by John Carpenter | Jan 8, 2012 | Devotional
“Be strong and courageous — be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria — nor for all the multitude that is with him — for there be more with us than with him! (8) With him is an arm of flesh — but with us is the Lord our God — to help us and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah.” 2Chr.32:7-8
These are the words that Hezekiah spoke unto the people of Jerusalem when king Sennacherib and the Assyrians had come and surrounded the city and demanded that they surrender, or die. It was, however, 185,000 of them that died instead — overnight — by just one angel of the Lord!
This incident occurred right after Hezekiah had done such good for the nation of Judah. 2Chr.31:20-21 describes: “And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah — and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. (21) And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God and in the law and in the commandments — to seek his God — he did it — with all His heart — and prospered!”
There is so much here to encourage our hearts — is there not? No matter what the outlook is — or, the odds are — that are against us — when the Lord our God is with us there is no enemy nor weapon that is formed by the flesh that can prosper! There is no government — nor principality — nor power that can prevail over us! Ps.34:7 says that, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him — and delivereth them.”
A true child of God will always be in prayer — seeking the Lord his God — that He will go before them — in everything — in this world! “In all thy ways acknowledge Him — and He shall direct thy paths” — “Pray without ceasing”– “Men ought always to pray — and not to faint”. And, isn’t it wonderful that we do not need to have to always go to our special place of prayerful worship and devotion in order to petition from the Lord — His leading? No — His almighty throne of grace — from where He rules and reigns over us — is immediately available to us — whenever we call — from wherever we are. God’s eternal presence goes with us! This means that God’s power goes with us — and God’s peace goes with us — and God’s prevailing grace goes with us! The blood paved way to the throne of grace is always available — is always to us accessible. That is — to the true children of God. He has eternally willed and made this to be the way that it is. Praise His Great Name!
So, as another new year in this old world overtakes us — let us be mindful of God’s great and wonderful never failing faithfulness. Yes — in this world we will have trials and tribulation — but that’s ok — because Jesus in no uncertain terms tells us that He has fought for us — and has overcome the world! On this truth — spoken by He, who is the Truth — we can rest.
-For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Dec 12, 2011 | Devotional
“But when the fullness of the time was come — God sent forth His Son — made of a woman…” “And the Word was made flesh — and dwelt among us — and we beheld His glory. The glory as of the only begotten of the Father — full of grace and truth.” Gal.4:4; Jn.1:14
These two texts describe the one and the same event within the appointed and decreed providence governed by sovereign almighty God. This grand event — marked the crowning moment of the fallen world — the whole age of sin and death! It marked the beginning — for all those of both time and eternity — of the fulfillment of God’s promise of ultimate judgment upon the deceitful, evil head of the devil — and of the ultimate bestowal of grace and truth that saves — upon the souls of His fallen and lost children. It marked the coming of the promised Christ of God — who is none other than the Lord Jesus — the only begotten — and eternal — Son of God!
In the garden where mankind plunged himself headlong into sin, God said unto the deceiving serpent: “and I will put enmity between thee and between the woman — and between thy seed and between her seed — it (or, lit., He) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” (Gen.3:15) And, there is written in scripture from 1Jn.3:8 the grace/truth of the matter that says: “He that committeth sin is of the devil — for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose — the Son of God was manifested — that He might destroy the works of the devil.” And, for our eternal assurance there is explained from He.9:11-12, “But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come — by a greater and more perfect tabernacle — not made with hands — that is to say, not of this building (or, lit., creation)…by His own blood He entered in once for all into the holy place — having obtained eternal redemption for us.” And, then it is further declared from He.10:5-7, “Wherefore, when He cometh into the world — He saith…Then said I — ‘Lo, in the Volume of the Book it is written of me — to do thy will, O God’!” And, what He said He would do — He has done!
Even so, the Christ of Christmas came into this world according to the eternal will and purpose of God to effectually undo the deception and death of the devil — and to effectually save His people from their sins. This is what it means when it says that “the Word was made flesh and dwelt — or, tabernacled — among us and we beheld His glory.” The only begotten Son of God — in human flesh — was born of the seed of a woman — in order to be unto us an eternally effective display of God’s saving grace as a perfect propitiation for all His children. His coming into this — our fallen world — in order to perform this divinely ordered feat of eternal glory is what is worth a great celebration! Heaven and earth rejoice in the glory of His accomplishment!
Oh that there would genuinely be a worldwide restoration of the pure truth of this good news — this gospel of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! May all of our lives be so lived to the accomplishment and maintenance of this very thing. Amen.
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 | 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
by John Carpenter | Sep 5, 2011 | Devotional
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith — that ye being rooted and grounded in love (18) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height — (19) and to know the love of Christ — which passeth knowledge — that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph.3:17-19
From within the divine agenda of God’s dealings with all who are His — love has a prominent part. It was God’s love that sent His only begotten Son into this fallen world to be the only sovereign Savior/Substitute for all for whom He died. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son — that whosoever believeth in Him — should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jn.3:16
It is God’s everlasting love that draws those same ones to Him — and motivates Him to savingly reveal Himself to them. “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying: ‘Yea — I have loved thee with an everlasting love!’ Therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jer.31:3
Love is a grace bestowed upon us from God — that is particularly expressed towards His children. In their lives — it’s presence is a presence of God’s power. “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” It controls us so that we do not henceforth live unto ourselves — but unto Him which died for us — and rose again! 2Co.5:14-15
Love distinguishes itself in our lives in that it is active — and not just passive. “My little children — let us not love in word, neither in tongue — but in deed and in truth”
Love identifies genuine regeneration. “Beloved — let us love one another for love is of God — and everyone that loveth is born of God — and knoweth God.”
Love identifies real revelation. “In this was manifested (or, revealed) the love of God toward us — because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him.”
Love identifies an accomplished reconciliation through Christ our Substitute. “Herein is love — not that we loved God — but that He loved us — and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins!”
Love is the bonding demonstration of our union with Christ and with other Christians. “Beloved, if God so loved us — we ought also to love one another. If we love one another — God dwelleth in us — and His love is perfected in us — he that dwelleth in love — dwelleth in God — and God in him.” 1Jn.3:18; 4:7-16
One last comment — love is the statute and rule by which we children of the Light walk as we journey through the maze of madness that makes up this world.
“Be ye, therefore, followers of God as dear children and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us — and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.” “For ye were sometimes darkness — but now are ye light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light.” Eph.5:1-2,8
For Christ’s Glory Only!
-J. Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Aug 8, 2011 | Devotional
“O God, thou art my God! Early will I seek thee — my soul thirsteth for thee — my flesh longeth for thee — in a dry and thirsty land where no water is — to see thy power and thy glory. So as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” Ps.63:1-2
This Psalm was written when David was in the wilderness of Judah. He knew hot and dry days — one right after the other. And, the Holy Spirit used that experience in his life to cultivate and convey how much he truly longed for the Lord to make His presence to be realized to his soul.
He says: “O God (Elohim — triune God), thou art my God” (El — singular form — God of omnipotence; God of strength and endurance). “Early will I seek thee…” Which denotes at the crack of dawn he sets out on a mission to find His God. This speaks of the love that He had for God — which, in turn, speaks more of God’s love for him (for we love God because He first loves us).
The intensity of this great love is articulated next. Even so is it expressed by how thirsty for Him he indeed is. He is thirsty for God’s presence and power and glory.
He is thirsty for God’s word which promotes the means of the true worship of God in Spirit and in truth — which every true believer loves to do. So much so that his flesh all but faints in pining away for God’s gracious power to show itself — to enable him to persevere and endure. For at the present time — he is indeed “in a dry and thirsty land where no water is”.
Water is a Semitic symbol for both God’s Word and God’s Spirit [Eph.5:26 and Jn.7:38-39]. And, in every true believer’s experience there are very real times of soul wrenching seeking for the water of word and Spirit. Times that serve to stretch their faith — and enhance the relationship with their Lord and Savior.
And, where else do we feel — do we sense that we are — the most content — the safest and most secure — where all our needs are met — but in the sanctuary of our God’s presence. Sanctuary is actually: Holy Place…where the mercy seat is — where our atonement — our redemption — our sanctification is eternally established — by Christ our God’s gracious person and work.
Here is where we truly see and understand His great glory and power in the eternal salvation of our soul. It’s all Him! He is the water that we long for — He is the strength that we lack — He is the power that proves to be sufficient to prevail over all the insurmountable odds that are against us.
Let us show ourselves to be His children by fulfilling that which is written in Pr.8:17: “I love them that love me — and those that seek me early shall find me.”
For Christ’s Glory Only!
– John Carpenter
