by John Carpenter | Apr 20, 2020 | Camp News, Miscellaneous
These are trying days that have come upon us. Right at this moment it yet remains to be seen whether, or not, it will be possible to even have Del-Haven’s regular camp season! The Corona-virus is indeed a pestilence that the Lord has allowed to have been thrust upon our world. His judgments are just and perfect! No matter what people may say or think — its presence and its impact on our lives has happened, and is happening right now in our midst. And, our sovereign God has been – and still is – in complete control of it all! He was in control when it first broke out – and He will be in control of it when it finally will end. Please pray with us in regards to these serious matters! As always in this fallen world – God will either manifest Himself as our Savior, or as our Judge – and that will be the case whether it means life , or death. God’s Word will forever remain to be true – “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord – shall be saved.” [Ro.10:13] Therefore, let us go before His eternal throne humbly seeking His salvation.
There is another text of scripture — Pr.3:5-6 – that has traditionally become a standard among all of our campers here at Camp Del-Haven. Its message is very relevant unto us right now! It says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart – and lean not unto thine own understanding – in all thy ways acknowledge Him – and He shall direct thy path.” These are words upon which we may live out our whole lives upon this earth. Again, I humbly request your earnest prayers for the Lord’s Will to be done for Camp Del-Haven this summer.
No matter what the circumstances dictate to us – we always need to be praying for the precious children that have come to camp – and especially the ones whose hearts were set on coming this year. This unusual adversity that we are currently experiencing can be especially disconcerting to those that are young in the faith. Times like this — that are out of our control – serve to cause us to depend completely upon our wonderful Savior which is a good thing [Romans 8:28]. He is ever faithful and completely trustworthy!
By the way, we have another special prayer request. Last month the hot water heater in our Chapel broke down and flooded throughout the building. This means that it needs to be replaced. The expense is going to run right around $300. Please be in prayer with us concerning this need.
by John Carpenter | Apr 20, 2020 | Devotional
“…to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in Everlasting Righteousness…”[Dan.9:24]
“Therefore, by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be Justified in His sight! For by the Law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the Righteousness of God without the Law is manifested being witnessed by the Law and the prophets, (22) even the Righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe…(23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) being Justified freely by His grace, through the Redemption which is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His Righteousness for the Remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God. (26) To declare, I say, at this time, His Righteousness – that He might be Just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” [Ro.3:20-26]
These two portions of scripture declare the pure gospel truth regarding the Righteousness of God. The Word of God refers to the Gospel of Christ as an “Everlasting Gospel” (Rev.14:6). And, the Word of God also refers to the Righteousness of Christ as an “Everlasting Righteousness” (see above Dan.9:24). The other three scriptural prophetic descriptives of Dan.9:24 right before the one just mentioned, make it absolutely obvious that this points directly to the historical fulfillment of the death and resurrection of the eternally accomplished atonement through the person and performance of the Lord Jesus Christ!
This brings us to the context of Rom.3:20-26. Right up front, it is made clear and plain that there is no justification – or, divine declaration of any among fallen-in-sin mankind — as being righteous before Holy God by doing the works of the Law. All that can be accomplished out of the Law is a full knowledge and understanding of sin! In fact, 1Co.15:56 says: “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin – is the Law.” Hence, there shall no one from among all of fallen flesh that — shall be justified in the sight of Holy God – from doing the deeds of the Law. We absolutely need Eternal Justification or, Everlasting Righteousness in order to be eternally saved! In other words, we absolutely need our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to be our advocate and our propitiation before holy, holy, holy God – where our eternal salvation is concerned!
This brings us to Ro.3:21-26. Christ Jesus, is the promised Seed of the woman that God declared would come and crush the head of the devil-serpent! He is announced in vs.21 as having been manifested – or, as having showed up! The Truth that Jesus, the Christ of God, is our Everlasting Righteousness is substantiated from Jer.23:6, which says: “…and this is His Name whereby He shall be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.” And, this is verified by God through His two witnesses: 1. His divine Law – which Jesus obeyed perfectly during His walk through this fallen-in-sin world, and 2. His prophets — through whom He foretold the coming of Christ into this world. This Righteousness which Christ was – and is – and forever will be, is the “Righteousness of God”! This is what the faith of Abraham exhibited. Consider Ro.4:2-5: “For if Abraham were Justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. (3) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace – but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not – but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly – his faith is counted for Righteousness.” For it is God’s grace of saving faith — that is“the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ”! Praise The Holy Name Of The Savior!
For Christ’s Glory Only – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 12, 2020 | Camp News, Miscellaneous
Well, dear family in Christ, once we get through March we will begin the countdown of work weekends to the Camp Del-Haven 2020 camp season! The arduous task(s) of camp preparation will officially be upon us. Please begin at once in praying with us as we face all that needs to be done. As with all that we ever do – we seek first the wisdom and guidance of our great Savior in this His ministry. We covet your prayerful involvement – as always.
Our standard prayer, of course, is for all the boys and girls that have come to camp in the past – and especially that will be coming to camp this year. The ongoing practice of praying has a great deal to do with the fact of the generational legacy that – by the grace of God – is already happening as far as the ministry of Del-Haven is concerned! Praise the Savior! And, all of you who have been so loyal to support us in your praying with us – our Lord has made you to be a real stalwart part of this reality. We love you and we thank our sovereign, almighty God for you!
Then, likewise, there is the matter of our staff help. We do have some faithful ones that we are so glad to see returning each year – but we are always in need of quality mature Christian male and female helpers. This, too, is something that we depend on the Lord to provide – so, prayer for this provision from His hand is vitally necessary! Please continue to join with us in this particular prayerful endeavor. We thank you in advance for your continual support in this regard.
Thanks so much for your wonderful response in regards to the lifeguard training expense. Praise the Name of our great and gracious Savior!
Summer Volunteers Needed
If you, or someone you know, is interested in serving the Lord with us this summer, please contact Sheri at 816-690-8465 or sheri@campdelhaven.org for more information. We are in need of both adult and young volunteers over the age of 14.
by John Carpenter | Mar 12, 2020 | Devotional
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees – ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” [Mt.5:20]
“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God – but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” [Ro.10:2-4]
Where the pure truth concerning “the righteousness of God” is concerned there is a great deal of misunderstanding. The consequence of being sinners in this sin filled world makes it impossible for anyone (lit.) “to come unto a full knowledge of the truth” [1Tim.2:3] – apart from the free grace of God and the Holy Spirit of God. Sin adversely affects the judgment of even the most religious – the most intelligent – or, the most all around gifted sinner. There is no exception! We need the Spirit of Christ for all our spiritual understanding needs! [see: Pr.16:22; Jn.7:38; Eph.1:17-18]
Where the righteousness that we need for eternal salvation is concerned, Jesus, Himself, said what has been recorded from Mt.5:20 (see above) — and this text is still the Truth. The righteous-ness that we need in order to be accepted and approved by holy, holy, holy God for heaven…or, to put it another way — for us to be “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in Light” [see: Col.1:12] – is none other than the righteousness that only God the Father can give us by His great grace – through the person and work of His incarnated only begotten and beloved Son – the Lord Jesus Christ!
We need what the Word refers to as “the righteousness of God”. For example, “the righteousness of God” is like that which is described and recorded in Ro.1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ – for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…(17) For therein – is the righteousness of God revealed…”. Therefore, “the righteousness of God” is made known unto us by personal divine revelation through hearing “the gospel of Christ” which is “the power of God unto salvation.” [see: Ro.10:16-17] This is why Col.1:12 completely says: “Giving thanks unto the Father – which hath made us meet (or, qualified) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in Light..” And, Christ is, also, the Light – Praise His Holy Name!
So then, it is only by the will of God the Father that anyone has been made to be qualified, approved and “accepted in the Beloved”. [see: Eph.1:3-6]
Ro.10:2 refers all those who like the scribes and Pharisees – have a real zeal for God, but it is a zeal that is not in accordance with (lit.) a “full knowledge” of who God is!
And why is that? Jesus, Himself, explains why from Mt.11:25-27: “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, (the scribes and Pharisees) and hast revealed them unto babes. (newly “born from above” infants!) (26) Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father – and no man (lit.) fully knoweth the Son, but the Father – neither (lit.) fully knoweth any man the Father – save the Son – and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” Of course, all of this revelation experience is brought to pass by the Holy Spirit of God. We will try to delve deeper into this wonderful subject of the “everlasting gospel.” [see: Rev.14:6]
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Feb 23, 2020 | Camp News
Well, dear friends and family in Christ, we are officially in the count down to when we will begin having our “work Saturdays” all the way up to June – when we start our season of camps. Once again, the list of things that we need to get done will be extreme – but our Lord God will guide us. And, once again, we implore your faithful prayers that all will go well and the 2020 season of Camp Del-Haven will get off to another beautiful beginning!
In praying for our preparation of the campgrounds – please remember to seek our Lord’s intercession in whom He wills to send to camp as far as the camper boys and girls are concerned. At the start of each camp session I try to address the children and – right up front – I tell them that each and everyone of them is there as an answer to prayer. I want them to know that God is in control and we have prayed for all of them in advance. The ones who have been here before and are coming back to Del-Haven for another camp – as well as those who are here for the first time. God willing, this will lay a firm foundation for what they can expect throughout the week. Please support us in your faithful prayers for them.
Theresa and I were in Wal-Mart just the other day — and there was Hannah R., one of our faithful regulars on the girls staff. She was with her mother getting some groceries. We greeted each other with hugs and I cheerfully asked, “Are you going to be able to help us again this coming summer?” To which she gave a hearty positive reply. Here again, is another testimony of encouragement from our forever faithful sovereign God who knows our needs even before we ask Him! Nevertheless, please continue to pray for our Lord’s supply of male and female staff members – as it is subject to change at any moment. The Lord, Himself, is our “Rock” where those whom we will have each year on our staff is concerned. We are all willing volunteers for Jesus (see Ps.110:3) – Praise His Name!
We have some good news to give! Two of the most critical buildings that were targeted for needing new roofs (our Restroom/Shower House Building and our Craft Building) quite unexpectedly were completely tended to and totally done! Thanks to Fidler On The Roof KC. They were on the ball, thorough and efficient. The shingles they used are warranted for 30 years! Praise the Savior! Now we don’t have to worry about those buildings being uninsured. Thanks for your prayers with us, also, in this regards.
One of our male staff members who is returning this summer would like to take a certified lifeguard training course. We need $325 to cover the expense for this training. Please pray with us that the Lord will supply the extra funds to be able to cover this expense as it will fill a great need in caring for the safety of all of our campers/staff.
