Devotional for August 2021

by John Carpenter | Aug 21, 2021 | Devotional

“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3.“Blessed — the poor in spirit – for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Blessed — they that mourn – for they shall be comforted.

5. Blessed — the meek – for they shall inherit the earth.

6. Blessed — they that hunger and thirst after righteousness – for they shall be filled.

7. Blessed — the merciful – for they shall obtain mercy.

8. Blessed — the pure in heart – for they shall see God.

9. Blessed — the peacemakers – for they shall be called the children of God.” [Mt.5:2-9]

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee – that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house – even of thy Holy Temple.” [Ps.65:4]

We come now unto the crowning Biblical description of the true Child of God in this fallen and sinful world! Jesus declared Himself as being “the Way – the Truth – and the Life”! There is no other way for anyone — to come to the Heavenly Father –  except by, and through, the Lord Jesus Christ! And, there never ever will be! Each one of these blessings of God’s great grace are bestowed by God in order to bring His lost sinner/children — out of their sin caused death and darkness – right into the Light and riches – of the glory of His grace granted Eternal Life. The sovereign Savior bestows His sovereign Grace – personally and individually – upon each one of His sinner/children. And, in this way He transforms them into becoming His living witnesses who are always busy bearing forth to the fallen world around them the glorious truth as to what great things have happened to them by Christ Jesus their Savior and Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ has eternally saved them by His Great Grace! And, the wonderful news of all this — is made known unto them — while they are still in this dark, damned, fallen, trial and tumultuous ‘war-filled’ world. Hence, God makes them to become true representatives and ambassadors for Christ and what He has done for them. He is their Peace – with Almighty — all Holy God – and now, therefore, they are His Peacemakers!

Is.43:10-11  says that they are His “Witnesses” whom He has chosen  to go through this world proclaiming the “Gospel of Peace”! And, that’s just what they will do!

From Is.52:7 it is written: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him (all His Peace-makers) that bringeth good tidings – that publisheth Peace – that bringeth good tidings of good – that publisheth Salvation! That saith unto Zion (the spiritual abiding place of all of God’s children) Thy God reigneth!”

Oh glorious Truth for every sinner/Child of God that is yet in this sin filled world! Our God reigns over all! Praise His Holy Name!

The Lord Jesus said from Jn.14:27> “Peace I leave with you – my peace I give unto you – not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled – neither let it be afraid.”

If Christ gives it to us – He will never take it away from us! All these blessings of His grace are bestowed upon us. That means that they become a part of us – forever! “For the gifts and calling of God – are without repentance.” [Ro.11:29] Amen.

For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter

Devotional for July 2021

by John Carpenter | Jul 19, 2021 | Devotional

“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3.“Blessed — the poor in spirit – for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Blessed — they that mourn – for they shall be comforted.

5. Blessed — the meek – for they shall inherit the earth.

6. Blessed — they that hunger and thirst after righteousness – for they shall be filled.

7. Blessed — the merciful – for they shall obtain mercy.

8. Blessed — the pure in heart – for they shall see God.

9. Blessed — the peacemakers – for they shall be called the children of God.” [Mt.5:2-9]

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee – that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house – even of thy Holy Temple.” [Ps.65:4]

Our Lord Jesus continues to unfold for us these gracious “Blessings” of our having been born from above in this fallen world. He begins with the “Blessing” of true and genuine Repentance as conveyed in vs.3-5 and progresses from there to the “Blessing” of real Regeneration as revealed in vs.6-9.

We come now to the “Blessing” described in vs.8> that of possessing a “Pure” heart. All of these “Blessings” are the result of the Presence of the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ in the life and walk of a “Sinner-Saved-By-Grace”!  And, all of this has been lovingly planned and purposed from eternity — by our Savior God – to come to pass for us — individually and personally while we are still here in time. We are quickened to life spiritually and following Christ right out of this fallen and trial filled world – right into our Savior’s heavenly presence.

This is what is conveyed unto us from Ro.8:14-17> “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God – they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption – whereby we cry, Abba, Father! (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs – heirs of God – and joint-heirs with Christ! If so be that we suffer with Him – that we may be also glorified together.”

So, with that understanding being scripturally established –  what exactly does it mean when the Word of God says: “Blessed – are the Pure in heart – for they shall see God!”

1Pe.1:18-23 gives a good explanation: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things…(19) But with the precious blood of Christ – as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (21) who – by Him – do Believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit – unto unfeigned love of the brethren. Love one another with a Pure Heart – fervently: (23) (lit.) having been born again – not of corruptible seed – but of incorruptible – by the Word of God – which liveth and abideth forever!” In short, beloved, we through the Holy Spirit, obey with a Pure heart the gospel of the glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ – by believing in Him and loving one another as all of God’s children should do.

For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter

Devotional for May 2021

by John Carpenter | May 22, 2021 | Devotional

“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3.“Blessed — the poor in spirit – for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Blessed — they that mourn – for they shall be comforted.

5. Blessed — the meek – for they shall inherit the earth.

6. Blessed — they that hunger and thirst after righteousness – for they shall be filled.

7. Blessed — the merciful – for they shall obtain mercy.

8. Blessed — the pure in heart – for they shall see God.

9. Blessed — the peacemakers – for they shall be called the children of God.” [Mt.5:2-9]

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee – that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house – even of thy Holy Temple.” [Ps.65:4]

The 1^st three bestowed and pronounced Blessings of Mt.5:3-9 are reflections of the relationship that pertains to what the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus is continually developing and forming within all His chosen and regenerated sinner/children while they are still making their personal journey through this fallen world. These first three Blessings emphasize the absolute necessity of the perfect Righteousness that we need – before we can be – perfectly accepted and approved by Holy, Holy, Holy God! And, this perfect Righteousness is found, ONLY, in our Lord Jesus Christ! He was sent by God the Father – and He was delighted to obediently come – into this fallen, sinful world – “in the likeness of our sinful flesh” [see: Ro.8:3] – and vicariously – He has thought, talked and walked – totally without sin – as our Substitute! He has singlehandedly fulfilled God’s demanded perfect obedience on our behalf – in order to make us perfectly approved and accepted – in God’s Holy, Holy, Holy loving and eternal holy presence. Praise His Name!

It is by virtue of our Lord’s perfect Righteousness that we have been – and are – eternally saved! This is the reason why all of God’s true sinner/children continually – by His grace – while still passing through this world – fill the description of each of these Blessings that the Lord Jesus makes known unto us from Mt.5:3-9. We can only fill this description of a genuine Holy Spirit born from above believer — through Christ who strengthens us [see: Phil.4:13] — through the Will of God, who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure [see: Phil.2:13]. And, this is why when we traverse the wilderness of this fallen world – we are always hungering and thirsting for HIS Righteousness. Praise God and His great grace – He promises — that we shall be filled! The Righteousness that we constantly desire – is the very person and work of the only Substitute for sinners that there ever was – is – or ever will be, the Lord Jesus Christ! HE is the Holy Bread and Water of Life eternal! We are divinely encouraged from 2Pe.3:18 to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. “To Him be glory – both now and forever!” [or, lit., “to the day of eternity”]. All this as opposed to that which vs.17 describes as: “being led away with the error of the Wicked…”. May God deliver us from this!

So, therefore, vs.3-6 deliver unto us four Blessings that God bestows upon all of His children that describe the Godly attitude that we all have – in the unity of the Holy Spirit – in regards to what we all need, but which we all lack! This is why we all know and believe and understand that Christ by virtue of His being incarnated into the likeness of our sinful flesh – and still remaining holy – that it is He, and He, alone, who can – and who has — provided for us – God’s perfect Righteousness! We shall see that the next three Blessings pertain more to the promise that we shall be actually transformed into His holy likeness! Praise His Wonderful Name!

Devotional for April 2021

by John Carpenter | Apr 12, 2021 | Devotional

“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3.“Blessed — the poor in spirit – for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Blessed — they that mourn – for they shall be comforted.

5. Blessed — the meek – for they shall inherit the earth.

6. Blessed — they that hunger and thirst after righteousness – for they shall be filled.

7. Blessed — the merciful – for they shall obtain mercy.

8. Blessed — the pure in heart – for they shall see God.

9. Blessed — the peacemakers – for they shall be called the children of God.” [Mt.5:2-9]

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee – that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house – even of thy Holy Temple.” [Ps.65:4]

Well, dear ones, here we still are – in a stand still state — as far as moving forward into a regular camp season. Please pray with us that the Lord will lead all of us into being free – once and for all – from the fear and restrictive regulatory mandates of the pandemic! Saturday, the third, was to be our first work day in our normal preparation agenda for having our 2021 summer camps! Unfortunately, as long as the present restrictions are in place upon us – our normal operation as a camp continues to be prevented. We will, however – Lord willing — make a shift like we did last year and invite whole family groups to come out and allow them to go through a day of Del-Haven Camp activities (including swimming, fishing, outdoor recreation, crafts and of course Bible Study Time). And, as soon as the pandemic restrictions are lifted — we will try to put together a regular camp session(s) – as the Lord leads.

There’s nothing too hard – or, wonderful – for our Lord!  [See: Jer.32:27] Praise His Name! Let’s together diligently seek Him to guide us – provide for us – protect us – and prosper us — in this worthy evangelistic endeavor! All glory to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Please do not forget to pray for all the children that have come – and that want to come – to camp.  And, Please pray for all the young people who volunteer to serve on our staff. They all suffer from all of this negative impact on our not being able to have regular camp sessions. The annual practice of the good and Godly habit of being at Del-Haven during the summer months has been prevented from its performance. The longer this is allowed, the more difficult it is to resume! A great deal of what the Lord has done with His ministry here has been manifested in the fact that over the six plus decades we have existed – we have seen a ministry of the gospel of the glory, only, of Christ — grow into being generational in its capacity and its outreach. Please pray with us that this – by God’s will and good pleasure – be allowed to effectually continue.

We have been – and are – encouraged by the showing of your faithful and prayerful support of Del-Haven. The upkeep of this place always presents unexpected challenges, such as the water heater in the dining hall that needs to be replaced – but our Lord ever demonstrates His hearing and answering our prayers! Praise His Name! Your faithful, prayerful support is the tangible evidence of this “Truth as it is in Jesus”. We love and pray for all of you.

For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter

Devotional for March 2021

by John Carpenter | Mar 23, 2021 | Devotional

“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

• 3.“Blessed — the poor in spirit – for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
• 4. Blessed — they that mourn – for they shall be comforted.
• 5. Blessed — the meek – for they shall inherit the earth.
• 6. Blessed — they that hunger and thirst after righteousness – for they shall be filled.
• 7. Blessed — the merciful – for they shall obtain mercy.
• 8. Blessed — the pure in heart – for they shall see God.
• 9. Blessed — the peacemakers – for they shall be called the children of God.” [Mt.5:2-9]

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee – that he may dwell in thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house – even of thy Holy Temple.” [Ps.65:4]

Of the seven blessings that our Lord God has bestowed upon us through the person and work of His incarnated eternal Son, Christ Jesus – we have briefly touched upon in previous newsletters,  only the first two, viz., “Blessed are the poor in spirit” and “Blessed are they that mourn”. We have also noted that both of these blessings pertain to the Righteousness that God requires in order to be approved and accepted into God’s holy and heavenly presence! Of which – none of us naturally have – nor can we perform, or attain. This is why Jesus tells us from Jn.14:6: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – no man cometh unto the Father – but by me.” The Lord Jesus Christ, by God’s great grace, is our approval and acceptance with holy, holy, holy God Almighty! The Lord Jesus Christ – indeed — is our eternal Salvation and Life! [see: Rom.6:23, 1Co.1:30-31 and 2Co.5:21]

We now come to the third divinely pronounced blessing: “Blessed are the meek – for they shall inherit the earth.” This blessing – like all of them – is a spiritual blessing – and must be received, believed and understood in a strictly spiritual sense. It has been said that “meekness” is the mark of sinner who has been mastered by God. To be meek — for the most part – in this world – is mocked by a false humility. This is hypocrisy! But, what this verse is referring to is produced in a sinner’s soul that has been blessed with God’s grace of true repentance. “Meekness” according to God’s grace is a true regenerating realization of who you are – as a sinner – before Holy God. This regenerating realization is completely wrought out because the Holy Spirit of God bears witness with your spirit that you have been placed in Christ before the foundation of the world – or, in other words – before the creation of the world – completely forgiven, cleansed and made whole by the atoning blood of He, who is the Lamb of God! “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”! [Rev.13:8] It is this Truth of the person and work of Christ that causes you to stand silent, humble and thankful – in a state of true worship — before holy God. And, in this true state of contrition – you know that you do not deserve — in the least bit – for this to be eternally true. Moreover, God promises all who fill this scriptural description – that it is they – that will inherit the “New Heavens and a New Earth – wherein dwelleth Righteousness”! [see: 2Pe.3:13]  “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift!” [2Cor.9:15]

Now the question may be asked: “How can I attain this blessing?” And, the answer is we can’t! No one “attains” any of God’s blessings. If they are possessed – it is because they have been given by His grace. Jesus commands – He does not invite – “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest! (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn of me – for I am Meek and lowly in heart – and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” [Mt.11:28-30]  This is the only way that we can obtain God’s holy “Meekness”.

For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter