by John Carpenter | Sep 26, 2021 | Camp News
Well, dear ones, we are now experiencing some real nice weather. And, that means we here at Del-Haven can – more comfortably – get things done around the whole campground. As we embark on the season of Fall – we anticipate the wonders and colors that will come with it. Already our trees are showing signs of becoming brilliant by the way they will reflect only what God can do with the splendor of the Autumn leaves!
My dear praying friends, our thoughts and prayers do continually go out to the children that have gone through our camp schedule that is literally filled up with the proclamation of the Word of the Truth of the Gospel. For two years now – we have not been able to have a regular camp session. Please do not forget to pray concerning this matter. Pray for the children – and pray for our Country – and for that matter, our whole world! Pray that our sovereign God would be pleased to lift off of us this plague – as well as all of the lies that have been spun as the result of it.
Also, once again, please do not forget to pray for all of our helpers that have been so loyal to us in the way that they were looking forward to coming back every summer to serve the Lord in helping in our ministry. This has been beneficial in their Christian Walk as well as the boys and girls under their charge. Our hearts continually go out to these dear ones.
We want you to know how much we are so thankful to our Lord for all of you who have shown your continual support – both in prayers and gifts – throughout the stifling effects of the last two years due to the plague. Oh Lord! Please set us free from this untoward time! Do this for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
by John Carpenter | Sep 26, 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]
Having commented on the subject matter of Mt.5:2-9 – we are now ready to see the connection between this and Ps.65:4. This one verse in this Prophetic Psalm of David is a perfect summary of the seven Blessings Mt.5:3-9. Which Blessings are bestowed by God upon all whom He has chosen and caused to come unto Christ as His eternally saved ones.
This is a truth that is told to us throughout the Bible! Eph.1:3-4 plainly says: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us – with all spiritual blessings – in heavenly places in Christ (4) according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world – that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…”. The eternal Son of God – by virtue of the Covenant that was cut within the divine and determinate Counsel of the Triune (of which He is one of the holy Three) was sent into this fallen-in-sin world to be incarnated into being the eternal Person of our ever present Kinsman-Redeemer! This means that the eternal Son of God was chosen and sent into this world to be the Lamb of God and to accomplish the eternal atonement for the sins of all those whom the Great Triumvirate has chosen and placed in Christ to be eternally saved. Praise His Holy and Wonderful Name!
This means that Ps,65:4 is an everlasting – pure Gospel statement – that refers to both: Christ Jesus the Lord – and all whom the Heavenly Father has given unto Him (Jesus) to eternally save!
Our Lord declared from Jn.6:37 “All that the Father giveth to me – shall come to me. And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”. Also, vs.38-39 go further to say: “For I came down from heaven not to do my will – but the will of Him who sent me. (39) And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me – that of all which He hath given me – I should lose nothing but should raise it (all of them) up again at the last day.”
This statement – as well as all that we have been talking about for the last several months (including everything that has been said concerning Mt.5:2-9) – falls under the all-governing sovereignty of God Almighty. He is in complete control – and He always has been! Knowing this and realizing this truth — will lead us directly into the Rest that remains for the people of God. In fact, the only ones that have not – nor cannot – enter into the Rest that resides in Christ – are all the unbelievers [see: He.4:1-11].
Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me – but I have chosen you” [Jn.15:16]. Amen.
For Christ’s Glory Only! -John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Aug 21, 2021 | Camp News
Well, dear ones, as we come to another end of the camp season we are – naturally — somewhat perplexed about our future. However, like the song says: “I know not what – the future holds – but I know who holds the future! It’s a secret – known only to Him.” And, this is the reality. Our sovereign God is both Omniscient and All-powerful and He knows our needs before we do! We can (and do) trust Him. This is His ministry! We are His servants!
Once again, we want to tell you how much we thank you for your faithfulness in prayerfully supporting us. It is a great encouragement to know you are supporting us in your prayers and supplications.
Please continue to pray earnestly for all the children that the Lord has sent through our camp program. And, don’t give up on the real possibility that we will once again be able to implement our regular camp program. Of course, we must always pray, even when we pray for one another, remember to pray in the overall context of – “if the Lord will”. So, please pray for our boys and girls – and please pray for our staff and their helpers – that they be safe from harm or sickness and that they be strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit!
Also, remember in your praying – pray for all the family groups that have responded to our invitations to come spend a big part of the day here at Del-Haven. Right up front I present the everlasting gospel unto them all. The last group we ministered to was the largest group yet! Fifteen people showed up – and all but four were brand new! The Lord may be introducing us to another whole new approach Del-Haven Ministry. Pray with us about this possibility. Thank you – we love you.
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
by John Carpenter | Jul 19, 2021 | Camp News
Well, dear ones, we continue to minister to scheduled families that come out to Del-Haven for hours at a time to experience what a day of camp can include. From Bible Class to Campfire along with swimming and fishing and other outdoor recreation – which also includes craft making – the whole family can enjoy themselves while getting a taste of the Del-Haven Ministry!
As the Lord continues to lead and provide – we continue to plug along and proclaim the pure truth of His wonderful gospel message. Please keep us in your faithful prayers as we make progress as best we can.
We have some wonderful news to report concerning the huge hackberry tree that fell on our Cabin two. Some men from the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove showed up early Monday – July 5th – and replaced the whole roof of the Cabin! Not just repaired it – but replaced it! Once again, the Lord has provided for us an outstanding example of Eph.3:20-21! To God be the glory!
As a result of this good work, however, we do need someone with a machine (a skid steer loader) that can help us bury the shingles pile that we have left over. Please be in prayer with us where this need is concerned. We would greatly appreciate it.
And, of course, in your earnest prayers – please do not forget to include all the campers that we have ministered to – along with our staff leaders and helpers. This world is definitely not our ally.
These soldiers in the Lord’s army need our continual prayerful support – just as we all do! May we be led by the Spirit to faithfully hold them up to Him who is our strength and shield.
Thank you – we love you.
