by John Carpenter | Jun 20, 2014 | Devotional
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jn.16:33
Jesus spoke this wonderful word of encouragement shortly before He went to the Calvary. When He suffered the affliction of the cross – He endured the worst of conditions for those He came to save.
Although His outward condition was about to become one of unbelievable agony, yet His position was one of unshakable security. Earlier from Jn.14:10-11 He told the disciples that He was “in the Father” and that the things He said and did were not in accordance to His own will, but of the will of the Father. Even so do we have a like relationship with Christ. According to Eph.1:4, we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world!
In Jesus (who is our peace) we have peace; whereas in this world we have tribulation. But, praise His name, Jesus has “overcome the world”.
God’s grace of faith readily receives this Word from God. What an understatement it truly is — that in the world we will have tribulation. Everyday in this world proves the veracity of this declaration, and it is certain that our Lord knew this to be true — more than anyone — when He said it. What He means to convey for the strengthening of our faith is that — although we must endure the tribulation that fills up the conditions of this world — we who are positioned in Him will have peace…because He, the Prince of peace, has overcome this world of tribulation.
“Tribulation” connotes the pressures that we are under on virtually every level of our life. Whereas the word for “peace” communicates the “rest” of our being in union with our Lord. We are, therefore, by grace united with the only one who has indeed “overcome” the world. That is to say that He has subdued it and brought it completely under His reigning control…Hallelujah! It is no wonder, then, that He also encourages us to “be of good cheer” — which literally means that we are to, in Him, be brave and courageous in the presence of all the world’s trials and pressures.
Is.48:10 declares that the Lord has literally chosen and tried His people “in the furnace of affliction”. We are reminded from this passage of the experience of the three Hebrew boys in the midst of the fiery furnace…with the Son of God. They came out — they came through it — without even the odor of smoke on their clothes.
And finally, Acts 14:22 relates to us how Paul and Barnabus went back through Lystra, Iconium and Antioch “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God’.” And, having been positioned in Christ — we cannot fail.
by John Carpenter | May 15, 2014 | Ministry News
Do not forget to lift up our front line warriors for the Lord — our staff. These servants are the ones who must face the rigors of the day in and day out ordeals — that can involve the most unexpected situations that a ministry such as this entails. Therefore, they need daily strength and encouragement that only Christ our Lord can provide. So, therefore, please pray for them without fail!
God bless you for your continual prayers and support. We love you all very much.
It is mind boggling to think that just one month from today — we will have already had our first Del-Haven camp of the 2014 season! It is only true saving faith that beholds that which cannot be seen with physical eyes — and that also tightly embraces all the promises of our almighty and sovereign Savior/God. And, truly, the ministry here at Del-Haven is a work — of the faith of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. [Ga 2:20]
We still have room for more campers in our first session, June 16-19. So, if you know of any 6 to 8 yr. old boys, or girls — that would like to go to camp — then go to our website: www.campdelhaven.org and fill out an application right away! Please pray that the Lord sends to us the children whom He wills to hear the gospel of the glory of our Lord Jesus. It is this prayer that He has answered for us – now – for over six decades!
Preparations are being completed in order to make the camp ready for the season. We are so appreciative of all who have participated — and who are yet planning to participate — in this much needed labor. We could not do it without you all! Again, continue to pray with us that the Lord guide us — and provide for us — and protect us as we press on in service to His Kingdom — for His glory only!
by John Carpenter | May 15, 2014 | Devotional
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief — but was strong in faith — giving glory to God — and being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform — and, therefore, it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
This wonderful text from Ro.4:20-22 is written in reference to the faith experience of Abraham concerning the birth of his promised son, Isaac, by Sarah. And, anyone who knows the circumstances surrounding this incident realizes the impossible odds that were naturally against such a thing ever even happening. Why?– simply because Abraham was 100 years old — and his wife, Sarah, was 90! In fact, the scripture says that Sarah was passed the age of being able to have children. So, when it says that Abraham “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief” — it is bearing testimony to a rather remarkable aspect in itself. For how could Abraham not doubt in the face of such obvious physical obstacles? After all — this is the same Abraham that just a few years earlier — when traveling with Sarah through Egypt — was so afraid that if Pharaoh knew that he was Sarah’s husband — that he would probably kill him so he could steal her for himself. So, what did this mighty man of faith do? He concocted a scheme to be disguised as his wife’s brother in order to have a better chance of staying out of harm’s way with the Pharaoh! Of course, our gracious and almighty God then intervened for Abraham and delivered him from the Egyptians. Nevertheless, there certainly was some serious “staggering” going on at this particular time in Abraham’s life!
Now — where our text is concerned — the physical aspects of the unlikelihood of being able to bear a firstborn son with his aged wife — were very much pronounced to say the least! But, as it says, even in the face of all the impossibilities he did not demonstrate any wavering unbelief. In fact, it says that he “(1) was strong in faith — (2) giving glory to God — (3) being fully persuaded — that what He had promised, He was able also to perform”. Oh, that we might exude these three Godly traits as well!
There were three miracles that occurred simultaneously around the birth of Isaac:
1. The actual birth of Isaac (which only God by His grace could have done)
2. The unshakable faith of Abraham that stood so strong through all the praying and waiting for the birth of Isaac to finally take place (again, performed by God)
3. Then there is the righteousness that through this whole faith experience that was, by God’s grace, imputed unto Abraham — making him totally acceptable with Him!
This is the miracle of the grace of faith, my friends! For it, alone, is this kind of faith — true saving faith — that is as un-natural to fallen human contrivance as it is for a barren, 90 year old woman to give birth to her first child! There can be no doubt about it — that the very faith that was so remarkably exercised from Abraham — in the face of such impossibilities — was the Col.2:12 kind of faith…“faith of the operation of God — who raised Him [I.e. Jesus] from the dead.
For Christ’s Glory Only,
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Ministry News
Well we are coming up on our third Saturday workday. Things are gearing up in our preparation for the camp season. There is still plenty to get done — so, again, if you, or your group can lend us a hand — it will be greatly appreciated. Just let us know — if you can — that you’re coming — and when you’re coming. On Saturday’s we generally provide breakfast and lunch. People begin to show up around 8:00 AM and work till around 1:00 PM — but nothing is written in stone as far as this schedule is concerned.
If you, or your group want to help provide us with supplies, or things of that nature, just call us and get what we need. This sort of thing seems very fluid at this particular time. As we approach the month of June what is lacking will become much more obvious.
by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Ministry News
As ever — we earnestly urge you to remember us in your prayers. Please be praying for our staff members — that the Lord will provide us with the maturity and leaders that we need — for both the boys and the girls. Pray for Sheri and Jeff our two major players where our staff is concerned. And, as always — be in earnest prayer for the children that are already applying for a position in our different camps. Pray that the Holy Spirit be preparing their hearts to hear and to respond to the presentation of the pure gospel truth of God’s Word. We love and thank you for being there in support of this ongoing evangelistic effort — all for Christ’s glory!
