by John Carpenter | Nov 17, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
The month to month necessities of Del-Haven still need to be met on an ongoing basis. And, we still have a balance of $56,000 with the bank that we need to — Lord willing — pay off and retire. Please resume your earnest prayers with us in this matter. God has brought us through financial difficulties like these in the past — and He can do it again. Please pray that He will.
Most of all, ever be in prayer with us for all the children that have passed across these camp grounds this last summer. And, that have heard and embraced the truth of the gospel of the glory and grace of Christ, our God. They are for the most part — so much like sheep for the slaughter in that they are being herded back into the untoward environments of an ungodly school system. They, indeed, need our prayers — for God to keep them in the safety and security that comes from being rooted and grounded in the knowledge and understanding of His word. Pray that they remember their memory verses and gospel choruses and find in them comfort and strength and protection that can only come from the Lord. Please, dear ones, persevere with us in this Godly endeavor. We love you and thank you for doing so.
by John Carpenter | Nov 17, 2011 | Devotional
“Be careful [or, anxious] for nothing — but in everything by prayer and supplication — with thanksgiving — let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding — shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:6-7
This text is indeed a wonderful communication from the Lord unto all of His people. It is more than just an exhortation to them — to not worry — but it describes how it is that they will avoid the worries of this world, or the worries of being in this world. The wasted time worrying and being anxious over the things and the pit falls of this world — is much more wisely spent in prayer — making supplications for the Savior to enter the equation of their experience and deliver them from all their anxieties.
It is said that the Roman warriors of Bible times would intentionally exercise with all their armor on in order to keep their muscles conditioned to being able to move with dexterity in it. In this way, they would be most fit for the fight — when it would happen. Even so does the true believing sinner saved by grace exercise himself rather unto Godliness — so he, too, can be prepared to engage the spiritual battles that ever and always are dreadfully looming about his soul.
It is interesting in contrast to that comparison with the Roman soldiers — that the word so used in 1Ti.4:7 for “exercise thyself rather unto Godliness” — that the warriors for Christ are to do — literally means to practice completely naked where it pertains to Godliness. And, that would be completely naked of self-righteousness and pride and anything remotely related to the boastful thinking self reliance.
What better posture is there for doing this — than the posture one puts themselves in when they pray. Our Lord resists the proud — and gives the victory of grace unto the humble. When the child of God and soldier of the Lord supplicates, or petitions the Lord for anything — they do so in complete humility — understanding their utter unworthiness. We can by Christ’s righteousness come boldly to His throne of grace, but we dare not approach holy and almighty God brashly and presumptively!
Therefore, also, we come before Him “with thanksgiving” — because it is only by His doing that we are even allowed and empowered to do so. And, it is His “peace” that makes it all possible. The “peace of God which surpasses all understanding” — even because it is so undeserved by all those who by grace have been granted it! It took Christ’s coming from eternity into a lost and fallen world — and living and dying and being raised again in order to conquer sin and death — in order to secure peace for all those He came to save. And, this is what guards-as-with-a-garrison the hearts and minds [or, lit., thoughts] of all who are in Christ Jesus! All of whose requests will ultimately center upon this Godly goal. Praise the glorious Name of the Savior!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Oct 13, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
Fall Friendship Banquet 2011
The weekend began with a staff overnight at Camp Del-Haven. About half of the staff members attended and shared in an evening of fellowship and “catching up” since the summer sessions had ended.
On Saturday afternoon, we met with several of the faithful supporters for a time of fellowship and celebration. It is always encouraging to spend time with those who have supported Del-Haven through prayer and giving from the beginning (1952) and those who have joined the Lord’s work at Del-Haven along the way. As always, we missed those who were not able to attend this year.
The theme of the banquet was “Bless the Lord, O My Soul.” It was suggested by Marylee Carpenter who challenged both board members and staff to commit to memory and study Psalm 103.
John Carpenter emceed the event and gave a message over the many benefits bestowed upon us as mentioned in Psalm 103. His granddaughter, Sarah Jane sang “My Lord Knows The Way Through The Wilderness.” This was her first year to attend the camp as an official camper.
May you truly be blessed as you continue to serve our Lord and Savior. We appreciate your prayers and support and thank the Lord for each of you.
by John Carpenter | Oct 13, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
Please be in prayer with us for our staff members. The Lord has greatly blessed our need for staff the last several years and they are very dear to us. They volunteer their time and truly seek to serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel with the children who otherwise may not hear. They care for these campers and develop relationships with them, sometimes for several years. One such previous camper is Delano. He has been camping with us since he was six years old. He is currently in our Learning to Serve program as a 14 (soon to be 15) year old. He and his family have a great need as to where they are living and where he can go to school. This is a burden that he continually casts before the Lord, and we also ask that you be praying with him and with us about this situation. In addition, we have several of our staff members who are facing the trials and adventures of college and working their first major jobs. The Lord has sent these young people to Del-Haven for a reason and we trust that it is to minister to them and help prepare them for future ministry and Christian living.
The payoff on the bank loan for the waterlines and lake has been slow. The bank continues to work with us and allows us to pay a monthly interest and extra payments toward the principal as we are able. The current loan balance is $56,200.
by John Carpenter | Oct 13, 2011 | Devotional
“They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, ‘Come — and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant — that shall not be forgotten.’” Jer.50:5
This verse describes the attitude and motivation of the true people of God. Eventually everyone of God’s chosen — throughout all the generations of history — suddenly — are awakened by the Holy Spirit to look toward “Zion” and express with resolve what is here spoken.
The particular context that is immediately upon Israel is the prophecy of Jeremiah of their captivity in Babylon. Herein is proclaimed the gospel of God’s judgment that will most certainly come upon the Babylonians — even though God used them to take His people captive for their unfaithfulness to Him. Hence, they have been carried off a long way from Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. And, vs.33 relates the judgment of God upon His elect: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts: ‘The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together — and all that took them captives held them fast! They would not let them go.’”
God’s purpose is revealed from what is written in vs.34: “Their Redeemer is strong! The Lord of hosts is His name! He shall throughly [or, through out] plead their cause — that He may give rest to the land — and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.” And, our Lord does this very thing for His elect people of every nation, kindred, tongue and tribe — throughout every generation of the history of fallen humanity!
All the people of God without exception — by God’s grace — by God’s Spirit — say: “Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual [or, lit., eternal] covenant that shall not be forgotten.” It is because of the eternal redemption obtained for us by our Kinsman Redeemer — the eternal Lord and Savior, Himself — that we then by faith do join ourselves to Him in accordance with the mandates of the eternal covenant — that has been cut and ratified among the counsels of the almighty Triune God! “But without faith — it is impossible to please Him! For He that cometh to God must believe that He is — and, that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him!”
Therefore this covenant union — secured by Christ our Redeemer — “shall not be forgotten” — by us. This, in fact, is what we celebrate as often as we come together around the Lord’s Table! Nor will it ever be forgotten by the Lord of hosts! He might as well forget Himself — as forget His “perpetual covenant”!
So then, according to the gospel of the glory of Christ, all God’s chosen people — throughout all time — by God’s great grace — with great resolve — will come out from sin’s enslaving captivity — into eternal covenant union with Him — and unto the eternal rest that is only to be found in heavenly Zion. Praise and glory to Christ!
For Christ’s Glory Only,
John Carpenter
