"Going Deeper with God" Pt 3 - Friday June 5, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 3:

Chris and I began our pastoral ministry in a Southern Michigan church with 27 people attending the first Sunday. We were told spend one year there, gain some experience and was promised we’d be moved to another church with this one being closed. This seemed like a “can’t lose situation.” Chris was 18 years old as we started this venture together. She grew up in a pastor’s home, and I felt she was more equipped for ministry than me.

 

Within a few months we attended a pastor’s conference where I learned about three basic needs every person has and those three needs became the foundation or our ministry we still build on today. The needs? Every person has a desire to be “LOVED, ACCEPTED, and NEEDED!” We weren’t exactly sure how to implement these three things, but asked God to help us practice them with every person we met until they became a lifestyle.

 

Soon our little church was full of people making it necessary to purchase land and build a new facility. In less than a year, the new building was full and I became very anxious. Actually, afraid. I thought about resigning. While building the new church building, we also built a new parsonage (church owned home) on the same property. Unable to sleep, in the middle of the night I walked over to the church and walked through the dark building guided only by the exit lights. Lying face down on the floor between the first pew and altar, I had a talk with God.

 

Beginning to cry, I thanked Him for the growth of the church then admitted, “God, the congregation is getting bigger than I know how to handle. I’m not sure what to do and feel I need to walk away!” God was patient. He let me speak, weep, and talk until I ran out of things to say.” All was quiet as I laid in the darkness on the sanctuary floor. It was then He spoke, not audibly, but there was no question, the Lord was speaking.

 

“Gerry, this is what I’ve been trying to teach you. Give Me your life, your family, your possessions, and your church. I’m your Savior, but I want to be the Lord of your life.” God assured me that night, it wasn’t my church but his. If I’d surrender everything that was important to me, He will bless and give guidance. I never became perfect, and still mess up from time to time, but on that night, God filled my heart with His Spirit and my life was changed.

 

That’s my personal explanation of the “Spirit – filled” life. Admitting you can’t be what God truly wants you to be on your own. “Helper,” is a description of the Holy Spirit. I needed help that day and even now seek the filling of His Spirit every morning. Total surrender is giving God everything and allowing Him to be first in your life. As followers of Christ, you and I are challenged just as the early disciples were at Pentecost. They could not take the Gospel to the world under their own power. They returned to Jerusalem and prayed. After a period of time, they were filled with power, courage, energy, and carried out the mission of spreading God’s Word. We are Christians today because of their obedience. Who will become new believers because of your and my obedience?

 

What are you hanging onto? What have you not surrendered to the Lordship of Christ? Have you felt a struggle or thoughts about what you can’t do? God has sent His Spirit to fill you and that filling comes by complete surrender of all things pertaining to your life. The Holy Spirit is you constant “Helper” in everything you do.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Going Deeper with God" Pt 2 - Thursday June 4, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 2:

It has been said that the lost cord in Christianity is Pentecost and that Pentecost is the land where our resources lie but lie undeveloped. We all know that after His resurrection and just prior to his ascension, Jesus told the disciples to tarry (wait) in Jerusalem until they were endued with “power” from on high. Acts 1:4-9 describes this conversation and refers to this “power” as a GIFT. It’s agreed that this “gift” is the Holy Spirit – but why is it necessary?

 

It’s my opinion that lots of people are afraid to associate themselves with the Holy Spirit because of fear they might do something they don’t want to be associated with. Things like, becoming a religious fanatic, speaking in tongues, handling snakes, send us to Africa, or something else.

 

We must understand, the Holy Spirit is a “gift” from our Father God and will never hurt us but is intended to empower us with courage to stand for right, turn from wrong, and share our faith with others. People who say they received the Holy Spirit the moment they repented of their sins are not wrong because receiving Jesus is a part of the Trinity which includes the Holy Spirit.

 

The early disciples were told to “wait,” for this gift, but during this waiting period they were praying.  Paul asked some Christian believers later, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” (Acts 19:2). They had not! So, how does one receive this “gift” God promised and why is it necessary?

 

It’s necessary because at salvation (when one gets saved), our sins are given to God, and we receive all of Him. We are now a Christian, but the Lord desires to clean up our lives of all the impurities that linger in our hearts. Things such as selfishness, vulgar language, anger, bitterness, rage, prejudicial and judge mental feelings, gossip, and other things that will hinder our relationship with God, but especially with others. Remember the first and greatest commandment is to “Love God with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves.” How many professing Christians do you know that harbor ill feelings toward others? These things and others cause people to question our relationship with Christ. Part 3 including a personal testimony tomorrow. 

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

"Going Deeper with God" - Wednesday June 3, 2026 Pt 1

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 1:

I believe most Christians truly have a desire to follow and be obedient to Christ. They have a desire and willingness but continue to fight Satan in their own strength. When we try to confront the devil in our own power, we’ll lose most battles because even though we’re a Christian, the lure of satanic influence is very powerful.

 

We are acquainted with the history of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, along with His promise of returning one day. We know repenting of sin brings salvation making us a child of God. This is the requirement for going to Heaven when we pass from this life. The early disciples had a salvation experience. They walked with Jesus for three years and because of His presence they did many great things. But the day was coming when Jesus was going to leave this earth passing the responsibility of sharing the Gospel around the world with them.

 

Our Lord knew they needed more spiritual power than what they had to carry out the Great Commission. Acts 1:4 says, “On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the GIFT my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized (filled) with the Holy Spirit.”

 

Some people get nervous when they hear conversations about the Holy Spirit. Note in the mentioned verse, Jesus referred to it as a “gift” from his Father. God is our Heavenly Father and loves each one of us very much. A loving Father gives “good” gifts to his children. This particular gift was one the early disciples and every follower of Christ needs today if they truly want to be strong in the Lord and witnesses to a lost world.

 

Acts 1:8 describes this “gift” and what it will do. “Wait…(v 4) and you will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and YOU WILL BE my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled at Pentecost (read Acts 2). Sanctification is a word defining the fulness of the Holy Spirit. God has called us to holiness for He is holy. Tomorrow I’ll give some characteristics of what the Spirit-filled life looks like.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

"When God Looks Down" - Tuesday June 2, 2026

“When God Looks Down”

Recently, in two different Bible studies groups, I asked this question; “If you were God, the creator of the universe and were looking down from heaven today upon the human race, of which you brought into this world, how would you feel?” Two different groups, two different settings, the same question with many of the same answers.

 

My question was spurned from Psalm 14:1-2 which says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD LOOKS DOWN from heaven and sees the sons of men TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY WHO UNDERSTAND, ANY WHO SEEK GOD.”

 

The answers to my question were, “sad, disappointed, angry, heartbroken, shocked, surprised, filled with grief, and several others.” How would you answer the question? Let’s take a look into this Psalm.

 

When God looks down, He sees a nation of sinful chaos (v 2). He sees a nation without leadership, “All have turned aside and have become corrupt,” (v3), which includes some preachers, Christian leaders, and many professing Christians without courage to preach, teach, speak, or stand for the truth of God’s Word (v 4).

 

2 Timothy informs us that God sees people “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such we are to turn away from” (3:5 KJV). “Form” refers to those who outwardly appear religious. They might go to church, use the right language, and follow all the rituals. Denying the “Power” means their faith lacks the true transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Because the power is denied, their hearts and lifestyle remain unchanged, and their actions often contradict what they claim to believe. This, said one of the Bible students, “must make God sick!”

 

One person said, “HOPEFUL!” I loved that answer because we have a God who never gives up on us. He continues to believe in us no matter how far we have strayed or what we’ve done. As the songwriter wrote, “There’s room at the cross – though millions have come, there’s still room for one – yes, there’s room at the cross for you!” I challenge you to examine your heart today. See yourself as God sees you. Are you religious or committed? There’s hope, because there’s room at the cross for you.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

"Connecting With God" - Monday June 1, 2026

“Connecting With God”

Sometimes it’s hard time believing that God is really interested in us. It’s difficult to believe that the Creator of the entire universe is interested in car payments, house payments, providing for our kids, and the person at work who irritates you. Plus, you have nagging back problems. Then there’s other issues not mentioned!

 

When you fully discover how much God really loves you, a daily desire to connect with Him will develop. The connection with our Heavenly Father comes through prayer – not because you have too, but because you love to talk to people who love you and no one loves you more than God. Prayer is the umbilical cord of the Christian life from which we draw our strength.

 

Jesus said in John 15:5-7, “If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, but apart from Me, you can do nothing. If anyone doesn’t remain in Me, he’s like a branch that’s thrown away and withers. But if you remain in Me (if you depend upon Me) and My words remain in you, whatever you wish in My name (His will) and it will be given you.”

 

Paul said, “Devote yourselves to prayer…” (Colossians 4:2). Praying expresses your love, devotion, and trust to God, as well as your dependence upon Him. Relationships are built with people by talking to them and getting acquainted. Through conversation a sense of trust is developed. Praying is how a personal relationship is built with God. He created you and longs to have a personal connection with you.

 

People share lots of reasons why they don’t have a daily prayer time. Not enough time, too many distractions, or wondering if praying really helps. It’s interesting though, when a crisis hits an individual, family, or nation, people are called upon to pray. Perhaps another reason is because they forget (or don’t realize) who they are talking to. The Lord says, “I am the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and you are My friend and I want to talk to you!” That’s what prayer is – it requires dedication but provides great communication.

 

The greatest and most powerful connection you’ll make on any given day is when you open your heart and talk to God.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Making Prayer a Priority" Pt 2 of 2 - Friday May 29, 2026

“Making Prayer a Priority” 2 of 2:

I’m convinced most followers of Christ want to have a stronger testimony among their circle of friends, work associates, neighbors, and total strangers. Saying “stronger,” means living a life that influences others.

 

Most of us already have knowledge that far exceeds our obedience. We want to witness to others and know we should. The vehicle is primed and ready to go. You’re that vehicle, but you are powerless. Here’s some tips.

 

First and foremost, the power you need is known as the Holy Spirit. We can’t be what God wants us to be on our own. At Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit from Heaven and filled the disciples. Their lives were changed and the Christian Church was born out of that experience.

 

Jesus gave the “Great Commission” before He ascended into heaven commissioning his disciples and all followers to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Translation – AROUND THE WORLD! The Lord knows more about us than we know ourselves. He knows our weaknesses, the fear of sharing our faith with loved ones or close friends. Because of our lack of power, He sent a Helper, the Holy Spirit and that Spirit has NEVER BEEN RECINDED. He’s available today!

 

God blesses people who faithfully and consistently prays. Spending time in prayer isn’t just a good thing, it’s ESSENTIAL. If you do not have a habit of praying, you can start today. Set a time when you can be alone, find a place (this is where you’ll meet God on a daily basis), have your Bible nearby and if this is new for you, spend 5 minutes talking to God. Open your Bible and spend 5 minutes reading a passage (don’t worry about what you read – just read). You now have spent 10 minutes – now be silent for 5 minutes – ask the Lord what He would like to say to you today?

 

Don’t worry about what you read or how you talk to God but give Him time to talk to you. Do this each weekday for a week and I can almost promise your special time with God will increase. In the process, He’s building your faith, giving you courage and a deep love for others. You can depend upon His Spirit falling upon and helping you.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Making Prayer a Priority" Pt 1 of 2 - Thursday May 28, 2026

“Making Prayer a Priority” Pt 1 of 2:

Most people, certainly followers of Jesus Christ, have a desire to become stronger in their faith. There are several things we can do to develop a stronger faith and help it grow, but the Apostle Paul seems to single out “prayer” as the most important thing a Christian can do to enhance their spiritual life. In Colossians 4:2 he instructs us to, “Devote yourselves to prayer…”.

 

Devotion requires giving your time, effort, and attention, entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause. It involves setting something or someone apart for a special dedicated purpose. Devotion will often require intentional sacrifice to faithfully commit to a solemn act – in this case – talking to and listening to God. If we “devote ourselves to prayer…”, what are some things we might expect?”

 

1. An INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ.
2. A right PERCEPTION and PERSPECTIVE of who God is.
3. A POSITIVE FAITH attitude.

 

4. A PURIFYING of my heart.
5. A PASSION for OBEDIENCE.
6. A PEACE with God never before experienced.

 

7. A realization that PERSONAL and PRIVATE TIME in prayer is the pathway to spiritual growth.
8. I will begin to understand GOD does PROVIDE my needs.
9. A great POWER will come into my life.

 

10. I will begin to experience SPIRITUAL PRODUCTIVITY.

 

“ANYTHING THAT WILL DO THAT MUCH GOOD IN OUR LIVES DESERVES NUMBER ONE PRIORITY!”

 

Pastor Carnes