An Overloaded Wagon

Parable by Rosemarie Kowalski

The story is told of a man who met God in a lovely valley one day. “How are you this morning?” God asked the fellow. “I’m fine, thank you,” the man replied. “Is there anything I can do for you today?”

“Yes, there is,” God said. “I have a wagon with three stones in it, and I need someone to pull it up the hill for me. Are you willing?

“Yes, I’d love to do something for you. Those stones don’t look very heavy, and the wagon’s in good shape. I’d be happy to do that. Where would you like me to take it?”

God gave the man specific instructions, sketching a map in the dust at the side of the road. “Go through the woods and up the road that winds up the side of the hill. Once you get to the top, just leave the wagon there. Thank you for your willingness to help me today.”

“No problem!” the man replied and set off cheerfully. The wagon pulled a bit behind him, but the burden was an easy one. He began to whistle as he walked quickly through the forest. The sun peeked through the trees and warmed his back. What a joy to be able to help the Lord, he thought, enjoying the beautiful day.

Just around the third bend, he walked into a small village. People smiled and greeted him. Then, at the last house, a man stopped him and asked, “How are you this morning? What a nice wagon you have. Where are you off to?”

“Well, God gave me a job this morning, I’m delivering these three stones to the top of the hill.”

“My goodness! Can you believe it? I was just praying this morning about how I was going to get this rock I have up to the top of the mountains,” the man told him with great excitement. “You don’t suppose you could take it up there for me? It would be such an answer to prayer.”

The man with the wagon smiled and said, “Of course. I don’t suppose God would mind. Just put it behind the other three stones.” Then he set off with three stones and a rock rolling behind him.

The wagon seemed a bit heavier. He could feel the jolt of each bump, and the wagon seemed to pull to one side a bit. The man stopped to adjust the load as he sang a hymn of praise, pleased to be helping out a brother as he served God. Then he set off again and soon reached another small village at the side of the road. A good friend lived there and offered him a glass of cider.

“You’re going to the top of the hill?” his oldest friend asked.

“Yes! I am so excited. Can you imagine, God gave me something to do!”

“Hey!” said his friend. “I need this bag of pebbles taken up. I’ve been so worried that it might not get taken care of since I haven’t any time to do it myself. But you could fit it in right between the three stones here in the middle.” With that, he placed his burden in the wagon.

“Shouldn’t be a problem,” the man said. “I think I can handle it.” He finished the cider, then stood up and brushed his hands on his overalls before gripping the handle of the wagon. He waved goodbye and began to pull the wagon back onto the road.

The wagon was definitely tugging on his arm now, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. As he started up the incline, he began to feel the weight of the three stones, the rock, and the pebbles. Still, it felt good to help a friend. Surely God would be proud of how energetic and helpful he’d been.

One little stop followed another, and the wagon grew fuller and fuller. The sun was hot above the man pulling it, and his shoulders ached with the strain. The songs of praise and thanksgiving that had filled his heart had long since left his lips as resentment began to build inside. Surely this wasn’t what he had signed up for that morning. God had given him a burden heavier than he could bear. The wagon felt huge and awkward as it lumbered and swayed over the ruts in the road. Frustrated, the man was beginning to have visions of giving up and letting the wagon roll backward. God was playing a cruel game with him. The wagon lurched, and the load of obligations collided with the back of his legs, leaving bruises. “This is it!” he fumed. “God can’t expect me to haul this all the way up the mountain.”

“Oh God,” he wailed. “This is too hard for me! I thought you were behind this trip, but I am overcome by the heaviness of it. You’ll have to get someone else to do it. I’m just not strong enough.”

As he prayed, God came to his side. “Sounds like you’re having a hard time. What’s the problem?”

“You gave me a job that is too hard for me,” the man sobbed. “I’m just not up to it!” God walked over to where the wagon was braced with a stone. “What is this?” He held up the bag of pebbles.

“That belongs to John, my good friend. He didn’t have time to bring it up himself. I thought I would help.”

“And this?” God tumbled two pieces of shale over the side of the wagon as the man tried to explain.

God continued to unload the wagon, removing both light and heavy items. They dropped to the ground, the dust swirling up around them. The man who had hoped to help God grew silent. “If you will be content to let others, take their own burdens,” God told him, “I will leave these things lying here.”

“But I promised I would help! I can’t leave these things lying here.”

“Let others shoulder their own belongings,” God said gently. “I know you were trying to help, but when you are weighted down with all these cares, you cannot do what I have asked of you.”

The man jumped to his feet, suddenly realizing the freedom God was offering. “You mean I only have to take the three stones after all?” he asked.

“That is what I asked you to do.” God smiled. “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. I will never ask you to carry more than you can bear.”

“I can do that!” said the man, grinning from ear to ear. He grabbed the wagon handle and set off once again, leaving the rest of the burdens beside the road. The wagon still lurched and jolted lightly, but he hardly noticed.

A new song filled his lips, and he noticed a fragrant breeze wafting over the path. With great joy, he reached the top of the hill. It had been a wonderful day, for he had done what the Lord had asked.

Reflection

Christian thought to ponder…

Have you ever felt like this man? Overburdened, overworked, or taxed beyond your limits. Overloaded wagons can become wearisome, taxing, and can deflate one’s joy quickly, especially if the burden is quite heavy. God does not ask us to carry someone else’s burdens that they refuse to carry, but He has asked us to serve others and help others in their time of need.

In verse 1 Peter 4:10, it emphasizes that everyone has unique gifts that we can use to help and serve others. By using these gifts we have been given, we can serve others within our communities and be God’s representatives.

 

Furthermore, in verse Mark 10:45, it emphasizes the core of Jesus’ ministry, showing that a true follower of Christ serves others. Jesus’ life is an example of how we should live, and it should compel us to want to serve others. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus repeatedly showed how He connected and served others. He turned water into wine, healed the sick, fed the hungry, freed those possessed by demons, and even washed the disciples’ feet. In following His example, we should exemplify a life of humble service and mirror His love and light to the world around us. 

But sometimes in our efforts to serve others, we can feel overwhelmed by placing too many rocks in the wagon. We tend to get burned out, tired, weary, and weighed down when we pick up every rock that comes across our path and toss it into the wagon. We have not sought the Lord’s guidance or help nor acknowledge that the burden is now too great. Some of us tend to have this “Me” mentality that “I can do this” or “I have got this.” And then the pile of rocks keeps growing and growing and before you know it.  As we see in Psalm 55, verse 22, the good news is that we can cast our burdens onto the Lord, and he will sustain us and help us up the hill.

Moreover, in the book of Matthew, chapter 11, verses 28-30, it tells us that, if we go to him in our moment of heavy labor and lean on Him, He will  give us rest. The burden that rests upon our shoulders will become light. Christ is our Burden Bearer. He will sustain us, and He will give us peace and rest. Go to His feet and seek His will.

Lord,

Our wagons can become so full that we are bogged down, weary, and tired. The burden has become so heavy we can no longer pull the wagon up the hill. Help us to remember that you will sustain us, you will never let us slip and fall, and you will give us rest. Refresh our spirits, fill us with Your joy and with Your peace and Your strength. Help us to know when to say “no” and do only what you have called us to do. Help us to seek You in all things and keep our eyes fixed on you. Thank you for being our Burden Bearer. We love you and we need you every day.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Words that Reflect Christ

A Christian thought to ponder...

How many of your words that flow from your mouth each and every day, are a true reflection of Christ? Whether our words are good or bad, they show what is truly in our hearts. 

Satan thrives on us using our tongues in a manner that is not pleasing to the Lord. Our words or lack of words can destroy lives, marriages, relationships, friendships, and hearts. Forgiveness and love are not in the enemy's vocabulary or part of his agenda. Instead, his agenda is full of division, hate, anger, and unforgiveness. We cannot tame the tongue. Not without the help of God. 

In the book of Ephesians, chapter four, in verse twenty-nine it instructs us that our words are to build each other up and encourage one another. Our words should not be piercing, harsh, ungodly, or full of corruption.

Ephesians 4:29

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

In James 1:26 it states that those who claim to be religious, and yet do not bridle their tongues and spew unrighteous babble, then their religion is for naught. Their words do not glorify God.

James 1:26
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless."

Our words should be Christ-like and pleasing to God. As the psalmist prays in Psalm 19:14 that God would keep him from sinful actions and govern and sanctify his words and thoughts, so should we also ask this in prayer.

Psalms 19:14

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

We need to store up God's words within our hearts. His word is a light to our paths.

Psalm 119:105

 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Do not fall into Satan's trap and speak words of hate, pride, corruption, and destruction. Let your words be a reflection of Christ.

Heavenly Father, 

Forgive us when we say careless words that hurt and destroy people. Thank you for the reminders throughout Scripture how our words should build people up, encourage people, and be pleasing to You. Convict us when our tongues are as sharp and piercing as daggers. Guide our words so they speak wisdom, love, and encouragement. 

In Jesus' name, amen.

A Jesus Revolution

A Christian thought to ponder...

Is the United States in need of a religious revolution? The definition of revolution, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is "a sudden, radical, or complete change." Why would the United States need a religious revolution? There are many reasons this nation is in need of a religious revolution: churches have fallen asleep, churches have allowed the wolves to come in and devour the sheep, a blatant perversion of the Church, a disregard for Scripture, many people have left the Church, and God is being canceled from everything to schools to the workplace. A dark force is trying to destroy the Church and everything it represents. Hate is growing, violence is growing, drug addiction is growing, division is growing, complacency is growing, pride is growing, coldness of heart is growing, and sin is growing.

This nation is in serious trouble, for it has turned its back on God. A revival, a great awakening or a religious revolution is in need. There have been past religious revolutions that have had a profound impact on the Church.

A religious revolution happened when John the Baptist baptized crowds of people in the Jordan River, including Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Luke 3:7 tells how John the Baptist was baptizing multitudes of people, "Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him." John baptized only those who responded to his evangelical message and sincerely repented of their sins. He was a voice crying in the wilderness and paved the way for the coming Messiah. As stated in Luke 1:76-77, he prepared the way for the LORD, “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins." John the Baptist's obedience and calling set the path for a greater revolution that would impact lives of many.

The Greatest Christian revolution happened when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, started his ministry on earth. Prophecies were fulfilled in the Old Testament from when Jesus was born to the time of his death on the cross. Isaiah 7:14 foretells his birth, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Jesus preached and proclaimed the Truth to hundreds. He healed hundreds, performed all sorts of miracles, and died on the cross for the sins of all humankind to save them from the wrath of God. There has been no greater sacrifice or gift to humanity than Jesus giving his life to save us. As it states in John 3:16, whoever believeth in him would not perish but would have everlasting life, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus' message of the Truth has reached millions, and millions of lives have forever changed. 

A Christian revolution occurred in the 13th to 16th centuries and was known as the Reformation. In 1517 Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of the All Saints' Church. Many say during this time is when the Protestant Reformation movement had actually begun. The movement revealed that the Catholic Church was heretical and brimming with corruption. During this revolution, many protestants were killed at the hands of the Catholic Church. The blood of martyrs stained the Catholic robes forever, and the Reformation changed many lives.

A Jesus revolution began in the late 1960s and 1970s in California, where Lonnie Frisbee, charismatic, hippy, Pentecostal evangelist, and self-proclaimed prophet, met Chuck Smith, pastor at Calvary Chapel in California. They teamed up and sparked a movement that spread like wildfire across the United States. Thousands of rebellious hippies found love and acceptance in this movement and were born again. Later these hippies were given the title Jesus Freaks. Thousands were baptized in Southern California in the Pacific Ocean at Pirate's Cove Beach in Newport Beach, California. Despite Lonnie's personal struggles, God used him and Chuck Smith to lead hundreds of people to Christ. 

As you can see, God has used various people to accomplish His plans throughout the centuries. God can use anyone to accomplish His plans. Perhaps even you. Time is running short. Now is the time to reach out to the lost, broken, and stray and share the Gospel message. It doesn't matter what sins one has committed or whether one is black, white, brown, or yellow, let them know that Jesus loves them. Share the Gospel with family, friends, co-workers, with people within the community, or on social media. Let's start another Jesus Revolution!

Have a blessed week!

Carol

Are You Modeling Jesus?

 

Do your words and actions model Jesus? In other words, do your words and actions line up with Jesus? Do you portray Christlike characteristics, or do you portray characteristics of the world? Does being extremely rude to a salesperson at the door show others that you are a follower of Christ? Did you ever think that maybe you could have planted a seed in that person’s life when you opened the door? Now that opportunity to share the Truth with that person is lost because you chased that person away. Does being rude to people at a grocery store show others that you are a follower of Christ? How would you want to be treated? Would you want someone to be rude or mean to you, or would you want someone to treat you with grace and love? There is an important verse to remember in Luke 6:31 (NLT) that Jesus shared with his followers and the crowds of people at the sermon on the mount  “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

That is a powerful verse - "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." And the greatest role model for us all is Christ Jesus. Throughout his ministry he treated others with love, grace, mercy, and kindness. Jesus loved even those who persecuted him and mocked him. As Christians, we need to model these same characteristics. Remember, all of us are sinners, all of us were once difficult people, and all of us do not deserve His grace.

Human relations can be difficult, but we all have our faults and shortcomings. We are all like broken vessels that have many cracks. But now, Christian brothers and sisters, we have been made new by the Master Potter. We have a chance to be used by the Master Potter to help grow the seed or to help water the seed. How? By showing love to others, by being tolerant, by showing grace to others, by being kind, by having empathy toward others, by being humble, by giving of oneself, by practicing hospitality, by being fair and reasonable, and by striving to be holy. And it has been said that the best manual on human relations - is the Bible. There are many passages in the Bible that can guide us in how we are to treat others. For example, Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Or another great verse is in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

We are accountable to God for all of our own actions and words. How we respond to others bears witness to this. Will you practice what you read in the Bible; or will you practice what the world has taught you? What can you model that will show others how great Jesus is and might soften their hearts to want to get to know him? In Ephesians 4: 17-24 Paul testifies how we are to model ourselves as new vessels, 

"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

We are new vessels now. We no longer have impurities that can weaken a vessel. We have been made new, created after His likeness. How can we, who have received forgiveness, love, mercy, and grace from God, not show godly characteristics towards others? If we do not, how can we call ourselves Christians.

As Christians, we are to love and show grace and mercy towards others, even to those who are non-believers or those who are difficult. We cannot do this on our own. We must seek God and his Word. Lean on Him. Only with His help will we be molded and shaped into followers that model Him. Perhaps in showing love and kindness towards others, hearts will be softened, and seeds will be planted, and our words and actions will show others what the Gospel message is all about - love and redemption.

Heavenly Father,

You know our hearts and minds. We who fail time and time again, yet You continue to show us love, mercy, and grace. Help us to do the same. Help us to be models that exemplify You. We humbly thank you Lord for allowing Your Son to die on the cross all those years ago. Just as Christ Jesus was nailed to the cross, so were our sins nailed to the cross. We praise You, we thank You, and we love You. 

Amen.

The Rejection of God and God's Redemptive Plan

A Christian thought to ponder....

Sexual immorality and perversion are running rampant in this nation. Many people are blind from seeing the progressives' agenda as wicked or evil. Why? Because they have rejected God. As a result, God has allowed darkness to come upon them, and they have become blind. The Bible clearly states it in Psalm 81:12, "So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas."

Because they have rejected God and refused to believe in God,  God has allowed them to walk this evil path. They are blind, and they do not understand (Isaiah 44:18).

There is nothing we can do to open the eyes of the blinded other than to pray that their eyes will be opened to the Truth.  In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 it states, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” We need to keep praying for those entrapped in sin and for the unbelievers. Ask God to open their eyes and help unbelievers to see their need for Him. We need to keep sharing the Truth.

In this video, Pastor Tom Hughes and Tim Thompson share what is going on with Disney's agenda of the sexualization of young children and how America is being destroyed from within by the left wing's agenda. 

This agenda that is being pushed by the Disney company is wicked and evil.

However, we must remember that sexual immorality is not an unforgivable sin. For instance, look at King David in 2 Samuel chapter 11. David was so blinded by his passion for Bathsheba that he committed adultery with her. He then had her husband killed when he discovered that she was pregnant with his child. 

2 Samuel 11:4-5 and  11:14-15

 

4 Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. 5 Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.”

14 So the next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and gave it to Uriah to deliver. 15 The letter instructed Joab, “Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest. Then pull back so that he will be killed.”

But the Lord forgave David when he confessed his sin. He turned to God and repented and sought the Lord's forgiveness. 

2 Samuel 12:13-14

13 Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. 14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.”

As it goes on in chapter 12, God punishes David for his horrible deeds. God allowed his son to die, his household to rebel against him, and his wives were given to another man. David, a man after God's own heart, had fallen into the trap of sin. The enemy ensnared him. 

The enemy methodically and purposefully lays out traps to destroy people. He does not want anyone to go to heaven to be with the Lord eternally. He wants you to go to hell with him to be in anguish, pain, and torment eternally. He wants people to reject God. 

But just as David was redeemable from his sin, so are each and every one of us. John MacArthur stated, "All of our sins, even the ones we don’t recognize, are the sins that nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. They are the sins for which He died. And yet we witlessly, ignorantly, and sometimes even willfully, continue to live in these same sins." 

We need to open people's eyes to the sin, and we need to share with them that despite what they have done or are doing in the present moment that Jesus loves them and that he died on the cross for all of our sins. God knows who has been called and who His children are. We do not. Our job is to share the Gospel - God's great plan of redemption.

Heavenly Father, 

We thank You for blessing the United States. You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Only You alone can revive and restore the United States. We lift this nation up to You and seek your forgiveness for our abominable sins. Our nation has strayed so far from the principles and practices of our great founders, who drew up our constitution based on Your Word. Help guide the men and women in positions of power, both in local and national government. Give our leaders the grace and wisdom to guide our nation back from the path of destruction, and onto the path where You are the One in Whom we place our trust.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Grace and Blessings to you all!

Carol Moore

Hope and Anchor for the Soul

A Christian thought to ponder...

Is your hope in Christ, or is your hope in the world? There are many false hopes in the world, but hope in Christ is true, constant, secure, and eternal. As Billy Graham once said, “For the believer, there is hope beyond the grave because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by His death and resurrection.” Hope is found in the promise of freedom from sin through the death of Jesus Christ. 

In Hebrews 6:16-19a, the verse states that the Lord's promises are constant and unchangeable. We can find refuge in Him, and His promises give us hope. And this hope is an anchor for our souls.

 Hebrews 6:16-19a

"Now, when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question, that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls."

As Barnes once said, "Hope accomplishes for the soul the same thing which an anchor does for a ship."  This anchor of hope is steady and immovable. It fastens those who believe in Christ to the promises of God. This hope helps strengthen the soul in the midst of storms and a tempestuous world. If you place your hope in men and this earth, you will only have misery and disappointment. The anchor's rope will become weak and frayed, eventually breaking, causing the ship to crash upon the rocks. If you place your hope in Christ, the anchor's rope will be steady and strong, not easily broken, keeping the ship safe and sound.

Our hope in Christ is secure and an anchor for our souls. It is glorious and a treasure to hold deep in your heart. May you place your hope in Christ and be filled with joy and peace.

Heavenly Father,

You are holy, merciful, faithful, and true. We thank you for Your word to help us navigate through this world. We thank you for your promises and that we have the hope in Jesus Christ to anchor our souls. Help us to always seek you, whether the storm is fierce or the weather is fair and calm, and place our trust in You. 

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Grace and peace to you all.

In Christ,

Carol

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. 

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

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 

 

31 Day Challenge Part 2: Accepting One Another

31 Day Challenge Part 2: Accepting One Another

Photo by: (c) huhulin www.fotosearch.com Stock Photography

A thought to ponder...

What if we didn't judge by appearances or differences. What if we just accepted and loved each other for who we are. I am so thankful to the Lord that he accepts us and he loves us for who we are.

In my previous blog post I described a 31 Day Challenge for "One Courageous Community" within our churches. Today, I would like to share another challenge. One truth that I think we can all say we struggle to follow is in Romans 15:7,  "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to bring praise to God."  How typical it is for each one of us to reject or to exclude each other because we might dress differently, behave differently, look differently, are from a different generation, the list can go on and on. When Jesus approached someone, he didn't look at their status, or their knowledge of the law, or how they dressed. He looked at their heart. He was deeply concerned for a person's spiritual welfare and the heart of the non-believer. He came for the lost.

As it states in Matthew 9: 10-13, Jesus came for the sinner and for the lost.

10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to show love towards one another, encourage one another, and help one another grow closer to Christ. A church needs to be one unifying spirit in worshiping God. A church should not be a dividing spirit segregated into groups or individuals. A person should walk through the doors of a church and feel loved, welcomed, and a part of the church family. No one should ever feel unaccepted, hated or unwelcomed just because of who they are. How many of you have ever felt this way at a church? I know I have felt this way at a church. The atmosphere within that church made me not want to go back to that church. It made me want to give up on church altogether. Despite my unhappiness, I wanted to be obedient to God and to be obedient to my husband, whom wanted to attend this church. I also knew I wanted to keep learning about God, so I endured going to an unloving, unwelcoming church. There were times I felt excluded and left out of conversations. No one ever wanted to get to know me personally. A person should never feel this way when attending a church. A church should exhibit a Christ-like attitude and nature. 

So, look around on a Sunday morning or during a Bible study. Do you see anyone sitting alone? Is there anyone who is being excluded from an event, conversations, etc.? Are you judging someone because of their background or perhaps their past or are you accepting them for who they are? A wretched sinner just like yourself. Let us join in unison in building each other up, not tearing each other down. Let us join in unison in growing closer to God and reaching those who do not know Him.

Love and Blessings!

Carol