by John Carpenter | Feb 10, 2013 | Devotional
“And the Lord went before them — by day in a pillar of a cloud — to lead them the way. And, by night in a pillar of fire — to give them light; to go by day and night. (22) He took not away — the pillar of the cloud by day — nor the pillar of fire by night — from before the people!” Ex.13:21-22
The occasion that this text refers to is the very first time that the children of Israel saw the mighty way in which — the delivering Lord God — was going to manifest His presence in guiding and protecting them. This divine phenomena showed up — right when they come to the Red Sea. It led them there — and then protected them from their enemies till they crossed through it on dry ground! It continued to lead them on — throughout their 40 year wilderness journey. In fact, every place that they put up the Tabernacle — this manifestation of God’s preserving presence showed up.
We see a wonderful parallel between the constant presence of the pillar and the prevalent place that the Word of God comes to have in the lives of all His true children. The Holy Spirit uses it to lead us through each day as well. We find from God’s written word — the path of salvation and of life and peace and strength and hope. From it we receive much encouragement and eternal assurance — that God is sovereign and in complete and total control — of all things — at all times!
Like the pillar that provided its guidance and protection during the daytime — every time they were to move from one place to another — even so does the Word of God bless us with that wisdom which is from above — and that Godly instruction so that we can know the way wherein we are to walk. And, then there’s the night — and there are many dark nights in the life of child of God as they traverse this worldly wilderness — that same pillar of cloud suddenly becomes a pillar of fire! Fire to light the way — and at the same time — to ward off the enemy. Fire to gloriously contrast the times of darkness that we must often go through.
Is.4:5-6 alludes to this when God says from there: “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion — and upon her assemblies — a cloud and smoke by day — and the shining of a flame fire by night — for upon all the glory shall be a defense. (6) And there shall be a tabernacle — for a shadow in the daytime from the heat — and for a place of refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain.”
We learn from this — that it is the Lord, Himself, who is our guiding pillar of cloud by day — and our protecting pillar of fire by night! Like the line of the hymn says: “The Lord’s our Rock — in Him we hide — a shelter in the time of storm!” Jn.1:14 very appropriately tells us: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [or, literally: “tabernacled”] among us — and we beheld His glory — the glory as of the only begotten of the Father — full of grace and truth!” Praise the eternal and incarnated Son of God — the Lord Jesus Christ!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
-John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 28, 2013 | Devotional
Wherefore, holy brethren — partakers of the heavenly calling — consider the apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus…” He.3:1
With 2013 having already begun — along with all of the aspirations and resolutions that worldly wisdom promotes to make a positive impact upon a New Year — perhaps the exhortation of this verse should captivate our thoughts and desires. There’s not a more worthy person — than the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ — that could be more profitable for us to seriously consider — than He who is our sovereign/Savior substitute! So, instead of focusing all our attention upon ourselves — and all the vain ways that we feel we could improve ourselves in the coming New Year — let us by the Holy Spirit — look at, and more closely observe, that which our Lord is — and what He has already done — for us. Let us consider Him — who can eternally save us — and — not just change — but, transform our lives! And, according to this text — this will we do — if, indeed, we are truly His “holy brethren” — and are “partakers” — of His heavenly calling.
Let us consider — for this New Year — Jesus as the, “Apostle”, or the messenger, of the glorious good news — of all that He has done — to historically prove Himself to be Jesus, the Christ — the Anointed One — and our eternal Savior. The word, apostle, literally means: a delegate. And, in this context — someone who acts specifically as an Ambassador of the gospel of God [Ro.1:1]. Plus — definitively — this word does not fulfill its intended meaning for “apostle” — apart from also including the divine capability to perform miraculous powers. Works done — in order to substantiate the divine mission of the messenger. And, our Lord Jesus certainly did that> “…the works which the Father hath given me to finish — the same works that I do — bear witness that the Father hath sent me.” [Jn.5:36] “Believe me — that I am in the Father — and the Father in me — or else, believe me for the very works sake!” [Jn.14:11]
Let us consider — for this New Year — Jesus as being the High Priest of (lit.) our confession! He is — in fact — a most unique High Priest — in that He is “perfect”. It is His perfection that sets Him apart from all the other priests — throughout all the history — of fallen mankind! He.7:28: “For the law (lit.) appointeth men high priests which have infirmity (or, which have imperfection) — but the Word of the oath (The immutable sworn Word of holy God) — which was since the law — maketh the Son — who is consecrated [Or, lit. perfected] forevermore!”
This is another aspect that makes Him unique as the High Priest of our confession — He is our perfect and eternal High Priest! The Word of the oath of the Most High God — concerning His Son — is this: “Thou art a priest — forever!” How is this so?! He.7:23-24 tells us> “And they truly were many priests (or, they of the Old Covenant law of Moses) — because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death — (24) but this man (or, lit. “He”, Jesus, the eternal Son of God) because He continues forever — hath an unchangeable priesthood!”
So, therefore, throughout this coming New Year — let us consider Him who is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession — who is able to save to the uttermost — all them that come unto God by Him — in understanding that, He — being made perfect — because we needed to be made perfect — became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that hear and believe Him — and, He ever liveth to make eternally effective intercession for them.
For Christ’s Glory Only-
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Dec 20, 2012 | Devotional
“My brethren, count it all joy — when ye fall into divers temptations! Jas.1:2-4
“Fear not — for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy — which shall be to all people. For unto you is born — this day — in the city of David — a Savior — which is Christ the Lord!” Lk.2:10-11
When we are born from above and regenerated — it is by an act of the Holy Spirit of grace — revealing and uncovering the Word of God unto our hearts — in genuine life quickening spiritual understanding of who Christ is. Jesus is actually born again and anew in us — and as a result — we are made entirely anew as well! And, then suddenly we discover that we can relate with everyone else — to whom this has also occurred. We become “brethren” — siblings together — born of God in the Lord Jesus Christ — who is the manifestation of the great Triumvirate in human form. From the verse one — James refers to himself as literally — the “bond-slave” of God and Jesus. We, too, become fellow yoke-wearers (Mt.11:29-30) in Christ (Ro.6:22).
“Count it all joy” — says the Spirit through James. This means, in essence, to let this Godly way of thinking — command leadership over your whole being — especially when you fall into various trials. Consider the seasons of troubling providence to be that which God has promised to work toward conforming and transforming you into the good and glorious image of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. For remember, dear one, this is God’s destiny — for all of His true children! [Ro.8:28-30]
When our holy Lord was born into this fallen world — He was born into the unavoidable aspects of a troubled, oppressive existence of life and times where sin and death surrounded Him — and yet He triumphed over both. And, when Christ is born again in us who are still in this same fallen place — we suddenly see and learn that sin-infected and spawned circumstances — also surround us on all sides. We learn quickly that there is — by the flesh in this world — no escape from the distress that accompanies our sinful situation. But, we also learn from He — whose yoke we now wear — that as our sovereign Savior — He is the way of escape! [1Co.10:13]
With the glory of the living Christ revealed to be in us — in our new hearts — and our regenerated minds — we are thereby encouraged and strengthened by His might. [Phil.4:11-13] And, because He has overcome the world — we then can and will count all the times and types of our trial with “all joy”. [Jn.16:33] This is because Christ our Lord has been born in us — and we have been — in eternity — placed in Him by His grace. [Eph.1:3-6] For we know that trials — just like years, months, weeks, days and hours — will, ultimately, all just pass away! [Mt.24:35]
Our troubled times [2Co.4:8] are — by God’s divine design — destined to display and disclose our unavoidable conformation unto the image of our Lord Jesus Christ!
For Christ’s Glory Only –
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Nov 10, 2012 | Devotional
16) “Rejoice evermore. (17) Pray without ceasing. (18) In everything give thanks — for this is the will of God — in Christ Jesus — concerning you.” 1Th.5:16-18
(4) “Rejoice in the Lord — always! And again — I say, ‘rejoice’! (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand! (6) Be careful 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.” Phi.4:4-7
There is a common theme expressed in these two different portions of God’s word. Both exhort the true child of God to face whatever circumstances they find themselves in — with cheerfulness. Which entirely makes sense when we remember how Jesus tells us that “in the world” we “shall have tribulation — but be of good cheer”, He says: “I have overcome the world!” Knowing this — we can rejoice in the Lord — always and evermore. Praise His Name! Knowing this — we can be at peace without any anxiety over anything that may have adversely developed around us!
Both texts also advocate a constant — soul rendered posture and practice of prayer. To “pray without ceasing” connotes praying uninterruptedly and without omission. This suggests that the true child of God knows no down time of both an awareness and an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty in each and every situation that unfolds as being His sovereign will for their lives. They are constantly — prayerfully plugged in — to the administrative direction of their Lord and Savior. “The Lord is at hand!” The Lord is our “refuge and strength — a very present help in trouble!”
And finally, both texts tell us that — as a true child of God — thanksgiving is also going to be ever present. Thanksgiving is the evidence of the both the absence of anxiety — and the presence of peace. And, this is true — no matter what sort of adversity we are called to face in this fallen world! It is the conduit through which we bare our souls — and bear our burdens before our gracious Savior and God! Thanksgiving is the evidence of our confidence in the truth — that God can do anything — and that He intimately cares for us by virtue of the fact that — we are to prayerfully present everything –before, and unto Him!!
In fact — this prayerful petitioning for God’s deliverance from all our cares and anxieties — is the very context that the Word presents of how we — as His true children — do humble ourselves before Him: (6) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God [I.e. under the all powerful hand of God] — that He may exalt you [Or, that He may lift and elevate you out] — in due time [I.e. at just the proper time]– (7) casting all your care upon Him — for He careth for you!” So then — we are constantly — cheerfully — prayerfully — and thankfully — casting all our cares upon Him — because He is intimately interested in all that concerns us!
For Christ’s Glory Only-
John Carpenter
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
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
