"The Spirit Controlled Life" Pt 8 - Friday May 22, 2026

“The Spirit Controlled Life” Pt 8:

This Sunday is one of the most important days in the history of the Christian church. It’ Pentecost Sunday and the day the Christian Church was born. The Holy Spirit filled the lives of the early disciples after ten days of praying and the spiritual power given them that day allowed them to share the Gospel with 3,000 people coming to Christ. As disciples of Jesus, we too are to continue spreading the Gospel to everyone we possibly can.

 

The Holy Spirit not only empowers one to share their faith, but when totally surrendered to the Lordship of Christ it’s also the Holy Spirit’s power that helps us walk, talk, and act like Jesus. This isn’t a one-time prayer or single surrender; it honestly should an everyday prayer of seeking the fullness of God’s Spirit.

 

Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free – not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery of our selfish desires. But because of His death and resurrection, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before – to love God and others.

 

There are four voices we hear every single day – our own, others, the devil’s, and the Holy Spirit. We must discern who’s talking and the Holy Spirit helps us do that. Living a godly life is rooted in surrendering to God’s will, renewing your mind, and actively practicing virtues like love, forgiving, and self-control (see Romans 12:1-2).

 

Galatians 5 gives a wonderful comparison of the virtues of a person living away from God and following their own sinful desires.  A description of one that’s controlled by the Holy Spirit follows. I call this the GREAT EXCHANGE. It’s getting rid of bad things in our life and replacing them with God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit). See the contrast below.

 

When following the desires of your sinful nature, the results are clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasure, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21(NLT).

 

When accepting Christ as Savior followed by a total surrender of heart, mind, and will, the things above eventually fade away and are replaced by the Holy Spirit who takes control of our life. “The Holy Spirit produces the characteristics of God known as the “Fruit of the Spirit.” They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (vs 22-23 NIV). Quite the exchange, don’t you think? Which type life do you wish to have – one where Christ is the center of everything or led by your selfish desires? It’s your choice!

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"The Spirit Controlled Life" Pt 7 - Thursday May 21, 2026

“The Spirit Controlled Life” Pt 7:

The first step toward Godliness is recognizing the guilt of your sins and then asking Christ to forgive you. It might be interesting for you to know, salvation comes because God reaches out to you first. That’s the guilty feelings referred to followed by a sense of believing, “There has to be a better way to live,” and there is. However, attempting to make changes on your own is almost always short term. You’ll learn, changes don’t come from trying – real change comes from the inside out as the Holy Spirit is directing you. Change isn’t from trying, it’s from TRUSTING!

 

It’s God’s Spirit that convicts us from sin and convinces us changes are necessary. He also shows us, we can’t change without the Holy Spirit’s help. I love the word “help.” I always need help – you need help – we all need help. One of the names or characteristics given to the Holy Spirit is “Helper.” God sent his Spirit to help us live a life of holiness. It’s impossible to live that kind of life without His help.

 

As sinners who are hopelessly lost spiritually, we need a Savior and God sent His Son into the world. Having no sins of His own, He died for your and my sins. Think of it this way, “All have sinned,” and Jesus came to rescue us! Salvation is a term used to explain the crisis event of a person repenting of all sins and receiving Christ as Savior. They become a new creature and now changes begin to take place. 

 

At salvation, a person immediately becomes a born-again Christian. They are a babe in Christ and because of their repentance, changes begin to take place in the mind. New thoughts and desires come such as reading the Bible, praying, going to church, joining a Bible teaching Sunday School class at church or a home Bible Study with friends.

 

As a new believer or one that feels stagnant in your spiritual journey, think about this. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven after his resurrection, He informed the disciples, “I must go away so my Father can send you the “Helper” (John 16:7). The Helper is the Holy Spirit. He will give you wisdom, discernment, guidance, and comfort. You are on a new journey, and the Holy Spirit is here to help us become and live like Jesus. (Part 8 tomorrow – The Great Exchange).

 

Pastor Carnes

FW: "The Spirit Filled Life" Pt 6 - Wednesday May 20, 2026

 

 

From: Gerald Carnes
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:14 PM
To: 'blog' <mariettanaz.mariettafirstnaz@blogger.com>; 'mailchimp' <us9-036feab685-bf4cf57256@inbound.mailchimp.com>
Subject: "The Spirit Filled Life" Pt 6 - Wednesday May 20, 2026

 

“The Spirit Filled Life” Pt 6:

We closed yesterday’s devotional with a series of things to get out of our lives as recorded in Ephesians 4: 3-32. If you didn’t see that blog, get a Bible and read the passage. God doesn’t expect us to live perfect lives, but He does want us to live a life of holiness.

 

Many people say they want to live a Christian life but think they are incapable of doing so. Some feel their past sins are so great, even a loving God couldn’t or wouldn’t forgive them. I’ve said it before, we tend to overestimate the power of Satan and underestimate the power of God. People have habits and addictions they would do anything to break (and have tried) but feel it’s impossible to do at this juncture in their life.

 

At salvation, Jesus forgives us of every sin. Keep in mind, He knows everything about you – your strengths, weaknesses, attitude, desires, and habits. Despite what you’ve done, God is your Creator. He brought you into this world. His Son Jesus died a brutal death on the Cross so that you could repent of everything you’ve ever done wrong and be set free. Repenting is the first step toward Godliness. Don’t be surprised when Satan throws everything in hell at you. There’s no way he will give up easily and let you serve God.

 

Many say, “I just can’t do it!” This might shock someone, but the second step toward Godliness is admitting, “I can’t do this!” And you can’t. Satan is more powerful than you are and knows every evil trick in the book to confuse you, wipe away your confidence, self-worth, throw temptations at you, and will attack when you become vulnerable by letting your guard down. Satan wants you to quit – give up. He’s a master at convincing people of what they can’t do.

 

We find the devil’s mission in John 10:10 which is to destroy our lives. It says, “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. But “I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” I Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion; seeking someone to devour.” Despite every attempt of Satan to destroy you, remember God is on your side. You are His child and despite the attacks of the evil one, God says, “You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.”

 

Pastor Carnes

"The Spirit Filled Life" Pt 6 - Wednesday May 20, 2026

“The Spirit Filled Life” Pt 6:

We closed yesterday’s devotional with a series of things to get out of our lives as recorded in Ephesians 4: 3-32. If you didn’t see that blog, get a Bible and read the passage. God doesn’t expect us to live perfect lives, but He does want us to live a life of holiness.

 

Many people say they want to live a Christian life but think they are incapable of doing so. Some feel their past sins are so great, even a loving God couldn’t or wouldn’t forgive them. I’ve said it before, we tend to overestimate the power of Satan and underestimate the power of God. People have habits and addictions they would do anything to break (and have tried) but feel it’s impossible to do at this juncture in their life.

 

At salvation, Jesus forgives us of every sin. Keep in mind, He knows everything about you – your strengths, weaknesses, attitude, desires, and habits. Despite what you’ve done, God is your Creator. He brought you into this world. His Son Jesus died a brutal death on the Cross so that you could repent of everything you’ve ever done wrong and be set free. Repenting is the first step toward Godliness. Don’t be surprised when Satan throws everything in hell at you. There’s no way he will give up easily and let you serve God.

 

Many say, “I just can’t do it!” This might shock someone, but the second step toward Godliness is admitting, “I can’t do this!” And you can’t. Satan is more powerful than you are and knows every evil trick in the book to confuse you, wipe away your confidence, self-worth, throw temptations at you, and will attack when you become vulnerable by letting your guard down. Satan wants you to quit – give up. He’s a master at convincing people of what they can’t do.

 

We find the devil’s mission in John 10:10 which is to destroy our lives. It says, “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy. But “I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” I Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion; seeking someone to devour.” Despite every attempt of Satan to destroy you, remember God is on your side. You are His child and despite the attacks of the evil one, God says, “You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.”

 

Pastor Carnes

"The Spirit Controlled Life" Pt 5 - Tuesday May 19, 2026

“The Spirit Controlled Life” Pt 5:

The Bible says, “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” (I Thessalonians 4:7).

 

A person becomes a Christian the moment they humbly repent of their sins. Instantaneously, they are born-again. But God wants us to be more than followers, He wants us to be like Him. He calls us to live a life of holiness. In order to be holy, lets consider a vessel you want to put drinking water in. Before filling it, you’ll wash it, scrub, and be sure it was clean before filling with pure water. Nothing contaminated would remain in it.

 

Your sins may be forgiven, but if like the rest of us, there are some things that need to be emptied out if you have a desire to desire to be filled with God’s Spirit. In case you’re wondering about what might need emptying, the Bible is very clear. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy…”. I Peter 1:13-16 adds, “Prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, as obedient children do not conform to evil desires you had when living in ignorance (before accepting Christ as Savior), but be holy for I am holy.”

 

There’s more; Ephesians admonishes us to, “put off falsehood and speak truthfully. In your anger sin not, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not let the devil get a foothold. He who steals, must stop and go to work doing something useful. Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths (translation: negativity, gossip, etc) but build others up” (4:3-29). Buckle your belt because we’re just getting started.

 

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling, slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:31-32). Whew!! That’s enough for today, but as you evaluate your heart and mind, are you holding onto to one or more of these vices which hold you back from what God wants you to be? (Tomorrow – How do we  get rid of these things?).

 

Pastor Carnes

"The Spirit Controlled Life" Pt 4 - Monday May 18, 2026

“The Spirit Controlled Life” Pt 4:

A crisis can a life-changing event. Such experiences may bring heartbreak and sadness or much happiness. A serious injury, illness, or devasting loss could be lifechanging, but getting married, having a child, is a happier crisis.

 

There are two parts to our lives – the time lived before accepting Jesus as our Savior and the time after becoming a Christian. Becoming a Christian involves acknowledging sin in our life and humbly asking the Lord to forgive us of all those sins. At the moment of repentance, we become a new creature (person) in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Receiving Christ into your heart is a crisis experience because it truly is a life-changing experience.

 

You didn’t become a Christian on your own. The Holy Spirit spoke convincing you the road being traveled was not the right one and showed you a more excellent way (I Corinthians 12:31). You may look the same, but there’s a transformation that begins to take place as your mind is being renewed (Romans 12:2). Serious thoughts begin to develop because you want to become more like Jesus. There’s a spiritual hunger you’ve never had before. This is all good, but you also realize while your sins have been forgiven, there’s a struggle to put first. Satan will not give you up without a fight and will through every temptation possible at you.

 

Fortunate for all of us, we don’t have to fight this battle “of self” alone. The early disciples were followers of Christ, but they had issues like you and me. Plus, they were given the Great Commission which was to spread the Gospel to every part of the earth. They couldn’t do this on their own. The Lord instructed them to return to Jerusalem and pray “UNTIL” they received power from on high (Luke 24:49).

 

Acts 19:1-6 shares the Apostle Paul meeting up with some Christians in Ephesus and asked, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” There answer was, “No.” The point is, as born-again Christians, followers of Jesus, or believers – whatever term you want to use – God has called us to live a holy life, and we can’t without the power of His Spirit abiding with us. Read I Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; and I Thessalonians 4:7. (To be continued).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"The Spirit Controlled Life" Pt 3 - Friday May 15, 2026

“The Spirit Controlled Life” Pt 3:

Many people are discouraged in their spiritual journey. It’s like they take two steps forward and are happy with their progress but then slip three steps backwards. They define their relationship with God as “good at times,” or “I’m trying but have a lot of ups and downs.” Here’s a thought to ponder. Is it possible discouragement in our relationship with God comes because we “unintentionally” try to reshape Jesus into our own image rather than being shaped into His?

 

Maybe we want God to be like us, instead us becoming like Him. There’s a danger in attempting to customize Jesus and an added danger is allowing culture to influence how we interpret Scripture. Don’t put more stock in what people say especially when what they’re saying is contradictory to God’s Word. The question isn’t, “Do you love Jesus?” It’s “Do you love Jesus MORE than everything else?”  (See John 21:15). Is God someone you’re trying to hang onto or one you love and adore?

 

Living the Spirit filled life isn’t a casual comfortable stroll with Jesus. It’s a life that has moved from comfort to surrender. It’s a life that desires God’s will take the place of our will. It’s believing God’s Word trumps everyone else’s. He has the final say in EVERYTHING. This life comes by a thorough dedication and submission to the Lord which includes, “I can’t live the life You want me to live without the power of Your Spirit living within me!”

 

The early disciples loved Jesus and followed Him, but their lives were transformed at Pentecost (Acts 2) after they had prayed and the Holy Spirit filled them. This same Spirit – this same power is available to each one of us today. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for THEY SHALL BE FILLED”.

 

This is God’s promise. The “IF” isn’t on Him, it’s on us. If we have a hunger and thirst for more of God, He will fill us with His Spirit. He’s faithful and will never break a promise. I’ll send more on this topic next week. Have a great weekend but let me encourage you to find time and read Ephesians 3:14-20 and Ephesians 4:17-32.

 

Pastor Carnes