Don’t be fooled

by Dave Brown on Dec 21, 2011 in Devotion | 0 comments

So I was in my local grocery store recently, and I saw a sign advertising, “this week’s feature … pretzel roll sandwiches.” Now I’m a Delanco Camp enthusiast, so of course to me “pretzel roll sandwich” means a certain thing, foil wrapped pretzeliciousness. Whatever it is that the grocery store is offering is clearly not the real thing. It’s a fake. How do I know that? It’s because I have personal experience with the real thing.

There are a lot of things out there that are fake. Companies are telling us that if we buy their product it will satisfy us, but this is a false promise. We won’t find real satisfaction from buying something. Candidates are telling us that if we vote the right way we will be taken care of, but this is a another false promise, no elected official can protect us from the dangers of life. Our culture tells us that money and prestige bring lasting happiness, but this is false. All those things will be gone soon enough, and while they are here they will just bring people trouble.

The scriptures say:

Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
-Psalm 40:4-5

There are two very different ways of understanding this Christmas season. One way is the way of the proud, the way of the false gods of more stuff, more lights, bigger shows, moneymoneymoney, and the joy of excess. The other way is the way of the true God who was born as one of the homeless, and who’s life took him to death row. Many are the wonders he has done. None can compare with him.

If you can have personal experience with the real thing, you won’t be fooled by the fakes.

Dave Brown is a former camper, summer staff member and has served in various administrative and volunteer capacities at the camp for many years. 

Lent Reflections – Something Missing

by Dave Brown on Mar 18, 2011 in Lent Reflections | 1 comment

Today’s Scripture Readings
Psalm 50, 59, 60, 19, 46
Deut 9:23-10:5
Heb 4:1-10
John 3:16-21

“Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.”
Psalm 60:11

So the other day I was in Philadelphia and I saw this bike near 16th and Latimer. It’s probably still there if anyone wants it. The bike has no tires, no pedals, no gears, no handlebars, and no seat. It does have a bike lock which is still holding what’s left of the bike to a street sign.

This gets me thinking about how we can have lots of things in life to help keep us safe, but they only provide the illusion of security. Money, possessions, insurance, relationships – all these things can give the impression that they are keeping us safe, but they don’t really have any power to protect us from many of the surprises and attacks that can come along.

It makes me think of the story Jesus told of the man who built big barns and filled them up with his excess food – planning to sit back and live the good life. Then his life was over, and what good did all that excess in those big barns ever do for him? Jesus said that is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for himself and is not rich toward God. It will be a big let down – a disaster.

That man was an example of the wrong way, the way of the useless bike lock. But right after that Jesus talks about the right way. He tells what it means to be rich toward God.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Luke 12:22-34

Many well meaning people tell us to save up our excess to provide for our needs. Don’t they? I have to admit that the way of the world can look like the right way sometimes. Jesus recommends a different way.

So anyone out there need a bike lock? I know of one available for free for anyone who wants it. Just go down to 16th and Latimer with a hacksaw, and it’s all yours.

What makes Delanco special?

by Dave Brown on Nov 13, 2009 in Other | 4 comments

Let me start with this: Support all good Christian camps. Help them succeed and spread the gospel like crazy.

That being said… You know Delanco is special.

You have your own reasons why Delanco is special to you. (hint – there’s a comments sections down there) For me two things stand out.

First of course is all that God has done in me, my family, and my friends through camp. There is no question that the Holy Spirit has radically changed lives, and for that I say thank you Lord Jesus.

“The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day, and there may I though vile as he wash all my sins away.”

“The blood flowed and covered me and washed me whiter than snow. I cleansed me so that I could be holy as God is holy.”

The second most special thing for me about Delanco Camp is the way it catches and holds on to people. You know you’ll always be a Delanco person. Once you fall in love with camp, camp won’t let you go. Sure you might need a break after a week or two or a whole summer or twenty summers. But you’ll be back. You know you love it.

Young Adult Weekend

by Dave Brown on May 9, 2008 in Other | 1 comment

I’ve got some good news and some bad news.

First the bad news: you are too old for teen camp.

Now the good news: you are invited to come to Delanco Young Adult Weekend.

You can get all the details about when and where and how to sign up here.

Young adult weekend is a retreat for anyone ages 18 and up who wants to come have the Delanco experience of spiritual renewal and friendship.  The focus this year is on belief, learning about the powerful connection between what you believe and how you live, and how through the scriptures we can find the right beliefs that can help us live in right relationships.

I’m thankful to have the chance to lead this retreat again this year and I hope you’ll be able to come. Feel free to send any questions to dave.brown@delanco.org.