. Our excitement grew with every display we stopped to read, complete with headlines recounting 7-carat wonders. Even the sight of multitudes of bedraggled fellow -“miners” digging in 37 acres of dirt did not deter us. We had visions of a great discovery. And since we had seven “miners” in our family and two diamonds on average were found each day, we figured our chances were good.

Our enthusiasm did not last long. Squatting is hard, and it was hot. After about an hour of digging, sifting, kicking, changing spots, and questioning why we ever thought this was a fun idea, we quit. It was a unanimous decision, quite possibly the only one of the entire vacation. We chalked it up as a learning experience.

In today’s passage, Paul informed his readers that spiritual wisdom doesn’t come by experience. It isn’t a matter of human intellect or sitting under the best teachers. Paul pointed out that the ability to discern what is of Christ and what is not comes from the Holy Spirit. And as a Christian, it’s been freely given to you by God.

Wisdom is key to a successful life. And God has given it to you in the form of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him!

Real Choices
Do you base your relationship with Christ on past spiritual experiences or how much you know about the Bible? Acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s guidance, not what you do in your own power, as your only means of becoming a “spiritual person.”

Digging Deeper
How does Scripture describe the condition and abilities of our own reasoning in today’s passage? In Romans 8:7? How are you refusing to submit yourself to God’s leadership?

Pray
Make a habit of praying each day that the Holy Spirit would grant you spiritual wisdom.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged 1 Corinthians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Your Tribal Leaders this Summer

We couldn’t be more excited about these 5 men who will be leading our tribes this summer. These guys have spent many years at camp and with their experience you are guaranteed the summer of a lifetime. So, Ron and I are proud to introduce your Tribal Leaders for Summer 2009….

The Apache Tribal Leader: Logan Lloyd

My name is Logan Lloyd and I am a senior at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY where I will be graduating in May.  This will be my third summer at camp but my first as Apache TL.  I have spent the past two summers in the Apache tribe in Cabins two and one, respectively.  I am most excited this summer to be a part of an awesome staff and to build relationships with an entire tribe of kids instead of just a cabin.  I look forward to mentoring new campers as well as building on the relationships with campers from past summers.  I cannot wait to see how Christ will impact camp, our staff and the campers this summer.  I hope that I can impact your camper with a positive and Christian influence this summer.  God Bless. A, A-P, A-C-H-E, APACHE!, APACHE!, APACHE!

The Shawnee Tribal Leader: Jeremy Craddock

My name is Jeremy Craddock and I am a recent graduate of Wake Forest University with a degree in Education.  I am the Shawnee TL and I am very excited for my 10th summer at camp.  This year we will have tons of fun playing sock war and my favorite Shawnee tradition: Sub Wars.  I cannot wait to lead the biggest tribe in camp to another summer of fun. See you soon…

.

The Choctaw Tribal Leader: Seth Ladd

My name is Seth Ladd and I am currently a Senior at the great Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS.  I am a Kinesiology/Pre-Medicine major and hope to pursue a career as a Doctor.  This summer will be my 4th summer at Camp Ridgecrest and my 2nd summer working as Choctaw TL.  My first two summers at camp God blessed me with working with the Apache, and has once again blessed me to work with the Choctaw for another summer.  I am very excited to be back at camp to work with these awesome guys in order to build relationships with them and to see both of our relationships with God grow stronger through adventures this summer.  I can not wait to be back on the mountains for summer 2009!

The Arapaho Tribal Leader: Stafford Craymer

My name is Stafford Craymer and I recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Finance. I am 21 years old, and this will be my second year at camp. During the summer of 2007, I was a counselor in cabin 20 for the Arapaho tribe. This summer I will be the Arapaho tribal leader and I cannot wait! It should be a great summer and I am really looking forward to having fun, sharing stories, growing closer to Christ, and building lifelong friendships with campers and staff!

The Sioux Tribal Leader: Andrew Shirley

My name is Andrew Shirley and I am currently a sophomore at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. I am in the School of Architecture and studying to get my degree in Construction Science. This will be my 14th year at Camp Ridgecrest, 4th on staff. This summer I am blessed to have the opportunity to be the Sioux TL. It will be an honor and privilege to serve and interact with these young men and I cannot wait to see the spiritual growth that will take place in each of us, on the trail and off. I am so excited to share adventures and witness God’s creation with these guys. Camp Ridgecrest has always been a special place to me because of the crazy ways the Lord has revealed himself. It is my prayer that He will continue to do that again this summer.

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Camp Ridgecrest “Best of” Video Clips: 2008 Final Installment

Well, that time has finally come…the last of the clips from summer 2008.  Now, don’t worry, we’ll still be adding pictures of the construction and videos of other various things.  

Have you had a time in your life lately where you needed some good advice?  Well, I’m not sure if this first video would apply to any of your particular situations, but watch this clip and hopefully the nuggets of truth given will help you out in those moments of tough decision.

This next clip is another glimpse into staff week.  Here at Ridgecrest Camps we want not only the campers to have new and fun experiences, but the staff as well.  Watch this clip and see some of the guys taking one for the team!

Anyone hungry now?!?!

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

All or Nothing

All or Nothing
Read This Passage: Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6

I WAS LISTENING to a sermon recently about modesty.  The pastor asked a question that really caught my attention: Do you take God to the Gap?

His point was clear. You should “think about Him in all your ways,” even when it’s a decision about T-shirts and jeans. Clearly, God wants all or nothing. He desires our trust in all areas, clothing included!
But a thinking strategy like that doesn’t come easily. First of all, that’s not the way we like to do things. We want to give God the big things—decisions, goals, dreams, sickness, pain—and handle all the little things on our own. We can call Him in if things get out of control, right?

The thing is, as today’s key verses point out, God wants us to trust Him in all things with all of our hearts. He doesn’t just want the big things. He wants it all.

So, how would our lives be affected if we really sought to acknowledge God in everything we do? It might mean rethinking what we wear or the events in which we participate. It could mean preparing for our someday spouses rather than dating around. It might mean giving God the glory when you achieve a goal, win a game, or receive an award. It might mean serving God without recognition, notoriety, or the big bucks, which directly opposes the world’s understanding of success.

According to today’s verses, a “Think-About-God-in-All-Your-Ways” strategy isn’t optional. He wants us to rely on Him in all things, not just the things we don’t think we can handle. God wants it all. What does that mean for you?

Real Choices
Set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to think about God periodically throughout the day. When it sounds, ask yourself: Am I allowing God to guide me right now?

Digging Deeper
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a popular pair of verses. Read them in context as you study the entire third chapter of Proverbs. What new insights can you gain by reading them as a whole?

Pray
Father, help me to seek You in every area of my life. I want to trust You fully to guide me on the right paths.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Proverbs, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

All or Nothing

All or Nothing
Read This Passage: Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6

I WAS LISTENING to a sermon recently about modesty.  The pastor asked a question that really caught my attention: Do you take God to the Gap?

His point was clear. You should “think about Him in all your ways,” even when it’s a decision about T-shirts and jeans. Clearly, God wants all or nothing. He desires our trust in all areas, clothing included!
But a thinking strategy like that doesn’t come easily. First of all, that’s not the way we like to do things. We want to give God the big things—decisions, goals, dreams, sickness, pain—and handle all the little things on our own. We can call Him in if things get out of control, right?

The thing is, as today’s key verses point out, God wants us to trust Him in all things with all of our hearts. He doesn’t just want the big things. He wants it all.

So, how would our lives be affected if we really sought to acknowledge God in everything we do? It might mean rethinking what we wear or the events in which we participate. It could mean preparing for our someday spouses rather than dating around. It might mean giving God the glory when you achieve a goal, win a game, or receive an award. It might mean serving God without recognition, notoriety, or the big bucks, which directly opposes the world’s understanding of success.

According to today’s verses, a “Think-About-God-in-All-Your-Ways” strategy isn’t optional. He wants us to rely on Him in all things, not just the things we don’t think we can handle. God wants it all. What does that mean for you?

Real Choices
Set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to think about God periodically throughout the day. When it sounds, ask yourself: Am I allowing God to guide me right now?

Digging Deeper
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a popular pair of verses. Read them in context as you study the entire third chapter of Proverbs. What new insights can you gain by reading them as a whole?

Pray
Father, help me to seek You in every area of my life. I want to trust You fully to guide me on the right paths.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Proverbs, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply