"God Bless America" - Friday July 4, 2025

"God Bless America"

July 4th, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This document officially declared the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule and is still celebrated today as the birth of the United States of America.

 

Today is the 249^th birthday of our great country. We celebrate our freedom with the privilege of doing as we please as long as we stay within the boundaries of our laws. This freedom has come at a cost. Lives have been lost on battlefields, law enforcement officers and others serving to keep us safe have lost their lives doing so. Just a couple few days ago two firefighters lost their lives as they arrived to put out a house fire. They were ambushed by the homeowner who set the house on fire, then shot and killed the fireman who came to put it out.

 

It's hard to grasp the mentality of those who disrespect authority, our nation, flag, freedom and other people in general. Despite all the battles. Despite all the hatred and animosity being spread by some, our Flag still flies and God's promise of blessings are still in place.

 

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" (Psalm 33:12).

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

 

As we celebrate this special day, let's take time to pray for all military personnel, police officers, fire fighters, and all others who've dedicated their lives to keep us safe and healthy. May God bless you all and MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

 

Pastor Carnes

"Finding God's Plan" Pt 2 of 2 Thursday July 3, 2025

"Finding God's Plan" Pt 2 of 2:

Mistakes are effective teachers. There consequences have a way of making lessons painfully clear. But those who learn from their mistakes are likely to develop wisdom that not only helps them move forward, but use this experience to help others in similar situations..

Jeremiah 29:11 is still in the Bible. Its message is a true today as when it was scribed on the sacred pages of God's Word. Finding God's plan or His perfect will for our lives isn't always easy. Some never find it because they choose to ignore Him entirely and live a life as if the Lord doesn't even exist. Here's the thing about God - when He created us, he gave us the freedom of choice. We can love him, hate him, accept him, deny him, follow or reject him. You and I make a choice about God EVERY SINGLE DAY of our lives. To live WITH or WITHOUT Him!

Here's another thing about God (whether you believe it or not). God NEVER CHANGES. He loves you as much today as the moment He knit you together in your mother's womb. His plan and purpose for your life is still in place. His plans aren't just good; THEY ARE PERFECT! They are designed with a perspective that sees the entire tapestry of our lives, not just the single thread we fixate on. Trusting that truth, however, requires faith, especially when circumstances seem confusing, painful, or vastly different from what we envisioned.

Do you feel like you've messed your life up? If so, thank God for that feeling because He's letting you know He knows where you are, what you need, and that He not only has the solution for your life's problems - HE IS THE SOLUTION! The Bible is filled with men and women who messed up, but learned of the grace of God. Lives were changed in that day and are being changed today when any individual realizes God's ways are better than there's.

It doesn't matter how far you've drifted, how lost you are, the depths you've fallen, the decisions you've made, God is calling your name. He stands before you with open arms saying, "Come unto Me!" The only thing keeping you from God and His plan for your life is one simple decision. Will you surrender your life and seek His help or reject Him? He's willing to give you a new start in life - His plans for you are still in place. He said, "IF YOU SEEK ME, YOU WILL FIND ME!" (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Pastor Carnes

"Finding God's Plan" Pt 1 of 2 - Wednesday July 2, 2025

"Finding God's Plan" Pt 1 of 2:

One of the most popular verses in scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" While this verse is often quoted, many struggle finding "God's plan" for their personal life. The fact is, most if not all of us struggled with this very thing at one time or another.

Maybe you have hoped to have discovered God's plan for your life, but so far without success. Don't get discouraged. Life rarely unfolds exactly as we imagine or meticulously plan. How many college students do you know that went to school for four or more years, came out with a degree and built a career in a totally different field? How many people do you know that thought they had a career of a lifetime, but wound up spending at a variety of jobs?

Dreams once vivid and detailed may evolve, shift, or even fade as challenges arise or unexpected opportunities intersect our paths. This can leave us questioning, "What happened to the plan, Lord?" Sometimes the will of God for our lives is thwarted (or takes a detour) because we make selfish choices that do not align with the teaching of God's Word. In other words, we take our own paths rather than His.

You might be a young person, high school or college student, or adult wondering, "God, what do you want from me" or "What do you want me to do?"  Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." While we may be uncertain about our future today, God's purpose for our lives will ALWAYS stand firm. Along with Jeremiah 29:11, verses 12 and 13 are as equally important:

"Then you will call upon me and come pray to me, and I will listen to you. YOU WILL SEEK ME and FIND ME when you SEEK ME with ALL YOUR HEART." (More tomorrow).

Pastor Carnes

"Advice from a Shepherd" - Tuesday July 1, 2025

NOTE: Today's devotional was received from a Devotional Family Member and is being passed on to you. It contains some very simple and wise advice.

"Advice from a Shepherd"

Sometimes, if a sheep herder has a lamb fall into a hole or get tangled up in briars, the shepherd will often leave it there until it is completely exhausted. He will need to wait in order to prevent the animal from trying to fight against the rescue attempt and possibly injuring itself even more.

The shepherd will stand nearby, watching and protecting the lamb. Once the animal is too tired to fight, it becomes a simple rescue. The shepherd will get the animal, feed it, water it, and nurse it back to health. The sheep will then realize its need for its shepherd and will trust and follow him from then on.

Guess who is called the "Good Shepherd?" Jesus is! Please understand that YOUR Shepherd is watching, protecting, and waiting. He may not rescue when you want Him to, but He will rescue you. You simply have to stop fighting!

Pastor Carnes 

"Strength for the Weary" - Monday June 30, 2025

"Strength for the Weary"

Years ago, studies proved the most depressing day of the week was Sunday afternoons. I suspect if a survey were taken today, the results would be the same. And why not? Most people have had a day or two to relax or at least change pace from their weeklong routine. Somewhere after 1:00pm on Sunday though, the working mind drifts to what lies ahead for the week.

Getting kids off to school or making sure they are cared for on summer days, going back to work, and facing challenges unrelated to the kids or job can wear a person out. Life is challenging. Life is also demanding and tiring. Often unexpected obstacles jump up adding to the fray. Maybe there aren't expressions verbally, but the body and mind are screaming, "I'M TIRED!" For what it's worth, here's a few suggestions:

In I Samuel 2:2 we read, "There is no one holy like the Lord; indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God." How does one handle a challenge, whether it is a simple "molehill" kind of problem or a Mount Everest moment where the whole of life has bottomed out?

First, stay cool. Slow down. Take a deep breath and remember that God has said, "Be still and know that I am God." Next, take a time out to get your priorities right, and recall that our number one priority is to seek the kingdom of God. Finally, focus on the big picture. Ask God to help you see the situation from the perspective of eternity. In other words, bring Christ into the equation and don't let the little gnats destroy you.

Does that sound daunting? How can you keep all these things in your arsenal for living? The answer: Worship. Sit at the feet of Jesus. Find some privacy. Put some Christian music on, read and submit to HIs Word and listen for His voice.

Pastor Carnes

"Caring for a Loved One" - Friday June 27, 2025

"Caring for a Loved One"

My mother-in-law, Beverly Frinkle, graduated from this world into Heaven JUNE 27, 2020, five years ago, today.  Beverly was one of the Godliest women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. For the last nine years of her life, she lived with Chris and me. She was still working in the cosmetic department at Macy's into her 80's. Not because she was eager to do so, but because the store felt they needed her. She was a strong lady, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  In the last couple years of her life, there were noticeable signs of her failing. 

Compared to what most people go through when caring for elderly loved ones, Beverly was pretty easy. Only in the last six months of her life did it become difficult. Her mind would recall things from years past, but remembering what happened five minutes before was hard. Chris experienced the reality of others when her Mom couldn't remember her daughter's name or even recognize who she was. So, in memory of Beverly Frinkle, I share something sent to me a few months back by an individual who watched a parent suffer from dementia. For all of you out there who care for a loved one in any capacity, please know prayers are offered up for you on a regular basis. If you are caring for one with dementia, or will in the future, the following tips may be helpful. Consider cutting and pasting this list as well as passing on to others.

• If I get dementia, I'd like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.
• Every time you enter the room announce yourself. "Hi Mom - it's your name.  NEVER ask - Do you know who I am??? This causes anxiety.
• If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.
• If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we're visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things, I'll be much happier for it.
• If I get dementia, don't argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
• If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me. 
• If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can feed myself.
• If I get dementia, and am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me my feelings are unfounded.
• If I get dementia, I don't want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
• If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I've always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.
• If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
• If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take time to figure out what is bothering me.
• If I get dementia, treat me the way you would want to be treated.
• If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don't eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.
• If I get dementia, don't talk about me as if I'm not in the room.
• If I get dementia, don't feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  It's not your fault, and you've done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.
• If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.
• If I get dementia, don't act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It's not my fault.
• If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.
• If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.
• If I get dementia, don't exclude me from parties and family gatherings.
• If I get dementia, know that I still like getting hugs and handshakes.
• If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.
• PERHAPS THIS LIST COULD BE COPIED AND POSTED IN OR NEAR THE ROOM OF THE ONE SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA. PASS THIS LIST TO OTHERS WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM IT.

Please accept these wonderful guidelines in HONOR of someone you know or knew who has dementia. In Honor of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting   Dementia/Alzheimer's. By the way, my mother-in-law evidently began showing signs of dementia causing Chris to purchase a book called the "The 36 Hour Day" by Nancy Mace (Amazon $23). The book was purchased in 2019 and Mom passed June 27,^th 2020. It was perhaps the best helpful tool we had as it informed us of what to expect in the next phase of Mom's life.  We will never forget, while there were many things long forgotten, whenever a Christian song was played in her hearing, traditional or contemporary, she would sing with it never missing a word. God was faithful to her, and she was faithful to Him. May God bless all the precious people suffering from this disease and give strength and perseverance to the loving caregivers. You are all very special people the Lord is using "For such a time as this!"

Pastor Carnes

"Problems" 5 of 5 - Thursday June 26, 2025

"Problems" 5 of 5:

None of us are immune to problems. Some come unexpectedly while others should be anticipated when considering a chosen lifestyle, or unwise decisions we choose to make. And of course, there are issues to face and burdens to carry through no fault of our own. We can't avoid every problem, but we can learn to use them to help us grow closer to God, become a better person, and to help others experiencing similar situations. Today we'll look at a couple more ways problems can help us (see devotionals last Friday – Wednesday of this week for the others).

 

Problems are MESSAGES: They forecast what may possibly become reality further down the road. They are indicators measuring progress and development. They are communicators letting us know vital information. Sometimes they yell for attention. Sometimes they point in redirection. They should never be ignored. Sit back and analyze every problem and read the message it is sending. A sore or pain in the body is like the red light on your dashboard – somethings wrong. If it continues, seek help. A problem that persists is also a red light indicating something must be done or it could become worse.

 

Problems are SOLVABLE: My dad told me when I was young, "Whenever you face a problem or situation and don't know what to do, there's always someone who can help you. Find that person." Perhaps the answer to our individual problem is hidden and not evident, but there is an answer. The difficulty lies not so much in finding the answer, but in being unwilling to pay the price for solving the problem. I read some terse (but true) words recently that said, "From the day of your birth, 'til you ride in your hearse. Things are never so bad, that they couldn't be worse!"

 

We must remember that our greatest asset in problem solving is God. He knows every detail about us. What we're facing, what got us there, and what the solution is. There will be some situations in life where He and He alone is our only hope in finding a solution. Until the problem is solved, He guides us, gives us strength, wisdom, and courage to press on. The requirement in seeking God's counsel and help is agreeing 100% in desiring "His will be done, not ours."

 

The Bible is filled with verses that will help you through times of trial and difficulty. I've listed a few of my favorites which may be of help to you.

 

Psalm 46:1-2a; - Proverbs 3:5-6; - I Chronicles 16:11; - Psalm 23; - John 14:1-6, 27.

Romans 8:28, 31, 37-39; Psalm 27:14 – Isaiah 41:10 and Luke 1:37.

 

Pastor Carnes