by John Carpenter | Oct 18, 2014 | Devotional
“For there is one God — and one Mediator — between God and men — the man Christ Jesus; (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all — to be testified in due time.” “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood — He also Himself, likewise, took part of the same — that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death — that is, the devil; (15) and deliver them who — through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (16) For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels — but He took on Him the seed of Abraham.” 1Ti.2:5-6; He.2:14-16
The first text of our chosen devotional scripture comes right off the sacred page from the greater context that leads up to — and that follows immediately after it. It is a statement of factual conclusion that is arrived at by virtue of a previous premise that is so plainly and clearly laid down from vs.3-4 : “For this is good and acceptable — in the sight of God, our Savior — who will have all men to be saved — and come unto the knowledge of the truth”. These two verses are also given as a conclusion that pertains to why the Holy Spirit through the apostle exhorts, or encourages, us to pray for all ranks of men in authority over us in this world so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life (vs.1-2). The reason being that we are to pray for them that rule over us — is simply because our sovereign God has even some of them among His eternally elect unto salvation! And, as is the case with all His saved ones, they, too, if saved, will be led unto a full knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus (Eph.4:21).
And, what is the substance of the truth that we all by God’s will and grace through the leading of the Holy Spirit will of a certainty come to truly believe? It is the truth that concerns specifically the Lord Jesus Christ being the one and only God/man and Mediator between us saved sinners and God. Praise His Name! You see — it is Him and Him alone — who has been, from eternity, incarnated into the human race as eternal God‘s, only begotten and beloved Son and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
The Hebrews text, above, declares descriptively the details of this wonderful truth. To save all who are among His chosen children — throughout our fallen into sin human history — He was sent into our world to die; and through His death He perfectly accomplished two things. He destroyed the person and work of the devil — and He delivered us from our sin and Satan’s control over us! Bless the Lord God!
He did this grand work of eternally saving us — by becoming a partaker of flesh and blood — just like us — and being the promised “seed” of Ge.3:15. This singular Seed was prophetically confirmed to be incarnated – in the promised “Seed of Abraham” – concerning whom the Holy Spirit through the apostle John wrote when he declared: “For this purpose — the Son of God was manifested (or, revealed) — that He might destroy (or, lit., undo) — the works of the devil!” 1Jn.3:8 Let us rejoice together in our Lord as we reflect upon the full knowledge of this glorious gospel truth (Ac.13:33; 2Jn.3).
– For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Ministry News
We need some major renovation work done to the ceiling and roof of our dining hall patio and storage room. We have a contractor that can do the job for around $1200. This needs to done before any winter snows come upon us. Please pray that our Lord will supply the extra finances for this much needed project — as well as our regular monthly expenses (which are becoming increasingly more difficult to meet). We thank you and praise the Lord for you in advance for remembering us before the throne of our sovereign Lord and Savior. We love and pray for you all! For Christ’s glory only!
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Ministry News
We are not going to be able to have a fall Del-Haven Banquet this year — so we have instead scheduled our banquet for next spring. It is slated to take place on the first day of spring — March 21, 2015. You will receive more information about this event — but please go ahead and mark your next year’s calendars. Lord willing — this will be a great way for us to launch our next year’s camp season! Put this, also, on your prayer list…thank you.
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Ministry News
A Word From The 2014 Staff Journal
Brittany, one of our girl staff members, wrote in our camp journal about her experience in helping us at one of our June camps:
“This week has been one of the best for me at camp — as far as being able to answer spiritual questions goes (lol). The girls are proud to say, ‘I believe in Jesus’ — and I pray they continue that.
Some of the girls had attitude problems, but I think it’s just a reaction to such a different routine. So many of these children are used to being ignored — verbally/Sexually/physically abused — so coming here they expect the same treatment. They want attention and negative attention is mostly what they receive, so they try to gain it. What a shock to meet people who are kind to them — and encourage them! I pray that the staff will remember that — and press on to be kind.
I’ve gotten so much encouragement from all the staff here over the years. God bless all the participants of Camp Del-Haven! You’re forever in my heart. Mary Lee — we miss you.” Love, Brittany
Dear ones, when we ask you to pray for our staff and the children that the Lord sends to us to minister to — this is just a sample of what you’re prayerfully supporting. Please continue to do so. The Lord uses your support to meet our needs!
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Devotional
“But my God shall supply all your need — according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (20) Now unto God and our Father — be glory forever and ever — Amen.” Phil.4:19-20
This all too familiar passage of scripture communicates such great comfort and hope to all of God’s needy children who are yet passing through this fallen world. Just to know that sovereign God, our heavenly Father, knows our needs before we ask Him (Mt.6:8) and, also, has perfectly provided the means and the substance of the supply of them — gives unto us great reason to rejoice, rest and be at peace. This truth should also motivate us to further rejoice and thankfully pray to Him — without ceasing (1Th.5:16-18) — casting all our care upon Him — because we know that He so much lovingly cares for us (Pe.5:7)!
This simple truth, however, is one of the most misunderstood aspects about the sovereignty of God over all of the lives of His loved and chosen children in this fallen world. Too often it is — that many Christians miss the point of truly seeking after the Lord God — who already knows all — and already has everything all worked out — especially where the oppressive trials and needs of this life are concerned. It is a vivid expression of fallen and carnal reasoning — that is based upon unbelief instead of true faith — that in times of trial and adversity and need we become weighed down with worry, doubt and are even brought to the brink of falling to pieces under the stress and strain of that which we must face up to and go through in this life. “Much tribulation” is a definite characteristic that literally substantiates the proof that we are, indeed, on the narrow way, or the right path, that leads through this fallen world into the eternal, glorious presence and Kingdom of God. [Ac.14:22] Praise His Name!
Dear ones, there is no reason for us to ever have to fret the threatening evil of our day and time, or our circumstances — because our Lord God is still in complete control — just as He has always been! And, as the apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians while he was living under one of the most oppressive governments in Roman history: “I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live — yet not I but Christ liveth in me…and the life which I now live in the flesh — I live by the faith of the [eternal] Son of God — who loved me and gave Himself for me.” We can trust Him, who is our Savior and Lord — to never, ever leave us, or forsake us (He.13:5). He will protect, preserve and provide for all those — whom He has eternally redeemed. He is our Head — and we are His body. We are bound to Him by His everlasting love and sovereign grace — which reigns over our whole lives through His perfect righteousness (Ro.5:21). We are His building — and He is our sure and firm foundation (1Co.3:11 1Pe.2:4-5). He supplies all that we need — and then shows to us that He, Himself, is that which fills all our needs. Blessed be the holy Name of the Lord!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
“Call upon me in the day of trouble — I will deliver thee —
and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps.50:15
