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.
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
by John Carpenter | Jun 26, 2021 | Camp News
Well, dear ones, we are still faced with the restrictions of our present situation. However, in spite of that, we rejoice in the way that our God and heavenly Father continues to reveal His presence through your faithful prayers and support. Our Lord is still on His throne – in sovereign rule and authority – no matter what! Praise His Name! We have several families that have responded to our offer to allow them to come out (with their children) for a block of specified time and then be able to experience Del-Haven Camp activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, crafts, etc. And, of course, that also includes Bible Class as well. This way we have an added opportunity to present – to announce – the Gospel of the glory, only, of our Lord Jesus Christ – the only Sovereign Savior Substitute that there ever was, is, or ever will be! What a Joy! So, dear ones, please pray that our Lord will give hearing ears and seeing eyes unto — even the parents and care providers of the children.
Don’t forget, please, to pray – always – for the boys and girls that have gone through our gospel camp program…and the young staff helpers that are living and going to school through these un-certain days and times. Pray that they remember their memory verses and that the Spirit of God will enlighten their understanding of His Word to their hearts and minds.
In the midst of everything that’s been going on – a recent storm – with strong winds – managed to blow down a large Hackberry tree on to one of our cabins. It put a hole in the roof. This is the first time in 69 years that something like this has ever happened. Please pray for the Lords leading and meeting of the need to repair the damage to the cabin. Already, the loving and loyal friends of First Baptist Church of Oak Grove have been and still are — on the case. Thank you Lord Jesus for them!
by John Carpenter | Jun 26, 2021 | Devotional, Miscellaneous
“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 first three bestowed and pronounced “Blessings” of Mt.5:3-9 are reflections of the relationship that the person of Christ Jesus is continually forming and building with His chosen sinner/children in this world. These Blessings emphasize the absolute necessity that exists for us in regards to – the perfect Righteousness of God apart from the Law – that we need – before we can be perfectly accepted and approved by holy, holy, holy God!
This Perfect Righteousness is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ! God sent Him – and He came into this sinful world “in the likeness of our sinful flesh” [Ro.8:3] and vicariously – He has performed for us – as our Substitute – all of God’s demanded perfect obedience in order to make us perfectly accepted and approved in God’s holy, holy, holy Presence. Praise His Name!
It is by virtue of His Perfect Eternal Righteousness that we have been Eternally Saved! This is the reason why all of God’s sinner/children fulfill – while still being in this fallen-in-sin world – the fourth Blessing as is described in Mt.5:6> “Blessed are they that (Lit.) are hungering and thirsting after Righteousness – for they shall be filled!” This is the Righteousness that we constantly desire. This Righteousness is found only in person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Holy Bread and Water of Life Eternal! We are encouraged from 2Pe.3:18 to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever Amen”
Now, then, the next three “Blessings” – become characteristic descriptions of each one of God’s quickened and regenerated sinner/children. All those who have been blessed with the first four “Blessings”. Mt.5:7 tells us: “Blessed are the merciful – for they shall obtain mercy.” Which verse tells us that those blessed by God with His mercy – in His being merciful unto them – are then attributed (by His grace) with the same characteristic. Mercy is: Us, not getting from God what we do deserve; and Grace is: Us, receiving from God – all that we do not (even cannot) deserve! It’s a beautiful thing!
This is where the evidence of our having been blessed with the first four “Blessings” begins to become clear and plain. We begin to live out an active demonstration of these same character traits unto those around us – that our loving Lord and Savior has shown unto us! E.g. Eph.4:32 tells us: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted – forgiving one another – even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Or, Col.3:12-13: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another…even as Christ forgave you – so also do ye!” Amen.
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
