Avon Park Camp Association

06/01/2026

Taste and See
“Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” — Psalm 34:8

David’s words are an invitation, not merely a statement. He does not say, “Listen and see,” or “Study and see,” but “taste and see.” Tasting involves personal experience. No one can taste for you. In the same way, God’s goodness is not fully known through information alone; it is discovered through a living relationship with Him.

Psalm 34 was written from the heart of a man who had experienced God’s deliverance. David had faced fear, danger, and uncertainty, yet he found the Lord faithful. His testimony encourages believers to trust God for themselves and discover that His character is exactly as His Word declares—good, trustworthy, and loving.

The verse also teaches that blessing is found in taking refuge in God. A refuge is a place of protection and security. When life becomes overwhelming, believers are tempted to run to human solutions first. Yet true peace is found when we bring our concerns to the Lord and rest in His care.

Life Application:
This week, intentionally “taste and see” God’s goodness. Spend time in His Word each day, bring your worries to Him in prayer, and look for evidence of His faithfulness throughout your day. Keep a list of answered prayers, blessings, and moments of God’s provision. As you trust Him more, your confidence in His goodness will grow.

Prayer Points:
Lord, help me experience Your goodness personally each day.

Teach me to run to You as my refuge in every circumstance.

Open my eyes to recognize Your faithfulness and provision.

05/29/2026

This is the Way
“When you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” — Isaiah 30:21

Isaiah 30 was written to people who were looking everywhere for security except to God. Instead of trusting the Lord, they sought human solutions and worldly alliances. Yet even in their wandering, God spoke with mercy and guidance.

“This is the way. Walk in it.”

God does not leave His people directionless. Through His Word and Spirit, He faithfully leads those who are willing to listen. The image is deeply personal—a voice behind us, guiding us step by step when we are uncertain which way to go.

Life often presents confusing choices, distractions, and pressures pulling us in different directions. It is easy to rely on our own understanding or follow the loudest voices around us. But God calls believers to walk by faith and obedience, trusting His wisdom above their own.

Notice that the instruction is not merely to admire the path, but to “walk in it.” God’s guidance is meant to be followed, not just heard.

Life Application:
Spend time regularly in Scripture and prayer so your heart becomes sensitive to God’s direction. When faced with decisions, seek wisdom from His Word and choose obedience even when the path requires trust.

Prayer Points:
Thank God for faithfully guiding His people.

Ask Him for wisdom and discernment in your decisions.

Pray for a willing heart that walks in obedience to His direction.

05/28/2026

Words of Eternal Life

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” — John 6:68

In John 6, many people stopped following Jesus after hearing difficult teachings. When Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they also wanted to leave, Peter answered with a powerful confession of faith: “Lord, to whom would we go?”

Peter recognized something essential—there was nowhere else to turn. The world offers countless voices promising fulfillment, truth, and purpose, yet none can give eternal life. Only Jesus speaks words that truly satisfy the soul and lead to everlasting life.

Notice that Peter did not say he understood everything perfectly. The disciples still had questions and struggles ahead. But Peter knew enough to trust Christ completely. Faith does not require having every answer; it rests in the certainty of who Jesus is.

This verse also challenges us to consider where we turn when life becomes difficult. When disappointment, doubt, or temptation comes, it can be easy to look elsewhere for security or meaning. But only Christ has the words that bring life, truth, and hope.

Life Application:

Make time daily to listen to the words of Christ through Scripture. When confusion or hardship comes, resist the urge to seek ultimate answers elsewhere. Return to Jesus, trusting that His Word alone gives lasting life and hope.

Prayer Points:

Thank Jesus for the words of eternal life.

Ask God to deepen your trust in Christ alone.

Pray for a hunger to know and obey His Word.

05/27/2026

To Live is Christ
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21

Philippians 1:21 is one of Paul’s clearest expressions of wholehearted devotion to Christ. Writing from prison and uncertain whether he would live or die, Paul reveals the perspective that shaped his entire life: “to live is Christ.”

For Paul, life was not centered on comfort, success, reputation, or personal ambition. Christ was the purpose of his living. Every breath, every opportunity, and every hardship became a means of honoring and serving the Lord.

Then Paul says something even more striking: “to die is gain.” Because of Christ’s resurrection and the promise of eternal life, death was not ultimate loss for the believer. It meant being with Christ forever. This did not make Paul careless about life, but it freed him from fear.

This verse challenges us to examine what truly defines our lives. What do we live for? What captures our hearts and priorities? Only Christ gives life lasting meaning and eternal hope.

Life Application:
Ask yourself honestly what drives your decisions, priorities, and goals. Seek to make Christ the center of your daily life, trusting Him not only for eternity, but for every moment now.

Prayer Points:
Thank Jesus for giving your life eternal purpose and hope.

Ask God to help you live fully for Christ each day.

Pray for courage and confidence rooted in eternity.

05/26/2026

My Hiding Place
“You are my hiding place.
You will preserve me from trouble.
You will surround me with songs of deliverance.”
— Psalm 32:7

Psalm 32 is a psalm of confession, forgiveness, and restored fellowship with God. After experiencing the burden of unconfessed sin and the relief of God’s forgiveness, David speaks these comforting words: “You are my hiding place.”

God is not merely a distant protector—He is a personal refuge. A hiding place is somewhere secure, sheltered, and safe from danger. David knew that true safety was not found in circumstances or human strength, but in the presence of the Lord.

Notice the promise: “You will preserve me from trouble.” This does not mean believers never face hardship, but it does mean God faithfully keeps and sustains His people through every trial. Even in seasons of fear, guilt, or uncertainty, the Lord surrounds His children with His care.

Then David says God surrounds him “with songs of deliverance.” What was once fear becomes worship. God not only rescues His people—He gives them joy and assurance in His salvation.

Life Application:
When fear, stress, or spiritual struggle weighs on you, run to God as your refuge. Spend time in prayer and His Word, remembering that true security is found in His presence, not in changing circumstances.

Prayer Points:
Thank God for being your refuge and hiding place.

Ask Him to strengthen your trust during difficult seasons.

Pray for peace and joy in His deliverance.

05/26/2026

What a powerful and encouraging word from Andrew Murray found in the book Absolute Surrender.
Blessings, friends.

05/25/2026

Wise words.

05/25/2026

Lord, as we celebrate this Memorial Day, we remember all those who have died while serving our country.

We give thanks for their service and sacrifice. Lord, be with those that grieve their loss.

We pray for this world that has such turmoil that we would seek to be Your peacemakers revealing the identity and heart of Christ in all manner.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Abounding in Grace
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.” — 2 Corinthians 9:8

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul encourages believers toward generous giving and faithful service. But he does not point them first to their own resources—he points them to God’s grace. “God is able” becomes the foundation of the verse.

God’s grace is not scarce or limited. Paul says it can “abound” to believers. This means God supplies what His people need in order to serve Him faithfully. The emphasis is not on earthly wealth or personal success, but on God’s faithful provision for every good work He calls His people to do.

Notice the repeated words: “always,” “all sufficiency,” and “everything.” The Lord is fully capable of sustaining His people. He does not send believers into service empty-handed. He equips them with grace, strength, opportunities, and provision according to His wisdom.

This verse also reminds us that God blesses His people so they may “abound to every good work.” His provision is meant to overflow into generosity, service, and obedience—not selfishness.

Life Application:
Trust God to provide what you need to serve Him faithfully. Instead of focusing on what you lack, look for ways to use what God has already given you to bless others and honor Him.

Prayer Points:
Thank God for His abundant grace and provision.

Ask Him to help you trust His sufficiency in every season.

Pray for a generous heart ready for every good work.