Wolves Within the Church

Olive Tree Ministries released a new video a couple of weeks ago called "Enemies Within the Church." Featuring Pastor Cary Gordon, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone World Outreach, a non-denominational, Bible-based church in Sioux City, Iowa. He goes into detail about how some churches are going woke and are promoting Marxism and socialism. 

Marxism and Wokeness feed society with untruths, and they paint those with opposite opinions as evil Marxist people when in reality, it is they who are the true Marxists.  

Look at the news all around the world. There are signs of Marxist Totalitarianism happening in every nation. They are campaigning for a one-world government and a one-world economic system. They tell us you will own nothing and be happy. At this very moment, they are in the process of taking control of society and individuals. They are censoring opposite opinions or ideas. They have control of the media and are spreading propaganda. They are in the process of dismantling western civilization and outlawing Judeo-Christian views. They are trying to destroy the Christian foundations that this nation was built upon. They have purposely infiltrated the church to destroy it from within.

Destroy the church, and society will plunge into wicked chaos. Christians need to expose these wolves who are bent on destroying the church. What they are teaching is heresy. God clearly states what will happen to those who are false apostles and are disguising themselves as righteous servants in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." 

We can no longer appease people with half-truths because we are afraid that we might offend people. We can no longer teeter on the fence. We need to make a stand. We either stand for the Truth or we do not. If we don't stand up for the Truth and do what God has called us to do, we will be held liable, as people's souls are at stake. If the church continues down this road of accepting false lies as doctrine, we are no better than those who are attacking and dismantling the church within its walls. Why? Because we have allowed these wolves and false lies to come into the church and stay in the church. Woe to those who are teaching heresy in the church. Woe to those who change God's word to please their own ears or others' ears'. All will be held accountable. 

 "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." 

 Romans 16:17-20

Open your eyes. Pray that God will give you wisdom and open your eyes to see the Truth.

Heavenly Father,

You are almighty, powerful, and sovereign. You know all and see all. We ask You to protect the church from the wolves. We ask that You would open people's eyes to the Truth and be able to see all the false lies that surrounds them. We ask that you would reawaken the Church and help the Church to get back on the right path, to be faithful and obedient. We place our hope and trust in You.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Pray that you all have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

When Christians Feel Like Outsiders

When Christians Feel Like Outsiders

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Have you ever been amongst a group of Christians who know the Word, are gifted at speaking about the Word, and are on fire about the Word? They explode with such zeal and passion for the Lord, and they get so caught up in their conversation that they exclude you from their conversation. 

As you sit amongst the group and listen to the conversation, you begin to feel like an outsider. It is not that you do not have a heart for the Lord, you just have not reached their maturity in the Word, and you have not discovered your gifts yet.

You try to contribute here or there in conversation, but they are so wrapped up in their conversation that they ignore anything you have to say. This exclusion is making you feel more and more like an outsider. At this point, you want to leave. You feel like you do not belong, and you are an intruder. And as you start to think and feel you are an outsider, you begin to feel disconnected and alone. The enemy begins to whisper in your ear and fogs up your head with a wall of doubts. Doubts such as why are you here? You do not belong in this group. These people live and breathe for God. They know the Word inside and out, and you do not. The enemy continues to plague you with attacks of doubt, bringing you further down into his world of darkness, down into his dark, gloomy pits. You begin to think you are a fruitless tree, a bramble amongst the roses, a goat amongst the sheep, a building stone full of cracks unable to support the foundation, unable to achieve or be like this select group of people. So you leave torn and afflicted with the seeds of doubt the enemy has planted within your heart and mind. The enemy did his job well. He used this group of people to bring you down. He has managed to isolate you and knock you down. The enemy wants you to turn your back on God. He wants you to give up on praying and seeking God daily. He wants to see an end to anything and everything related to God. The enemy’s greatest joy is bringing us down into the deep, dark, miry depths in which he resides. But just when you are sinking as if you were in quicksand, the Lord pushes his hand through those dark, sandy depths, and pulls you up into the light.

I have felt like an outsider many times. I have observed others in a group grow quiet and withdrawn. I know I do not have the head knowledge as others do. I have to write down everything as my memory is not that great. I do not speak well either unless the Holy Spirit leads me to do so. I am a listener and an observer. I show my zeal for the Lord through my writings, prayer, and trying to serve Him wherever He leads me. One must never give up hope in our Lord. He would never want us to feel alone, disconnected, and an outsider. Just as many of us feel like outsiders, isolated and alone, so did Jesus amongst his own people who chanted, “Crucify him.” They scoffed at him. The Romans mocked Jesus, spitted at him, and beat him unmercifully. He faced the cross alone. Jesus was betrayed even by one of his own disciples. Another disciple even denied that he ever knew him, and the rest of his disciples fled in fear.

Just as it states in John 18:36, Jesus disciples would have stood by him. They would not have abandoned him. But just as this earthly kingdom was not Jesus', neither is it our home. Our home is with Jesus, in his kingdom. 

John 18:36 (KJV) “…My kingdom is not of this world: If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” 

Just like Jesus, in this world, we will be plagued with trials and struggles to test our faith. We must endure. We must not turn our backs on God and let the enemy win. We must encourage, protect, care for, and support one another. We should not exclude one another. And we need to be ever watchful, for the enemy is lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on any one of us, like a lion pouncing on its prey, and bring us down.

So when you feel like an outsider, alone, disconnected from other Christians, think of the cross and the dear sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. God has a specific purpose for every one of us, and we hold a special place within his heart. He loves us so much; and he will not allow us to settle in the enemy's hands. He holds our hearts in His hands, protected by His warm, loving, everlasting light. 

Just as it states in Matthew 28:20, He is always with us. He will show us the way, protect us, and provide us peace and comfort in our greatest need.

Matthew 28:20 “…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Heavenly Father,

O' Lord, you know each and every one of our hearts. You know all the emotions and struggles we battle through each day. Help us to lean on You and seek You in times of doubt and uncertainity. Inspire and encourage us to connect with sisters and brothers in Christ who are sitting alone, whose hearts maybe hurting, and who may be feeling isolated and alone. Help us to encourage and build each other up and not tear each other down. Please protect us from the enemy’s arrows of doubts, loneliness, and disconnection. Where others are on fire for the Word, may their joy and zeal infect each of us and burn a hope and desire within our own hearts. Let not this zeal and joy be used as a weapon by the enemy.

I ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Love and Blessings to you all!

Carol

Struggling to Have a Heart like Jesus

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Struggling to Have a Heart like Jesus

A Christian thought to ponder ...

Have you ever had God speak to you through certain passages within the Bible, through a study, a devotion, a sermon, or even through a song? Usually, the message is about something you need to correct within yourself. Well, more than anything in this world, I want to have a heart like Jesus. Today, I followed a rabbit trail and discovered something amazing and enlightening. For the first time, the light clicked on, and the Lord revealed an amazing truth to me.

I have always had this emboldened image in my mind as to what a person with a heart like Jesus should be like - a bubbly, outgoing, sociable person who had an angelic glow. A person who was always giving and serving. In my eyes, I have failed in achieving to be like such a person. I thought, I will never have a heart like Jesus, for I am so imperfect. I am at a loss as to what my gifts are, and I am not sure where to serve as I am shy, I lack the gift of speaking, I lack knowledge of the Word, and I have health issues. I am dirt poor which makes it hard for me to give or do anything to help out. How can I do His will and have a heart like His when I failed in all these areas? I thought to myself, Lord God, I am not perfect, and it is way too hard of a struggle for me to become like this person.

However, the Lord uses the struggles we go through in life to shape and mold us into being just like Him. I let the enemy’s tactics that plague this world throw fear, shame, doubt, ignorance, and envy at me to bring me down and interfere with what the number one goal of every Christian should be – to have a heart like Jesus and to be Christlike in all ways. Why? Because I have been so hung up on the struggle to become like this perfect person that I forgot that there is no perfect person. Jesus was the only perfect person that ever walked on this earth. None of us will ever be perfect. If we were perfect, none of us would have to seek God for help, guidance, comfort, and wisdom. It is important for us to remember Philippians 4:13 (KJV), “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

The Lord will provide us with the strength to get us through the struggles in our lives. As we depend on Him and seek Him daily through His Word and prayer, the more we will begin to be more like Him and to have a heart like His. If we lack the will and diligence and are bound and determined to have our feet in two worlds (this world and the world in which our Lord resides), we will never discover what it means to have a heart like Jesus and the enemy of this world will hold us back and will delight in seeing us fall and crumble.

The enemy knows I will never measure up. We all fall short of the glory of God. But to strive to be like Jesus and have a heart like Jesus can be shown in many ways daily and throughout our lives; For instance, it can be a smile, a hug, a touch, a prayer, an anonymous donation, providing a meal, or a helping hand. These little acts of kindness can touch someone's heart and show someone that they are thought of and loved. Sometimes we are limited in what we can do or say because of a disability, but that does not matter to Jesus. It does not mean we do not have a heart like Jesus or that it will prevent us from having one. We need only abide his commandment as it states in John 13: 34-35 (KJV), “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.”

It is important to remember that the enemy does not want us to love one another, be like Christ, or do God’s will. The enemy wants us to be torn, confused, and inflict emotional pain upon one another. The enemy’s goal is to keep us from loving like Christ. We need to guard our hearts against the enemy, seek the Lord daily and ask him to put a hedge of protection around all of our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV), “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

We will continue to walk through this world, facing struggles as we strive to be more like Christ, but if we cast our worries upon Him, obey, and do His will, He will take care of our hearts.

Father God,

Please give us a heart that overflows with love for each other. A heart that is like Yours and one that long’s for Your will and not the enemy’s will. Help us to protect our hearts from the enemy’s attacks that would prevent us from having a loving heart like Yours. Enshroud us with Your love; help us to make You the focus of everything in that we do daily. Guide us, direct us and help us in our time of need.

Amen.

Love to you all and God Bless!

Carol

Please Take Me Home Lord

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It has been awhile since my last post. I have been working on some writings, but time has not been available to me to post them, due to school and studies. But tonight, I felt compelled to write this poem addressed to my Lord and Savior Jesus. It seems I talk to him more than anyone these days to guide me and to help me through my daily struggles. I would not have made it this far in my life without Him. Thank you Jesus for always being there for me when the fog enshrouded me with doubt, fear, hopelessness and tears.

Please Take Me Home Lord

The enemy despises me.

He hates me.

The enemy does not want me to be even present within Your great halls.

There is little comfort or compassion found within the enemy's halls,

only hateful penetrating eyes hidden behind masks

and ever changing chameleons’ visible only to Your eyes.

I yearn for Your company.

I yearn for Your friendship.

I yearn for Your kindness.

I yearn for Your love.

For there is none other,

none greater,

than You O’LORD.

Please take me home.

The enemy want's us to believe we are a hindrance to the people we love in this world.

The enemy wants our past sins to drag others down to the enemy’s gates.

The enemy wants our sins to keep others from blooming with Your glorious truth.

There are so many who are blind and innocent they do not see the enemy reaping about.

Please take me home.

For there is no other place I rather be than with You oh LORD

This world despairs me

The enemy attacks me silently

All seems hopeless without You LORD.

Please take me home.

For my home is not of this world,

my home is with You.

For you are the light that shines ever so brightly,

that dries my tears away.

You are my rock.

You are my inspiring hope.

You are the radiant truth.

You are my Savior.

Please take me home.

Calling Upon God's Name

Stock Photo by Lightstock

A thought to ponder...

Many of us Christians may seem fine on the outside, but no one can truly see what inward battles and struggles we go through each and every day against the enemy. The enemy viciously attacks us neverendingly to bring us down to our knees. Score one for the enemy, or so he thinks. 

However, we anger and infuriate the enemy when we are down upon our knees, looking up and seeking the Lord. When we are feeling worthless and empty, God beckons us to call upon His name. God loves each one of us, and He will never abandon us. He lifts us up when we are down. He holds us in His arms and comforts us when in distress. He brings us joy when there is sorrow. He gives us hope when all looks dim. 

King David sought refuge and peace in the Lord and knew God heard his pleas. In Psalm 55: 16-18 he wrote:

"As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me".

God hears our pleas and cries. He wants to wipe away all of our tears and fears. He wants us to call upon his name to seek him in all that we do. All we have to do is call upon his name: 

Lord, Jesus, 

I humbly beseech your help. Darkness surrounds me, and You are my only beacon of light. You are my anchor, my strength, and my guide. I cannot overcome these vicious attacks without You. Please help me to withstand the attacks from the enemy, and please place a shield about me to protect me. Help me to stay focused on you and help me to trust in You always. Thank you for your love, your mercy, and your kindness. Thank you for always being by my side and always listening to my prayers. 

May Your will be done. 

Amen.

May you all have a blessed week!

Carol