"When Discouragement Comes" - Thursday September 4, 2025

“When Discouragement Comes”

No one said life would always be easy. In fact, Jesus cautioned his disciples, “You will have trouble in this world.” We all have difficult days from time to time, but when the problems linger on and on, Satan often creates a belief in our mind that things will never get better. Discouragement comes when it seems our difficulties are bigger that our God.

 

For the believer, the Word of God is our daily source for hope, energy, faith, and confidence builder. It’s helpful to remember, whatever we might be going through, as a Christian, we’re never alone. God has promised to “Never leave, nor forsake us.” If you’re facing trials in your life today, here’s some advice from Isaiah, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul.

• Trust the God with all of your YESTERDAYS (past) – “I am the Lord who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25).
• Trust God with your TODAY (present) – “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
• Trust God with your TOMORROWS (future) – Every day is a new day, and God’s mercies are renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

 

Paul tells us how to build our hope and faith overcoming discouragement:

• Never GIVE UP (persevere) “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have purpose, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1).
• Ask God to RENEW you every day – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” ( 2 Corinthians 4:6).
• Accept God’s GUARANTEE – “Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” ( 2 Corinthians 5:5). “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
• Walk CONFIDENTLY – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
• Rely on God’s PROMISES – “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates the body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

"Tendencies When Battles Come" - Wednesday September 3, 2025

“Tendencies When Battles Come”

There are natural tendencies that surface when any one of us face a personal battle, giant, or impossible situation. I love the quote that says, “You have never tested God’s resources until you have attempted (or faced) the impossible.” There are many passages of scripture relating to the miracles of God, but one of my favorite stories is found Numbers 13 – 14.

 

The Israelites had followed Moses from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan. They are now camped near its border and a decision is made to send twelve spies to check out the land and bring back a report on their findings. Forty days later the committee returns with vote of 10 against going into Canaan and 2 for. They all agreed on the vastness of the territory and richness of its soil which would produce food. But there were also giants to be delt with. The report was filled with so much fear and negativity that it overwhelmed the crowd. Because of fear, they voted “Not” to enter the land. Here’s a few thoughts on their report.

 

The ten spies UNDERESTIMATED what God could do (13:25-29). They underestimated what THEY could do (13:30-33). The most critical thing was, they underestimated what their DECISION would do (14:1-4).  This obviously wrong choice brought discouragement and discontent among the people and a defeatist attitude (14:1-4). As a result, the Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness and their decision resulted in an entire generation being lost.

 

The interesting thing in this story is that all 12 spies SAW the same things. Ten of them chose SECURITY over success and their influence won the vote. We must remember, when facing a challenge of any measure, there will be obstacles. We may be fearful and anxious. When the Israelites chose NOT TO ENTER the land, God allowed their choice to stand. He didn’t force them to continue on the path He had laid out for them. We too choose to follow or reject His plan.

 

What about the other two spies? Joshua and Caleb never flinched. They wanted to lead their people into the land despite the giants and anything else that may try to stop them. Where did they get their faith and confidence? Here’s the most important line you’ll read today: they trusted God! He had met their needs day by day since leaving Egypt, and HE HAD PROMISED TO LEAD THEM TO CANAAN!” They believed in God and believed in His promises. When faced with adversity and in need of a miracle, you too can always trust God’s promises. He’s with you, every single moment.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

"I Confessed ... He Forgave" - Tuesday September 2, 2025

“I Confessed … He Forgave”

The Word of God is alive and powerful. It tells us who we are, where we came from and where we’re going. It explains that we have the option of two (and only two) choices of where we will spend eternity. Heaven or Hell. The determining factor is who have we surrendered our life to. Jesus or Satan.

 

Jesus came into the world to save us from our sins, but He’ll never force us to follow Him. However, The Lord will provide many opportunities for us to do and He will never give up on us.

 

David wrote the 32^nd Psalm and gives a detailed example of what turning from sin to the Lord is like. “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.” I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin (v. 5).

 

The sins of David are well known and often shared. You’ve just read about his admission and confession of his wrongs, now look at what God does. “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit” (vs 1-2).

 

Other scriptures inform us that when God forgives us our sin, they are buried in the deepest sea and never again will be held against us. Translation … once forgiveness of sin is given, God no longer holds them against us because He doesn’t even remember them. It’s as if they had never been committed in His eyes.

 

Do you know the Lord as your Savior? He may be knocking on your hearts’ door right now. You can repent of your sins and receive Him as your Savior right now. That will be the wisest decision you’ll ever make in your entire lifetime.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Happy Labor Day" - Monday September 1, 2025

“Happy Labor Day”

Labor Day is a federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. While it serves as a day to honor the labor movement’s contributions, it also marks the unofficial end of summer, often celebrated with family gatherings, parades, barbecues, retail sales, or one last “long” weekend before settling into the routines of Fall. AND many are happy as Football Season is back!!

 

However you choose to celebrate this day, consider the last time you thanked the Lord for your job? If you don’t happen to have a job right now, or one that isn’t bringing in enough money to pay the bills, ask the Lord for help as you seek better opportunities.

 

Jobs mean working and working isn’t always fun, but to the responsible person it’s providing for your needs and those you love. Be grateful for the Lord’s provisions.

 

Not everyone will have a paid “day off.” Certain occupations demand people work such as law enforcement officers, fire fighters, medical personal, men, and women serving their country in the military, farmers, etc. As you think about and give thanks for being able to work, thank God for those who serve and protect us on a daily basis as well as those who grow crops supplying us our food.

 

We are a BLESSED PEOPLE and have an extra opportunity today to acknowledge those blessings.  Enjoy and be thankful! Pray for those less fortunate and unable to enjoy the day as you will.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"A Leader's Challenge" (Profile)* - Friday August 29, 2025

“A Leader’s Challenge” (Profile)*:

One of the greatest challenges facing leaders is to replace themselves by training others to become leaders. Many outstanding accomplishments have been started by someone with great ability whose life or career ended before the vision became a reality. The fulfillment of that dream then became the responsibility of their successor.

 

Moses made an excellent decision when he chose Joshua as his assistant. That choice was later confirmed by God himself when he instructed Moses to commission Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:15-23). Joshua had played a key role in the exodus from Egypt. Introduced as the field general of Israel’s army, he was the only person allowed to accompany Moses partway up the mountain when Moses received the Ten Commandments.

 

Joshua and Caleb were the only two among the 12 spies to bring back an encouraging report after being sent to the promised land for the first time. Other references show him to have been Moses’ constant shadow.

 

We are all leaders to some extent. Not necessarily in a corporate setting, but we lead by example for our children, grandchildren, other family members, friends, and even strangers. It’s difficult for anyone to go anywhere without someone watching, listening, and taking mental notes. How many people will be in heaven, not because of a personal contact with a certain individual, but because that person was faithful and consistent in their walk with God. That consistency was a role model of living right and doing the right things. This example influenced others.

 

Who is your Moses? Who’s your Joshua? You are a part of the chain of God’s ongoing work in the world. You are modeling yourself to others, and others are patterning their lives after you. How important is God to those you want to be like? Do those who are watching you see God reflected in every area of your life? Ask God to lead you to a trustworthy Moses. Ask him to make you a good Joshua! Someone is following and becoming just like you!

 

Pastor Carnes

• Profile – Joshua found in NIV Life Application Bible in Book of Joshua

 

 

"The First Known Lefty" (Profile)* - Thursday August 28, 2025

“The First Known Lefty” (Profile)*

The Book of Judges contains 21 chapters describing the various judges of Israel. Many of these chapters contain a repetitive verse saying, “Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Because of this evil, the Lord gave a wicked king named Eglon of Moab power over Israel for eighteen years.

 

In answer to the Israelites cry for help, the Lord gave them a deliverer. Ehud, a man from the tribe of Benjamin and the  first known left-handed person was, God’s chosen leader. Judges chapter 3 shares the details of how Ehud eliminated the overweight Eglon. Chapter 20 details 26,000 Benjamite swordsmen which included 700 chosen men who were also lefthanded. This is a strange story, but it teaches us that God can use us just the way he made us. Being lefthanded in Ehud’s day was considered a handicap, but God used this perceived weakness to give Israel victory.

 

At first glance, Ehud’s career as a judge may not seem relevant to us. He clearly lived in another time. He took radical and violent action to free people. His murder of Eglon (Judges 3:20-23) shocks us. His war on Moab was swift and deadly. His life is difficult to relate to. But our commitment to God’s Word challenges us not to ignore this leader.

 

As we read about his life, some questions come to mind: 1) When was the last time God showed me something wrong in my life and I took immediate and painful action to correct it? 2) When was the last time I asked God to show me how he could use something unique about me? 3) When was the last time my life was an example to others of obedience to God?

 

The enemies we face are as real as Ehud’s, but they are most often within ourselves. The battles we fight aren’t against other people but against the power of sin. We must remember, Satan is a defeated foe. God won the victory over sin through the death of His Son Jesus on the cross. The help of our Lord is the cause of every success, and his forgiveness is sufficient for each failure.

 

Pastor Carnes

• Profile of Ehud – NIV Life Application Bible – Read Judges 3:1-12 & 20:1-16

"A Man of Integrity" (Profile"* - Wednesday August 27. 2025

“A Man of Integrity” (Profile)*:

Heroes are easier to admire than to define. They are seldom conscious of their moments of heroism, and others may not recognize their acts as heroic.

 

Heroes simply do the right thing at the right time, whether or not they realize the impact their action will have. Perhaps the one quality they share is a tendency to think of others before they think of themselves. Boaz was such a man and such a hero.

 

In his dealings with other people, he was always sensitive to their needs. A wealthy farmer, Boaz’ words to his employees, relatives, and others were colored with kindness. He offered help openly, not grudgingly.

 

When he discovered who Ruth was, he took several steps to help her because she had been faithful to his relative Naomi. When Naomi advised Ruth to request his protection, he was ready to marry her if the legal complications could be worked out.

 

Boaz not only did what was right; he also did it without hesitation. Of course he couldn’t see all that his actions would accomplish. He could not have known that the child he would have with Ruth, would be an ancestor of both David and Jesus. He only met the challenge of taking the right action in the situation facing him.

 

We are faced with this challenge in our daily choices. Like many, we are often more concerned with making the easy choice than making the right one. Yet more often than not, the right choice is clear.

 

Ask God to give you a special awareness in your choices today as well as renewed commitment to make the right ones. Doing so will honor God, be helpful, encouraging and inspirational to others.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

• Profile of Boaz – from the NIV Life Application Bible listed in Book of Ruth