"The Goodness of God" - Friday May 1, 2026

“The Goodness of God”

“Good morning, how are you today?” The reply, “Fine, how are you?” We’ve all asked this question in kindness, and w also given the same response as a courtesy even though we may be suffering from a broken heart. We do this because we don’t want to be unkind, nor do we want to burden someone with our problems. Is this a correct assumption?

 

Here’s some thoughts for you on this beautiful Friday. I have several friends when asked how they are, they respond without hesitation, “Better than I deserve!” I love that response because the truth is, we’re all better than we deserve because everything we have is a gift. Our life, loved ones, friends, job, home, the food we eat, clothes we wear, bed we sleep in, and the ability to face another day – even one filled with challenges.

 

Life itself is better than I (we) deserve because of the “Goodness of God.” The moment many of you read those words t your mind went immediately to the song created by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson with the same title. If you have time, you’ll gain some inspiration for the day by pulling it up on YouTube and listening to it. The words are amazing and we all need to be reminded once in a while about God’s goodness and faithfulness.

 

The words, “All my life You have been faithful…,” give us hope, strength, and courage to place our hand in His and walk another day knowing whatever comes, we aren’t alone. David wrote in Psalm 37:25, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken…”. These words emphasize God’s faithfulness for those who follow him.

 

Isaiah said, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold hold you with my righteous right hand.” God is a “good, good, Father.” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in a time of need” (Psalm 46:1).

 

Many enjoyed unexpected blessings this week while others received bad news. At times we get caught up in the moment seeing only the situation before us. But when the dust settles, realization comes reminding us we weren’t alone. God was with us. We know that because He promised to be. His goodness is more than we deserve.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Feeling Forgotten" - Thursday April 30, 2026

“Feeling Forgotten”

The Bible mentions many examples of Jesus looking at an individual or group of people. His gaze in the Gospels often reveals his love, discernment, or intentional pursuit of individuals.

 

A few include Mark 3:34 “Jesus looking upon him (the Rich Young Ruler) loved him and said…”. “He scanned the crowd looking for a faithful family member” (Mark 3:34). “He looked at Peter to foretell his call” (John 1:42). “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Mark 19:26).

 

It can’t be denied; Jesus was interested in relationships and desires a personal relationship with each of us. His love, compassion, grace, mercy, desire to forgive, patience, and kindness never wavers. He “Came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). His love for us is never ending and his faithfulness endures forever.

 

These things are mentioned because there is an epidemic in the United States and around the world – it’s called “Loneliness.” Relationships are essential to good health – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Everyone wants some type of relationship and if scorned by a parent or surrounding peers, many seek and find acceptance elsewhere. Gangs don’t happen by accident – they are formed by individuals willing to accept one another. The point is, there are good and bad relationships because we really do need someone. As believers we are to love others and treat them as we want to be treated. Who do you know that needs a friend or could use some encouragement? Reach out to them.

 

A man named Zacchaeus knew what it was like to be on the outside of a crowd. He wasn’t innocent. He’d made choices that hurt people and he knew exactly what others thought when they saw him. When Jesus came through Jericho, he did something a respected adult man didn’t do. He ran ahead, climbed a tree, and tried to get a clear look.

 

Then Luke gives this line: “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up” (19:5). Jesus didn’t glance around. He stopped and looking up through the branches saw the person everyone else had labeled. Then he called Zacchaeus’ by name out loud. The point is, you may be struggling and feeling alone or maybe even unworthy. You’ve been hurt and shunned by others. You’re paying the price for some poor choices. My friend, Jesus knows where you are, how you feel, and what you need. If you listen, you’ll hear Him calling your name followed with, “Come to Me!” He not only wants to be your friend, but more importantly your Savior! You may feel forgotten, but not by Jesus! Developing a relationship with Him will change your life.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Hope" - Wednesday April 29.2026

“Hope”

Hope is the confident expectation and desire for positive outcomes, acting as an anchor that sustains individuals through times of difficulty. That’s a definition found on the internet. But so often the things we hope for is what people say when they want something to turn out well – “I hope things get better,” or “whatever will be, will be.”

 

The kind of hope just described depends entirely on circumstances, luck, or human strength. When those fail, hope collapses. But biblical hope is different. It’s stronger, deeper, and unwavering. This hope is the active application of our faith – a confident expectation that God will fulfill every promise He has ever made. As believers, we do not merely hope for good things; we anchor ourselves in the God who is good.

 

Scripture binds faith, hope, and love together (I Corinthians 13:13), revealing that hope is foundational to the Christian life. It exists even when we cannot see it. Hope is at work, quietly, when our emotions are overcome. It holds us steady during times of grief and when questions overwhelm our hearts.

 

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure (confident) of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The foundation of hope and faith, in my opinion is not so much as what we’re hoping for as the “objectivity” of our faith. It isn’t “what” we believe in, but “Who” we believe in. Are we trusting circumstances to work or our Creator who has a designed plan for our life?

 

Faith and hope are both active – not passive. Our faith and hope are anchored in Jesus who never wavers and always keeps His promises. In 1834 Edward Mote penned the words to a hymn that continues to give testimony to God’s amazing love and grace; “My HOPE is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other is sinking sand.” When everything around you seem to be failing or falling apart, JESUS NEVER FAILS! He’s the anchor that will hold you through every storm and adversity. Biblical hope is ASSURANCE!!

 

Pastor Carnes

"Believing an Invisible God" Pt 2 of 2 - Tuesday April 28, 2026

“Believing an Invisible God” Pt 2 of 2:

Exodus 33 explains the irritation God had with the impatience the Israelites showed when Moses didn’t return as quickly as they wanted. Thinking he wasn’t coming back, they convinced Aaron to make a golden calf for them to worship. We may criticize these people, but aren’t we at times guilty of doing the same things when we get tired of waiting on God to answer our prayers or do a certain thing. 

 

God promised Israel He’d lead them to the Promise Land. But after turning to their false gods so quickly, He informed Moses, “an angel will lead you, but I’m not going with you” (33:1-6).  But Moses couldn’t stand the thought of departing if it meant they would be without Him. He made it clear, “If your presence doesn’t go with us, don’t send us… (15-16).

 

Out of all the things Moses could have asked, he desired the presence of God more than anything else. Moses understood the impact of His presence not only then, but in the future. He wasn’t going unless God was with him.

 

When we truly chase after God, we chase after His presence and glory. When we allow Him to captivate our heart and surrender to Him completely, our lives are never the same. Allowing the presence of God to permeate your life will distinguish you among the crowd, and people can’t help but be drawn to you. You will be a light in the darkness.

 

You may not see Him physically, but when by faith your life and every situation is put into God’s hands, you’ll begin noticing the evidence of God is all around you. This doesn’t mean you’ll never have to face problems again. It doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean, never again will you have to face or go through anything alone. 

 

The Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name” (Ex 33:17). As believers, we have a Promised Land and it’s called Heaven. Until then, God’s presence within us is also a promise. Acknowledge Him. Trust Him. Lean on His promises. Look around and like Moses you too will say, “I have seen (and can see) Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27 NKJV).

 

Pastor Carnes

"Believing an Invisible God" Pt 1 of 2 - Monday April 27, 2026

“Believing an Invisible God” Pt 1 of 2:

The Christian faith is simply that – a life of following God based on faith. We can live our whole lives and not hear His audible voice, feel his physical touch, or see his physical presence. But we know that we know He exists and is real. When the Israelites were led out of Egypt they couldn’t see a physical God, but they saw his presence as a cloud guided them by day and pillar of fire by night.

 

On their journey to the Promised Land, Moses was summoned to a mountain top to meet with God leaving the Israelites at the foot of the mountain with Aaron. Impatience set in among the people and word spread Moses wasn’t coming back as he was gone longer than expected. What happened next is what often happens to us when it appears God is working too slowly or it’s perceived, he’s not working at all.

 

The Israelites convinced Aaron to build a golden calf for them to worship (Exodus 32). Even though they had seen the invisible God in action, Israel still wanted the familiar gods they could see and shape into whatever image they desired. Do you at times become impatient and take things out of God’s hands because he’s moving too slowly, or  think he needs help?

 

Our great temptation is to shape God to our liking, to make him convenient to obey or ignore. The gods we create blind us to the love our loving God wants to shower upon us. God cannot work in us when we elevate anyone or anything above him. Is there anything in your life that consumes your thoughts and activities that prevent the true God from living in or through you?

 

In Exodus 33 the Lord told Moses to “Leave this place, you, and the people you brought out of Egypt, and go to the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will send an angel before you, but I will not go with you because you are a ‘stiff-necked people’ and I might destroy you on the way” (vs 1-3).

 

In our moments of distraction, we can forget about or purposely ignore the Lord’s presence. We often forget His eternal promise to never leave us. Are you leaning on and trusting God’s promises today? (Pt 2 tomorrow).

 

Pastor Carnes

"The Great Puzzle Maker" - Friday April 24, 2026

“The Great Puzzle Maker”

If there was a puzzle contest, you definitely would not want me as your partner. Unless it was 12 pieces or less and made out of wood. In other words, I’m really bad at putting colors (being colorblind doesn’t help) and shapes together. Chris on the other hand – she loves them but now prefers 500 pieces or less. So, what does a devotional have to do with puzzles? Because you and I are puzzles designed by the “Great Puzzle Maker.” Okay, work with me here!

 

Why a puzzle? How many times have you said, “I’m falling to pieces?” The Lord told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (1:5). I know, you’re quick to say, “Those words were specifically for Jeremiah.” Okay, let’s get personal. “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” (Jer. 29:11). The Psalmist admitted, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (139:13).

 

We know God is our creator, designer, planner, orchestrator, and while allowing us to do as we please, has the ability to make something beautiful with our lives. We can stray away from His guidance and get lost in the darkness, but we’re a piece of His overall picture called the “Church.” He’ll seek and find us to make his puzzle picture complete.

 

Sometimes we do terrible things and get into trouble. Going against His will often leads to shattered and ruined lives.  That’s a sad and horrible place to be in. Thankfully the “Great Puzzle Maker” has the ability to find every single broken piece of our heart, mind, emotions, and forgive every sin we’ve ever committed. If allowed, He’ll take every broken piece, brush it off, clean it up and place into its proper place making you better than you were before.

 

Too often we mess up and think there isn’t any way back to a good and decent life. Relationships are broken, bad habits control our life. Satan tries to convince us we have no hope. But Satan is no match for the “Great Puzzle Maker.” He’s the designer of your life. God’s plan for you is still in place. All it takes is a total surrender of your life into His hands and as he puts the pieces of your life back together, it becomes a life (and picture) of beauty and purpose.

 

Pastor Carnes                

"Be Strong and Courageous" Pt 2 of 2 - Thursday April 23, 2026

“Be Strong and Courageous” Pt 2 of 2:

God gave these words to Joshua after the passing of Moses. Reading the first chapter of Joshua, one might wonder what the new leader would face as he continued the task of leading the Israelites to Canaan. Three different times Joshus was told, “Be strong and courageous. Be strong and very courageous!” What would go through your mind if the Lord gave those words to you at the beginning of a day? Anxious? Nervous? Hesitant? Certainly, there’s cause to wonder is something bad about to happen.

 

Verse 9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Knowing the Lord has promised to be with us should bring great comfort, but as we walk through life, we’ll face unexpected and unknown things that cause concern.

 

Accepting a challenge, whether it’s a child going to school for the first time, a graduate heading off to college, moving out of your parent’s home, and living on your own, or beginning a new job can all be overwhelming for an individual. Facing the unknown can be scary, but sometimes facing what is known is worse. God knew what Joshua would face as he led millions of Israelites through the wilderness. It would be a trip where his faith would be tested.

 

“Be strong and very courageous” were words Joshua not only needed to hear, but they also needed to be relied upon every step of the journey. When you are lonely and afraid, ask God to give you strength and courage. When you’ve done everything you possibly can do in a given situation, know in your heart God is with you because He promised he would be. Be confident that He’s with you, even when you can’t hear his voice or sense his presence.

 

Sometimes you’ll feel alone, but you aren’t alone. He hasn’t forgotten or forsaken you. Remember, His plan for your life is still at work, even when nothing is making sense to you. God is faithful to his word. When facing adversity, he will help us “Be strong and very courageous.” Don’t ever give up! He’s with you because he said he would be.

 

Pastor Carnes