Devotion for October 2012

by John Carpenter | Oct 20, 2012 | Devotional

“Then he which had received one talent — came and said, ‘Lord, I knew thee — that thou art an hard man — reaping where thou hast not sown — and gathering where thou hast strawed! (25) And, I was afraid — and went and hid thy talent in the earth. Lo, there thou hast that is thine.’ (26) His Lord answered and said unto him, ‘Thou wicked and slothful servant! Thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not — and gather where I have not strawed’!” Mt.25:24-26

This excerpt comes out Christ’s parable of the talents from Mt.25:14-30. Among many good points that could be made regarding the servant that was given just one talent — there is this obvious truth that could be said: God does not bestow His grace — upon any of His true children — for them to do nothing. In fact, His grace is enabling! It is by His grace of faith — and not by sight — that we do walk through this fallen world. The wicked servant knew full well that God was sovereign.

Often times — as true believers — in a fallen and hostile world — the battle that we face where the real evil enemy is concerned — is not simply cut and dried — or, totally black and white. We — of necessity — must constantly be seeking the Lord through prayer and researching His Word — in order to be able to discern what it is that we should be doing. Of course, God is absolutely sovereign and in control of all things — and there is no doubt about the fact — that whatever happens is ultimately going to prove to be exactly the way that His eternal purpose and decree — His immutable counsel — has determined. But, this truth concerning God’s sovereignty never ever undermines our accountability unto Him and His Word where we as His chosen children are concerned. We are fulfilling what is written in His Word — as either being His saved ones in this fallen world — or, we are not! “So then — every one of us shall give account of himself to God!” Ro.14:12

There are many among our company as Christians that have succumbed to the sad reality of the foreboding sinful state and condition that our country is presently in — and in their forlorn mind set — they have determined to not participate in the up and coming election. I know how you feel — but I also know that this ought not so to be! To do nothing is exactly what the Evil One hopes will happen. We must reckon with the present reality — that God has not providentially orchestrated it — so that we have a clear choice between a true spiritual leader to rule over us — and someone who isn’t. It’s not that simple! But, when we know of one choice that will not totally strip away our Godly freedoms and blessings — then we must trust the Lord — and make that choice! When nothing is done — a choice for evil is made. God help you!

The Lord does not teach His total sovereignty as a fatalistic philosophy, but rather as it truly is — a strong and mighty tower for all His saved ones to take refuge in regardless of the certainty of His coming unfavorable judgments!

For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter

Devotional for September 2012

by John Carpenter | Sep 6, 2012 | Devotional

“It is a good thing to give thanks — unto the Lord — and to sing praises — unto thy name, O most High! (2) To show forth thy lovingkindness — in the morning — and thy faithfulness — every night. (4) For thou, Lord — hast made me glad through thy work! I will triumph — in the works of thy hands! (5) O Lord, how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep.” Ps.92:1-2,4 -5”

Isn’t it wonderful — in and through the course of this fallen and cursed world — to experience the continual preservation and provision of the Lord! It just makes you so very thankful that — among all the other fallen and sinful inhabitants of the human race — that you are one of His! It makes you traverse through these days — with a song of praise in your heart — knowing that — in spite of all the struggle and affliction that goes along with living in this cursed world — you are just so happy to be in Jesus — and all the blessings of the victory that He has won on your behalf!

It is then that your life becomes a veritable revelation of His lovingkindness and faithfulness. And, that is the case — both day and night! In times of prosperity and adversity — thankfulness and songs of praise fill your days — because of Him!

That which makes us so glad is His work — that He performs — in and through us. Why – it is in His works — that we truly triumph — as a victor — and shout for joy for their greatness! It is in His works — that we come to exercise — our genuine dependence upon Him — for the provision of His guidance and deliverance.

It is His thoughts toward us — that are what assures us — that we are His — and under His perfect Will and good pleasure! “His thoughts — are very deep” — it says.
Ro.11:33 tells us: “O the depth — of the riches — both — of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable [or, incomprehensible] are His judgments [or, decisions] and His ways [or, means of doing things] past finding out!”

And to think that God the Holy Spirit [whom both God the Father and God the Son have sent unto us — to seal us and to dwell in us — in an eternal covenant union with Him, the One triune God] — has shown (or, has revealed) unto us — a reflection of the riches of His glorious wisdom and knowledge. It is, indeed, unfathomable!

No wonder Ps.139:17 says: “How precious are thy thoughts unto me — O God! How great [or, how mighty] is the sum of them!” His thoughts toward us are not only deep into the riches of His wisdom and knowledge — but they are also of great value to us in that they are — according to Jer.29:11 — “thoughts of peace — and not of evil” — unto the eternal salvation of our souls. Praise His Name!

Truly and indeed, “it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord! And to sing praises…” unto His wonderful Name!

For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter