"God is Good ... " - Friday March 20. 2026

“God is Good …”

Many of you when hearing the three words above will respond with, “All the Time.” In reverses it’s, “All the Time … God is Good!”  Knowing God is good all the time doesn’t mean we will never have a problem, setback, failure, reversal of some sort, suffer from an illness, or mourn the loss of a loved one.

 

As long as we live, there will be challenges to face, heartaches to bear, tears to dry, broken hearts to mend, and seemingly impossible situations to stand up too. However, through each of these experiences and others not mentioned, GOD IS GOOD … ALL THE TIME!

 

When facing adversity, there is a tendency to think God is silent. Depending on the situation, we may wonder if He’s even listening to our prayers? Does He really care? Sometimes our mind gets flooded with thoughts such as, “If God is so good, why is this happening to me?” We all and will face trials and battle through turbulent waters. Life isn’t always easy, but “God is ALWAYS Good!”

 

Those words need to be more than a phrase we repeat in church on Sunday mornings. As a believer in Jesus Christ as Savior, we have been redeemed by the power of His blood. We are His child and He is our Father who loves us, watches over us, protects us, walks with us, guides us, and leads us through each and every storm.

 

Experiencing times of difficulty doesn’t mean God caused what’s happening. It doesn’t mean he enjoys your pain, but it does mean that he is fully aware of it and is fully present with you in the situation. One of the hardest parts of painful seasons in life is not knowing how long they will last or what they are producing. 

 

We are reminded throughout Scripture that God brings life out of what looks finished. He uses loss, limitation, and weakness to form his followers to become more dependent on him and more compassionate toward others.  Experiencing hard times will not define you, but God may use it to refine you. It’s not noticeable at the time, but one day you’ll look back and realize God was always with you. YES, “God is Good … All the Time!”  

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Fill My Cup Lord" - Thursday March 19, 2026

“Fill My Cup Lord”

In 1959 Richard Blanchard was inspired by the biblical story of the woman at the well (John 4) and composed the hymn, which was published in 1964 becoming a widely known, popular gospel song. “Fill My Cup Lord,” has always been one of my personal favorites for it tells the story of God’s amazing grace.

 

Years later, Olivia Lane explored the themes of grace and self-acceptance, referencing the same story of the Samaritan woman meeting Jesus and finding love despite brokenness. In her song, Lane wrote, “I feel just like the woman at the well, wondering how You could love me when I can’t love myself. But you want me… You’ll accept me as I am… that’s why grace is so amazing.”

 

A favorite hymn of many and never grows old contains these words, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found; was blind, but now I see” (John Newton 1779).

 

The woman at the well illustrates a life of rejection and the subject of gossip in her town. She was a “down and outer,” but when standing at the well to draw water, Jesus gave her water where she’d never thirst again. This was “Living water,” which was God’s forgiveness of everything she had ever done wrong.

 

The story doesn’t end at the well. This unnamed woman returns to her town (Sychar in Samaria) telling everyone she met, “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ” (John 4:29). Verse 39 informs us, “Many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of this woman’s testimony.

 

Where are you in your relationship with God today? Maybe you’re like Olivia Lane, lonely, feeling unloved, unwanted, and hopeless, but then she found Jesus. Or maybe you’re like the woman at the well. You’ve done things and people no longer believe or trust you. Your reputation has been shattered, but like this woman, Jesus is standing before you with love and grace, willing to accept you just as you are. Your story can become like everyone else’s, “I once was lost, but now am found!”

 

Pastor Carnes 

"The Problem with Self-Control" - Wednesday March 18, 2026

“The Problem with Self-Control”

I bet you already know where I’m going with this. But in case you don’t, here’s the problem with “Self-Control,” many times we lack the attitude, discipline, character, integrity, and desire to

Keep ourselves under control. And when we or anyone else is “out of control,” problems almost always follow.

 

The Bible has many verses that deal with self-control. They emphasize disciplining one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions, often highlighting it as a crucial “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Self-control is a sign of wisdom and maturity. Proverbs 25:28 describes it this way, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” In other words, a person out of control is an individual without boundaries.

 

Many Bible verses encourage sobriety, patience, and relying on God’s power to overcome temptation. Temptation is a vice we all have to deal with throughout life. It’s not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to act on impure or immoral thoughts.

 

There are things that lead an individual losing self-control.

Notable things are alcohol, drugs, and anger. More could be listed, but these three are common. Uncontrolled anger creates anxiousness, fear, tension, and nervousness to everyone around them. 

 

God knows our vulnerabilities. The problem is, so does Satan. While Satan keeps the bait in front of us hoping to reel you in, God offers this promise to everyone, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful; and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way of escape” (I Cor 10:13).

 

You may find it difficult to control your thoughts and actions, but remember, there have been others before you that found deliverance and peace beyond comprehending after seeking Jesus and surrendered their life to Him. What He’s done for others, He can do for you.

 

Pastor Carnes

Book Information

Hi Everyone,

Over the past few years I’ve been asked by a number of people, “Why don’t you write a book?” Well, at the persuasion of my wife and daughter, a book has been written, published, and is available to anyone that has a few extra dollars to spend. I wish it was less expensive, but just so you know, I don’t get anything from the purchase.

 

The book is called, “This is My Story” and (at the request of my family) relates to my growing up years, sharing life with eleven siblings, working on a farm, school, etc. It tells how Chris and I met and shares how God had his hand on my life long before I became a Christian. So many times, we never see God working His plan for us until we reach a certain destination and then can clearly see, He was guiding us all the time. The story leads up to when we left our jobs and entered the ministry.

 

If you have an interest in this book, click on the link below (there are no pictures so click on the black and white interior & cover). If you have questions or trouble getting it, just reply to this email and I’ll try to help. Let me know what you think – if this seems to go well, I may consider a second book on “What I Learned from People” during my 53 years of pastoring.

 

https://www.storyworth.com/book/this-is-my-story---gerry-carnes/order

 

Pastor Carnes

"Be A Barnabas" - Tuesday March 17, 2026

“Be A Barnabas”

You can make a difference in someone’s life by simply encouraging them. We live in a divisive and cruel world where people get angry and spew terrible words out of their mouths attempting to hurt others. And whether the words are said verbally or printed on social media, they are destructive.

 

The name “Barnabas” literally means “Son of Encouragement,”and was a vital figure in the early church. When others saw doubt or mistrust in Paul and Mark, Barnabas stepped in with encouraging words and support.

 

Every single day of our lives most of us have an opportunity to make someone smile, offer an encouraging word, or remind someone of their self-worth. Where would you be today if it weren’t for others lifting you up when you were feeling down or like a failure.

 

Jesus taught that we are to “love others more than ourselves,” and treat them with kindness. Basically, treat them the same way we want them to treat us. Some people will never get this principle, but you can. Some will choose to tear people apart because of their skin color, religion, or country they are from. As a child of God, we are better than that because God makes us better. When surrendered to His will and the power of His Spirit we can treat and serve others as Jesus does.

 

We’re able to do this because of the change Christ has made on our lives that allows us to see others as Jesus sees them. Because God’s Spirit lives within us we have the ability to look past their faults and failures and listen  

"3 Things You Can Control" - Monday March 16, 2026

“3 Things You Can Control”

 

• WHO YOU TRUST: Who do you know that cares about you enough that they will never intentionally lead you wrongly? Hopefully, you have one or two friends you can depend on that will encourage you when needed or scold you when you’re doing or thinking of doing something that will harm you. Speaking of friends – there will never be a friend like Jesus. He always has your back, lifts you when you fall, and never will forsake you.

 

The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). “And now we know that for those who trust God, all things work together for good, for those called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

 

• WHAT YOUR DO: No one can make you do anything you don’t want to do. They can try to make you feel guilty for not doing something, pay you to something, or offer a gift if you do what they want. Everyone has a choice.  You have a choice! Even being held against your will, you still have a choice between doing what is right and what is wrong. Things will happen beyond your control, how you deal with those things is up to you.

 

• YOUR ATTITUDE: Philippians 2:5 says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Romans 12:9-13 states, “Love must be sincere, hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

 

You are what you think you are. You can do anything you believe you can. The one person you need confidence in is yourself. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). You can control what you think. A good and healthy thought life produces good behavior.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Intercessory Prayer" - Friday March 13,, 2026

“Intercessory Prayer”

Fortunate is the person who has a Godly friend that faithfully prays for them when they are experiencing difficult times. Do you have such a person who has your back and is pray for you on a regular basis?

 

Many times, people facing a crisis run away from God and the church when of all times, they should be running to Him. God is faithful and he loves you with an everlasting love. You can serve God, reject, or neglect him. Serving him brings blessings and peace – rejection will eventually bring condemnation. He allows you to make the choice.

 

Consider the Israelites. Set free of their captivity in Egypt they grumbled and complained to Moses as he led them to the Promised Land. Eventually they arrived at the border – the Land God had promised them. The people elected to send spies to check out the land. Twelve went and upon their return ten reported seeing giants while two said “We can conquer this land.”

 

The people forgot God’s promises and power. They chose not to enter the land, and God allowed them to make that choice. Their decision was an act of disobedience which resulted in the death of an entire generation. Why? Because they wanted their own way instead of trusting God to deliver on his promises.

 

As you study the history of Israel, you’ll discover the Jews, God’s chosen people time and time again returned to worshipping their own gods and doing as they pleased. When in despair, they’d call out to God, and he’d hear and answer them. Their continuous rejection eventually caused God to turn a deaf ear.

 

Some of you may be walking a slippery slope today. If so, I can promise someone loves you and is praying for you. They are asking God to speak and tenderize your heart so you can hear his voice. Wherever you are, whatever you’ve done, despite the depths you may have fallen, or the sins you’ve committed – it is NOT TOO LATE to turn to God. Your peers may be cheering you on, but the person standing in the gap praying for you is your real friend.

 

Pastor Carnes