"Personal Integrity" - Tuesday July 21, 2026

“Personal Integrity”

Integrity is a goal achieved by choice and determination. It’s the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Integrity is the quality of not only being honest and trustworthy, but living a consistent, uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles. A testimony for Christ is a life lived with integrity.

 

The Bible provides us verses to live by that guide us toward a life of integrity. I John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Matthew 5:13-16 provides the familiar information that the follower of Christ should be “salt” and “light” in this world.

 

Most people I know and hang around with are individuals who want to make difference in this world. In order to do that, we live a life that might inspire or encourage another. This is living with intentionality. As Jesus was talking about Salt and Light, we can summarize the believer’s function into one word. “INFLUENCE!”.

 

Considering the teachings of Jesus, it appears His focus was on “being” before “doing”. The New Testament, gives a number of symbols for the kingdom of God. Jesus says it is like salt, like light, like water, like leaven, and like a key.

 

What do these five things have in common? One thing: penetration. Salt penetrates meat to preserve it. Light penetrates darkness to dispel and illumine it. Water penetrates the soil to refresh it. Leaven penetrates dough to help it rise, and a key penetrates a lock to open it.

 

As Christ followers, we are not to let the world get into us. But God has placed us in the world for one very clear reason, and that is in order to penetrate our society with the good news of the gospel. In your journey with Jesus, He will allow your path to cross the paths of many others. May God help us to lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life of integrity. Doing so will influence our loved ones, friends, work associates, and new acquaintances. Let’s determine to make of daily practice of doing our best to make a difference in the lives of others.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Obedience Leads to Trust" - Monday July 20, 2026

“Obedience Leads to Trust”

Sometimes when reading scripture, there’s a tendency to skip over hard-to-understand passages or genealogies that are difficult to follow. As we progress on our journey of following Christ, hopefully we learn sooner rather than later that the one thing God always honors is obedience.

 

The Lord may speak to us with a gentle whisper, or a certain Bible verse, or through the influence of the Holy Spirit. God is always present guiding and protecting any child of His that is willing to listen. He is faithful to us and is always willing to help us, especially in times of need (Psalm 46:1-2). Day by day of allowing Him to guide our steps, is training ground for building a faith that is strong and unshakeable when trials come.

 

I Corinthians 5:19-20 may not be a passage that grabs our attention but is one explaining my point in this blog. “They waged war against the Hagrites…. They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because They cried out to him during battle. HE ANSWERED THEIR PRAYERS, BECAUSE THEY TRUSTED HIM.”

 

NOTE: They cried out – He heard their prayer and answered them. Israel won the battle, not because of their size or strength, but because of two critical weapons they possessed – prayer and faith. Every time God answers one of our prayers, the foundation of our faith goes deeper and becomes stronger. When life’s battles become greater and more intense, as a believer, we know the formula for victory. What we’ve learned in the past become our stepping stones into the future.

 

God answered Israel’s prayer in battle because they “TRUSTED HIM.” What opposition are you facing today that is overwhelming? What occupies your mind during the day and keeps you awake at night? Your spirits may be low as you face a relationship or medical problem. You may feel alone, discouraged, and afraid, but God is with you.

 

Cry out to Him using whatever amount of faith you have. He is aware of your battle and will hear you when you cry out to Him. As you call out allow God to help you put your full trust in Him.

 

Pastor Carnes

"I Know Better" - Friday - July 17, 2026

“I Know Better”

How many times have you said or thought, “I shouldn’t be here,” or “I shouldn’t be doing this?” We are all vulnerable in certain situations. It isn’t a sin to be tempted, but the temptation becomes sin when it’s yielded to. There are two primary voices in the world, the voice of righteousness (God) and the voice of evil (Satan).

 

The voice of evil says doing something once that we know is wrong won’t hurt us. We know this to be true, but some take it seriously, bad habits, or starting down a wrong path begins with a “first time,” even when thinking just once.

 

Another false narrative is believing the convincing lie, “I’m only hurting myself!” You’ve heard this many times, “Sin always takes you deeper than you want go, it keeps you longer than you want to stay, and it ALWAYS costs more than you want to pay!” Two voices – the voice of God or Satan. Who are you listening to?

 

In I Corinthians 10:13. Paul warned the Corinthians about the danger of yielding to temptation. The desert was littered with the bodies of Israelites who ignored God’s warnings (I Corinthians 10:5). On their journey to the Promised land, the Hebrews engaged in immorality, idolatry, and grumbling. Many were judged. These examples from Israel’s past “were written for our admonition” – as warnings about the dangers of temptation (I Corinthians 10:11). “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall,”(vs 12).

 

Satan is evil. He’s a deceiver, liar, and desires nothing more than to destroy your reputation, character, family, and in doing so, destroys your life. However, if you’ll listen you’ll hear the voice of God telling you, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation WILL ALSO MAKE A WAY OF ESCAPE, that you may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13).

 

God will help you discern between good and evil. It’s your choice who you listen to and follow. He also gives a plan and avenue of escape when tempted. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you!” (James 4:7).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"If Only" vs "What If" - Thursday July 16, 2026

“If Only” vs “What If”

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” If the word “IF” isn’t the biggest word in the Bible, it certainly ranks near the top. It’s quite amazing how a simple two letter word defines most people today. That simple word is mentioned in Romans 8, ten times.

 

Some people are where they are today because they can’t let go of or forget the “If Only” regrets of their past. We know the story well. “If only” I hadn’t gone there, done that, married that person, hung out with that person, lost my job, or completed my education, my life would be different today. Listen, “We ALL have sinned,” (Romans 3:23).

 

God is a master at taking broken and disappointed lives and restoring them in a way that they are far better than ever were before. There’s no sin He can’t or won’t forgive. There’s no problem He can’t solve. There’s no relationship He can’t restore and reconcile.

 

WHAT IF, you came before God, One who loves you more than anyone else in this world. A God who already knows the shortcomings of your past, all your sins, bad habits, the lies, and deceptions you tried to get away with, and other unimaginable and said, - “God, I give up! I’m waving the white flag and surrendering my life to you. Please forgive me of everything I’ve done wrong. I need You in my life and want to become the person You intended me to be!”

 

When a person confesses and forsakes their sins, the regrets of the past may linger for a while, but a loving and merciful God will go to work immediately. Not only forgiving the sins but restoring your life. He begins to renew the mind giving proper thoughts. A mindset begins to develop that draws us closer to Him.

 

“WHAT IF,” you began to see yourself and others as Jesus does? “What if” you started believing God only has good ideas and YOU are an idea in the mind of God? “What if” you started believing there’s nothing God can’t do and His promises are true?  Today you can trade your “If only,” (even if you’ve tried it before), for “What If” possibilities.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

"When Life Gets Rocky" - Wednesday July 15, 2026

“When Life Gets Rocky”

There will be times when every life is rocked by a storm. Sometimes we are blindsided as we didn’t see any reasons to believe a storm was about to hit. Then there are occasions we expect a storm to rock our life at some point because of the bad choices we made or those of a loved one. Lives are often turned upside down because of these choices, a betrayal, abuse, marital difficulty, declining health, and/or financial issues.

 

When trials come, lots of different thoughts and emotions rise to the surface. An adversity may be so severe that we don’t know what to say or do. We wonder if it will ever end. It’s easy to blame someone else for our situation. People facing setbacks often become lonely, discouraged, and afraid. Perhaps you are experiencing such a storm.

 

Thankfully, we have an anchor that holds us steady during even the worst of times. That anchor is Jesus and the connecting lifeline is the Word of God. I challenge you to find a quiet place and read Psalm 107. As you study these verses, you’ll discover many different scenarios people faced in the wilderness or on a stormy sea. If you’re in the midst of a tough situation, this passage of scripture will help you. I’ll provide a simple outline for you to follow.

 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” GOD IS GOOD in every situation because he’s a GOOD GOD! As you read the verses, you’ll discover some individuals got lost wandering into desert wastelands. Prisoners were chained and sitting in darkness. Like the ones lost in the desert, they cried out to God, He heard and delivered them.

 

In verses 17-22 we discover patients who were healed from their suffering. Verses 23-32 inform us of sailors sinking at sea, and verses 33-38 about dry deserts becoming well-watered. The devil whispers saying things will never change, but God has a different word: He knows exactly where you are and your situation. He’s your rescuer, he can calm the waves. There’s a proper conclusion to every storm. What you see in the immediate is not all God sees in your future. The way out is allowing Him to take you through the storm. If you cry out to Him, he’ll hear you.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Perseverance" - Tuesday July 14, 2026

“Perseverance”:

Developing a life of “Self-Discipline” requires work (see yesterday’s devotional). The Bible tells us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23). We also know that “Self-control” is listed among the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Willpower provides us the mental energy required to pursue our goals and dreams, but fulfilling them requires strong desire, effort, and sacrifice.

 

It’s never to late to dream big dreams. Your desire may be to do your best to repair a broken relationship, save money, complete your education, prepare yourself for a career, or any number of other things. Some of you may be struggling in your spiritual life and are being tempted to give in believing you can never become what God wants you to be. Just know, that’s the devil playing with your mind and he’s a liar!! God said, “You are more than a conqueror”  (Romans 8:37).

 

God is still God and if you have a relationship with Him, you are one of his children. He loves you with an everlasting love and the plans He has for your life are still in place. You may have gotten off track but today can be a new beginning. Ask for His help, seek his guidance, and get started again. Last week some powerful saints in the Bible were mentioned as “Imperfect.” They messed up, but God used them. We all mess up, but God is kind, patient, and like everyone else, gives us another chance to get our life back into His hands.

 

This can only happen IF you want it to happen. God is more than willing, but there comes a point when we must surrender our will for HIS WILL. Desire, determination, and effort will be necessary. Every devoted follower of Christ has had to make this commitment. You are either following Jesus or Satan. Every day you make a choice.

 

A decision has to be made, and no one can do it for you. Following Jesus is personal. It takes daily discipline and PERSEVERANCE! Perseverance is the continued steadfast effort to achieve a goal or to complete a task desoite facing difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Perseverance is generating the strength to get up and continue after we’ve fallen or make a mistake. Satan is your enemy! Don’t let him deprive you of the joy and peace God has for you!

 

Pastor Carnes 

 

 

 

 

"Self-Discipline is Work" - Monday July 13, 2026

“Self-Discipline is Work”

Show up early to work – work hard – stay out of trouble – go on a diet – do the right thing – exercise – choose good friends and respect those in authority! Wow – that’s quite a list. Many other things could be added such as get over your anger, jealousy, and bad habits.

 

Here’s what I know, “Self-Discipline” requires work!! I once heard a statement a college football coach gave his team.  He told his players, “There are two things only you can control – desire and effort!” So, the question is how much do you want to do something and how hard are you willing to work for it?

 

Most of us have little patience. Discouragement comes when accomplishing something doesn’t come easily. Everyone has the ability to make themselves a disciplined person, but it’s a matter of desire and effort. Self-discipline in short is the ability to control your impulses, emotions, and behavior to achieve long-term goals. It’s consistently choosing to do what you should do, rather than what you feel like doing.

 

Willpower is the mental energy required to resist immediate temptations and distractions. Consistency is taking action on a regular basis, regardless of fleeting physical or emotional states. Long term focus is sacrificing short term gratification that pulls you away from your goals. Procrastination is a very common detour from accomplishments.

 

Why is “Self-discipline” so important? Because developing a disciplined life gets rid of the need to be motivated. Disciplining yourself teaches you how be accountable, responsible, and pushes you toward achieving your goal(s). The Bible addresses self-discipline and self-control directly, framing it as a fruit of the Holy Spirit and vital for growth. It requires actively setting boundaries, guarding your heart, and relying on God’s strength to live intentionally.

 

Is there an area of your life that’s out of control? You know the necessary steps needed to bring it under control. It’s a matter of true desire and genuine effort. Proverbs says, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (25:28).

 

Pastor Carnes