"A Hard to Believe Story" Pt 4 - Friday February 27, 2025

“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 4:

The famine in Samaria had been predicted in Deuteronomy 28:49-57. It’s believed this famine lasted several years and people were doing everything they could to survive. Surrounded by the Aramean army by order of King Ben-Hadad, the Israelites would be taken captive or killed and their city lost if they went out seeking food. Outside the walls were four lepers (2 Kings 7:1-3) that were not allowed around anyone not having leprosy.

 

The four lepers were also dying of starvation, and one says to other three, “Why should we sit here until we die?” (v 4). We’ll die if we stay here and we’ll starve if we go into the city. Let’s surrender to Aramean army, maybe they will help us and if they kill us, we’re going to die anyway. That evening they went out and God caused the Army of Aram to hear a loud noise sounding like chariots and horses, so they fled their camp thinking a large army was coming to attack them.

 

As the lepers entered the Aramean camp, they found food, wine, silver, gold, and clothing. Finally, they said to each other, “This isn’t right. We have wonderful news and need to share it with others. If we don’t something bad may happen to us” (vs 8-11). Returning to the city they informed the gatekeepers what they had discovered. The lepers were sharing an unbelievable story, but scouts went to look and reported the lepers’ story was true. What can we learn from this story?

 

1. The lepers had an UNBELIEVABLE MESSAGE – there are people in our world who do not believe that the Christian message of salvation is for all people. It isn’t our responsibility to make people believe the message, but it is our responsibility to tell people the “Bread of Life” is available for them and it’s free.
2. The lepers were the most UNLIKELY MESSENGERS - they were outcasts and not accepted by society. These guys were the most least likely to bring a message of hope to anyone.
3. They were UNTRAINED – these men didn’t have a church to attend, or knowledge of the 4 spiritual laws. All they knew was they had found and tasted the bread. They believed starving people could be saved if they too found the bread.
4. Their message was FOOD in the midst of FAMINE – hungry people will eat. Our country, even people in the communities where we live are spiritually starving. And we can tell them their life can be spared in Jesus..
5. Their message was Peace amidst War – when one comes to Christ, he is no longer their enemy for they are on the Lord’s side. Peace not only can be gained with those where conflict exists, but a peace that passes all understanding will be secured within. No one cares for you like Jesus!
6. They offered LIFE in place of DEATH – the lepers cried out, “Hey – wait, don’t eat that dung or donkey’s head. Don’t kill any more children, we’ve found the answer to everyone’s need. You can life and not die!”
7. Folks, as followers of Christ, WE HAVE A MESSAGE to share that will mean the difference between life and death for people we hang out with. You may feel intimidated, untrained, unworthy, and the most unlikely source, but God wants you to tell your loved ones and friends, where they can find HOPE for their life.

 

One more thing: yesterday 2:Kings 7: 1-2 was shared stating Elisha told the king of Aram and his officer,” by this time tomorrow, you’ll see with your own eyes a plentiful supply of flour and barley, but you will not eat any of it.” In verses 19 and 20 we read, the king’s officer replied, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of Heaven!” Elisha said, “You’ll see it happen, but you won’t be able to eat any of it.” “And so it was, for the people trampled him to death.”  God never goes back on His word!

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"A Hard to Believe Story" Pt 3 - Thursday February 26, 2026

“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 3:

The assassination attempts by King Ben-Hadad (of Aram) on Elisha’s life was not successful. This story is told in 2 Kings 6:33 and the beginning of chapter 7.  For years there was conflict between the kings of Israel and the prophets of God. The prophets often predicted doom because of the kings’ evil. Kings saw them as troublemakers.

 

People were doing desperate things to stay alive as mentioned yesterday. The king was extremely angry and said to Elisha, “This disaster is from the Lord, why should I wait for him any longer?” (6:33). Elisha responded with, “Hear the word of the Lord, about this time tomorrow flour and barley grain will be plentiful and available at discount prices at the gate of Samaria” The officer assisting the king asked, “How can this possibly happen?” Elisha said, “You’ll see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it” (7:1-2 paraphrased).

 

Another dynamic to this story is four lepers camping outside the city gate entrance. According to the law, lepers were not allowed in the city but were to depend on charity outside the walls (Leviticus 13:45,46; Numbers 5:1-4). Because of the famine and the presence of the Aramean army, their situation was desperate.

 

One never knows what they will do (or become) should they ever become desperate. The four lepers make a fascinating story that stretches our wildest imagination. The story concludes with four unlikely individuals who were lonely, frightened, starving, and simply waiting to die.

 

These lepers were most likely thrown out of the city because of their disease. I suspect they were not a pretty sight. It was common for a leper to have an ear missing, an entire cheek, several fingers, or an entire hand. According to society in that day, they were “unclean.” They weren’t allowed to drink from a public drinking fountain, enter a restaurant, or even come near a non-leprous.

 

As these four individuals talked, one of them said, “Why do we sit here until we die?” (7:3). Tomorrow this series will come to an end with seven things, we as followers of Christ, can learn from what they decided to do.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

"A Hard to Believe Story" Pt 2 - Wednesday February 25, 2026

“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 2:

When things go from bad to worse, it isn’t long and someone is accused of creating the problem. People today find it much easier to point a finger at another individual blaming them for a situation they are in rather than taking personal responsibility. In 2 Kings 6:24-33 we find Samaria surrounded by the vast army of Aram preventing the Israelites from going outside the city to purchase food.

 

This stunt caused a famine so severe inside the walls of Samaria that people were eating donkey’s heads, doves  dung, and mothers were reported eating children. When cities like Samaria faced famine, it was no small matter. While the farmers grew enough food to feed the people for a specific season, they did not have enough to maintain them for prolonged times of emergency when all supplies were cut off. Ironically, this famine was predicted (prophesied) in Deuteronomy 28:49-57. It will be worth your time to look up and read.

 

As the famine and troubles for Israel got worse, the king of Samaria blamed the prophet of God, Elisha, for all the problems. Some commentators believe Elisha must have told the king to trust God for deliverance. The king did this, even wearing sackcloth (6:30), but at this point the situation seemed hopeless. Apparently, the king felt he had been given bad advice and believed God couldn’t or wouldn’t help them.

 

During tough times we run out of people or things to blame, so it must be God’s fault. As we observe the pain and suffering around our world, we see God being mocked, Christians being persecuted, the Bible being ridiculed or compromised, and violence of protestors across the land. These events should not shock us, as 2 Timothy chapter 3 warns us of such a time.

 

Conflict between the kings of Israel and the prophets of God were not unusual. The prophets predicted doom for the king’s evil doing, so they saw the prophets as troublemakers. Like Israel’s king who was lashing out his frustrations at Elisha, so loved ones and friends may deny the God we serve. Rather than argue or get upset with them, let’s be faithful in showing love, grace, and mercy. Our greatest testimony to them is the life we live (actions) not our words.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

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"A Hard to Believe Story" - Tuesday February 24, 2026 Pt 1:

“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 1:

We’ve all heard stories that stimulate or excite us. Others might bring sadness or sorrow. The Bible is filled with stories on both sides of the spectrum, but there’s one in particular that I might not believe if it weren’t in the Bible.

 

2 kings 6:24-33 tells us that King Ben-Hadad of Aram mobilized his entire army and besieged Samaria. He encircled the entire city sealing it so no one could get in or out. Ben-Hadad must have been thinking, “If I seal the city off, sooner or later the Israelites will run out of food. When they come out seeking food, we’ll go into the city and take control of it.

 

Evidently the king’s strategy was working as a famine began taking its toll on Samaria. The food supply had been depleted and now the famine was so great people were paying 80 pieces of silver (2 lbs.) for a donkey’s head. How they would eat a donkey’s head is beyond me. Perhaps they put it in a pot of boiling water and made soup. Regardless, this does indicate the seriousness of the famine and critical needs of the people. But there’s more.

 

The New Living Translation informs us that a cup of “dove’s dung” sold for about two ounces of silver. As mentioned, this story is hard to believe and if it wasn’t in the Bible, I might not. But it is, so I do believe it and also believe it has a purpose for being told. At the very least it helps us understand that people in desperate situations do desperate things.

 

People were trying to survive this famine any way they could and verses 26-30 tell us of two mothers, each with a young son. One mother said to the other, “today we’ll eat my son,” and “tomorrow, we’ll eat yours.” When the next day arrived, the first lady said, “we cooked my son and ate him, now it’s time to kill and eat yours.” But verse 29 says, “she had hidden him.”

 

When the king of Israel heard what was happening, he was distraught. He told the ladies, “If the Lord doesn’t help you, what can I do?” (v27).  In deep sorrow and grief, the king blamed Elisha, the man of God for bringing on this horrible situation. As a result, the king sent a messenger to summon Elisha with the desire of murdering him.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Reflection Filled With Hope" - Monday February 23, 2026

“Reflection Filled with Hope”

When notable men and women of influence are about to die, the world waits to hear their final words of insight and wisdom. This is also true with a dying loved one. Gathered at his or her bedside, the family strains to hear every whispered syllable of blessing, encouragement, and advice, knowing this will be the final message.

 

The Apostle Paul was facing death, and his final words are recorded in the Book of 2 Timothy. He was not dying of an illness as he was very much alive. However, his condition was terminal because he had been convicted as a follower Jesus Christ. Paul warns Timothy of the opposition he and other believers would face in the last days. 

 

Paul challenges Timothy to be prepared for these unfaithful people by remembering the example he had set (3:10). He encourages him to find strength and power in the Word of God (3:14-17), then a stirring charge to preach the Word (4:1-4). Knowing the end of his life on earth was near, Paul stated with assurance that he had been faithful to his call. He faced death calmly, knowing that he would be rewarded by Christ. 

 

In 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 Paul writes, “… the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearance.”

 

There was a day when Paul admitted to being the worst sinner that ever lived, but he found love, grace, mercy, and most of all forgiveness in Jesus Christ. The relationship the apostle had with Christ resulted in the transformation of his life. With his life nearing its end, Paul, confidently and unafraid is now looking forward to heaven.   

 

The following is a statement received from a Devotional Member:

As an older woman, I sometimes look back and wish I had done some things differently; and some things, I wish I hadn’t done at all. This morning, reading a book by Jonathan Chan, I was reminded that everything in this world is temporary. Actually, I’m just passing through this world, and this life is a journey. I’m just camping out for a while, so to speak. I shouldn’t be worried, or too concerned, or focused on the past at all. I should focus on my destination. Each day of my journey I must focus on staying the course with my heart fixed on the Promised Land. I know many of my friends are coming with me. We have much to look forward to, and many loved ones to see.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"An Invite from Jesus" - Friday February 20, 2026

“An Invite from Jesus”

We all have received an invitation to a party, wedding, graduation, or some type of celebration for a friend or loved one. The invitation is from someone who loves us or at least thinks we’re important enough to attend this special event. These are generally happy occasions.

 

But we also know that life isn’t always happy and doesn’t always call for a celebration. In fact, there are seasons when it’s downright hard. During times of difficulty, one might not only become tired and weary, but discouraged, lonely, sad, and feel hopeless in their situation. The voice of Satan becomes loud and clear trying to convince us that things will not get better. It’s times like this when we overestimate the power of Satan and underestimate the power of God.

 

Don’t ever forget, the Lord knows exactly where you are, what you’re going through, and what you need. He offers you a number of personal invitations to come into His presence. Here’s a few of the many He extends to you:

 

Invitations from Jesus:

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“…if any man thirst let him COME to Me, and DRINK…” (John 7:37).

“COME and DINE” (John 21:1).

“What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51).

“Come away to a secluded place and rest” (Mark 6:31).

“Let not your heart be troubled, if you believe in God, believe also in Me…” (John 14:1)

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor (Comforter – Helper – Advocate) to be with you” (John 14:15-16).

 

Jesus wants to be up close and personal to you because you are very personal to Him. He loves you with an everlasting love and His faithfulness endures forever. He can mend the broken hearted and set the captive free. Will you accept one or more of His invitations and let Him help you? You don’t have to face life alone.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

"Things Jesus Teaches His Children" - Thursday February 19, 2026

“Things Jesus Teaches His Children”

Some people admit that they would live for God if they only knew what to do. Sometimes a list to follow is helpful until we understand the principles. Jesus taught a number of things to His early followers which if followed would become a lifestyle, not just a bunch of rules. Today you’ll find a few things Jesus taught and as one of his children, wants us to adopt and make them a daily discipline. Doing so will make us more and more like Him.

 

• Repent of your sins and believe the gospel - Mark 1:15
• Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength – Mark 12:30
• Love your neighbor as yourself – Mark 12:31
• Be compassionate and merciful, just as God is – Luke 6:36
• Help the less fortunate – Luke 14:13, Matthew 25:31-46

 

• Forgive those who wrong you, even your enemies – Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:32
• Do not worry about material things, but seek God’s kingdom first – Matthew 6:25-34
• Serve others humbly and sacrificially – John 13:12-17; Philippians 2:3-4
• Share with others what Jesus has done in your life – Matthew 28:16-20
• Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Him daily – Luke 9:23

 

These ten things are paraphrases from scripture which I hope you’ll take the time to look up. When we commit our life to Christ, He teaches us how to love God and when practiced, that helps us to love others. The Lord gave us two Great Commandments – “Love Him with all our heart”” and “Love others as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30; and Luke 10:27).

 

These two commandments are the cornerstone of Christian ethics. They represent a complete balance of devotion to God (upward focus) and service (outward focus). When we get the first one right, everything else in life begins to fall into place.

 

Pastor Carnes