"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

 

 

 

 

"Going Deeper with God" - Wednesday June 3, 2026 Pt 1

“Going Deeper with God” Pt 1:

I believe most Christians truly have a desire to follow and be obedient to Christ. They have a desire and willingness but continue to fight Satan in their own strength. When we try to confront the devil in our own power, we’ll lose most battles because even though we’re a Christian, the lure of satanic influence is very powerful.

 

We are acquainted with the history of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, along with His promise of returning one day. We know repenting of sin brings salvation making us a child of God. This is the requirement for going to Heaven when we pass from this life. The early disciples had a salvation experience. They walked with Jesus for three years and because of His presence they did many great things. But the day was coming when Jesus was going to leave this earth passing the responsibility of sharing the Gospel around the world with them.

 

Our Lord knew they needed more spiritual power than what they had to carry out the Great Commission. Acts 1:4 says, “On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the GIFT my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized (filled) with the Holy Spirit.”

 

Some people get nervous when they hear conversations about the Holy Spirit. Note in the mentioned verse, Jesus referred to it as a “gift” from his Father. God is our Heavenly Father and loves each one of us very much. A loving Father gives “good” gifts to his children. This particular gift was one the early disciples and every follower of Christ needs today if they truly want to be strong in the Lord and witnesses to a lost world.

 

Acts 1:8 describes this “gift” and what it will do. “Wait…(v 4) and you will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and YOU WILL BE my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled at Pentecost (read Acts 2). Sanctification is a word defining the fulness of the Holy Spirit. God has called us to holiness for He is holy. Tomorrow I’ll give some characteristics of what the Spirit-filled life looks like.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

"When God Looks Down" - Tuesday June 2, 2026

“When God Looks Down”

Recently, in two different Bible studies groups, I asked this question; “If you were God, the creator of the universe and were looking down from heaven today upon the human race, of which you brought into this world, how would you feel?” Two different groups, two different settings, the same question with many of the same answers.

 

My question was spurned from Psalm 14:1-2 which says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD LOOKS DOWN from heaven and sees the sons of men TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY WHO UNDERSTAND, ANY WHO SEEK GOD.”

 

The answers to my question were, “sad, disappointed, angry, heartbroken, shocked, surprised, filled with grief, and several others.” How would you answer the question? Let’s take a look into this Psalm.

 

When God looks down, He sees a nation of sinful chaos (v 2). He sees a nation without leadership, “All have turned aside and have become corrupt,” (v3), which includes some preachers, Christian leaders, and many professing Christians without courage to preach, teach, speak, or stand for the truth of God’s Word (v 4).

 

2 Timothy informs us that God sees people “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such we are to turn away from” (3:5 KJV). “Form” refers to those who outwardly appear religious. They might go to church, use the right language, and follow all the rituals. Denying the “Power” means their faith lacks the true transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Because the power is denied, their hearts and lifestyle remain unchanged, and their actions often contradict what they claim to believe. This, said one of the Bible students, “must make God sick!”

 

One person said, “HOPEFUL!” I loved that answer because we have a God who never gives up on us. He continues to believe in us no matter how far we have strayed or what we’ve done. As the songwriter wrote, “There’s room at the cross – though millions have come, there’s still room for one – yes, there’s room at the cross for you!” I challenge you to examine your heart today. See yourself as God sees you. Are you religious or committed? There’s hope, because there’s room at the cross for you.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

 

 

"Connecting With God" - Monday June 1, 2026

“Connecting With God”

Sometimes it’s hard time believing that God is really interested in us. It’s difficult to believe that the Creator of the entire universe is interested in car payments, house payments, providing for our kids, and the person at work who irritates you. Plus, you have nagging back problems. Then there’s other issues not mentioned!

 

When you fully discover how much God really loves you, a daily desire to connect with Him will develop. The connection with our Heavenly Father comes through prayer – not because you have too, but because you love to talk to people who love you and no one loves you more than God. Prayer is the umbilical cord of the Christian life from which we draw our strength.

 

Jesus said in John 15:5-7, “If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, but apart from Me, you can do nothing. If anyone doesn’t remain in Me, he’s like a branch that’s thrown away and withers. But if you remain in Me (if you depend upon Me) and My words remain in you, whatever you wish in My name (His will) and it will be given you.”

 

Paul said, “Devote yourselves to prayer…” (Colossians 4:2). Praying expresses your love, devotion, and trust to God, as well as your dependence upon Him. Relationships are built with people by talking to them and getting acquainted. Through conversation a sense of trust is developed. Praying is how a personal relationship is built with God. He created you and longs to have a personal connection with you.

 

People share lots of reasons why they don’t have a daily prayer time. Not enough time, too many distractions, or wondering if praying really helps. It’s interesting though, when a crisis hits an individual, family, or nation, people are called upon to pray. Perhaps another reason is because they forget (or don’t realize) who they are talking to. The Lord says, “I am the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and you are My friend and I want to talk to you!” That’s what prayer is – it requires dedication but provides great communication.

 

The greatest and most powerful connection you’ll make on any given day is when you open your heart and talk to God.

 

Pastor Carnes