Forced Obedience

Mark 10:18 …Jesus Answered, "No one is good-except God alone."...

Life offers many opportunities to be obedient. We are called to obey God, parents teachers, and people of authority. There are laws, rules, precepts, decrees, and many others that strongly suggest obedience. So why do we choose to obey these people and their rules? Is it because we want to avoid punishment embarrassment, and retribution? Or perhaps we desire to maintain a "good" facade to be acknowledged or rewarded based on merit?

Leviticus 20 is riddled with rules, laws, and decrees that strongly suggest a person’s accountability. It would first appear that the law is the reason for the decision to obey but perhaps the reason for obeying lies in the consequences.  For example in Leviticus 20:9 if a person dishonors his father or mother, he is to be taken outside the city and stoned. Each person has to make the decision to obey the law therefore forcing that person to follow a set of rules so that, in this instance, they can keep their life.

In the New Testament, Mark 10:17, we see the story of the rich young man who comes running and falls on his knees before Jesus Christ and asks "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Do you hear the resemblance to the attitude towards the law in the Old Testament? What must I do to avoid death or punishment? The rich young man claims to have lived his entire life following the 10 commandments, the law. Jesus Christ, in love, points out the thing the young man lacked. Upon hearing Jesus' words the man's face fell and he went away sad.

The rich young man was forcing his obedience and relying on his own ability to keep the commandments (see Romans 3:23).  He lacked the most important thing of all and that was the total reliance on God, who is the only one who can give eternal life.

Have you fallen on your knees before Jesus and asked what it is He wants for your life? Are you willing to give up everything for Him? When you truly believe that Jesus Christ is your savior, because he died on the cross and was resurrected from death, you will no longer need to force obedience for the Lord. Instead, it will bring you great pleasure to obey.

Suggested Scripture Readings - Lev 20:7, Ps 44:25-26, Rom 3:23,Rom 7:18-20, 1 Thess 5:23

 -AG

SB2W News Post: Crew Application Deadline

Just a reminder that kitchen crew applications are due this week. Click here to download an application. Kitchen crew is a great way to serve here at camp. You must be a 9th grader to apply.

Devotional Passages for Week of February 27-March 5

Sunday: Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18

Monday: Leviticus 22:17-23:44, Mark 9:30-10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19

Tuesday: Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21

Wednesday: Leviticus 25:47-27:13, Mark 10:32-52, Psalm 45:1-17, Proverbs 10:22

Thursday: Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54, Mark 11:1-26, Psalm 46:1-11, Proverbs 10:23

Friday: Numbers 2:1-3:51, Mark 11:27-12:17, Psalm 47:1-9, Proverbs 10:24-25

Saturday: Numbers 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26

Leviticus 17:11 Devotional

Leviticus 17:11 Devotional from Timotheus Pope .

This video is a part of the devotional series that appears on the Summer's Best Two Weeks blog. You can follow at sb2w.blogspot.com or you can follow the Citikidz blog at citikidz.blogspot.com. This video features Timotheus Pope, the director of Summer's Best Two Weeks Citikidz.

Working to the Glory of God

Typically a devotional post is on a verse from that week's provided passages.  This devotional goes back a couple weeks.  If you have been reading through the end of Exodus and any of Leviticus you probably are finding it to be tough reading.  It is tough!  To grasp it's meaning requires of you an understanding of this ancient Jewish culture.  Nonetheless, every so often though there are some verses that are very easily understood and can speak simply and powerfully to our lives.  Exodus 36:1 is an example.

"Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the LORD has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded."  Exodus 36:1

I love the reminder in these verses that God is the one who has created us.  It is He who gives us skill, intelligence, and knowledge to be able to do His work.  God has graciously made you who you are.  He has given you skills to be developed, intelligence to be honed,  and knowledge to be further built upon.  Why has God done this?  He has given you these things because he desires that you will honor Him with your skills, intelligence, and knowledge.  These men, Bezalel and Oholiab, are not unique just because they possess these skills, they are unique because they are using them "in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded."  Do you daily recognize that the talents and skills you have are 100% a gift from God?  Have you laid them before the LORD and said, 'I want these gifts to be used in accordance to what you have commanded'?  God will use those gifts in remarkable ways as we surrender ourselves to Him.  The amazing part is when we surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ we will find infinitely more delight in using those gifts because people will be blessed by them and God glorified through them.

One of our captains, Anna, recently wrote about this in a devotional.  We have been studying the book of Esther and how this young woman, Esther, was gifted by God so that she might be used to save her people.   In reflecting upon the gifts God gave Esther this captain wrote, "Even though I haven't seen beauty on an equal level as other 'gifts' like patience or excellence in sports or leadership, it really is.  Even beauty is not our own, and that helped Esther to get in the position of Queen." Esther's gifts were used to honor God in some significant ways.  You can read about it in the book of Esther chapter 4.

We want to encourage you today to thank God for the gifts, skills, intelligence, and knowledge you have been given.  Then surrender yourself to the Lord Jesus seeking for those gifts to be used in a way that God is honored.  Remember "the glory goes to God".

Ever Wonder How This Gets Painted?

This is why Jason is our High Adventure Manager, and yes, that's Tucker.

Jason's putting on white primer.  It will eventually be yellow.

Tucker and his dog, Mary Poppins

Devotional Passages for Week of February 20-26

Sunday:  Leviticus 9:7-10:20, Mark 4:26-5:20, Psalm 37:30-40, Proverbs 10:6-7

Monday: Leviticus 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 10:8-9

Tuesday:  Leviticus 13:1-59, Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 39:1-13, Proverbs 10:10

Wednesday:  Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 10:11-12

Thursday:  Leviticus 15:1-16:28, Mark 7:1-23, Psalm 40:11-17, Proverbs 10:13-14

Friday:  Leviticus 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24-8:10, Psalm 41:1-13, Proverbs 10:15-16

Saturday:  Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

Can You Taste Your Food?

There are slow eaters in life and there are those who inhale food like a vacuum cleaner.    When homemade cherry pie is on my plate, I tend toward the vacuum.  As a result, the taste of my food is hardly noticed.  The very pie that I love and was so excited to eat disappeared with little satisfaction. 

I think David had similar thoughts when it comes to partaking in God’s goodness in these words from Psalm 34:8.   “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”   The Lord is good, but you might never recognize it if you don’t slow down and see His blessings.

This past month I had the great opportunity to spend some time in Haiti.  Despite the widespread “poverty”, poor living conditions, and shortage of food, it was clear that I could learn a few things from the way Haitians live.   With life stripped down to mere necessities, life itself just moves slower.  It is chewed slowly.   Without a lavish American-type lifestyle with all its idols and worthless pursuits, people in Haiti live with a clear awareness of God’s provision for their most basic needs.  As a result, there worship is incredibly passionate and heart-felt. 

When is the last time you slowed down long enough to take stock of what you have been blessed with?  Sometimes God’s goodness and blessings are incredibly obvious but we are either too busy or distracted to notice.  You have to chew your food to enjoy its flavor and you have to dwell in Christ to see His goodness.  An attitude of praise and thankfulness for Christ is then the only appropriate response, to His Glory. -SH

Devotional Passages for Week of February 13-19

Sunday:  Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

Monday: Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Tuesday:  Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12

Wednesday:  Leviticus 1:1-3:17, Mark 1:29-2:12, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 9:13-18

Thursday:  Leviticus 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 10:1-2

Friday:  Leviticus 6:1-7:27, Mark 1:29-2:12, Psalm 37:1-11, Proverbs 10:3-4

Saturday:  Leviticus 7:28-9:6, Mark 3:31-4:25, Psalm 37:12-29, Proverbs 10:5

SB2W News Post

Thought those of you that spend the summer at beautiful Lake Quemahoning might enjoy seeing some winter pics of the property. 

Waterslide? or Luge?

Eric Johnston and daugher, Emily

When the going gets tough, the ‘tough’ get going.

As I looked ahead at the verses for this week’s readings, one sentence hit me like a ton of bricks.  It’s found in Matthew chapter 26, the second half of verse 56, “…Then all the disciples left him and fled.”  I definitely would not want that to be written about me for future generations to see!

Here we see a posse rolling up on Jesus and his close followers.  These followers were not half-hearted “fans” of Christ.  They were the men that had left their jobs, left their families, given up everything they knew as comfortable to follow this unique teacher who called them.  They had spent several years traveling around to numerous towns, listening to His teaching, and watching Him perform many miracles.  They weren’t sissies either.  Several were tough and brave sailors of Galilee.  There was Matthew, who had no doubt developed a thick skin as he faced ridicule, insults, and probably threats from his fellow countrymen as he collected taxes for the Romans.  One of them even drew a sword, striking the servant of the high priest and cutting off his ear.

So why did these tough guys ‘get going’ and flee?  Was it because of their lack of commitment to Jesus?  I don’t think so.  The other place we see the phrase “all the disciples” in this chapter is in verse 35 when Peter says,

“Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same.

These men were at least verbally committed to die with Christ if the need arose.  Apparently talk is cheap because the need arose, and everyone hightailed it out of there, leaving their teacher and Lord to fend for Himself against the armed mob.

Let’s not be too hard on these disciples.  If we take a look at our own lives, don’t we find that we often do the same thing, “checking” Jesus at the door as we enter certain venues?  Staying quiet as others speak the Lord’s name out of anger or disgust?  Skipping out on worship and fellowship at church for a more ‘exciting’ opportunity of the day?  Why are these things so?  Is it because of our lack of commitment to Jesus?  I don’t think so.  Many of us have made public professions that we’ll follow Christ no matter what the price.

I think the answer is found in verse 41 “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  I’d like to think that if Peter and the others had actually stayed awake and prayed for power from on high that they would’ve gained both power for their bodies, but more importantly, peace for their spirits.

How about you?  Have you prayed for the LORD to give you boldness as you face temptations and opposition to you faith?  Ask Him today for strength in your “flesh” to honor Him, and hold Him up as the source of every good thing in your life.  JS

Devotional Passages for Week of February 6-12

Sunday:  Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

Monday:  Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11

Tuesday:  Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13

Wednesday:  Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Thursday:  Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

Friday:  Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36

Saturday:  Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6

Lost and Directionless

"My ancestors wandered lost in the wilderness for 40 years because even in
biblical times, men would not stop to ask for directions." ~ Elayne Boosler

Exodus 18:13-27

We all know who Moses is of course.  He is the man the Lord SPOKE to through a burning bush. He was charged with saving his people; he turned a rod into a serpent and water into blood.  He called down plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, disease, boils, hail, locust, darkness, even death.  Not to mention
he was the man who parted the Red Sea!  If you were Moses, do you think you would start believing your own hype?  When people came seeking your wisdom would you feel an obligation to help them out with your vastly superior knowledge of the Bible or your stronger connection to the Lord?

As I was reading through Exodus, I was surprised by this little passage. I had read it before, but I had never really stopped to think about it.  Even as I was looking over some timelines of Moses’ life they skip right over this and go straight for the 10 commandments. (Which of course are important, don’t get me wrong; but there is a reason they come AFTER this story).

It was amazing to me that there are two lessons back to back that teach Moses he can’t do it on his own.  First came the battle of the Amalekites.  If you don’t remember this story you should go read it (Ex. 17:8-15).  And then the Lord sends his family, the people he loves.  Jethro, his father-in-law, took one look at the situation and gave Moses some very wise counsel.  “The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”  Too often as Christians we feel the need to take on the burden of our
calling all by ourselves.  “But the Lord called me to do this and that or such and such, I don’t need any help.  It is my responsibility.  I can’t burden others with it.  The Lord asked ME to do it.

This is wrong thinking for two reasons. One, just because the Lord calls you to do something doesn’t mean that he is calling you to do it alone. He madeus relational beings for a reason.  We need others to lean on.  Two, wecannot start believing that the power comes from us, it has always been, and always will be, from the Lord.  Use all of the tools he has given you to reach your goals and fulfill your calling.  If that means giving up a little control (and a little glory) then maybe you can get things done more effectively.  Imagine if Moses HAD stopped to ask for directions 40 years sooner!  Maybe he would have been able to enter the promised land.  -kg

Devotional Passages for Week of January 30-February 5

Sunday:  Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11

Monday:  Exodus 12:14-13:16, Matthew 20:29-21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Tuesday:  Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

Wednesday:  Exodus 15:19-17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 6:20-26

Thursday:  Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

Friday:  Exodus 19:16-21:21, Matthew 23:13-39, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 7:1-5

Saturday:  Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23

“Garbage In, Garbage Out”

Psalm 19:14

“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

I hope you take time to read all of the One Year Bible passages this week, because there are some really rich stories about God’s goodness, His plans and the ordinary people He has used to display His Glory throughout history.  You’ve got the conclusion of the story of Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – what was intended for evil, God used for Good.   Then you hear Moses leading the Israelites in dining hall singing – “O, Baby, let my people go!”  Okay, maybe it wasn’t singing that led to the release of the Israelites, but God’s plan was fulfilled and His promise, as always, was kept.  Jumping forward in time, we’re reminded of 4,000 fed, a bold declaration by a follower of Christ, The Glory of the Son of God on display – one of the first spiritual “mountain top” experiences, and demons cast out … all of this happening in the midst of much more.  With all of those remarkable events, it may seem odd that I would be so struck by a portion of the Psalm readings for this week.  But it seems right to listen to David proclaim the Glory of God in His creation and His Word.

Psalm 19 opens with David declaring God to be awesome in His creation.  How many times have we looked to the starry sky and been wowed by His Majesty … The sun and the moon and the stars catch our eye and stir our heart as we are captivated by the Creator’s beauty.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people talk about how much they “experience” the Lord through the wonder of His creation. Our God definitely speaks to us through His creation in magnificent ways.

What’s striking is that David goes on to make a case that the very creation that marvels us in how it declares God’s Glory doesn’t compare to His spoken Word.   With repetition, he describes how awesome His word is.  God’s law is described as “perfect”, “sure”, “making wise”, “true”, “righteous”, “more desired than gold”, and “sweeter than honey”.  My heart and mind need to be filled with things that are true and right … “For out of the overflow of my heart my mouth speaks”.  Luke 6:45.  I know that sometimes I see a lack of fruit in my life as a result of garbage in, garbage out.  My mind and heart can easily be filled throughout the day with “garbage” – frustration, lust, anger, sarcasm, unwholesome images, etc.  Garbage in, Garbage out!  That’s why I love to be reminded of how God’s word speaks to us and fills us … pure in, purity out … love in, love out … forgiveness in, forgiveness out!

One commentator says, “God’s creation is great and good. However, it does not even begin to teach you as the law of God does.  The specifics that we need about how to live are in the law of God. Both are needed, but the revelation of the law takes one far beyond the nature of the creation.”

In his commentary, Matthew Henry shared that “The Holy Scripture is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun.  To recover man out of his fallen state, there is need of the word of God.”   Yet another reminds that, “The knowledge of God that is revealed in Creation is only very limited. Beyond the awareness of the Creator, the instruction of nature tells us little about the ways of God or what our response to God should be. Therefore, the psalmist turns to the instruction of God’s Word.”

Join me this week as I strive to fill my mind and heart with His Word – to the end that I may know Him more and make Him known more by the way I live and love those around me.  The word of my mouth and the meditations of my heart pleasing to Him – that’s my desire!  Oh yeah, and don’t forget to take the garbage out!

Devotional Passages for Week of January 23-29

Sunday:  Genesis 46:1-47:31, Matthew 15:1-28, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 4:14-19

Monday: Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

Tuesday:  Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

Wednesday: Exodus 2:11-3:22, Matthew 17:10-27, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 5:7-14

Thursday:  Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

Friday: Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

Saturday: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5

SB2W News Post

The SB2W Staff clears the lake of snow for an ice rink.

Hey, it's a lot easier than shoveling.

Don't try this at home.

We, of course, were thankful the ice held!  The ice is 12" to 14" thick.

Taking a Bold Step

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” [Jesus] said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

                                                                                                            -- Matthew 14:28-29

Peter doesn’t always get things right.  But I love what he does here.  And I love the example that he sets for us.

Jesus, who was walking on the water, told Peter to come.  So what is a disciple (a follower) to do?  He stepped out of the boat to be with his Master.  Peter courageously followed Jesus, and he ended up walking on water.

Can the same be said of you?  Are you willing to courageously follow Jesus where he’s leading?  Jesus encouraged the disheartened (Matthew 11:1-19); he spoke truth when it wasn’t popular (11:20-24); and he met the needs of people (Matthew 14:13-21).  Are you willing to follow Jesus when that means doing things that aren’t comfortable or “safe”? 

“And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped [Jesus] saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:33).  At the end of the day, Peter had a bigger and better picture of Jesus because he was bold enough to step out of the boat to follow.  Might the same be said of you and me. 

Don't Waste Your Youth

"Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this age"  Romans  12:2

A couple years ago I was driving down route 30 and I saw an advertisement that pictured a middle aged woman partying, apparently having a "good" time.  The billboard was advertising cosmetic surgery.  The tag line across the top read, "Youth, Waste it Again."  What this billboard seemed to be communicating was that the best way to spend one's years of youth was by partying them away,  soaking up the pleasures of the world while you are young.  In other words, save the serious things of life for later. And then when you are all grown up and tired of being serious go get cosmetic surgery so that you can experience those wasteful years all over again, grabbing up as much "pleasure" as possible.

There are so many things wrong with this line of thinking it is hard to know where to start.  Can you pick up on the lies that are told by this advertisement?  Is partying your youth away the best that this world has to offer?  Will the sinful pleasures of this world really satisfy you and bring you deep, rich, and abiding fulfillment in life?  I won't deny that there is some pleasure in these worldly youthful pursuits, but I want to ask you what I hope are two thought provoking questions.  If we give our mind, heart, and soul to these pleasures for our youthful years do we really think that having become enslaved and engrossed in them that all of a sudden in adulthood we will see clearly enough to pull out of these patterns? Do we really think that these youthful pursuits are consequence free?

One of America's most influential pastors once said this in answer to the above question. "Experience teaches that when persons spend their youth in sin, God often leaves them to hardness of heart all their lifetime after. God is provoked by how many sin away their youth and flatter themselves that they will seek God when their youth is past. But God is provoked by their presumption and leaves them to go on as they have been."  (taken from http://www.whatsbestnext.com/2011/01/edwards-give-your-youth-to-seeking-the-things-of-god/  on 1/17/11)

We hope you will think hard about the truth above.  Do not be fooled into thinking that the decisions you make today, this week, this year are not creating lifelong patterns, habits, and ways of thinking.  To these patterns and habits and ways of thinking you will be committed.  It will be terribly difficult, if not impossible, to leave them behind later in life.  Additionally, the consequences, the pain, the destruction to your mind, body, and soul will most definitely remain.  Give your life to Jesus Christ now and seek to follow Him from here forward.

Devotional Passages for Week of January 16-22

Sunday:  Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalm 14:1-7, Proverbs 3:19-20

Monday:  Genesis 35:1-36:43, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 15:1-5, Proverbs 3:21-26

Tuesday:  Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

Wednesday:  Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

Thursday:  Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6

Friday:  Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

Saturday:  Genesis 44:1-45:28, Matthew 14:13-36, Psalm 18:37-50, Proverbs 4:11-13

Reading your Bibles = Great Treasure

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold."  Proverbs 3:13-14

If you were given the choice between wisdom or riches what would you choose?  Oddly enough when I came into the office this morning I found out that an acquaintance of mine just won 1.5 million dollars in the lottery.  What an interesting position to find oneself.  Certainly this will require of this couple a tremendous amount of wisdom.  Will their new found treasure be brought into submission to the wisdom they have gained in following Christ for many years?  Thankfully I believe this couple will be found faithful. 

This past week the readings have taken us through Proverbs chapter 3.  Wisdom is spoken of as a valuable treasure.  Do you think of wisdom as a great treasure?  What is wisdom?  According to this passage the source of wisdom and knowledge is the Lord.  Further, in v. 1 of this chapter it is the Bible's teaching and commandments where we find wisdom.  I'm reminded that my own knowledge, my own perspective, and my own thoughts are totally insufficient to guide me.  I need the Lord and His Word to lead me along straight paths.  I need His Word to know what is right and best for my life.

Emily Smethurst, 4th term captain at Lake Gloria, recently wrote: 
This year at camp God really revealed to me how alive His Word is.  Many times I just read it, maybe think about it for a minute, then move on with my day.  I really feel like God has opened my eyes to how His words are absolutely amazing, God-breathed and inerrant.  When I started to read scripture with new eyes, really thinking about what the words mean to me instead of just skimming through, I was hit in the face with reminders of how worthy God is of my worship and further reminded of how undeserving I am of His grace.  


We cannot find wisdom unless we are reading God's Word.  We cannot enjoy the gain, the treasure, the profit of wisdom unless we are reading our Bibles.  I'm reminded today and inspired to continue to pursue God even more fervently through the Scriptures.

Former Camper Testimony

Catie Voorhies is a former camper at Lake Gloria.  We were impressed with her testimony and she graciously has allowed us to share it with you.

" I grew up in a Christian family that was based on biblical principles. I was introduced to Christ at a young age, and I believe that I understood my salvation to the best of my ability. My walk with the Lord has gone through many stages and a lot of maturation since then. I went through a time of rebellion and darkness for three years (junior year of high school till freshman year of college), and was revived from it about a year and a half ago when I spent a month volunteering at Young Life camp. Through this time I knew the Lord but was not walking with him and was disobedient to his commands for my life. Romans 5:20 say that where sin increased, grace increased all the more. I have seen this promise worked out in my life. My sin left me shameful and scared, but Christ gave me more grace than I could have imagined. His grace drew me to my knees and I decided that he would forever have my life and heart. I decided to make major changes in my life and moved to Steamboat Springs, CO to give myself more time alone with the Father, and to let him do whatever he wanted to do with my heart and my life. I spent a year getting to know who God is and who I am through him. I then spent time volunteering in Uganda, where I felt the Lord leading me to go to Colorado Christian University. My relationship with the Lord is now one of great love and intimacy, rather than one of rules and habits. I have fully devoted my life to bringing glory to the Lord and showing others the amazing grace and love that He generously pours over us. I now have seen my desperate need for Jesus and look to him to tell me who I am rather than to the world. God has been drastically changing me and molding me into who he wants me to be for the last year and a half. Each day He is revealing himself to me. Recently he has been revealing the intimacy he desires with each of his children that we so often forget he intended for us. It has been amazing to see where His hand has been throughout my whole life and how He has now brought me to where I am today! "

Counselor Reunion Slideshow

Over New Years the staff gathered for a rocking good time.  Check out the slideshow in the side bar to see your counselors competing in tournaments, competing in football, soccer, dodge ball, and hockey, as well as worshiping, and enjoying time together.  If you click on the photo itself you can view a larger image for that specific photo.

Falling Short of the Glory of God

"From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" Matthew 4:17


"Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." Matthew 4:20

Standing in the Middle of Lake Gloria Looking Back at the Dining Hall

As we were having staff prayer this morning Kent Biery prayed, thanking God for the beauty of the freshly fallen snow all over camp.  He was appreciative of the way the snow was a reminder of how Jesus Christ has  cleansed us of our sin.  Isaiah 1:18 says, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."  We desperately need Jesus Christ.  We need His shed blood that covers our sins and makes us clean.  We need His righteousness as our own because we fall short of glorifying God.

In the previous devotional entitled "The Glory Goes To God" we were exhorted to live in such a way that God is glorified.  The truth about us and our lives is that we are completely unable to live this out.  The truth about us is that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  What should be our course of action seeing that we fall so short?

I was reminded this week in our readings of the only course of action.  Jesus began His ministry by calling people to repentance.  Repent means to turn from one's sin and follow Jesus, resting upon Him for forgiveness and salvation.  I love that immediately following Jesus' call to repentance comes the example of His disciples who left everything they knew behind to follow Him.  It is worth asking of ourselves as we begin this new year what we must leave behind, what we must turn away from, what we must repent of as we seek to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Only in turning to Him will we find ourselves white as snow.  Only in turning to Him will we find our lives glorifying Him.  Jesus alone has done and is doing this great work of redeeming our lives.

Devotional Passages for the Week of January 9-15

Sunday:  Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22

Monday:  Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

Tuesday:  Genesis 24:52-26:16, Matthew 8:18-34, Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8

Wednesday:  Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10

Thursday:  Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12

Friday:  Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-25, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15

Saturday:  Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:26-11:6, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18

Happy New Year! The Glory Goes to God.

We hope this finds you having enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Year's break.  For us on the full time staff it included a lot of travels to see family, a fantastic counselor reunion (photos coming soon), and a little bit of ice hockey on Lake Gloria.  We hope your time was filled with fun, relaxation, time with family, and most importantly the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and our Emmanuel, God with us.  


Reminder:
We want to remind you as we start this new year how important it is to be connecting with our Lord Jesus every day.  This is what it means to be in relationship with Him.  The whole reason Summer's Best Two Weeks exists is to see all of us grow in our love for Jesus Christ and be committed to living our lives differently.  We live differently because of Jesus's love for us and our love for Him.  Towards this end we will continue to be posting devotional verses every week.  We strongly encourage you to take time to read your Bibles.  You don't have to read every passage we post, but we encourage you to pick at least one passage (Old Testament, New Testament, Psalm, or Proverb) each day to read and reflect on.  You can easily copy and print each week's devotional passages and stick them in your Bible.  We will continue to post a devotional reflection each week on one of those passages.  We look forward to digging into God's Word together.

First Devotional of 2011
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master.  If then I am a father, where is my honor?" Malachi 1:6

We were made to honor, to love, to worship God.  Another way of saying it is, "The Glory Goes to God".  Have you ever finished a competition and known that you did not give your very best, that you put forth a mediocre effort?  Imagine how frustrated your team around you felt if they knew that you gave far less than your best.  How much more is God, our Creator, upset when we use our gifts and talents He has given us in a mediocre fashion.  In this passage from Malachi, God is upset by His people's refusal to give Him the honor He deserves.  He deserves to have their very best, to be worshiped with excellence. Instead what God received from His people was pathetic.  They were offering sacrifices to him that were unacceptable.  Instead of bringing their best sheep to offer before God, they brought lame, sickly, blind, and stolen sheep.

God wants our best.  We do not live in Old Testament times so none of us will be or should sacrifice sheep, but we are asked to give the best of ourselves towards God's purposes.  Romans 12:1 calls us to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."  God wants us to give our all to Him and for Him.  To live in such a way that people see from our lives and our actions that God is glorious.  So whatever we apply ourselves to this new year, be it orchestra, Sunday AM worship, athletics, youth group, leadership positions, relationships with friends and family, work, or leisure, let us do it in a way that honors our Lord and Savior by giving our best.  Let us remember that the glory goes to God.

Devotional Passages for Week of January 2 - 8

Sunday:  Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-12, Proverbs 1:7-9

Monday:  Genesis 5:1-7:24, Matthew 3:7-4:11, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19

Tuesday:  Genesis 8:1-10:32, Matthew 4:12-25, Psalm 4:1-8, Proverbs 1:20-23

Wednesday:  Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28

Thursday:  Genesis 13:5-15:21, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 1:29-33

Friday:  Genesis 16:1-18:19, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5

Saturday:  Genesis 18:20-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15

Devotional Passages for Week of December 26 - January 1

Sunday:  Zechariah 9:1-17, Revelation 17:1-18, Psalm 145:1-21, Proverbs 30:32

Monday:  Zechariah 10:1-11:17, Revelation 18:1-24, Psalm 146:1-10, Proverbs 30:33

Tuesday:  Zechariah 12:1-13:9, Revelation 19:1-21, Psalm 147:1-20, Proverbs 31:1-7

Wednesday:  Zechariah 14:1-21, Revelation 20:1-15, Psalm 148:1-14, Proverbs 31:8-9

Thursday:  Malachi 1:1-2:17, Revelation 21:1-27, Psalm 149:1-9, Proverbs 31:10-24

Friday:  Malachi 3:1-4:6, Revelation 22:1-21, Psalm 150:1-6, Proverbs 31: 25-31

Saturday:  Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 1:1-6

Devotional Passages for Week of December 17-23

Sunday:  Nahum 1:1-3:19, Revelation 8:1-13, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9

Monday:  Habakkuk 1:1-3:19, Revelation 9:1-21, Psalm 137:1-9, Proverbs 30:10

Tuesday:  Zephaniah 1:1 -3:20, Revelation 10:1-11, Psalm 138:1-8, Proverbs 30:11-14

Wednesday:  Haggai 1:1-2:23, Revelation 11:1-19, Psalm 139:1-24, Proverbs 30:15-16

Thursday:  Zechariah 1:1-21, Revelation 12:1-17, Psalm 140:1-13, Proverbs 30:17

Friday:  Zechariah 2:1-3:10, Revelation 13:1-18, Psalm 141:1-10, Proverbs 30:18-20

Saturday:  Zechariah 4:1-5:11, Revelation 14:1-20, Psalm 142:1-7, Proverbs 30:21-23

A Dose of Loving Discipline

"Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."  Revelation 3:19

I was doing nightly devotions with my two oldest kids this weekend and one of my children asked why I discipline them.  I found the question to be timely because I had read recently from Proverbs 29:15, which says, "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."  So I read this to my kids and told them their Father wants them to be wise and loves them far too much to leave them to figure out how to wisely navigate life on their own. 

As you read your Bible today be reminded that God loves you.  He knows what is best for you, which is why he corrects and disciplines you.  If you are sensing His discipline right now I want to encourage you to respond with a zealousness for repentance.  This means being passionate about repentance.  Repentance is to turn away from that which is displeasing to God.  It means to stop doing that for which we are being disciplined.

One of the reasons I love reading the Bible is because I find correction and discipline for my life there.  A few verses prior to v. 19 the writer speaks of God's anger at our being lukewarm towards him.  I was convicted by these corrective verses to pursue God more zealously than I had been doing.  As a result I sought out God with a repentant heart.  Thank the Lord for correcting our ways and disciplining us.

Devotional Passages for Week of December 12-19

Sunday:  Amos 7:1-9:15, Revelation 3:7-22, Psalm 131:1-3, Proverbs 29:23

Monday:  Obadiah 1-21, Revelation 4:1-11, Psalm 132-1-18, Proverbs 29:24-25

Tuesday: Jonah 1:1-4:11, Revelation 5:1-14, Psalm 133:1-3, Proverbs 29:26-27

Wednesday:  Micah 1:1-4:13, Revelation 6:1-17, Psalm 134:1-3, Proverbs 30:1-4

Thursday:  Micah 5:1-7:20, Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 30:5-6

Friday:  Nahum 1:1-3:19, Revelation 8:1-13, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9

Saturday:  Habakkuk 1:1-3:19, Revelation 9:1-21, Psalm 137:1-9, Proverbs 30:10

Being "Right"

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God.  Your sins have been your downfall.  Take words with you and return to the Lord.  Say to him: ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously…”  Hosea 14:1-2

I love to be “right”, all the time in fact, and with correct motivation, desiring to be “right” can be a good thing.   In fact God encourages us to seek righteousness.  But how do we know when our motivation to be “right” is, well right?    One easy way is to see how we respond when we are in fact proved to be wrong. 

My wife and I keep a small heater in our son’s room to keep him warm during the cold winter nights in the Laurel Highlands.  The other night I checked the heater that she had turned on and quickly informed her that she had not adjusted the setting properly.  Despite the insignificance of the apparent mishap, a small argument occurred over who was “right”. Feelings were hurt.  An hour later I returned to the heater to find out that in fact she had done it correctly.   I felt foolish and very sorry for what I had said, however, I did not say anything to her.  I was too prideful to admit my mistake and as a result, our relationship suffered.

In the book of Hosea, the prophet is pointing out Israel’s destructive involvement in idols and false religions and calling for them to repent.  Even though they knew they were wrong, sin was dragging the nation down and hurting their relationship with the Lord.  Hosea encourages the people to “take works with you and return to the Lord.”  Repentance requires verbal recognition to the person that has been wronged.   Just being sorry is often not enough to mend the relationship.

It wasn’t until I admitted my fault to my wife were we able to move on.  It was not easy and I realized that my desire to be right was motivated by selfishness and pride.

 Are you like me sometimes?  Is there someone you need to admit your faults to?  A friend, brother, sister, parent or the Lord?  Do as Hosea instructed and “take your words” to them.  God will meet you with grace and forgiveness but only if you ask.

Devotional Passages for Week of December 5-11

Sunday:  Hosea 1:1-3:5, I John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8

Monday:  Hosea 4:1-5:15, 2 John 1-13, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 29:9-11

Tuesday:  Hosea 6:1-9:17, 3 John 1-15, Psalm 126:1-6, Proverbs 29:12-14

Wednesday:  Hosea 10:1-14:9, Jude 1-25, Psalm 127:1-5, Proverbs 29:15-17

Thursday:  Joel 1:1-3:21, Revelation 1:1-20, Psalm 128:1-6, Proverbs 29:18

Friday:  Amos 1:1-3:15, Revelation 2:1-17, Psalm 129:1-8, Proverbs 29:19-20

Saturday:  Amos 4:1-6:14, Revelation 2:18-3:6, Psalm 130:1-8, Proverbs 29:21-22

SB2W News Post

These photos show Lake Gloria back to normal, full of water.

The lake is back to normal.

Looking across the lake at the Flying Squirrel.

You can see clearly here the two peninsulas and the water flowing between them.

The new improved Snake Island.

The first snow of the season.  This photo is looking at the peninsulas from the upstream side.

Heptathlon rock

True Freedom

"Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me." Psalm 119:133

Some of you have been enjoying the photos of this excavation process at Lake Gloria where we are taking all the muck out of the bottom of the lake.  Let me tell you, this mud is thick and sticky stuff.  One afternoon this fall my kids and I were attempting to walk our way through the mud.  It was not long before ankle-deep mud became knee- deep mud.  It got worse, knee-deep mud became thigh-deep mud.  At one point my oldest son got trapped.  He literally could not move.  He called out, “Dad, Dad”.  He was stuck fast in the mud until I came and rescued him out.  Many of you won’t be surprised to hear that in the process his crocs came off and were virtually impossible to find and recover from the mud.

The mud had mastery over my son’s movement.  He no longer was free to walk as he wished.  This is the picture painted for us by the Psalm writer in the verse above.  He knows, probably from past experience, that sin can get dominion over us.  It can master us.  The Apostle Peter warns us of this in Sunday’s reading (2 Peter 2:18-19).  In speaking of false teachers Peter states, “For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.  They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever [has dominion over] a person, to that he is enslaved.”  These verses tell us that there are those who are already enslaved to sin, ie. “those who live in error”.  Also there are those “who are barely escaping” which means weak Christians.  If you are waffling and wavering in your faith this may describe you.  You are ripe for being fooled into thinking that the world is offering you freedom from a "boring Christian life of following rules".  When in reality the world is offering slavery to corruption.  Real freedom is being able to do what you want to do, but what you want to do being what is best for you.  False freedom is doing what you want to do, but what you want being that which corrupts you.  Sin is destructive and anyone who has been enslaved to a sin knows this.  Sin does not give life it sucks it from you.  God is the giver of all good gifts the best of which are love, joy, and peace.  The Psalm writer knows this and so he pleads with God to keep his steps steady, that is, on firm ground.  He desires that no sin have mastery over him.   

How about you?  Is there a sin that has dominion over you?  Are you a slave?  Perhaps you are longing to be free.  Like my son in the mud, we also need a Father to come and rescue us.  We need our heavenly Father.  I would encourage you to use the I John and the Psalm reading for today (Tuesday) as your prayer and as your guide to seeking rescue and redemption.  Pray out loud the words of Psalm 119: 169-176.  Let the Bible’s words be your prayer to God. 

SB2W News Post

Excavation work has continued on Lake Gloria.  Here are some photo updates with captions explaining what you are seeing.

These are two peninsulas that are beyond the tennis courts and will provide access for campers to walk across to the flying squirrel field by way of a bridge that will span the two peninsulas.

The gray rocky portion of the peninsula will be under water so that campers can canoe beyond the two peninsulas.

Here you can see the flying squirrel field which if you look closely is much higher because of all the dirt that has been dredged from the lake.  This will eventually be a very nice field for sports accessed by walking across the peninsulas.

These next two photos are of the canoe beach and the lake beyond it.

Devotional Passages for Week of November 28-December 4

Sunday:  Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20

Monday:  Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 28:21-22

Tuesday:  Daniel 7:1-28, I John 1:1-10, Psalm 119: 153-176, Proverbs 28:23-24

Wednesday:  Daniel 8:1-27, I John 2:1-17, Psalm 120: 1-7, Proverbs 28:25-26

Thursday:  Daniel 9:1-11:1, I John 2:18-3:6, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 28:27-28

Friday:  Daniel 11:2-35, I John 3:7-24, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 11:36-12:13

Saturday:  Daniel 11:36-12:13, I John 4:1-21, Psalm 123:1-4, Proverbs 29:2-4

Devotional Passages for Week of November 21-27

Sunday:  Ezekiel 42:1-43:27, James 5:1-20, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 28:6-7

Monday:  Ezekiel 44:1-45:12, I Peter 1:1-12, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 28:8-10

Tuesday:  Ezekiel 45:13-46:24, I Peter 1:13-2:10, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 28:11

Wednesday:  Ezekiel 47:1-48:35, I Peter 2:11-3:7, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 28:12-13

Thursday:  Daniel 1:1-2:23, I Peter 3:8-4:6, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 28:14

Friday:  Daniel 2:24-3:30, I Peter 4:7-5:14, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 28:15-16

Saturday:  Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18

Francis's Secret

I was speaking at Messiah College's FCA last night and I asked the 50 students who were present how many of them have read or were reading the book, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that about 40 students raised their hand.  Wow!  Why is this book so popular?  Certainly one of the reasons is because it is a good book.  It's well written and it hits a nerve among young people.  Some critics might be quick to say that it does not have enough theological precision, but it is on target and it comes from a man who is practicing what he preaches.  What I find most interesting is that it comes from a man who does not have a TV in his home.  Francis is more concerned about holiness than he is about being culturally relevant.  He is more concerned about godliness than he is about being cool.  I was listening to a sermon of his and he explained how TV is just not something that they have at home.  You might think that weird.  Now there may not be a direct connection between the success of his book and his decision about TV, but I'm guessing there is a connection nonetheless.  The connection is between a man who obviously values the pursuit of personal holiness (ie. separation from worldly influences) and his vast influence among young people.  I'm personally challenged by this to think about what media I consume.

Be Content

Hebrews 13:5b "Be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'.

What an encouragement and challenge is given us in this verse.  So often I am tempted to be discontent.  I focus my gaze upon things I desire that will not ultimately satisfy.  We as humans are hard wired with three core desires:

Love- This includes needing approval, respect, authentic relationship, etc.
Joy- Think about it all of our decisions are motivated by our desire to be fulfilled.  We are geared to want to be happy.
Peace - Behind this word is the Hebrew idea of Shalom.  This word does not just mean absence of conflict, but wellness, wholeness, abundance.

We are all trying to meet these desires and fulfill our needs for these three things.  The question is where are we trying to fulfill them.  Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."  God wants us to experience love, joy, and peace.  The key is He wants us to have these desires met in Himself.  We are called to be content with what we have, that is to be content in Him.  It is in our relationship with Jesus Christ where we find contentment, because "he will never leave us or forsake us."  He is our "emmanuel", meaning God with us.  Jesus is where we find love, joy, and peace.  Be contented in all of who Jesus is today.

Devotional Passages for Week of November 14-20

Sunday:  Ezekiel 29:1-30:26, Hebrews 11:32-12:13, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 27:17

Monday:  Ezekiel 31:1-32:32, Hebrews 12: 14-29, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 27:18-20

Tuesday:  Ezekiel 33:1-34:31, Hebrews 13:1-25, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22

Wednesday:  Ezekiel 35:1-36:38, James 1:1-18, Psalm 116:1-19, Proverbs 27:23-27

Thursday:  Ezekiel 37:1-38:23, James 1:19-2:17, Psalm 117:1-2, Proverbs 28:1

Friday:  Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, James 2:18-3:18, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 28:2

Saturday:  Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:1-17, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 28:3-5

Movie Trail at Chagrin Falls

We had a blast this Tuesday night on movie trail.  For those of you from Chagrin Falls, thank you for joining us.  Here are some pics of that event.

What is your standard? A Devo from Ezekiel 22

I was in the car the other day and I was enjoying the radio.  After a little while listening I started to become more aware of what I was listening to.  It did not take long before I became more and more convicted that I should change the station or just shut the radio off.  It was not that I was listening to something particularly bad, but that I was not listening to something that was especially good for me.  If I wanted my heart to be right with God and in a healthy and strong state I knew I should not be filling it with this music I had on. 

In Ezekiel 22:26 it says, “They (the Israelites) have made no distinction between the holy (godly) and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean.”  I’m convinced that too often we make this same mistake.  We do not make clear distinctions in our lives of what is best for us, we just get wrapped up in whatever it is that is set before our eyes and ears.  Instead we should have a standard.  We should seek out what is holy, good, and right and let those things be our daily bread. 

So what is your standard today?  Are you seeking to make distinctions as regards what is best to expose yourself to?  Or, are you just conforming to the culture?  I think  two great questions to ask yourself as you listen and watch is, “Is this beneficial to me?” and “Is this drawing me nearer to God or distracting me from Him?”  

Devotional Passages for Week of November 7 -13

Sunday:  Ezekiel 16:43-17:24, Hebrews 8:1-13, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 27:7-9

Monday:  Ezekiel 18:1-19:14, Hebrews 9:1-10, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 27:10

Tuesday:  Ezekiel 20:1-49, Hebrews 9:11-28, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 27:11

Wednesday:  Ezekiel 21:1-22:31, Hebrews 10:1-17, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 27:12

Thursday:  Ezekiel 23:1-49, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 27:13

Friday:  Ezekiel 24:1-26:21, Hebrews 11:1-16, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 27:14

Saturday:  Ezekiel 27:1-28:26, Hebrews 11:17-31, Psalm 111:1-10, Proverbs 27:15-16

Being Joyful Always

You might remember one of the memory verses from this summer from I Thessalonians 5:16-18.  "Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances..."  If you read the reading this week from Psalm 105:1-5 you may have noticed similarities.  All three elements (joy, prayer, and thanks) are present in these verses as well.  The Psalmist tells us in v. 1& 5 to "give thanks to the LORD" and "remember the wondrous works that he has done".  In v. 3 we are told, "let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!" - rejoice being another word for be joyful.  Lastly in v. 4 we are given the key to being joyful.  "Seek the LORD...seek his presence continually."  We can be in God's presence through prayer.  In fact that is what prayer is, practicing the presence of God.  I invite you today to be joyful, to be grateful, and to do this by seeking God's presence in prayer.

SB2W News Post

We are in the process of excavating the lake beyond the canoe area.  No longer will you touch bottom during the heptathlon or the mile swim.  No more lost crocs  :)

What's Up With Ezekiel?

Perhaps like me you struggle to read and understand this book of Ezekiel.  Perhaps you have been frustrated by it and found it largely inapplicable to your life.  You are right it is a tough book.  Here are a couple things that might be helpful.  First look for repetitive words and phrases.  This helps you catch the main points.  There are two things that really have caught my attention.  

Rebellious Hearts:  Over and over again God refers to his people as rebellious.  

Chapter 2 v.7 says, “And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.”  These are a people that show with their actions a resistance to God.  They are living in opposition to God’s commands.  They are continuing to slap God in the face with their actions.  These chapters say again and again that the people “have not walked in [God’s] statutes or obeyed [His] rules” (ch. 5 v.7).  God will not continue to put up with their disobedience.  He will not continue to be slapped in the face.  We cannot say we love him and desire him and then on the other hand continue to ignore the sins of our lives and just keep doing them.  This is why the author of Hebrews (ch.3 v.12) says “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.”  This section of Ezekiel is a call to repentance.  Ezekiel 3:21 says “But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning.”  Now it is impossible for us to not sin, but what this verse is calling us away from is a life of unrepentant sin.  A life that continues in sin and will not seek to turn away from the sin it finds itself entangled in.  The point is, are you fighting and battling the sin in your life or are you giving in to it?  Surrender your life to Jesus Christ, do not surrender it to sin.  

Know the LORD:  Any time in the Old Testament you see capital letters "LORD" that means the word in Hebrew is Yahweh, which means "I am who I am".  So when in Ezekiel we see the same phrase repeated over and over we know that God means for us to get this point.  Repeatedly we see "Then you will know that I am the LORD."  Why is God punishing these rebellious people, why does God discipline us?  Because God wants us to recognize Him as LORD: Lord over creation, Lord over humanity, Lord over our lives. Is God trying to get your attention?  I'm reminded today that He is LORD and that as one of His created beings I was made to worship, love, honor, and delight in Him.