Christmas Blessings

 

Artwork by Carol Moore
https://mooresartgallery.blogspot.com/

A Christian thought to ponder ...

Two thousand and twenty-five years ago in the little town of Bethlehem, a great star shone brightly, and the angels announced the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior, and our King. Imagine how Joseph felt holding God in the flesh. What thoughts lay hold of his mind. Did he truly understand that he beheld and held God, who became man to save the world? A world in need of a Savior now more than ever. 

As this world gets darker and wickedness runs rampant, we can find hope and light this Christmas in celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus, our Savior. It is a great blessing to know the beginning of God's redemptive plan. A plan that was promised in Genesis 3:15.

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

And that offspring was born one night all those years ago, in a manger in the town of Bethlehem who had no room for its Savior, its King.  As it states in Colossians 13-17, he delivered us from the darkness and he is the King of Kings, Creator of all things.

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Our Savior Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, defeated the enemy. He was victorious at the cross. Death had no hold on him. Sin was atoned for us by his death, and the power of sin and death had over us was broken. We were set free from the bondage of sin. Alleluia!

As we sit around the Christmas tree this year opening our presents, let us not forget that all those years ago, God gave us the greatest gift of all, a Savior, His Son, to redeem us from our fallen state. May our Lord Jesus Christ, who revealed his glory to all on that special day long ago, bless you with peace, hope, and love this Christmas. And may His light shine brightly through your lives throughout the New Year. 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for revealing Your glory, Your grace, and Your truth by sending Your one and only Son to become flesh and dwell among us. Enlighten hardened hearts and open deaf ears to hear this truth, this hope, and help them to see this true light so that they may believe and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen. 

Hypocrisy and the Church

"Even so, you also appear on the outside to be doing right in front of people, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and sin." Matthew 23:28 (AUV)

A Christian thought to ponder...

How many people have left your church that you attend due to hypocrisy amongst the leaders or fellow believers? 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary hypocrisy is, "a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not: behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel" or "the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion." A hypocrite, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is, "a person who claims or pretends to have certain beliefs about what is right but who behaves in a way that disagrees with those beliefs."

I would wager quite a few of us at one time or another have witnessed hypocrisy within the church and have participated in it. All of us have said or done things that contradict what our Christian faith stands for and what we are called to be, such as loving, kind, gentle, caring, patient, good, and forgiving. I know I have.

But what is hardest to see within a church is when the leadership is full of leaders who are hypocrites. Hypocrites who state one thing in front of a person, but behind this person's back, they spout evil and slanderous words from their mouths. Hypocrites who will put an on performance at church to demonstrate just how good they are, but when they get home or arrive at work, they are a whole different person.  This behavior is false and misleading and misrepresents Jesus Christ, whom we are to follow. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1 to be careful about putting on false, kindly acts to be only seen,  "Be careful that you do not do your good deeds in front of people for the purpose of being seen by them, for [if you do] you will not have a reward from your Father in heaven (AUV)." God knows our hearts and just as it is stated in Jeremiah 17:10, "I am the LORD who searches the heart, who tests the inner depths to give to each person according to what he deserves, according to the fruit of his deeds (ISV)."

Our deeds determine what we deserve. If our deeds, actions, and words are full of falsity and hypocrisy, we are doing Satan's will, not God's will. How can one follow a shepherd that cannot even follow the will of God and the ways of God? When shepherds shine only pharisaicalness and self-deludedness, it damages the church. But the thing of it is, we are all leaders, for we were all called for the great commission to go out and share the gospel. None of us should be entrapped with such ungodly behavior, but we are all human and sinful by nature. We need to be correcting one another, and we need to be confessing to our Father in Heaven, seeking His forgiveness, and seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt, shattered, blind-sided, belittled, mocked, or knocked down with our hypocrisy. 

Hypocrisy turns people against the church. When our actions and words are not pleasing to God and are not Christ-like, we fail as followers of Christ. We are no better than all the other sinners out there who do not even know Christ. As we see in Luke 6:42, "Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye (NASB)," if we are too focused on how pious and righteous we are, we cannot see the log in our own eye, and we lose the ability to grow in Christ and the ability to help others grow in Christ. As it states in Philippians 4:8, we need to focus on what is good, lovely, and admirable in people, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Let us show others how we know, love, and walk with God.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit to convict us when we have sinned against You and others. Lord you know each and every one of our hearts. Help us to have a heart like Yours. Help us to stay focused on what is good, lovely, and admirable in all people. Help us to seek forgiveness from those we have hurt or caused suffering. Help us to be loving, caring, patient, gentle, kind, truthful, patient, good, and forgiving towards others. Help guide us and show us Your will in all things and may our actions and words bring You glory.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

We Will Own Nothing

A Christian thought to ponder ...

Today in society, there is a spirit of entitlement, rebellion, godlessness, chaos, and wickedness. The church is being attacked not only by outside forces but also from within its own walls. Apostasy is abounding. Pastors who preach about prophecy that is in the Bible are labeled conspiracy theorists. They are mocked and scoffed at not only by outsiders but also by those who claim they are believers. 

Prophecy is unfolding before our very eyes. This world is rapidly changing, and everything is being set up for the arrival of the antichrist. The only way you can escape all of this chaos and wrath to come is to put your trust in Jesus. He will equip you and guide you through these troubling times. 

In Pastor Billy Crone's newest video at Olive Tree Ministries, he tells us what prophecy in the Bible is unfolding, what to expect, and how to be prepared. Jesus is returning. We do not know the day or hour, but everything is lining up with what the prophets spoke about in the Bible. 

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol

What Are You Chasing?

 

A Christian thought to ponder ...

What are you chasing? Are you chasing after riches? Are you chasing after some woke notion? Or are you chasing after the One who created all things, including you?

Chasing after the things of this world will never bring you true happiness. Chasing after materialistic items on this earth will only bring you heartache and destruction. Even if you possess all the treasures on this earth, you will always be empty deep down inside your heart and soul. You will never have true happiness or peace.

In 1 John 2:15-17, we are told not to love this world because the things of this world will come to an end, and those who rebelled and turned away from God will face His wrath.

"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

There is only one thing that can bring you true happiness and peace, and that is Jesus. He is our Redeemer. He is our Guide in this life and the answer to all of your problems. He is faithful and true. He gives you strength when you are weak. His love is everlasting. Chasing after Jesus will bring you peace and wisdom. The peace and contentment that Jesus gives will satisfy you just as it states in John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Rest in the love of Christ. Lay all your worries and troubles into his hands. 

Chase after Jesus! Reach out to him and say his name. For it is only He that can truly satisfy your heart and soul and bring you true peace. 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for you Son. Thank you for giving us a Redeemer and that he gives us true happiness and peace. Thank you for Your promises and for the freedom to come before You and seek You in times of trouble. Help us to stay on course. Help us to guide others to You. Help those who are blind to see the Truth, and help them to see that it is only You who can truly satisfy one's heart and soul and bring true peace. 

Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

Dr. S. M. Lockeridge - "That's My King" Sermon: Is Jesus your King?

A Christian thought to ponder...

Is Jesus your King? Is He the King of your life?

I just discovered the other day an incredible, inspiring, and uplifting sermon by the late Dr. S. M. Lockeridge. Have you ever been or heard a  sermon that sets your heart on fire and ablaze for the Lord Jesus? There are not too many pastors today that preach the Truth with boldness and conviction. Who exult and herald our Lord Jesus Christ. Today many pastors have gone woke, and they preach false doctrine that leads people astray. They preach words to tickle the ears of their congregants. The Truth and sound doctrine are far from their lips.

The late Dr. S. M. Lockeridge preached "That's My King" in Detroit in 1976. He was the Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, in San Diego, California, from 1953 to 1993. He was a world-renowned pastor. He preached the Truth boldly. He did not stray from God's Holy Word and he gave God all the glory.

A section of Dr. S. M. Lockeridge's inspiring sermon can be viewed below, and you can watch his entire sermon in the video below.

That’s My King

The Bible says

He’s the King of the Jews

He’s the King of Israel

He’s the King of Righteousness

He’s the King of the Ages

He’s the King of Heaven

He’s the King of Glory

He’s the King of Kings

and He is the Lord of Lords

Now that’s my King!

David says

The Heavens declare the glory of God

And the firmament showeth His handiwork

No means of measure can define His limitless love

No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply

No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing

He’s enduringly strong

He’s entirely sincere

He’s eternally steadfast

He’s immortally graceful

He’s imperially powerful

He’s impartially merciful

That’s my King!

He’s God’s Son

He’s the sinners’ Savior

He’s the centerpiece of civilization

He stands alone in Himself

He’s august

He’s unique

He’s unparalleled

He’s unprecedented

He’s supreme

He’s pre-eminent

He’s the loftiest idea in literature

He’s the highest personality in philosophy

He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism

He’s the fundamental doctrine in true theology

He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion

That’s my King!

He’s the miracle of the age

He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him

He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously

He supplies strength for the weak

He’s available for the tempted and the tried

He sympathizes and He saves

He guards and He guides

He heals the sick

He cleansed the lepers

He forgives sinners

He discharges debtors

He delivers the captives

He defends the feeble

He blesses the young

He serves the unfortunate

He regards the aged

He rewards the diligent

And He beautifies the meek

Do you know Him?

My King is the key of knowledge

He’s the wellspring of wisdom

He’s the doorway of deliverance

He’s the pathway of peace

He’s the roadway of righteousness

He’s the highway of holiness

He’s the gateway of glory

He’s the master of the mighty

He’s the captain of the conquerors

He’s the head of the heroes

He’s the leader of the legislators

He’s the overseer of the overcomers

He’s the governor of governors

He’s the prince of princes

He’s the King of Kings

And He’s the Lord of Lords

That’s my King!

My King

His office is manifold

His promise is sure

His life is matchless

His goodness is limitless

His mercy is everlasting

His love never changes

His word is enough

His grace is sufficient

His reign is righteous

His yoke is easy

and His burden is light

I wish I could describe Him to you

He’s indescribable

He’s incomprehensible

He’s invincible

He’s irresistible

I’m trying to tell you

The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him

Let alone a man explain Him

You can’t get Him out of your mind

You can’t get Him off of your hands

You can’t outlive Him

And you can’t live without Him

The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him

but they found out they couldn’t stop Him

Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him

The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree

And Herod couldn’t kill Him

Death couldn’t handle Him

And the grave couldn’t hold Him

That’s my King!

He always has been

And He always will be

I’m talking about

He had no predecessor

and He’ll have no successor

There was nobody before Him

and there’ll be nobody after Him

You can’t impeach Him

and He’s not going to resign

That’s my King!

Praise the Lord

That’s my King

Thine is the Kingdom

And the power

And the glory

The glory is all His

Thine is the Kingdom

And the power

And the glory

Forever

And ever

And ever

And when you get through with all of the forevers

Then

Amen

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your Word and we thank You for pastors such as Dr. S. M. Lockeridge who boldly preached the Truth. You are our King! You are the King of Glory! The Lord of Lords! Help us to remember to give You all the glory and to remember You are in control. May Dr. S. M. Lockeridge's words speak to people's hearts and bring those who do not know You to saving faith. We ask this in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Carol Moore

Ezekiel: Who Are the Young Lions of Tarshish?

 

"Who are the young lions of Tarshish?"

A Christian thought to ponder...

Many Christians believe we are living in the end times. Present-day events are happening in overdrive. Scripture is unfolding before our very eyes indicating, that we are living in the last days.

In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 38, a prophecy is proclaimed against Gog. Gog and many forces come up against Israel and the God of Israel. However, there are protestors Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and their Young Lions. These protestors seem distraught over the invasion of Israel. 

 

The word of the LORD came to me: 2“Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshecha and Tubal, and prophesy against him 3and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshechb and Tubal. 4And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. 5Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.

7“Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. 8After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them. 9You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.

10“Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme 11and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,’ 12to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell at the center of the earth. 13Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leadersc will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’

14“Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? 15You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. 16You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.

17“Thus says the Lord GOD: Are you he of whom I spoke in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel, who in those days prophesied for years that I would bring you against them? 18But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, my wrath will be roused in my anger. 19For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. 21I will summon a sword against Gogd on all my mountains, declares the Lord GOD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur. 23So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

So if the protestors are so concerned about protecting Israel, why do they stand idly by? In this video Pastor, Brandon Holthaus, from Rock Harbor Church, discusses Ezekiel chapter 38 and the young lions of Tarshish (nations) and why they stand idly by and let Gog of Magog and other nations' invade Israel. He discusses who the young lions of Tarshish could possibly be and why they would let this invasion happen and not come to Israel's aid.  

Heavenly Father, 

You are the rock in whom Your people can take refuge in! You are our everlasting shield and the horn of our salvation. We thank You for being our stronghold, our refuge, and our Savior. Help protect Your people from the violent people who would cause them great harm. Uplift them and bless them in all areas of their life. We praise You and give You the glory and honor in all things. 

Amen.

Have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

Is the ESG the Wireframe to the Antichrist's global Monitoring System?

A Christian thought to ponder...

Can the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Credit Score System be the wireframe for the upcoming antichrist system that will be used and implemented to monitor and control everyone? Many businesses and companies already use ESG to screen investments. The CCP already has a Social Credit Score system in place that surveils citizens. It gives them a "score" that restricts or allows their people to purchase or sell. So it could be very possible that the ESG system or CCP's system is the precursor to the antichrist's system that will be implemented worldwide.  Revelation 13:17 states how the antichrist's system will not allow people to buy or sell without the mark of 666.

"And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name." Revelation 13:17

In this video, Pastor Brandon Holthaus, from Rock Harbor Church, describes in detail of the coming Social Credit rating about to unfold upon the world and how everything is lining up for the coming Babylonian system to be used by the antichrist.

There are many Christians who refuse to acknowledge that Biblical prophecy has been unfolding before our very eyes. Since the onslaught of COVID, it has been unfolding at an amazing pace. They either haven't read the book of Revelation, Daniel, or Ezekiel to see the Truth, or they refuse to believe God's plan is unfolding. Prophecy is coming true. Many think that all of this is just conspiracy theories. Their eyes are blinded to the Truth. Much like how God hardened the king of Egypt's heart in Exodus, so God has blinded those today from seeing the Truth. One day soon, the veil will be lifted from their eyes. Churches and Christians who have gone woke will one day wake up and see the Truth.

The Truth that is unveiling before our eyes has been a plan in progress since the beginning of time. It is God's plan. He is the one in control. We Christians need to keep our focus on Him, stay watchful, and share the Truth with others. The glorious hope to cling on to during these uncertain times is that we know our Lord and Savior comes back in the end to stop this corrupt evil system that is quickly taking hold of the whole world just as it is foretold in Revelation 19:11-16.

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:11-16

Heavenly Father,

You are our Rock, our Salvation and our only Hope. We know that You are in control of all things and Your return gives us hope in these uncertain times. We ask that You would open eyes to the Truth. Unveil the shroud that covers the eyes of the woke churches and those who refuse to believe that Your plan is unfolding. We ask that you would give us courage and help us to remain strong in our faith as we face uncertain times ahead.

We ask this in Jesus name.

Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week! 

May the Lord protect and guide you in all that you do.

Carol Moore

AI: Setting Up for the Coming of the Antichrist

stock images by pixabay.com

A Christian thought to ponder...

Are AI's, Artificial Intelligence, setting up the stage for the antichrist to monitor and control the world? 

Many might think this is a conspiracy theory. But today, I am sharing a video from Olive Tree Ministries with guest speaker Pastor Billy Chrone, in which he talks about how AI could possibly be the weapon of the antichrist to monitor and control the world. Already, AI is being employed by various countries in their weapon systems, surveillance, and defense. Eventually, AI-powered autonomous trucks will soon replace delivery drivers and all types of workers in the work field will be replaced by AI, such as medical doctors, police, and so on. There has even been an AI church that worshipped the AI as their God. And, just ask Alexa, from Amazon, who is Jesus, and it will tell you a fictional character.

This video is to inform you and prepare you that the return of Christ is close at hand. The King of Kings will be returning, yet we know not the day or hour. Everything is falling into place as God's plan unfolds. The book of Revelation informs us what to expect in the coming days ahead as the enemy prepares the revealing of the antichrist. The stage is being set. 

Pastor Billy Chrone talks more in detail about the use of drones and AI in the world and how it is setting everything up for the end times in this interview here https://rumble.com/vc13c7-billy-crone-drones-artificial-intelligence-and-the-coming-annihilation-of-m.html .

Despite the enemy's plans, it is a time to be excited for our Lord will soon be returning, but also a time to remain faithful and patient. As it states in Colossians 1:11, we will be strengthened by Christ. He is our Redeemer and He will save us from the wrath of God that is coming upon this world. 

"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,"

Colossians 1:11 (NLT)

There are still many souls out there who don't know Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Many of these souls are filled with fear, emptiness, or hatred. Their hearts have become like stone. Please lift these people up in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

You are omnipotent, sovereign and in control. I lift up in prayer those who do not know You. I pray that you would soften their hearts, open their eyes to the truth, and flood their hearts with joy and a supernatural peace. I pray that they would repent and seek forgiveness of their sins. Also, I pray for all brothers and sisters in Christ that You would give them strength, faith, patience and courage to endure the troubled times ahead. 

We ask this in Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Have a blessed weekend!

Carol Moore

Silent Christians Part 2

 

In Part 2 of Truth Talk USA's interview podcast with Christian author David Fiorazo, the discussion continues on about the consequences of Christians being silent on issues of immorality and lawlessness.

One of those issues is our education system. Our education system once allowed prayer, Bibles, and the teaching of divine creation, but now all of it is banned. No resistance. No voice from the church to stop such evil. Just silence.

Now our education system is under attack by evil radical leftists. Satan is using them to destroy our educational system and anything that pertains to God. Rejection of God is loud and clear within the inner classrooms. CRT indoctrination is being forced upon our younger generation, and teachers and school board members try to stifle any student or parent voices that may have a difference of opinion. As a result of this CRT indoctrination, hate and division are being taught within our schools. 

It is clear the rejection of God and eliminating God from our schools has now lead this nation into chaos and unrest. As it states in Romans 1:28-32 because the people reject God, he gave them up to their debased minds, and as a result, we now see that evil has been injected into our educational system and our society as a whole.

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

And at this very moment during these dark tumultuous times, many churches have empty pews. Some churches doors are permanently closed. Some churches have had to go underground in Canada and other countries because the enemy is on a full-frontal attack against Christians. 

Many Christians have let the enemy crush their hope in the Word and in Christ. Wake up! Do not let the enemy win. We are not called to be silent, but we are called to be a voice in the wilderness and to help lead others to Christ. Even during times of oppression, Paul continued to share the hope of Christ with others.  In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas have been imprisoned, and yet they remain faithful and obedient. 

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

We are told in the Word to place God first, not man, even if that means persecution. The Word tells us in Colossians 1:10 to live in a Christ-like manner and that we are to bear fruit to help overcome evil with good. 

10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

An evil versus good war is going on, a spiritual war that is trying to take the church down and her followers. The war is thick with a fog of dark culture and ideology that is trying to immobilize us, but the light of Christ penetrates the darkness. We know the end of the story. Satan lost when Jesus was victorious at the cross. Satan is just scrambling to take down as many men, women, and children as he can before Christ returns. Our most valuable weapons during these times are the Word of God and prayer. We must don our armor, prepare for battle, and not let the enemy silence us. 

Grace and Blessings to you all!

Carol Moore 

 

Silent Christians Part 1

In Truth Talk USA's interview podcast with Christian author David Fiorazo, he discusses the current situation going on within the church.  

By keeping silent and not sharing the Truth boldly we are now seeing chaos and lawlessness abound not only out amongst the secular world but even within churches. Church attendance has dropped, division is occurring amongst churches, there is moral decline, and false doctrine abounds within many so called Christian churches. Consequences are now stemming from our silence. We were told many a times throughout scripture what would happen if we turn our backs on God and pursue wicked ways. God’s wrath against sinful humanity is clearly unfolding right before our very eyes as it is revealed in Romans 1:18-32

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."

You can learn more about the consequence of Christians being silent in David Fiorazo's book The Cost of Our Silence: Consequences of Christians Taking the Path of Least Resistance

I will share Part 2 of this video series next week. 

Grace and Blessings to you all!

Carol Moore 

Keep Fighting the Good Fight

A Christian thought to ponder ....

As the woke mob and cancel culture invades our country, it takes root within our churches, our military, our schools, our government, and businesses, it's main aim is to cancel God and to cancel Christianity. However, Christians know that God cannot be canceled. He is sovereign and all-powerful and is the Creator of all things. God is bigger than the woke mob, He is bigger than CRT, and He is bigger than any corrupt government. 

To be sure, the radical left is blind to God's Truth, and the radical left wants to replace God with a Marxist totalitarian one-world government. Power corrupts people, and the people running our country have rejected God. Everything that is happening and occurring today is prophetic. The antichrist's spirit is running amok in the world and causing chaos and division everywhere, and it is trying to silence Christian voices. We must refuse to be silenced and canceled. 

In Olive Tree Ministries' newest video, we learn from author David Fiorazo about how the left is canceling Christianity and censoring and silencing churches. His latest book, Canceling Christianity, informs us about the epic battle we are facing and how to keep fighting the good fight and stand up for the Truth. 

The Christian soldier is always ready for battle to share the Truth. However, many Christians are no longer placing the armor of God on, and they are not prepared for the spiritual battle that is unfolding. Many Christians have become too focused on themselves or have become apostate. We must be united and speak the Truth, be alert of wolves causing division within our churches and spewing lies, and keep fighting the good fight. 

1 Timothy 6:12

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 

Pray you all have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Carol Moore

Sharing the Truth

A Christian thought to ponder....

In today's troubling world, fear abounds, and there are many Christians around the world who are afraid to share God's Word for fear of being ostracized, fired from work, blocked from social media sites, imprisoned, or even killed.

You don't hear about this type of news in the media very much because that detracts from Satan's plan and Satan's agenda. This type of news might stir people up to have sympathy or support towards Christians. Satan does not want people to have any sympathy or support towards Christians.  Satan wants hatred to abound. He wants restrictions on freedom of religion and restrictions on freedom of speech. So Satan's big lie spreads like wildfire that all Christians are racist, homophobes, evil, wrong, and oppressive, creating an atmosphere of hatred and division.

Satan's world is full of lies. It is a world where people only want to hear things that will tickle their ears and not convict. It is a world where right is wrong and wrong is right.  In Satan's world, people don't want to hear anybody else's side or ever hear God's Truth. 

Christians must stand strong in their faith and trust in the Lord as we sojourn in Satan's world. When the Truth has fallen upon deaf ears, keep on sharing the Truth and continue to pray. As someone once said, “The greatest way we can show love to another person is by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to them.” And as it says in Mark 16:15-16, Jesus instructs us to share the Truth, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Only God knows who will be saved or condemned. 

As you share the Truth with others, you will face bad times, but keep on sharing the Truth and continue to pray. For God is with you during the good times and the bad times. He will hold you up when you face trials. He is your anchor amongst the storm. In scripture, God tells us in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Just as He told Isaiah to fear not, we too have nothing to fear, for God is in control, and He will strengthen us and help us. 

We share God's Word not to gain friends, not to gain rewards, not to gain social status, nor to condemn or crucify others. But we share the Truth to help the lost and misguided, to help others see that Jesus is the way, the Truth and the Life.

Heavenly Father,

You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are trustworthy and the Bringer of Hope. Help others to see how alive Your Word is and how much You love us. Help give us hope and peace when all seems dark and hopeless. Help us to be bold and to forgive those who would persecute us and even kill us. Help refresh our spirits and help our faith to grow and remain firm. 

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

The God Who Sees and Hears Me

A Christian thought to ponder...

How many of you believe that God sees you and hears your cries and pleas for help? The Bible reminds us time and time again that our best recourse in times of trials is to place our hope and trust in Him. To call out to Him. 

In Genesis 16, we learn about the servant Hagar. Some would believe that there is no lesson or truth to be learned in this part of scripture, but I tend to disagree. After all, why would God include Hagar in Scripture, if there was nothing to be learned or to be remembered?  I find this part of scripture very enlightening and valuable in teaching us to place our hope and trust in God. 

Genesis 16 

Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her. 7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” 13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered. 15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

We do not fully know what was the customs of during Abram's time as far as the treatment of servants and the servants' roles, but when one reads the passage, it is easy to assume that Sarai was a little too harsh with Hagar. Perhaps she let her emotions control her, which would explain such harsh treatment against Hagar. However, Hagar was no innocent in the situation, and her contempt towards Sarai showed a lack of respect towards her mistress. Her treatment of her mistress was wrong. But, Sarai showed little faith or trust in God when she asked Abram to lie with her servant. In fact, neither Abram nor Sarai trusted God in giving them a son, for they took matters into their own hands by involving Hagar even though God told them that they would have a child. God tells them in Genesis 15 that they will have a son.

Genesis 15

4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Abram and Sarai focused on themselves, their needs, their desires, and their timing. Instead, they should have focused on trusting God and His promises and His perfect timing. As a result, Ishmael was born a wild donkey man whose hand would be against everyone, and he would live in hostility toward all his brothers.

Hagar's son's name, Ishmael, means, "God hears," a reminder not only to Hagar then but to all of us that despite all of our troubles, and afflictions God hears our pleas, our cries, and our prayers. Even though God sent Hagar back to Abram and Sarai, she now had God, Abram's God, to see her through difficult times. Because God looked after Hagar, she did something no one else in all of Scripture ever did. She gave God a new name, “God who sees.” ~ ’El ro’i. God sees you. Hagar witnessed God's mercy, love, and promise. A promise that He would multiply her offspring. She would have more descendants than she could ever count. Hagar humbly submitted to God by obeying Him and recognizing that He was in control, and so she returned to Sarai and submitted to her. 

In Genesis 21, we see Sarah's emotions take hold of her heart, and she tells Abraham to cast Hagar and Ishmael out when she sees Ishmael laughing. Cast out into the wilderness of Beersheba with little water and bread, Hagar and Ishmael cry out. They are dying from thirst. God hears their voices and saw Hagar's tears. He rescues her and Ishmael by showing her a well so that they may have water. 

Genesis 21

8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. 15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

God heard their cries, and He saved them. God is our Rescuer, and He sees what you are going through. God hears our cries and pleas. He is merciful and loving. Let Him take the helm and place your hope and faith in Him. He doesn't promise we will not experience problems, but God does promise to work all things for our good and His will. He will never leave us or forsake us. Seek Him. Cry out to Him. He sees and hears you.

O ’El ro’i,

You are the God who sees us. You are our Rescuer. We can trust that you will care for us and help us when times seem grave. Thank you for the reminder in the passage of Genesis 16 and 21 about Hagar. A woman harshly treated and cast out but who showed us how You are the God who sees. We are so thankful for this passage that shows us how you are faithful, true, caring, loving, and how You keep your promises. Hagar found hope in Your promises. She found her Rescuer. You opened her eyes, and she saw Your mercy and love. Help us to place our hope and trust in You, in good times or bad times. 

Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol

Are You Ready for the Battle?

image by pixabay

 

A Christian thought to ponder...

In America's culture, Christians have had it pretty easy, as compared to Christians living in China, Nigeria, or some other red-flagged country where hostility and persecution towards Christians is a common occurrence. There are 52 countries where the Bible is illegal to have in possession or you are severely persecuted for having it in your possession. https://lovepackages.org/bibles-dangerous-illegal-covert/  Most of these countries are located in Africa and in the Middle East. There are no countries in the West that forbid or punish people with Bibles.

But since the onset of COVID-19, Christians in the West have had their religious liberties under attack by the far left's progressive Marxist ideology and agenda. Christians in Finland, Australia, Canada, and Britain are being arrested for sharing their faith or for just opening their doors to their congregation. Christians are being punished or arrested for what the left deems "hate speech." It is the left's way to silence, censor and control anyone that has an opposite political position or goes against their agenda. For example, in Finland, Päivi Räsänen, a Lutheran politician was indicted for hate speech when she boldly proclaimed the Truth in her speech  and it was deemed discriminatory towards the LGBT community. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/finland-persecutes-christian-lawmaker-paivi-rasanen/

A great battle is coming my Christian friends. The battle has arrived at your door. A battle that many of us were unprepared for as the enemy has a foothold in the media, in companies, in our youth, and in our politics. Many Christians have fallen asleep or drifted away and don't see the red flag warning signs that Jesus foretold. The current woke and cancel cultural stance towards Christians in the West is just the beginning. Jesus warned us of these things to come in Matthew 24:3-14

Signs of the End of the Age

3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

The signs of the end of the age are unfolding before our very eyes. The enemy is at work un-leashing his wicked and evil plan to destroy God's chosen people. We are his target. The bullseye is upon our backs. Are you ready to fight, dodge, and thwart those fiery darts the enemy has aimed at you? Are you geared up with the full armor of God? Are you ready for battle? We are told in Ephesians 6:10-20 how to prepare for the spiritual battle with the enemy. 

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

As it states in verses 18-20, we are to be constant in prayer, in the Word daily, and to be watchful. We need to stand firm in our faith and be strong and courageous. Just as Paul spoke the Truth boldly, we all need to share the Truth boldly as we are all ambassadors for Christ. Our bold words and work for the Lord will not be in vain, for somewhere a seed has been planted. We may not know which seed, but God does and He will help it thrive and grow.

Therefore since we know not what seed will sprout, we must stand strong, take courage, and be at peace even when the whole world tells you that they hate you because you are Christian. Be at peace because we know that Christ was victorious at the cross.  Be at peace because we know the end of the story.  Our redeemer is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His Truth sets us free, not the world's truth and not the enemy's truth. Stand strong. Stand united. Be ready for battle with the whole armor of God.

Heavenly Father,

You are all powerful, faithful and true. Thank you for equipping us for battle. During these uncertain times, help us to remain steadfast in our faith, and to be strong and courageous. Help us to speak the Truth boldly to others, to have no fear and to trust completely in You. 

In Jesus' name. 

Amen. 

Pray you all have a blessed week!

Carol