"Unforgettable Experiences" - Thursday April 2, 2026

“Unforgettable Experiences”

We all have been places, seen things, or witnessed events that will be lodged in our memory for the rest of our lives. In the Spring of 1995 Chris and I were invited to join some very special friends on their trip to the Holy Land. This was an unbelievable experience, and not just because they paid all our expenses.

 

It’s difficult to describe everything we did, saw, learned, and the people we met on this live changing trip. Today is Thursday, 2026. Roll back the calendar a couple thousand, plus years and imagine living in Jerusalem. We call this present time, “Holy Week.” As the crowd was singing and waving Palm branches on Sunday, Jesus knew that within a few days he would be betrayed, beaten, and hung on a cross for the sins of every person ever  born.

 

We personally experienced walking on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, sitting on a dock dangling our feet in the Sea of Galilee. So many things to say, so little space to write it all. Eventually we reached a place and walked up a few steps and was told the place we were standing could have been the “Upper Room” where Jesus had the Last Supper with his disciples. This is where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and identified Judas Iscariot as his betrayer, who immediately left the room. Our Lord gave thanks and broke bread establishing Holy Communion. As a sidenote, while we were standing and listening to the story, a beautiful dove flew in landing on a shelf.

 

The things mentioned took place in the late afternoon or early evening on Thursday – the day before Jesus would be put to death. Leaving the Upper Room, Jesus led them to a place we know as the Garden of Gethsemane. This Garden still remains as one of my most memorable experiences. To me it was depressing as we walked and looked at the ancient Olive trees with their thick gnarled trunks. Most of which were said to be 900 to 2,000 years old (ironically a symbol of eternal life).

 

Walking through the garden, I noticed a large stone with a protective fence around it. Asking the guide if the stone meant anything, his answer was “Yes, it marks the perceived place Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus identifying him to the Roman soldiers”. Immediately Jesus was chained, taken into custody, and would face three trials before morning. The charges? Claiming to be the Son of God! I’ll never forget the chills that came over me when informed about the stone and mentally as well as emotionally visualizing that scene. Perhaps you will think about it today.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Motivation -Love or Betrayal?" - Wednesday April 1, 2026

“Motivation - Love or Betrayal?”

Almost everyone can tell you the story of Judas Iscariot. You remember, the disciple who chose to sell out Jesus to the religious leaders of his day for 30 pieces of silver. This amount was also the compensation paid to a slave’s master if a slave was killed by an ox. This amount was estimated to be a laborer’s wages for about 4 months.

 

There’s another story prior to the arrest of Jesus and it’s told in all four Gospels. Matthew and Mark put this event just before the Last Supper, while John puts it just before Jesus’ Triumphal entry. Regardless, the content of the story is the same as it tells of a woman who crashed a party at the home of Simon the Leper where Jesus was spending the night.

 

This woman is identified as Mary (John 12:1-3), the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Mary entered the house carrying an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and poured it on the head of Jesus. The Bible says the disciples saw this lady as indignant and pouring out this perfume was a waste of money that could be given to the poor. The response of Jesus was, “Why are you bothering her, she has done a beautiful thing. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial” (Matt. 26:6-12).

 

What Jesus says next is very significant, “I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (v. 13). If you’ve been in a Bible preaching church for any length of time, you most likely have heard this story. If you haven’t you should have.

 

There’s a huge contrast between the actions of Judas Iscariot and this woman. One was motivated by selfishness and greed, the other by love and devotion to her Lord.  We first meet Mary during a visit Jesus paid to her home. She simply sat at his feet and listened. Our last glimpse of Mary shows her to have become a woman of thoughtful and worshipful action. She seemed to understand better even than the disciples, why Jesus was going to die.

 

Pride, arrogance, and selfishness will block our understanding of God’s love for us. Reading and listening to his Word will teach us “There’s no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend” (John 15:13). That’s what Jesus did for you and me. Mary was moved with compassion because she knew the price Jesus would pay for her sin. That price was His life – the same price he paid for your and my sins.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"Holy Week" - Tuesday March 31, 2026

“Holy Week”

Many people have an agenda for this week. These plans may include getting our homes ready for guests on Easter Sunday with a nice meal. But have you given thought to preparing your heart for worship on Resurrection Sunday?

 

Jesus was leading his disciples back to Jerusalem, (which would be his final trip), and stopped at Caesarea Philippi. This place was located several miles north of the Sea of Galilee and was highly influenced by Greek and Roman culture. Pagan temples and idols were everywhere. Some say Caesarea Philippi was the evilest place on earth at that time. It was here Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do they (the public) say I am?” Then He got personal, “Who do YOU say I am?” (Matt. 16:15, Mk 8:29, Lk 9:20). He needed to know if they really knew him.

 

Holy Week is a time to remember the last few days of the life of Jesus before He was crucified. Whatever plans you have for this week, compare them with what Jesus was facing? He knew there would be a celebration of his entrance into Jerusalem, but he also knew these same people would watch him die on a cross on Friday.

 

Today we are living in a culture that’s turning its back on Jesus and his Word. Selfishness and personal idols have replaced worshipping the true living God. The Bible is being compromised and Christianity ridiculed. We are standing in our own Caesarea Philippi – surrounded by evil. During the time, we recognize as “Holy Week,” what would you say if Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?”

 

The day after Palm Sunday, Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem, not as a passive observer, but as a zealous defender of God’s holiness. Seeing the sacred space cluttered with commerce and distraction, He took decisive action to cleanse His Father’s house. This powerful scene reminds that Jesus cares deeply about the condition of our worship and the purity of our hearts.

 

This cleansing of the temple invites us to look inward at the temples of our own lives. Just as the physical temple had become crowded and cluttered with things that obscured its true purpose, so our hearts can be cluttered with the busyness, anxieties, and distractions of the world. As we move through this Holy Week, let’s invite Jesus to do similar work in us. Surrender everything to Christ that is keeping you from being who he wants you to be.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Psalm 91" - Monday March 30, 2026

NOTE: The following was written by Natalie Breckenridge and posted on Facebook. It was sent to me by a Devotional Family Member. I love it and need it. You will too.

 

“Psalm 91”

Psalm 91 is not a slogan. It’s a place you choose to live. It’s easy to quote when you feel afraid. Easy to read when you need comfort. Easy to declare when life feels uncertain. But Psalm 91 was never meant to be occasional. It’s positional.

 

“He who DWELLS in the shelter of the Most High…” (v. 1). DWELLS! That means you don’t just run there in a crisis. You remain there in consistency. You build your life there. Because the promises in Psalm 91 are not random blessings. They are the result of proximity. You don’t accidentally live covered. You choose to stay close.

 

Many people want what Psalm 91 offers… Protection when things go wrong. Peace when anxiety rises. Security when life feels unstable. But they don’t stay sustained. The Secret Place: - The Daily place. The Quiet place. The place where you meet God when nothing is urgent, but everything is being built.

 

Verse 2 says,

“I will say to the Lord, ‘MY refuge and MY fortress…”. Refuge means you have somewhere to run. Fortress means you are not exposed. That kind of covering doesn’t come from distance. It comes from DWELLING!

 

The enemy will always try to pull you out of that place. Through distraction. Through busyness. Through spiritual complacency. Because He knows this: A believer who lives in the presence of God is not easily shaken. Not because life is easy, but BECAUSE THEY ARE ANCHORED.

 

So don’t just visit God when you need something. LIVE there! Return daily. Stay consistently. Build your life in His presence. Because Psalm 91 is not just something you read… IT’S SOMEWHERE YOU REMAIN. Jesus said, “ABIDE in Me…” (John 4:7).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"A Prayer for You" - Friday March 27, 2026

“A Prayer for You”

Everyone has seasons when life feels overwhelming. We have no promises that life will be easy, but God has promised that we never have to walk through anything alone. Blessed is the one surrounded by Godly people, especially when life is hard. It’s unfortunate, when a person doesn’t have anyone to pray for and encourage them as they walk through difficult challenges. It’s for these people I want to specifically pray for today:

 

“Heavenly Father, you know the exact need of every person before we even ask. I can’t see, nor do I know the person reading this prayer at this moment, but you can and do. My heart breaks for the person who is afraid, the one feeling alone, and sensing all hope is gone. For that person who is tired, weary, and wanting to give up.

 

“For those who are hurting today and carrying a heavy load, please give them relief. For those who are weak give them strength. For the discouraged, give them hope and the depressed, would you restore their joy. For those who are separated from a loved one or in conflict with a spouse, lead them to restoration and reconciliation.

 

“For those who are tempted, for those who are addicted, for those who want to stop what they are doing, but have been unable to do so, may they find complete release in you. For those carrying the weight of guilt and shame of present or past sins, may they find freedom in your forgiveness.

 

“Lord may those who are tired and discouraged as they faithfully care for a loved one unable to care for themselves – may these incredible caregivers experience your sustaining grace and may they sense your arms of love wrapping around them today.

 

“Dear God, for anyone lacking purpose and meaning - and for those who haven’t yet put their trust in you for salvation – may they do it today. For the person forced to live alone, give them comfort, peace, and the hope of seeing a departed loved again one day. For the individual, whose personal situation wasn’t mentioned, help them to know you are thinking of and extending your hand to them at this moment. Lord, on behalf of all hurting people, I place them and their needs into your hands. - Amen

 

Pastor Carnes

 

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"Regaining Control" - Thursday March 26. 2026

“Regaining Control”

Take a deep breath – count to ten – lay down – stand up – rest – sleep – take a walk – contact somebody. These are a few words often mentioned to an individual going through a crisis, or at the very least, a difficult time. How many times has someone used these words or similar ones in an attempt to encourage you during times of trial?

 

What do you do to help someone that’s under pressure? They’re worried and maybe afraid because as they try to navigate the storm that’s tossing them about, the outcome of the present situation is out of their hands. Offering comforting words to someone that’s hurting can be very helpful. Sitting with them reminds them that someone cares and that’s why you are there. I’ve learned being with someone during a tragic time, doesn’t mean you have to talk. Just be there and let your presence speak for you. I call this, “The ministry of silence.”

 

Early this morning I was watering the lawn in our backyard just as light began to break the night darkness. A number of people who are fighting turbulent waters crossed my mind. Chris and I pray for these people on a regular basis and as I was setting the sprinkler I was asking God, what can I say that will help these individuals.

 

Almost instantly a song called, “There’s Something About That Name,” came to mind. I haven’t heard that song in years but began to softly sing the words … “Je-sus, Je-sus, Je-sus! There’s just some-thing a-bout that name! Mas-ter, Sav-ior, Je-sus! Like the fra-grance af-ter the rain. Je-sus, Je-sus, Je-sus! Let all heav-en and earth pro-claim: Kings and king-doms will all pass a-way, But there’s SOME-THING ABOUT THAT NAME!”

 

In closing, here are positive words of another song, “There is STRENGTH in the name of the Lord. There is POW’R in the name of the Lord. There is HOPE in the name of the Lord. BLESSED is he, who comes in the name of the Lord!” Your pain is obvious, but you aren’t hurting alone. God is with you. Let the loving words and arms of Jesus give you comfort during stressful times. Take a break from the situation, and “TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS!” Focusing upon – JESUS – will help you find rest, peace, and to regain control to deal with the problem.

 

Pastor Carnes