"Imperfect Saints" Pt 2 of 5 - Tuesday July 7, 2026

“Imperfect Saints” Pt 2 of 5:

Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Note, “hinders” is plural indicating there could be many things that slow or weight us down from becoming the person God wants us to be. But the word “sin,” is singular indicating that for many people, there is a vulnerable sin and when Satan sets the trap we take the bait and fall prey.

 

Abraham wasn’t perfect by any means, but it appears his vulnerability was lying. It’s easy for us to side with his lies because he thought the king would kill him and take his wife (Gen. 12:12-13; 20:1-2). To protect himself, he said Sarah was his sister.  Abraham’s lack of faith in God’s protection is disappointing. Yet aren’t most lies given with the intent of protecting the person that says them (or someone else)?

 

The Bible is filled with Godly characters, both male and female. We read their stories and often wish our spiritual lives could be as strong as theirs. The thing is that they were flawed just like you and me. While flawed, we must grasp the fact that the Bible proclaims the holiness of the Lord, NOT the perfection of his followers. Faith DOES NOT make us perfect – it makes us obedient!  Faithful obedience to God and His Word builds Christian character.

 

King Abimelech did in fact take Sarah, but in a dream, God told him he was as good as dead because she was a married woman (Gen. 20:3-7). Abimelech was a man of integrity and when God spoke to him, he responded with reverence (v 4). He then proclaimed his innocence (v 5) and he was innocent. He had been drawn into this situation because of Abraham’s deceit.

 

God acknowledged the king’s innocence but gave him an order followed with a warning, “Return the man’s wife for he is a prophet and will pray for you. Do this and you’ll live – if not, you and yours will die” (vs 6-7). Can you imagine how embarrassed Abraham must have felt when his sin was publicly exposed (vs 8-9)? The Bible gives each of us this warning, “ Be sure, your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). If we continue to live a life of sin, it’s only a matter of time until those sins will be exposed. When that happens, loved ones and friends are always hurt by the fall out!

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Imperfect Saints" Pt 1 of 5 - Monday July 6, 2026

“Imperfect Saints” Pt 1 of 5:

This week our focus will be on encouraging those desiring to be strong Christians but find themselves returning to bad habits and listening to Satan’s lies that they can never become the person God wants them to be. You’ve heard it said, “No one’s perfect!” Well, that’s almost true, but actually Adam and Eve were created perfect and were placed in a perfect environment. Their failure came when they paid more attention to Satan’s voice than God’s (Genesis 3). Since then, you’re right – no one is perfect, but God has called us to be holy (Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 20:7, and I Peter 1:16).

 

However, there is one perfect individual, Jesus, and even He was tempted (Luke 4:1-13). Imperfection means flawed, incomplete, not entirely correct,  damaged, or failure. Have you ever felt that way? Me too! The thing about the Bible is it doesn’t hide the flaws or sins of its key characters. Abraham had a problem, Moses couldn’t control his anger, everyone knows about sins of David, and Peter denying Christ. Even Paul and Barnabas had issues.

 

There’s many imperfect biblical characters to choose from, but let’s follow Abraham for a few days. His life brings wonderful news for those times when we get down on ourselves because we are guilty of sin. Especially an “old” sin we thought we’d overcome. Here’s our first lesson of the week: “Conversion is instantaneous and is completed the moment we repent of our sins and trust Jesus for salvation!”

 

However, spiritual growth is gradual. Someone said, “It took one day for God to get Israel our of Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel.” If you get discouraged because you aren’t a perfect saint, this weeks’ lessons are for you. Abraham had a bad habit. In fact, his problem showed up even in his later years. You’ll find evidence of what I’m writing about in Genesis 12, 20 and 21.

 

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19), Abraham moved to the South and stayed in a place called Shur. A powerful king (Abimelech) lived there, and Abraham feared for his life. Because Sarah was beautiful, he thought the king would kill him in order to take Sarah for himself. This situation caused Abraham to repeat the same sin he committed in Egypt (Gen. 12:12-13), by saying Sarah was his sister – not his wife. As with all sins, this created a domino effect.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"HAPPY 250th AMERICA!" - Friday July 3, 2026

“HAPPY 250^th AMERICA”

You don’t have to be a soccer (foot-ball or fut-bol) fan to sense the excitement going on in the USA, Mexico, and Canada as these countries co-host over 1,200 players from 48 counties competing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The United States team plays next Monday night. Take a look if you can, even if only for a few minutes.

 

Games have been going on for a couple weeks and without (as far as I know) political interference and WITHOUT VIOLENCE. It’s also been reported that in host cities, evangelistic teams are sharing the Gospel with people who are hearing about Jesus and a God that loves them for the first time in their lives. Could this lead to “World-wide Revival?” Whether interested in these games or not, we all can pray God will show in ways people have never seen before.

 

The Japanese fans have a rule of conduct. They clean up their occupied area in the stadium following a game. That’s their custom. A good friend of mine just returned from a visit to Japan saying it was the cleanest place she has ever been. Trash cans were nowhere in sight as people always clean up after themselves. Can we learn something here?

 

Thursday, I received a post from “Right-Newswire” with comments from visiting international fans stating what a beautiful place America is. They bragged on the American hospitality, acceptance, food and one stated, “This isn’t how our news people describe America back home.” We should be proud to be an American! For 250 years this Saturday, brave men and women have fought for our freedom with many giving the ultimate sacrifice.

 

It’s hard to have pride and interest in something you don’t invest in. We should be grateful for those who have invested their lives in the United States of America. We have opportunity every day to stand faithfully for the Red, White, and Blue! It’s exciting to see so many American flags surrounding public places and hanging in private yards or on homes. We must remember that generations are coming behind us. Let’s invest time, character, integrity, teach the difference between good and evil, and turn our hearts toward the One who blesses us. Lord, THANK YOU for our great Nation and Happy 250th Birthday AMERICA! May we as citizens learn how blessed we are and pass that legacy to the generations coming behind us.

 

Pastor Carnes

"If You Were God" - Thursday July 2, 2026

“If You Were God”

If you were God, what would you do to settle the hatred and animosity that fills our world today? How would you handle the medical situations so many people deal with on a daily basis? The reason I ask is because so often we tend to think we know better than most other people. A stadium can be filled with over 90,000 football fans and when the referee makes a call against the home team, the vast majority claim he’s blind and he made a mistake.

 

How many times have you thought (or said), “The people running this company don’t know what they’re doing!” The point is, as long as we do not have to make the heavy decisions, we believe we know exactly what the right call is and the right action to take. It’s quite amazing how our thinking changes when major decisions fall upon our shoulders.

 

So, what does this have to do with God? Let me try to draw a parallel. Have you ever become discouraged when the answer to your prayers were delayed? What about getting upset when something you wanted or needed became impossible because He closed the door on that opportunity?  Have you ever wondered, “Why Me?”

 

Before going any further, I’m throwing in a disclaimer, because like you, rarely do I know what God’s up too. The truth is, I’m not sure He wants us to know completely because He wants us to trust Him. We know this, but it bears repeating. God’s a whole lot smarter than we are. He not only created the universe and put the stars, sun, and moon in place, but created them in such a way that they would stay in place. Then for fun, He named each one of them.

 

We’re a pretty spoiled lot, don’t you think? We want what we want – NOW!  Commitment and sacrifice are hard work. Too many times we look for the easy road to walk, but Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow Me daily!” When God is truly in control, I’ve likened it to hopping on the back of a motorcycle with Him in front, handles in hand. At that point, we are His mercy. He may take us to places that are spectacular, amazing, and beautiful! But there will also be trips through the valley. We get nervous, anxious, and frightened. We don’t understand and hate the experience, but here’s the consolation, WE ARE WITH JESUS BECAUSE HE IS AT THE CONTROLS and knows what’s best for us!!

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Praying for Peace" - Wednesday July 1, 2026

“Praying for Peace”

Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you.” What did he mean and how could that make a difference in your life today? As you look around, you’ll notice lots and lots of things, but genuine peace isn’t one of them. People are worried about a variety of things.

 

It’s very sad, surveys reveal most high school students are afraid of attacks within their school. Of course, many fear the future because this present day isn’t very promising. Did Jesus really mean what He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do let your heart be troubled and DO NOT BE AFRAID.” So, what do we do when we’re overcome by things we can’t control?

 

At one time or another, we have all experienced fear, anxiety, and worry. For some, it’s a condition that’s serious and requires professional help. But for many of us, it’s a condition of the heart and one that God talks about frequently in the scriptures. God wants to provide His unchanging peace to every one of us who struggles. Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us 4 kinds of prayer that will usher God’s peace into our lives.

 

“Do not be anxious about anything but in EVERY situation, by PRAYER and PETITION, with THANKSGIVING, present your REQUESTS to God. And the peace of God which TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, will GUARD your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The writer first commands us to not worry or about anything. Easier said than done, right? It will take CONSCIOUS EFFORT and practice not to worry!

 

Paul teaches us to take the things making us anxious and put them into God’s hands. That’s first (Prayer). It will be helpful to develop a ritual of when you first get up in the morning (before looking at your phone or anything else) to turn your thoughts upon God. Quote a Bible verse from memory or read a short passage from your Bible. Focus your mind upon the Lord before thinking about anything else. A prayer of PETITION is recognizing your desperate need for God. Tell God you can’t handle this situation and it’s hard not to worry about it. This is our way of acknowledging that we can’t provide for ourselves and that He is the One in control.

 

Thirdly, take that which you are struggling with to God with THANKSGIVING. Thank Him for the times past when you were in need and He answered your prayers. Give Him praise acknowledging and believing the solution to the problem is in His hands. And lastly, make your REQUESTS known to Him. Be specific – if it’s a health crisis, ask for His help in securing the right doctor. Whatever the need, spell it out and here’s why. When we don’t pray specifically, we can’t say for certain if God answered this prayer or another one. PRAY for PEACE, pray SPECIFICALLY, and EXPECTANTLY.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

"A Daily Decision" - Tuesday June 30, 2026

“A Daily Decision”

Sometimes making a personal commitment to Christ seems overwhelming. Where it truly is and should be a lifelong commitment, it basically is living one moment, one decision, and one day at a time. It’s long obedience in the same direction. If you are one that’s seeking God (wanting to find out more about Him) or a new believer, beware because you will be getting mixed messages. One is the Holy Spirit attempting to convince you this is a life transforming decision when your life is surrendered to Jesus, and there’s another voice saying, “You’ll never be able to live a Christian life!”

 

This is when you get alone, shut off your phone and close off all the outside noise and in your own words talk to God. You may or may not know many scripture verses, but if you’ve sensed a tug toward spiritual things in recent days, I can promise you, that’s not Satan – IT’S THE LORD!

 

The voice of God is the Holy Spirit who speaks to you through the Bible, your conscience, Christian friends, situations. circumstances, victories, defeats, illness, and even in times of loss. Satan condemns and pushes you down filling your brain with negative thoughts. The devils’ goal is to defeat and eventually destroy you, but God sent His Son Jesus to the Cross to save and rescue you.

 

Satan says you’re a loser – Jesus says you are victorious! The evil one says you’re worthless, but God says you have purpose. Satan wants to hold you captive and chained in bondage, but Jesus has come to set you free. Satan tries to convince you that you’re weak and will never be able to live for Christ, but the Apostle Paul teaches us, “I (you can do all things THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME (YOU)” (Philippians 4:13).

 

Each day the Lord reminds us of two distinguishing facts in John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; BUT I have come that they (you) may have life and have it to the full (a life of purpose and meaning).”  Every day you have a choice – will you put your life in God’s hands and walk with Him, or allow the evil to influence your thoughts which directs your behavior? Remember, you are never alone when you’re walking with God!

 

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"A Deep Settled Peace" - Monday June 29, 2026

“A Deep Settled Peace”

My wife taught me many years ago and reminds me of this fact whenever she thinks I need it, “God doesn’t make sense!” It took a minute, but finally I realized God either does or allows things that seem strange to us at the time, but in the end, He has a purpose. The Bible says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23).

 

This past Sunday I began a short series of teaching on, “Why a Loving God Allows Suffering,” which is livestreamed on “You Tube” if this interests you. Class begins at 10:00am (EST). We just started, so you can catch up quickly.

 

We all agree there are lots of problems in our world. Tension between groups of people is high and growing. There’s hatred and violence in our streets, sickness, broken relationships, seasons of loss that break our hearts, and financial struggles that keep us awake at night.

 

Often you’re reminded of the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In moments of suffering or a relational conflict, sometimes it’s difficult to just get through the day. When you feel weighted down, it’s easy to feel isolated, or wonder if you’ve done something wrong.

 

When we begin to question God, we often question ourselves wondering what we have done wrong. If God is so loving and kind with the ability to heal, where is He? The “Why me?” question rolls around in our head along with, “How long will this last?” There are times we must conclude some things may never be answered this side of heaven. Let me add, if you’re in a really tough situation doesn’t mean it’s a sign of spiritual failure. (If it is, you’ll know it).

 

Personal problems are a part of the human experience that Jesus Himself assured us we would face. But the beauty of the gospel is not found in the absence of trouble, it’s found in the “PRESENCE of PEACE” amidst the trouble (Philippians 4:7). John 16:33 offered the disciples (and us) a lifeline. He acknowledged the inevitable pain of the world so that we would know where to look when it arrives. Our hope is not anchored in a life free from difficulty, but in a Savior who has already conquered anything and everything that threaten to defeat us. Because Jesus has overcome the world, we can face our hardships with confidence. Bring your brokenness to the One who loves you most and lean into His embrace.

 

Pastor Carnes