"Going Deeper with God" Pt 8 of 8 - Friday June 12, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 8 of 8:

Becoming a Christian is easy, living the Christian life on a daily basis is not. I Peter 1:16 says, “For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” That statement is God’s desire for everyone of His followers. But Satan has other ideas and we’re warned in I Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” God desires we live a life of holiness. Satan seeks to steal our heart and destroy us.

 

The battle between good and evil is fought every day. Following Christ doesn’t mean we’ll never be tempted to sin again. Satan’s attacks are ruthless. We are human and at times are hurt physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, financially, and spiritually. We might be betrayed by a close friend, overcome with a serious illness or grieve the loss of a loved one. In our humanness, there will be times we question God asking the unanswerable, “Why?” question.

 

Satan works hard at bringing discouragement. He wants us to admit we can’t live a Christian life on a regular basis. Being a faithful follower of Jesus requires a daily commitment, consecration, determination, and perseverance. We must remind ourselves that we aren’t fighting our battles alone. God has sent His Spirit to live and abide within us. He gives us courage, strength, and power to face adversity.

 

We have a promise that should be memorized, “GREATER IS HE WHO IS WITHIN ME, than he who is in the world” (I John 4:4). Our Lord stands undefeated in every battle! When totally surrendered to Christ you become led by the Spirit, not your flesh.

 

Living a consecrated (life of holiness) life takes discipline and practice. You’ll need to TAKE TIME (you’ll never find it) every day to read some verses of Scripture, pray, meditate a few minutes giving thanks and praise to God and be obedient to the things He teaches you. Doing these things helps us learn and desire to become more and more like Jesus. In time the “Fruit of the Spirit” (see Galatians 5:22-23), one by one, will become a lifestyle.

 

Will there still be battles? Of course, but the Holy Spirit is empowering you to be what God wants you to be. And one more thing – begin each day by putting on “The Armor” God supplies. Read and study Ephesians 6:10-18.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Going Deeper with God" Pt 7 - Thursday June 11, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 7:

There’s a story about a missionary who spent many decades serving God on foreign soil ministering to poor and in many cases helpless people. As an old man, he eventually retired and returned to America. As the ship pulled into the dock, a crowd of people were there to greet him, including a reporter from a local newspaper. In the interview the reporter asked, “People are saying you remind them of the great Apostle Paul, what do you think about that?” The missionary, with tears in his eyes said, “I didn’t want to remind people of Paul, I wanted to remind them of Jesus!”

 

That’s a testimony of “holiness!” To live and act like Jesus in such a way people see Him in us. You may wonder, how exactly can others see Jesus in me? In Tuesday’s devotional (June 9^th) the Fruit of the Spirit was listed as found in Galatians 5:22-23. Look them up if you missed that blog. The Fruit of the Spirit define the characteristics of Jesus. Our desire and goal should be to live each of them and as we do, others will know we’re different, for they will see Christ.

 

“When the Holy Spirit is in control of your life, He’ll become the greatest Navigator you’ve ever had or will ever need. He will take you. He will guide you. He will lead you. He’s gracious. He’s patient. He doesn’t get frustrated and of all the frustrating things that come into your life, none of them come from Him. But He is with you and helping you to handle each one” (from ‘The Shepherd’, by Leanna Brewer).

 

The Bible says we can tell by the fruit that we bear if we are learning the lessons God teaches us (Matthew 7:16-23). If we’re bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, our patience grows greater when dealing with people who make life difficult. We begin to love and have compassion toward others. We’re willing to forgive because we’re maturing and growing.

 

We can depend on our new Navigator as He also teaches that there are situations you don’t need to mess with. Just leave them alone. You don’t even have to think about them. Some situations require a quick answer, while others place you in situations where you worry about what to say. The Bible teaches the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say in that moment or urge you to say nothing, just be present. I call that the “Ministry of silence.” Why would anyone want to live without the Holy Spirit abiding within them. Our desire should be, “I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS!”

 

Pastor Carnes

"Going Deeper with God" Pt 6 - Wednesday June 10, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 6:

Everyone knows Satan is no match for God. Remember, God loves you so much that it brings great pain to Him when Satan is attacking or influencing your life. The evil one cannot hurt God directly, so he hurts the people God loves. Every parent is in great pain if one of their children is seriously injured. God isn’t any different because He loves you.

 

Some people say they have heard the audible voice of God. I never have and most people haven’t, but for sure our Lord does speak to us. The words, “God said,” are recorded over 600 times in Scripture and “Thus saith the Lord,” over 415 times. Tomorrow I’ll share some specifics on how He speaks but today let’s consider the Spirit influences us.

 

When a life is surrendered to Christ, the Holy Spirit brings a sensitivity and makes the person more CONSCIOUS of sin. It’s like coming to a fork in the road and one way is right, the other wrong. God points out the right way, but the direction we choose to go is always up to each individual.

 

Walking with the Lord on a CONSISTENT, DAILY basis deepens our faith helping us to BELIEVE MIGHTILY in Jesus. Much has been sent to you in recent days about being filled with the Holy Spirit that happens when one totally surrenders their life to Christ. But his is not a onetime experience. Paul said, “I die daily” (2 Corinthians 15:31). His reference was dying to sin every day – in other words, his surrender to Christ was a daily commitment.

 

The Holy Spirit brings an awareness to the importance and necessity of developing a PRAYER LIFE on a daily basis. When practiced consistently, one comes to realize there is POWER in PRAYING along with a SPIRITUAL CONFIDENCE in reading God’s Word.

 

The Spirit-filled Christian will still face temptation and the normal battles that come with life. Living for Christ doesn’t mean we’ll be exempt from pain or disappointment, but it does mean we’ll never have to face any trial alone. God is not only with us, but the Holy Spirit helps us to TRUST HIS PROMISES.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Going Deeper with God" Pt 5 - Tuesday June 9, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 5:

God brought us into this world because He has a plan and purpose for each one of us. Because of Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden, every person born from that point on would be born with a “sin nature.” That means we have a “bent” toward doing wrong more than doing good. The Bible is a love story from God to mankind because He had a plan to rescue every person who was willing to be rescued from their sins which was made possible by the death of His only Son, Jesus, on the cross.

 

Repentance of sin brings salvation, and Christ now lives in our heart. God knows more about us than we know ourselves and knew even after becoming one of his followers, there would be a constant battle or lure to return to our sinful habits. Just as He sent a rescuer to save us from our sins, God sent the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) to fill our hearts and minds. God wants us to live a life of holiness. A life truly dedicated or consecrated to Him. This happens when we realize we can’t fight life’s battles alone and totally surrender our life to Him and his will.

 

Sanctification means to “set apart.” There are a number of terms used to describe being filled with the Holy Spirit. Some words are sanctification, heart holiness, the second blessing, baptized in the Spirit, and perhaps others. Honestly, I believe God is more interested in the experience than what it’s called. Ask yourself, “Can I use more of God in my life?” If so, by surrendering whatever need or weakness you have to Him is a step toward receiving His power.

 

The Holy Spirit not only saves and empowers us but teaches us the life God wants us to live. He wants to cleanse our hearts of anger, bitterness, jealousy, pride, selfishness, and hatred. We are called to live holy lives, and a holy life resembles the life Jesus would be living if He walked our streets today. But He’s not here, so you and I are the only “Jesus” (living example) that people can see today. We are his “Light” in a dark world.

 

He saves us (salvation), fills and cleanses us with his Spirit (sanctification), which empowers us to live a life He wants us to live. It may not happen overnight but take one issue at a time considering the things mentioned in the paragraph above. One by one those vices can be replaced with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Going Deeper with God" Pt 4 - Monday June 8, 2026

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 4:

Becoming a Christian does not mean Satan gives up fighting for your soul. In fact, in the early days of your new life, the battle usually gets more intense. He makes us doubt our decision and tries to convince the new believer they can never live a Christian life. Here’s what the great Apostle Paul said about himself, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do is the very thing I do” (Romans 7:14-20).

 

Satan hates God but knows he’s no match for Him. The only way the evil one can hurt the Lord is by hurting God’s people. He tempts them every way possible with the desire of dragging them back into a sinful life. Becoming a Christian and surrendering ourselves completely to God and being filled with His Spirit doesn’t mean we will never sin again. But there’s a difference between a momentary failure and returning to a lifestyle of sin.

 

We can’t fight the battle of sin alone – even as a Christian. We need help and that help comes in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says we die to sin (Ephesians 2:1) and not to be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Romans 12:2 instructs us to allow God’s Spirit to renew our mind which will transfer your thoughts to things that are right rather than conforming to the things of the world.

 

In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul gives us wise counsel; “to actively STOP destructive thoughts, but take those thoughts captive”. Taking a thought “captive” is like a military victory. Instead of letting a thought take you captive, you control it. The goal is that every thought is filtered and brought into submission to the truth.

 

Some of you may be thinking, “This is really tough stuff – I can never do these things!” And I will say, you are right! Being totally committed to Christ requires a full surrender to God making Him first in everything concerning your life.

 

Luke 3:16 says, “John answered, “I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” This is what happened to the disciples at Pentecost. There are various forms of water baptisms, but the main one is immersion. This is when a person is totally submerged under the water in a lake or baptismal tank. It signifies one who has died to sin and is symbolically being buried (immersed) and bringing them up signifies a “new life in Christ.”

 

It’s easy to picture a person being engulfed in water as they are baptized after becoming a Christian. Try to picture your life when you totally submit it to the Lordship of Christ, not only being filled but completely engulfed by His Spirit. It’s God’s Spirit which empowers us to live a dedicated and committed life. It’s called “Holiness.”

 

Pastor Carnes

"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