"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

"Imperfect Saints" Pt 5 of 5 - Friday July 10, 2026

“Imperfect Saints” Pt 5 of 5:

Every person has some flaws and shortcomings. Be careful how you label yours because often what we call bad habits; God calls them sin. Time was spent on Abraham’s lies this week … for two reasons. One, a  respected and admired man in the Old Testament was chosen by God to be a prophet. Chosen, but he wasn’t perfect. Like so many, Abraham was deceived by Satan thinking rationalizing his lying would protect him and his wife Sarah.

 

The second reason is to remind everyone, lying is a destructive sin told generally as a coverup for a previous sin. Lies hurt and divide families and other relationships. It creates mistrust and if not surrendered to God could and will destroy our character. In Genesis 20, God used a pagan king, Abimelech, to expose Abrahams’ sin.

 

Once Abraham confessed his sin, the king showed him grace and showered the prophet with gifts (20:14-18). God used Abimelech to show that He does not disown his children when they sin, just as loving parents do not disown their children when they do wrong. But it’s important to see, God did not ignore Abraham’s sin. Nor will He ours.

 

It’s comforting to know that Abraham’s failure did not change his standing before God. The Lord called him a “prophet,” which means spokesperson for God. Abraham is mentioned in Hebrews 11:8-19. This chapter is known as the “Hall of Faith.” A long list of people who honored and served God are listed in this chapter. As you read it, you’ll discover Abraham’s sin is not mentioned. There’s only praise for his many demonstrations of faith.

 

The chapter closes with Abraham praying for Abimelech and verses 17-18 illustrate God’s love and grace for both of these men. Abraham was forgiven of his sins and became a spiritual giant in the Old Testament. The Lord also healed Abimelech’s wife and daughters so they could have children because the Lord had closed the womb in Abimelech’s household because of Abraham’s wife, Sarah.

 

In closing, let’s remember God had a plan for Abraham life and didn’t give up on him even though he strayed. God has a plan for your life too. Maybe you aren’t as close to God as you should be. Many people lie about being a Christian. God’s love never fails and He’ll never give up on you. Like Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter, and others who failed, He stands with His arms wide open ready to receive you back into the fold. He’ll never give up on you.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Imperfect Saints" Pt 4 of 5 - Thursday July 9, 2026

“Imperfect Saints” Pt 4 of 5:

Lots of attention has been placed upon Abraham’s lie to King Abimelech about Sarah being his sister, not his wife (Genesis 20). Lying is what people do to cover up a wrong they have committed or to make something look better than it actually is.

 

Abraham’s sin was caused by his lack of faith plus thinking he could get away with it. Isn’t that why people lie in the first place? They believe no one will ever find out, but in most cases, the truth always comes out. Not only is this embarrassing to the liar, but ,creates feelings of distrust with loved ones and close friends. A person truly puts themself in a very bad place when others can’t believe they are speaking the truth.

 

Abraham and Saran had made an agreement to lie about their relationship at the beginning of their journey (Gen. 12). Maybe we give them a pass on the first one as they were young in their faith, but 30 years had passed since then and now before the king, Abraham decides to compromise and do something he was wrong.

 

We may wonder, what was wrong with Abraham and why would he do such a horrible thing? Abraham’s problem was the same problem you and I have when we don’t fully repent of our sins – especially the sin we are most vulnerable to. It isn’t enough to be sorry for sin; we must confess it and repent. Repentance is forsaking it – asking God to help you never to do it again. Proverbs says, “He who conceals his sins will not prosper but whoever confesses will find mercy” (28:13).

 

It was mentioned earlier this week that this pagan king (Abimelech) illustrated greater integrity than Abraham, but God’s servant comes clean when confronted by the king. Abimelech returned Sarah to her husband and showed no hard feelings. He actually honored the prophet and showered Abraham with gifts (Gen. 20:14). Then said the king, “My land is before you, live wherever you wish.”

 

Abraham was “justified” in the eyes of the king. He was cleared of his wrong doing, meaning forgiveness had taken place. The gifts given by the king was evidence to everyone that a wrong had been righted. When a person truly repents of their sins, God goes to work restoring broken relationships, healing broken hearts, and creating a new way of life. When a person makes his wrongs – right – the blessings (gifts) of God begin to come.

 

Pastor Carnes