For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

05/27/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever (psalms 107:1). In the midst of all that we go through and all of our many complaints, the bottom line is God is still good! Sometimes we should just take a minute to just give Thanks to God because of His goodness! Things can get bd or maybe even seem bad, but when you realize that without God it could be worse, there is nothing left to do but throw up your hands and give thanks! HABD & WKND!

05/23/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth: The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever (Psalm 112:1-3). This really needs no explanation. This is just one of many passages where the Bible illustrates the benefits of those who are obedient to God's Word! Sometimes it may seem like the devil is getting the upper hand and those who choose to do their own thing are winning, but life's race is not about how you start it's about how you finish! Take Care and Be Blessed!

05/16/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Harsh discipline is for him who forsaken the way. And he who hates correction will die (Proverbs 15:10). Nobody really likes to be disciplined, but it does have a purpose. When we get off track, discipline not punishment is often a necessary tool to remind you where you need to be. Those who resist it often never learn the lesson and are bound to repeat the same thing. The next time you want to complain, Thank God He loves you enough to not let you keep going astray! Take Care and Be Blessed!

05/06/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins (Proverbs 10:12). Love is exemplified by not wanting to expose. Hatred is just the opposite: it loves fights, division and chaos and likes to keep it going. Love says "it's ok, we all make mistakes, let's do better next time." Christ didn't hold our sins against us when He died for us so we shouldn't hold things against each other. HABD &WKND!

05/02/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter:  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19). This is so simple, but yet so encouraging. God never said that we (His children) would never have afflictions, storms, trials and tribulations, but He did say He will deliver you out of them all! Just hold on! Take Care and Be Blessed!

04/29/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: A man's steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way? (Proverbs 20: 24). We must learn to trust God with and in everything we do. We don't know what we will do from one minute to the next because we don't know what situation or circumstance we may face from one minute to the next, but God does know! If you trust God with every decision and every phase of your life, it will eliminate stress and anxiety because your trust is in the one who controls everything! HABD &WKND!

04/25/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Go from the presence of a foolish man. When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge (Proverbs 14:7). There's an old saying "birds of a feather flock together." If the person you are associating with seems to be foolish, unless you are sharing Christ or giving Godly advice, you don't need to be in their company. That sounds harsh, but the longer you hang around the more likely you may become foolish too! Take Care and Be Blessed!

04/15/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Before I was afflicted I want astray, But now I keep Your word. / It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes (Psalm 119:67 & 71). These 2 verses although separate are interconnected. We don't like it, but sometimes afflictions are the best school for learning who God is. The foolish see afflictions as nothing but a negative period in their lives, but the wise understand that whatever it takes to get back under the blessings and favor of God (even afflictions) is worth it! HABD &WKND!

04/08/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). WOW! Jesus is letting his disciples know (and us) that Yes in life we will have trouble, but don't let that worry you. He then gives us a point to shout "I have overcome the world!" Since Christ has overcome the world and All its problems, whatever it is you may face in life (no matter how difficult) through Christ you can overcome it! The next time you feel defeated: remember these words! HABD & WKND!

04/04/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). To live a life of a Christian is about service. Sometimes we can develop an attitude of "what is God or anybody else going to do for me." Jesus came to serve and we serve God by serving humanity. This is shown by your lifestyle, one that is pleasing to God! Take Care and Be Blessed!

04/01/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days (Proverbs 19:20). There is nothing wrong with having your plans laid out for your next phase in life. Whether it's for the next day or long term. However, it just make good sense to get sound advice and input from someone outside looking in. Above all Pray, this can only benefit you in the end! HABD & WKND!

03/28/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: And he said, Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's (2Chronicles 20:15). One of the most significant things about the resurrection is that when Jesus got up He claimed victory over anything we might face in life. So the good news for the believer is that whatever it is you may be going through "it's not your fight" it belongs to God If you let Him have it! Take Care and Be Blessed!

03/11/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken (Psalm 55:22). We All have things that we care about; Family, friends, finances, health, relationships, and the majority of the time the problem is beyond our control. If you're not careful, you find yourself in the brink of "losing it." The Word says give (cast) your problems to the Lord and He will sustain you! That's good news! He will Keep you in the midst of the storm And see you Through the storm! HABD & WKND!

03/03/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). This is one of those great reminder Scriptures. Problems can seem overwhelming at times. Situations and circumstances can be frustrating and exhausting. The good news is that through Christ you are more than able to handle it! Remember that the next time the devil whispers to you that "you can't make it" he is a liar! Christ has already claimed the victory over anything we might face. HABD & WKND!

03/01/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). Whatever it is that you're desiring of God, the answer is to ask in faith believing that you have received it! God rewards faith in him regardless of the circumstances! Remember: As you mature in your faith your requests will be less selfish and centered around what His will is for your life! We recognize that even His no's are for our benefit! Take Care and Be Blessed!

02/27/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel (Proverbs 20:3). As you go through your week on the job, at school or wherever, you may encounter difficult people. It doesn't take anything away from you to try to avoid unnecessary conflict with anybody. Anybody can start an argument, it requires more strength to show restraint than to act. It may be more of a benefit than you know. Take Care and Be Blessed!

02/15/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:19). It's good to know that when we are troubled in our spirit, God can and will give you joy where you once may have thought there could not be any. God can turn any situation around if he chooses, if he doesn't; there is a lesson to be learned in it! The good news is that either way, God is always doing what's best for us whether we see it or not. Take Care and Be Blessed!

02/12/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). If you're looking for peace in whatever situation or circumstance you may be in; seek God's peace. It is not like the world's peace which is temporary and dependent on circumstances. His peace shines brightest in the middle of storms! We are told not to be afraid or troubled by circumstances, just trust God with everything! HABD & WKND!

02/10/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared (Proverbs 22:24,25). We all have friends and we like to show our loyalty by sticking with them through thick and thin, but be careful not to get caught up with someone who is full of anger that may lead to behavior that is not who YOU are. Your loyalty may be shown by telling them to calm down and take another look at the situation. Don't let anyone take you on a path that doesn't reflect who you are! Take Care and Be Blessed!

02/08/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8). During times of crisis, it is what you focus on that determines your mindset. If you keep your eyes on the Lord, you won't get rattled! Come what may, put your trust in God! Take Care and Be Blessed!

02/05/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: And He said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm (Matthew 8:26). This was Jesus talking to His disciples (and us today). Storms are a part of life, storms of: finances, health, marriage, jobs, setbacks & disappointments. We, however need not be afraid because God is in control of the storm, and He will use it for your benefit! You may not see it (understand it) now, but by and by He will make it clear. Keep the faith! HABD & WKND!

01/29/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) There is a connection between the heart and the mouth. If you believe negatively then you speak negatively. If you believe positively then you speak positively. This applies to you or any situation you may be in. If you believe you're going to be stuck where you are, you will be, if you believe things won't get better, they won't. As children of God who believe that He is All-powerful and All-knowing, and can do anything, we shouldn't speak negatively about anything or any situation! Speak life, speak positively because your speech reveals what's in your heart. HABD & WKND!

01/27/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23,25) We All make mistakes, but when you are trying to live for God, doing things the right way; You may fall, (we all do) but the good news is that it's never as bad as it could have been because God is upholding you with His hand! Thank God for His Grace & Mercy! Take Care and Be Blessed!

01/22/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1Timothy 6:10) This passage is often misquoted. It does not say money is evil, it's the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. We know that money is essential for daily living, but don't let it control or consume you. You don't want to lose yourself in the pursuit. HABD & WKND!

01/20/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2Corinthians 5:7) As Christians we believe God can do Anything! It is for that reason we don't live, act and react strictly by what we see. The devil wants you to believe that what you see is all there is which in most cases is negative, but our faith propels us beyond the facts and we live, act and react on our faith in God and that whatever the circumstance He will cause it to work for our good! Take Care and Be Blessed!

01/15/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29) We all would agree that sometimes a situation can make you angry. Anger is an emotion and it never good to be controlled by your emotions! Acting in anger never produces a good result, only foolishness. Let God's Spirit dictate your actions and reactions, it will prove beneficial to you and others. HABD &WKND!

01/14/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23) This is a principle that most know, but is always worth reminding. Always be careful with what you say and the words you use. We get into more trouble when we speak first and think later! If you get into the habit of a quick word of prayer before you answer anything or initiate a conversation you will be a whole lot better off. Take Care and Be Blessed!

01/11/16 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) We sometimes (like the children of Israel) suffer setbacks and disappointments The question is always how do you respond? As a child of God you must realize that God is in control of everything and that He does have a plan for your life and that path & plan is designed to get the best out of you and the best for you! Trust God's way! Take Care and Be Blessed!

12/23/15 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) As you make your last minute preparations for tomorrow, remember what it's Really about: God keeping His Word and sending mankind a Redeemer in His Son Jesus! It is He that saves us, fulfills us, satisfies us, keeps us and makes us whole. It's not the season or decorations or gift-giving or even family, Jesus alone is the true source of our Joy! Let's not ever forget that. Take Care and Be Blessed!

12/11/15  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye. (Psalm 32:10) You may be on the brink of making a major decision and your head is saying one thing and your heart something else. If you let Him, God will lead those who trust Him! Don't be stubborn and not be obedient to His Spirit, He will never lead you wrong. HABD & WKND!

12/09/15 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."(Jeremiah 17:7,8) There is a great joy, confidence and peace that comes with trusting God! Come what may God sustains you like a tree planted by the water that even during the heat or drought its leaves remain green and bears fruit. I don't know what your circumstance or situation may be; I encourage you to Trust God! He will see you through! Take Care and Be Blessed!

12/04/15 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). We ALL make mistakes from time to time. The Word says those who are "Spiritual" (that's not everyone, but as a child of God that should be you) should handle them differently than the world does because we are considering how we would want to be treated. Be careful not to condemn others for a mistake because you may make the same or similar mistake. Rather than condemn, let's encourage one another to be who God called us to be! HABD & WKND!

11/27/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much so the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). This is a rare late Nugget. For many churches the 5th Sunday represents "Mission Sunday" where the emphasis is on reaching out, evangelizing, first at home then abroad. I want to encourage everyone who reads these Nuggets to attend church Sunday. To those who regularly attend; keep on keeping on. To those who have a church home and you haven't been in awhile, you should make it a point to go. If you are looking for a place to go, you are more than welcome to come by First St Mark BC this Sunday or any Sunday. There are many of you who may have been blessed by the Nuggets and I haven't had the chance to meet you and I would love to do so! You can go to the website firststmarkbaptistchurch.org for directions. The Nuggets are on our Facebook page and if they have blessed you; like us on the page. It is one thing to watch some service on TV, but the Word tells us we should go TO Church. Hope to see you Sunday. Take Care and Be Blessed!

11/23/2015 Nuggets From Pastor Carter: The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And His glory is to overlook a transgression  (Proverbs 19:11). As you go through your day and week, remember a wise person does not quickly act or react in anger. First investigate to get facts, your initial conclusion may be wrong. If action is required, make sure it reflects who you are in Christ. The devil wants you to sacrifice your witness in a moment of emotion! Sometimes the best action is non-action! Take care and be blessed!

11/20/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). As Christians, don't fall into the trap of pursuing strife and wars with people because of your emotions at the moment. Resolve to seek peace: be a Unifier not a divider. Strive to be Holy which means you live life in a manner to which God can use you as a witness and your witness is not destroyed because of your behavior! HABD &WKND!

11/16/2015   Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined-- and everyone undergoes discipline then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all (Hebrews 12:7,8). No one likes to be disciplined, but you should take comfort in knowing that you are God's child. His discipline is an act of love, He is saving you from you! Take care and be blessed.

11/09/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Do not live the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world (1John 1:15,16). There is nothing wrong with having a healthy appreciation for some of the material things in life, but they are temporary. Your true love should be for God! He is the only one that is eternal and blesses you with these things. Don't fall in love with the gifts, but rather the giver of the gifts! Take Care and Be Blessed!

11/06/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? (2 Cor 6:14-15) This does not mean get rid of All of your associations, but be mindful of the company you keep. Who you serve should dictate your behavior! Your behavior will dictate the company you keep! HABD &WKND!

11/02/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: The blessings of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22). We all strive to reach certain goals that we have set. Whether it's financial, physical, psychological, or positional. Sometimes we can lose ourselves in the pursuit. Often times though, those things come with a high price and you forget who God called you to be to reach a goal because we assume that's where we're supposed to be or what we're supposed to have. The blessings God gives come with no regrets and no one can take it away. There is nothing wrong with working hard to get things, but don't lose yourself. Be content with the richness of God's blessings! Take Care and Be Blessed!

10/30/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: The Lord is my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2). Whatever it is you're going through (I mean Whatever it is), give it to God and trust that He will handle it! HABD & WKND!

10/28/2015  Nuggets From Pastor Carter: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). You may have been working tirelessly on doing something this week or for awhile that's good, either for yourself, others or for a cause. However, you have not yet seen any progress or benefits: The Word says in due season (God's time) it will pay off, If you don't quit.

10/26/2015  Nuggets from Pastor Carter: Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).
As you go through your week, situations & circumstances may come up that could put you in a negative frame of mind. Remember who you are and keep your thoughts on things above knowing that your heavenly father is in control of it ALL! Take care and be BLESSED!