Camper Gabby Lashley spoke at the Delanco Dinner on Saturday, March 6, about her experiences at two camps last summer.

By Michael Smith

Jesus talked more about money than he did about love or grace. Jesus talked more about money than he did heaven. But when we think of Christ’s message to us, these are often the themes we tend to think of first. The kingdom of God was the only other topic that Jesus talked more about than money. For Jesus it was the kingdom of God, then money, in terms of what he wanted to convey in his teaching. Often we find Jesus talking about both of these subjects at the same time. This is because the two are closely linked.

Dave Ramsey, a New York Times best-selling author, is very helpful in lending a humorous definition and understanding of stewardship. He says that, ‘In church language, stewardship is code for building a building.” As funny as it may be, sadly it is also very true. The only time we really begin to get serious about financial matters in the church or other nonprofit organizations are when they need money. Unfortunately, these are all misuses of the word and overall concept of giving.

Steward or stewardship isn’t in my language today. I can’t remember ever using it as part of my daily conversations. When was the last time you mentioned stewardship? “Honey, make sure you put your money in your piggy bank so you use it later in your stewardship.” Stewardship needs to be redefined for us.
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Dear family,
I wasn’t sure how to start my next devotion until just today. But then I read a post-it note in French class that said, “La foi deplace les montagnes.”

When translated from French to English this phrase means faith moves mountains. I think this is just a beautiful saying. The best part of it is that it’s true.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.

I believe that a lot of the time teens limit themselves. They say “I can’t do that” or “I wish I could do that.” All too often we forget to pray and ask for God’s help. He is here for us. He is with us and with Him we can accomplish anything.

We must be sure to act following His will, but if what we seek to accomplish pleases our heavenly father then we should not stop ourselves from doing it. Often we stop ourselves due to others’ opinions. We get put into boxes that we are afraid to venture from. God tells us though that we should not be afraid. He doesn’t leave us.

Why should we be worried about anyone’s opinion aside from our God’s? Deuteronomy 31:8 states, “the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

Do not fear or be dismayed.” So we should not be afraid to break free of our stereotypes and do great things for God because He is walking with us allowing us to achieve things that we believe to be impossible.