by John Carpenter | Feb 17, 2026 | Devotional
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure – to all the Seed; not to that — only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the Father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many nations – before Him – whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
These texts were a large part of the context of our January Prayer/Newsletter. We hope to expand on the fact that the “Promise” is the same as what is being referred to from He.10:23. However, from what is being descriptively declared in the texts above from Ro.4 – the “Promise” is contextually being declared and examined in view of God as – “the Promiser” – instead of Abraham — the one unto whom “the Promise” was given! It is This fact that makes all the difference in the world! And, in addition, through what means “the Promise of God” was being given unto Abraham! Was the “Promise of God” being delivered unto Abraham “through the Law” (?) or “through the Righteousness of Faith”(?). The answer to that is obvious since God would not give His Law until over 400 years later. This descriptively declares that the “Promise of God” was given to Abraham “through the Righteousness of Faith”.
Now then – what exactly does all this really mean? Or, more pointedly – to “Whom” does this phrase really give attention to? We must look a little closer at what Ro.4:13-17 says about God’s Promise to His chosen one – Abraham – whom He called out of the sinful, pagan environment of Ur of the Chaldees. This great text says of God’s Promise unto Abraham (and his seed) – would NOT be fulfilled “through the Law”. No! He told Abraham that His Promise would be fulfilled through a means that was not even noticeably even in existence in Abraham’s present sinful, pagan world! God – revealed Himself unto Abraham – and told him to get out of his country – and away from even his kin – and even away from his father’s household! God “Promised” Abram that his family would be made into a “Great Nation”! And, that He would be blessed and that his name would be blessed – and that he would be God’s blessing unto all the families of (sinful, fallen) earth! [See Ge.12:2-3] Indeed, God’s Promised Blessing unto Abraham and his seed would come to pass – NOT through the Law – But through the Righteousness of Faith!
So then, the direction of the communication from Ro.4 – to which — God’s Written Word is taking us – is directly unto Christ Jesus, the Lord! He is forever our heavenly Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous. It is through Him and His eternal wonderful accomplished work – that through Him — as our Kinsman Redeemer – we have been forever Declared Righteous – and – Forever Saved!
We will continue to look more into this matter – until next time… — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Feb 17, 2026 | Camp News
Well, Dear Ones, our Lord – in this year of 2026 – has certainly brought to us some cold and wintry weather. This has naturally increased our ongoing need for firewood for our woodstove in the Dining Hall — but the Lord has us in the midst of a very good place to fill that need. The Scripture says: Our God (lit.) shall “fully supply” — All our need – “according to His riches in glory – through Christ Jesus”! Isn’t that just wonderful!? Praise His Name!
We are so thankful to our God and Savior for all of you who prayerfully support Del-Haven. It is a great comfort and source of strength to us — to know that you are standing with us – and praying for us! We – pray for all of you also!
Things that we do during this time of year – center on all the plans, repairs and upkeep projects that we see needs to be accomplished by the Spring and Summer time of year. When you pray – please seek the Lord with us for His guidance and direction — that we definitely long for. Del-Haven is His ministry – to do with it as He pleases – and to bring glory to His Son – our eternal Savior.
We have had Mike Raysik of Mike’s Site Work come out and take a look at our roads into the camp and the lay of land as well to effectively improve our ditches to more efficiently deal with detouring the rain. We are currently awaiting his proposal for this major work that we need taken care of on the camp-ground. Please pray that the Lord guides us through this project.
We definitely plan to make the campground available — to and for – whole families of both children and parents to come out for hours at a time to experience and enjoy at least a day of Del-Haven Camp. This has been well received by those that have taken advantage — of our taking the time to show them a little preview what a whole week of our camp program contains. This includes our Bible Classes (where we proclaim the pure Truth of the Gospel of the Glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ) – and also – to Swim and Fish and Do Crafts and Gather around a Camp Fire (and roast marshmallows) – all while being surrounded by God’s beautiful outdoors! Please pray that our Lord God continues to bless this particular format and be Glorified.
by John Carpenter | Jan 10, 2026 | Devotional
“Let us hold fast the Confession of (He – who is our) Hope – without wavering – for He who promised is Faithful.” [He.10:23]
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For IF those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure – to all the Seed; not to that only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations – before Him whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
There’s no better way to begin – a New Beginning – of a whole New Year — than encouraging one another to “hold fast” the “Confession of our Hope” (the KJV says: “Profession” – which rightly emphasizes the fact that the testimony comes right out of our mouths, but the word literally refers to that which God – or His Word – has already said!) The word “Confession” that is used in this context, literally means: To say the same thing – as God (or His Word) has already said. So then, the confession of our Hope – is actually the confession of Christ being our Eternal Savior – for our Hope – is Christ! This is what the Truth is that He has declared about Himself being our only Hope of ever being truly and eternally saved from our sins – about our ever really and truly being Redeemed and Reconciled Forever with Holy, Holy, Holy – God!
For it is Jesus who is the Eternal Son — of Almighty, All Knowing, All Present, All Holy and All Glorious — God – whom He (God) sent into the actual history of this entirely fallen-in-sin world – to save sinners…like you and like me [see: 1Ti.1:15]. God’s Word says of Jesus – “For in Him – dwelleth all the Fullness of the Godhead – Bodily…” that’s all the Fullness of the Father – the Son – and the Holy Spirit! Why? So that the next phrase would be absolutely true also – “And ye are Complete (or, full) in Him – Who is the Head of all principality and power.” [Col.2:9-10]
The Triune God – chose us and placed us – In Him (Jesus) – “before the foundation of the world that we should be Holy and Without Blame – Before Him – in Love…” [See Eph.1:4] This means that He chose us and placed us – in Christ – In Eternity – From Eternity – and For Eternity! He, Jesus, is the only Eternal Savior — that there ever was – is – or ever will be!
From the very context of Eph.4:4-6 – the Word of God descriptively declares that “There is one Body – and One Spirit – even as ye were Called – in One Hope of your Calling – (5) One Lord – One Faith – One Baptism (6) One God and One Father of all – and through all – and in you all!”
All those whom the Father gave to His Son – to be their Savior; Jesus has come and He has done just that! That’s why He is said to be our “All and in all” [Col.3:11]. Until the next time… Amen!
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 10, 2026 | Camp News
We are so thankful to our Lord for His leading and bringing us through another whole year and doing it safely and peacefully. This encourages us — to continue to earnestly seek Him – for whatever He wants to accomplish in line with Del-Haven Ministry. Please remember to pray this for us as well. Just like experiencing – going through – a whole new year in time – it is like living into and through a whole New Beginning! And, especially when you are one of God’s holy – holy – holy Household – you — have been awakened and quickened into a living relationship with Him and you have His Personal Presence with you – as He leads you into something entirely new! It is this reality that will make 2026 something truly wonderful! We lovingly pray this for all of you as we do for ourselves!
That being said – Please remember to be praying for our ministry to camper families – as well as for our need for Camp Program and Camp Cabin Leaders. When Del-Haven first started back in 1952 – our first camp was staffed for that sole camp – with very inexperienced leaders! It was a struggle – to say the least! However, everyone was believing and trusting in the Lord for His strength and patience and overall leadership to get us through the ordeal. He brought us through all those uncertain times (at least – “uncertain” as far as we were concerned) and He created a ministry for His Glory that has brought us unto today — over seven decades later!
Let’s face it! Our Great God and Savior – Jesus the Christ – IS – a God of New Beginnings! Here we are in the year 2026 – and we are still having to solely follow — His Leadership and Provision alone! Let’s just Stand Firm in Him – our future will unfold right before us – whatever He has willed and is pleased to take place – will take place. That’s the way it has been – and that’s the way it will be. He has Provided for us over all these years – and while He still provides – we must press on in our particular ministerial course – engaged in the fight of the Faith of Jesus Christ – striving for the Glory, Only, of Christ our God (see: 2Ti.4:5-8)! Thank you all for still “Standing” with us. We love you…
Have A Very Happy New Year!
by John Carpenter | Dec 11, 2025 | Devotional
“Let us hold fast the Confession of (He who is) our Hope – without wavering for He who promised is Faithful.” [He.10:23]
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure to – to all the Seed; not to that only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations – before Him whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
If you recall, we looked last month at the person and eternally accomplished work of Christ Jesus our eternal Savior – and how He, indeed, is “the full assurance” of our Hope – where the eternal salvation of our soul is concerned. It is all because of Him and Him alone! He has fulfilled all the Holy, Holy, Holy requirements of the Holy, Just – Good and Perfect – Law of God that our salvation demands. He has done this great miraculous work for us all the way to the end of time and then on throughout all of eternity! The Word of the Truth of this Gospel – descriptively declares that if we have been eternally Saved – it has been completely worked out – all by our Lord Jesus Christ! If it’s not all Christ – then it’s all wrong! Our Salvation is a love Gift from our God!
“For God so loved the World – that He gave His only begotten Son – that whosoever believeth in Him – should not perish – but have everlasting life.” [Jn.3:16] “For the wages of sin is death – but the Gift of God is eternal life – through Jesus Christ out Lord.” [Ro.6:23] “For by Grace are ye saved – through Faith – and that not of yourselves – it is the Gift of God – not of works – lest any man should boast!” [Eph.2:8-9] “All that the Father giveth me – shall come to me – and him that cometh to me – I will in no wise cast out!” [Jn.6:37]
The Gift of God is His Son our Savior and Lord. The very context of this present Christmas Season makes it the perfect time to celebrate our reception of our Eternal Redeemer! “As many as Received Him – (lit.) He gave to them authority to be Children of God – to those that believe on His Name; (13) who – not of blood – nor out of the will flesh – nor out of the will of man – but out of God – were born.” [Jn.1:12-13]
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Faith – our Hope – and He is the Love Gift into us from our great and Almighty God. Having taken up residency in our hearts – God’s everlasting Love has come into us – works through us – and becomes increasingly exuded from us – back to Him and to each one of us! We shall see this as the scripture describes it in the coming monthly devotionals. Amen.
— John Carpenter
