The youth activity for the day was a trip to Old Shasta City, an abandoned mining city that was once vibrant during the gold rush. We visited a cemetery, a courthouse that was converted into a museum, and a general store. It felt like an elementary school field trip, and was quite interesting. I also saw gallows.

In the evening, the kids played a fun and unique game of steal the bacon that involved four teams and six tire tubes. It was basically a cross between tug-of-war and steal the bacon. Sometimes the situations were hilarious.

Devotion notes and thoughts:

2 Samuel 11

The well known story of David and Bathsheba. David murders an innocent and loyal man named Uriah the Hittite to take Uriah's wife Bathsheba as his own.

Before this incident, David had consistently turned to God for guidance, and as a result God blessed everything he did. In his moment of weakness, David obviously didn't inquire of God or obey his laws.

I thought it was especially cruel that David had Uriah's death instructions sent to Joab via Uriah himself.

2 Samuel 12

Many of David's later troubles in life were brought about by his sinfulness in the past. By murdering Uriah with the sword of the Ammonites, David directly causes the events with his son Absalom detailed in the next chapters.

I think it is important to note that David recognizes his sin and confesses, leading to God's forgiveness of his sin. David does not commit this grievous sin ever again, but genuinely repents and changes his ways.

Isaiah 29

I had no idea that one of the Biblical names of Jerusalem is "Ariel". Ariel means "Lion of God".

1 Peter 3

Inner beauty is a worthier pursuit for a Christian compared to outward beauty.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

We need to have a clear understanding and strong grasp of everything we believe in, and must be able to clearly articulate and explain those beliefs without resorting to argument or personal attacks.