"The SEASONS of life include both GOOD and BAD times" Pt 4 of 5 - Thursday April 16, 2026

“The Seasons of life include both GOOD and BAD TIMES” Pt 4 of 5:

1. The Seasons of life are beyond my control – 2. They are often confusing – 3. God has a purpose for every season.

 

4. The Seasons of life include both GOOD and BAD times: Life is full of contrasts. We experience mountains of joy and happiness, but also walk through the valleys of sorrow, and despair. We go through successes and we go through failures. We have winnings and we have losses. In weather there are four seasons, but in your life, there are many different seasons.

 

Solomon listed 28 different life experiences in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8. Here’s a few from the wisest man that ever lived; “There’s a time to be born and a time to die, a time to laugh and a time to cry, a time to find and a time to lose, a time to speak up and a time to be quiet (we often get these two mixed up).” We need the courage to speak up when we should and have the good sense to be silent when necessary.

 

Life is a combination of contrasting seasons. All sunshine and no rain make a desert. If you are truly following God with a desire to live as He wants you to live, every experience (season) in life has meaning and purpose in your life. This doesn’t mean you understand the season and some seasons will be disappointing and even painful. But in our walk of faith, we believe God’s ways are better than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We believe He is our High Tower and can not only see our future, but in navigating our future.

 

There was a popular song by Ray Stevens years ago called, “Everything is Beautiful in it’s Own Way.” It was a great song, but unfortunately, not everything is beautiful. Any type of disease is not beautiful, war is not beautiful, broken relationships are not beautiful, losing a loved is not beautiful.

 

Some of you are going through a season right now and it’s not beautiful. It’s ugly. Your finances, health, marriage, relationship with a friend, job, or something else is everything but beautiful. It’s the pits and you may be screaming, “God – why is this happening to me?” Stand firm with an obedient heart, keep your eyes focused upon Christ and know he knows and understands everything you’re going through. He’s even catching your tears. As the songwriter wrote, “I don’t know about tomorrow – BUT I KNOW WHO HOLDS MY HAND!” (Pt 5 Tomorrow: What you sow in one season, you will reap in another season).

 

Pastor Carnes

"God has a PURPOSE for Every Season of your life" Pt 3 of 5: - Wednesday April 15, 2026

“God has a purpose for Every Season of your life” Pt 3 of 5:

1. The Seasons of my life are beyond my control. 2) The Seasons of life are often confusing.

 

3. God has a PURPOSE for Every Season of your life: Throughout our lifetime we will experience seasons of loneliness, sadness, grief, successes, failure, illness, loss, and others. Romans 8:28 was mentioned yesterday. Here’s the Living Bible version, “We know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” There are three important words mentioned, “working for” and “if.”

 

This promise is not for everybody. All things DO NOT work together for good for everybody in the world. They only work together for good for those who love God and are fitting into his plans. This means, you’re trusting Him with what you are doing. If you are a believer, nothing comes into your life that hasn’t been filtered by your heavenly father. Your life is not a random series of freak accidents and occurrences and circumstances that just happen.

 

God has an appointed time for everything. He never does things by accident. Does this include the bad, hard, and difficult times?” Yes! Understand this. God doesn’t have to plan all the problems in your life or mine. Nor does he have to plan the bad times. We do pretty well with the problems and bad things ourselves. Things happen because of our bad choices, allowing others to lead us down a wrong path, and ignoring the influence God wants to have on our life.

 

God does have a purpose however and can use every trial, heartache, and difficult situation to draw good out of it. That means every single event, no matter how dark, no matter how shameful, or how bad it is, God can bring good out of it. He doesn’t have to plan bad; but he can bring good out of bad!

 

The Bible doesn’t say all things are good because all things are not good! It says, “ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD” for those who give God all the pieces and say, “God, here’s my messed-up life, will you make good out of it?” Remember, God is more interested in your future than your past. He wants you to trust Him with the sins you’ve committed, the pain and suffering you’ve experienced and everything else. It isn’t to late to let Him make something good out of difficult times. (Tomorrow #4: Life’s Seasons Include Good and Bad).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Understanding the Seasons of Life" Pt 2 of 5 - Tuesday April 14, 2026

“Understanding the Seasons of Life” Pt 2 of 5:

Monday – Pt 1: THE SEASONS OF LIFE ARE BEYOND MY CONTROL.

 

2. The Seasons of Life are often confusing: Some situations you are in cause you to think, “Why is this happening to me? I don’t understand it.” Understanding usually follows an experience rather than precedes it. We tend to understand the seasons we’re in after they’re over, not while we are in them. It’s very normal to be asking questions during difficult times and the things (or outcomes) we cannot control.

 

We’re familiar with Romans 8:28; “All things work for the good to those who love the Lord…,” yet are heard saying, “I sure can’t see anything good coming out of this!” We definitely have a better perspective looking back after experiencing something unexpected, than we do looking ahead. You know the saying, hindsight is twenty-twenty.

 

The reality is, there have been and will be some things that take place throughout your life that you’ll never understand. And the thing is, God doesn’t owe you an explanation. As time passes by, there may be some things you can put together and make some sense out of. But there will be many things you’ll never understand until you get to heaven. The bottom line is, God is teaching us to live by faith, NOT BY SIGHT OR EXPLANATION.

 

In Ecclesiastes 3:11 we find, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom ( completely understand) what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

 

For as long as I’ve known her, my wife has reminded me, “God doesn’t make sense!” Let’s face it, there are things we’ve experienced that are unexplainable. We wish we had an answer but it’s beyond our understanding. We have no idea why a certain thing happened and at the time it happened. Despite all of that, the Bible is clear, “God’s love for us is everlasting and his faithfulness will endure forever”.

 

Someone has said, “God is too wise to make a mistake, and He is too good to be unkind. When you can’t trace His hand (figure him out), you can always trace His heart”. (Pt 3 tomorrow: God has a purpose for every Season of your life).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Understanding the Seasons of Life" Pt 1 of 5 - Monday April 13, 2026

“Understanding the Seasons of Life” Pt 1 of 5:

When God created the earth, He set up seasons of weather. In Genesis 8:22 we find, “As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night.” We know about seasonal weather patterns, but do you realize God also established seasons of human activity? The “Seasons of Life.”

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” The New Century Version states, “Everything on earth has its special season.” Every gardener and farmer knows that if you don’t have changes in seasons, your plants aren’t going to make it. Seasonal changes are necessary for plants to grow.

 

The same thing in true in life. We have to go through various seasons in order to mature and grow. This week we’ll look at five general facts regarding these seasons.

 

1. THEY ARE BEYOND MY CONTROL: You can’t control when they happen, how long they happen, and you can’t control the location or duration of them. There are times we all face things that “just happen” and in a flash our agenda and expectations vanish. Grief is a season, as is an extended illness. Every one of us is going to lose a loved ones in our lifetime and you can’t control that. It’s frustrating that we know what the seasons of life will be in our life, but we can’t figure out exactly when they are going to happen or which is going to happen next.

 

So, who determines the seasons? God does. Daniel says, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; He changes times and seasons…” (2:20-21). God is Sovereign which means He is the absolute, supreme ruler and sustainer of all creation, possessing ultimate authority and power over every event, person, and detail in the universe. Nothing happens outside of God’s control, permission, or eternal plan, ensuring all things ultimately serve his purpose.

 

We’re often frustrated when things are out of our control. But there is comfort in knowing God will never let us walk through anything alone. He’s with you at this very moment.  (Part 2 tomorrow: The Seasons of Life are often confusing).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Facing the Unexpected" - Friday April 10, 2026

“Facing the Unexpected”

I don’t ever recall meeting a person, Christian or non-believer, that didn’t believe God has a plan for their life. Some may understand this better than others and are willing to walk with God today, as well as into their future. Leadership in the corporate world, educational field, church, and basically everything else requires a dreamer that isn’t afraid to believe God. Believing in God is one thing, trusting Him in every situation is another.

 

We followers of Christ say, “God always has a plan.” It’s easy to say, but do we truly believe and trust Him enough to let go and allow him to work the plan? We rejoice and celebrate victories but wonder where God is and what He is doing during times of difficulty.

 

Most will admit that there are times when we think God is moving to slow or mysteriously. It’s hard to understand when someone else got the promotion when we’ve been with the company longer and are more qualified. When we aren’t approved for the purchase of a home? When there’s been treatment over a period of time, but the illness is getting worse instead of better. When we call out to God and wonder if He cares and is even listening.

 

Believing in and following Christ doesn’t mean you won’t hit roadblocks along the way. David is a great example. Right after Samuel anointed him, David faced a major roadblock – a literal giant. Before he would ever lead Israel, before he even endured Saul’s harassment, David had to face one of the fiercest warriors of his time. A literal giant!

 

“Where’s God?” No one can truly explain what God chooses to do or not do or his timing. We trust His promises and that he will never fail us. When riddled with insecurity, our hearts can stand on the secure foundation of our hope in Christ. His promises are solid. There will be times unexpected things happen. They are a shock to us, but our God doesn’t waver. Our faith is tested when things are out of our control. Believing God has a plan for your life doesn’t mean there won’t be burdens or trials to bear. But Jesus is the anchor who holds us through every storm!

 

Pastor Carnes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

"Decide to Take Control" - Thursday April 9, 2026

“Decide to Take Control”

Individuals have more control of things than they give themselves credit for. A change of attitude will go a long way. People CAN’T irritate you without your permission. Let’s just open our minds for a second and realize even Satan can’t take control of your life without you giving him permission to do so. Someone wonders, “Why do you say that?” I say it because the Bible says, “SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO GOD. RESIST the devil and he will flee from you”,(James 4:7).

 

We’re all anxious to get rid of any influence the enemy is attacking us with – resisting him is not magic words but is intentional action. When Christ is abiding in your life, Satan is no match for you. He becomes your shield and protector.

 

As you wake up in the morning, you can decide what kind of day you’ll have before your first cup of coffee. You decide how you will treat family members, work associates,  and total strangers. You can go to work filled with negativity and grumble all day long. At days end, the only thing you’ve accomplished in making those around you miserable.

 

The opposite is how people will enjoy working with and being around you when you smile, offer encouragement, are willing to help with a project, or do a kind deed without expecting anything in return. Granted, there will be individuals that grind like sandpaper, hopefully you aren’t one of them. When words or actions begin to head in a direction you don’t want to go – YOU CAN DECIDE not to. How? Change the subject or walk away. God can use you, to change them.

 

You may not have an outgoing and energetic personality, but treating people with love, kindness, gentleness, and respect helps create a pleasant atmosphere. Walking into a room we bring “light” or “darkness and gloom.” The Bible gives us powerful examples on how to build relationships: Love them as we love ourselves, accept and respect them (this doesn’t mean we condone improper behavior). Every person desires these three things. I’ve learned when we extend them to others, almost always they return the favor. How will you choose to live today? Be a difference maker!

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Speak, Lord, I am listening..." - Wednesday April 8, 2026

“Speak Lord, I am listening …”

A popular piece of scripture is found in I Samuel 3:9-10. This is where young Samuel responds to God’s call. Samuel was staying at the home of his mentor, Eli. Lying in bed one night Samuel heard a voice calling him. He mistakes God’s voice for that of Eli’s who gives him these instructions, “If you hear the voice again say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

 

Sure enough, God called again and Samuel responded as Eli told him to do. This response signifies a servant’s submission to their master, indicating that the speaker is ready to listen and follow. Samuel’s request are words we can and should use, when earnestly seeking God’s direction. This verse encourages believers to be humble, available, patient, and above all, willing to be obedient.

 

This story illustrates the importance of getting alone with God and shutting off the noise of the outside world. Establishing the habit of intentionally coming before illustrates the desire to hear his voice and foster a deeper relationship with Him.

 

Many people are anxious to hear from God. Sometimes He is speaking but we’re so busy or distracted we can’t hear him. It’s also possible we have strayed so far from Him that He’s speaking, but we don’t recognize is voice. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…”.

 

Are you anxious to hear from the Lord? Is your relationship with Him where it ought to be?  Are you willing to find a quiet place, humble yourself before Him and open your heart honestly and sincerely to him? What if you followed these instructions by physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually bowing before God stating, “Lord I need to hear from you. As best I know how, I am listening for your voice – please speak to me for I am willing to be obedient to you.”

 

Talk to the Lord like you would your best friend. He already knows everything about you, so there will be so surprises when you confess your sins. He knows your thoughts and desires. If you are ready to put Him first in everything, I promise, you’ll hear from Him in a way you will understand. God is loving, merciful, kind, and patient. You are special in His sight – His arms are open for you, let Him embrace you.

 

Pastor Carnes