Trusting Jesus to Hold Us Up in Dark and Difficult Times

A Christian thought to ponder...

Today, our nation hangs on by a thread. Turmoil and chaos abound around our country. This chaos is fueled with evil, wickedness, and with a purposeful agenda. Chiefly, an agenda that is full of hate, power, divisiveness, and control. Executive order after executive order, our freedoms, and our rights are slowly disappearing. In fact, all of us are being pushed to depend upon the government, to let them make decisions for us, and to be controlled by them. 

To be controlled, one must be instilled with fear and propaganda. Hence, fear has taken hold of many people's lives. These fears and lies are being driven by the enemy who is using our government, our media, big tech corporations, and people with political agendas to drive these fears.

As to this agenda, I will not subject myself to any more lies, fear, and hate that the enemy is spewing forth across this nation and the world, but I will take a stand for the Truth. God's Truth. I will bow to no one or thing, but only to God my Lord and Savior. I will stand with my arms reaching out to my Lord God in heaven seeking His Truth, His guidance, and His peace. I will love all people of all races. In God's eyes, all lives matter. God loves all people. Not just African Americans, not just Caucasians, not just Native Americans, not just Asians, but God loves everyone.  He shows His love for us in John 3:16, 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 

I will share this Truth boldly. I may be spitted upon, mocked, or even persecuted, but I know where my eternal reward lies...... in heaven with Jesus.

Many churches around the world can no longer worship and hold services. However, many churches have grown asleep. They no longer share the Truth. They no longer trust Jesus. They no longer sow seeds. We need to pray fervently that these churches will wake up from their slumber and share and speak the Truth.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, please do not focus on this world and all the present-day troubles. This world is not our home. Look to Jesus during these uncertain troubling times. Look to Jesus to calm our souls and hearts. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. The author of Hebrews tells us Jesus perfects our faith in Hebrews 12:1-2, 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."  

Dark and difficult times can either make or break our faith. We need to remember this verse in Hebrews that Jesus endured the cross for you and me. Jesus Christ overcame the world, He is our Champion, and He is our Lord and King. As the world is falling apart around us, we need to keep our eyes focused on Him. We can be rest assured and trust that Jesus is by our side, and he will hold us up through these dark, difficult times.

O Lord,

You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Help us to fight the good fight and hold fast to our confessions of faith. Help us to share the Truth boldly without reservation. We thank You that You are with us during dark and difficult times, and that You are the light in this darkness that is spreading throughout the world.

In everything, we give You thanks, and we give You the glory.

In Jesus' name. 

Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Carol

Divided We Fall

Our country is more politically divided than ever, and with the onslaught of censoring, accusations, lies, incitement, fake news, the woke crowd, the cancel culture, and the condoning of domestic terrorism, a wedge of division has been driven into families, friends, co-workers, and even churches. The left side of the political spectrum believes they are right and the other side is wrong. On the other hand, the right side of the political spectrum believes they are right and the other side is wrong. 

In my opinion, neither side is right, as both sides fall short of being perfect. Only God's ways are perfect. But my question to you is which side-lines up more with Christ and with God's Word? Is it the right side or the left side?

Specifically, is it right to censor people because of their political or religious beliefs? Is it right to condone domestic terrorism, vandalism, and violence? Is it right to shun loved ones, friends, and co-workers because they do not want to get vaccinated or wear a mask or vice-versa? Is it right to censor someone because they dare to share a post that might disagree or differ from what you believe is true or fact? Is it right to tell someone they are a racist when they have never said or done anything racist in their entire life?

So the question is who is dividing who and why are they trying to divide us? The main culprit behind this division is Satan. Satan wants to divide and destroy us. He is using tactics, tools, and people to trodden us, divide us, and destroy us. Satan knows that a nation divided, will fall. He is circling our wagon train and we are in for a great spiritual battle.  

n the video by Olive Tree Ministries, "The Strategy? Deceive, Divide, Destroy", this spiritual battle is brought to light, and Christians need to beware of this purposeful division. Christians need to be sober, vigilant, and put on the armor of God. Satan has got his targets set on us and he is going to throw darts of division, fear, doubts, anger, jealousy, guilt, confusion, violence, and all forms of lawlessness our way.

So therefore, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and keep rooted in His Word. We must not let the enemy divide us or our churches.  As Paul tells the people in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Paul knew a church divided would fall right into the enemy's hands. A church divided shows that we are being controlled by our sinful nature. Division shows that we are living as people of this world. A world of people that is full of hate, cold hearts, unforgiveness, unkindness, impatience, immorality, and divisiveness. We must stand united in one mind and one body and live in a Christ-like manner.

For we, who are born again, live for Jesus. We should not condone any of this wicked behavior and division. The only division that should be clear is that we are showing that we are God's chosen people. 

Heavenly Father,

You are Sovereign and You are our Hope. We thank You for equipping us for battle and for giving us Your armour. Help us to stay rooted in Your Word. Help us to rest in Your strength and wisdom to help us in the oncoming spiritual battles. Help us to stand united in one mind and in one body and help us to hold fast to our confession of faith. 

In everything we give thanks and give You all the glory. 

In Jesus name,

Amen.

Pray you all have a blessed day!

Carol Moore

Forgive Others

 

Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Loving and forgiving one another is one of the hardest tasks that God asks us Christians to do, and yet it is a very central part of our faith. As it says in Colossians 3:12-14, God calls us to love one another and to forgive one another. However, when one is experiencing pain, hurt, and brokenness, forgiving someone who has caused that hurt and pain doesn't seem fair. Pain, hurt, anger, and brokenness can chain one to the ground. It can bring discontent and unrest to one's soul and heart. There is a tendency to focus on oneself, elevating the unforgivable act that gives one no peace, no joy, and no contentment. Satan is good at manipulating and convincing people not to forgive, not let go of the bitterness and anger, and not let go of one's pride.

Pride is in bed with unforgiveness because it calls for one to admit that they have messed up and have wronged a person or that one has failed in forgiving a person. Bitterness and hatred can begin to grow and take hold of one's heart and soul, which in effect can hinder one from being a spokesperson for Christ and being an example of Christ. One must call on God to empower them to forgive. A person cannot truly forgive on their own strength, but only by God's strength can one forgive. Why? Because we are human, weak, and wretched. Place all of your pain, hurt, anger and brokenness into God's hands. Call on God to help you love and forgive those who have hurt you, and He will fill you with an amazing peace. Not only that, it will show others how Christ resides in you.

Remember what Christ said when he was dying on the cross in Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even after everything the people put him through,(they mocked him, they spitted on him, they beat and flogged him, and they nailed him to the cross), he was still asking the Father to forgive them. Forgive, just as He has forgiven you. Let Him heal your shattered heart, wipe away your tears, and bring rest to your heart, soul, and mind.

Heavenly Father,

You are the Peacemaker, Trustworthy, Faithful, and True. You are loving, patient, and forgiving. Even though we struggle with obstacles of our sinful nature, such as forgiveness, that hinder us from serving you and being an example like You, You never stop loving us, and You are always there for us. Help us Lord, to place all of our pain, hurt, and brokenness into your hands. Give us strength and heal our hearts. 

In Jesus precious name,

Amen.

Prayer that you all have a blessed week!

Carol Moore

Watchmen

 

Words written by Kay Arthur in 1993 are ringing true at this very moment...

"Things are changing, and they are changing very rapidly. And in the midst of these changes, there's confusion, there's chaos, there's conflict.
The very foundations of our society are crumbling. If we are going to survive the holy judgment of God -which is here in part and yet is to come in greater measure -then you need to do two things.
First, you need to know what never changes. It is God and His Word.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never change; His character will never change. And it is because of this that God, in His righteousness, will have to judge our iniquity. America cannot continue the way it is going without experiencing the just judgment of God.
God cannot alter the Word which has gone out from His lips. What God has said must come to pass.
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,[b] 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This is what we are failing to share with our world, and we must share it. God has set us as watchmen upon the wall, and if we as His children see God's sword of judgment coming and do not warn the people, the sword will surely come, but their blood shall be upon our hands: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me." Ezekiel 3:17
Our young people need a wholesome dose of the "fear of God" in them, as does the rest of our nation- "the fear of the LORD is to hate evil" (Proverbs 8:13)
Oh, Beloved, where are the watchmen to sound God's trumpet and warn the people? What are you doing as His watchman on the wall to let people know who God is and what His Word says? "
~ Kay Arthur

Times are so uncertain, but what is certain is the wickedness of this world is on a fast forward throttle. We are quickly approaching the times such as the days of Noah. Jesus warned us in Luke 17:26-27, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." And as the author, Kay Arthur, states things are chaotic, confusing, and there is much conflict in the world. 

Presently, there are many people oblivious or people who have refused to believe the Good News. They cling to fear, rebellion, self-centeredness, and false messages of hope.

But we Christians know that God is in control and that He is our hope, and He is the Master Planner. We, as Christians, must stand firm. We must blow the trumpet and sound the warning to all who will hear. For, we do not know who God has called. We must let people know who God is and what His Word says. We must let people know that Jesus is coming. Judgment is coming. Repent and turn to the Lord. We must be faithful watchers on the wall and faithfully serve our Master Planner.

O Mighty God,

You are sovereign and in control. No obstacle or person can hinder Your master plan. Help us focus on You, Your message, Your story, and not the ways and blights of this world. Help us be obedient, faithful watchers on the wall sounding the trumpet to warn others of what is to come if they don't repent and turn to You. Help us boldly share Your message and Your plan.

We praise you, adore you, and thank you.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

May you all have a blessed weekend.

Carol

I Will Be With You

Even though you may be facing great, fiery trials, whether it be cancer that is spreading and growing throughout your body, financial hardships, or a broken marriage there is hope and joy in the Lord.

You may not think so, but you will find peace in the Lord, if you cast all your worries and doubts on to Him. The Lord cares for you and He loves you. NOTHING can separate you from the love of God.
Trust in Him. Draw upon His strength and guidance and He will walk you through the fiery dark trial. 

And you will find encouragement in His Word. The more you get to know the Lord, you will see that your worries, anxiety, and depression will diminish. And as your faith and trust grows in Him, you will realize that He has always been there and He will never leave you.

Do not let the enemy win. Do not let the enemy discourage you. The enemy wants to drag you down into the deep, lonely, dark waters, whereas, the Lord will see you through those deep, dark waters. He is your Light in the darkness as it says in Isaiah 43:2 " When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you"

Heavenly Father Lord God,
We ask that you would give people strength, trust, courage and hope to overcome the present battles that they face. Help keep the enemy at bay and prevent him from dragging people down into the dark areas that he loves to dwell in to weaken and destroy people. Help those struggling to have a desire to draw closer to You and to seek You during the dark trials of their lives. 

We ask this in Jesus Name.
Amen 

Time for a Spiritual Check-up

“With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Psalm119:10-11

Psalm 119 is a Psalm that glorifies God and His Word. It is passionately written by one who truly loves the Lord. The Psalmist states in verses 10-11, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

How often do we get into a spiritual rut where our hearts no longer seek God? We let the world slowly ease in and infiltrate into our lives, and the world’s ways slowly become our heart's desire, replacing God’s ways. God is no longer the central focus of our lives, nor are His commandments hidden in our hearts. A thick wall of plaque and grime has encased around our hearts in which His Word cannot penetrate through.

Does His Word penetrate through your heart? Do you seek the Lord with all of your heart? Have you wandered away from His commandments? Do your words and actions bring glory to God? Do you harbor ill will, bitterness, hatred, or unforgiveness towards others? Are you kind, loving, and empathetic towards others?  Does your heart beat for God or yourself? Are you growing in the Word? Are you praying regularly? This list of questions could go on and on. None to say there are times in our lives we need to stop and examine our hearts and ask these questions. We need to self-discipline ourselves and feed our spirits, so that we do not clog up our hearts with sin, apathy, complacency, and the world.  

Our clogged hearts can be shown in our words and actions. If we allow the sinful worldly plaque to build up around our hearts, and not maintain a healthy heart line to God, our hearts will not be one with Him. Your heart will become a hardened wall of plaque that is deaf and blind to His Word. Therefore, your words and actions may not be holy or godly. We need to do periodic spiritual check-ups, so we do not fall to the wayside, and so the wall of plaque does not form around our hearts.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that guides us, comforts us, and encourages us. Help us to keep Your Word hidden within our hearts and to obey it. Help us to keep our hearts free from the plaque of the world so that we may heed Your call and serve You and bring glory to You. And Lord please give us the grace to seek you continually with our whole hearts.

Amen.

Love and Blessings,

Carol

Good News

Image by MAG

Luke 2:10-11 "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

During these uncertain times, I hear many people saying that they are unhappy, and people are saying that there is no good news in their life right now. Many people are saying that there is nothing to be laughing about or to be joyful about. But I am telling you that there is something to be joyful about, during these uncertain times and that is the Good News. 

What is the Good News? The Good News is Jesus. Jesus, our great God, who became a man, and who died on the cross for us. He suffered terribly for us, for he was mocked, spitted upon, hit in the face, and was scourged. He loved us so much that he died on the cross to save us from our sins and to save us from the wrath that is to come. He bore our sins, our griefs, and our sorrows on the cross.  

And yet, people still say there is nothing to be joyful about? I am telling the world that there is plenty to be joyful about and that everyone should be shouting alleluia about it! And his name is Jesus, our Messiah, our Healer, our Lord, our King of Kings, our Victor over death, our Redeemer, and our Savior. In the book of Isaiah 53:5 (KJV), it says regarding Jesus Christ, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed."

Heavenly Father, 

I thank You for the great gift that was given to all Your people so many years ago. A gift that was announced through Your angelic host announcing the great news and bringing such great joy. Thank You for Jesus and for the joy and peace that floods all of our hearts who have found Him and accepted Him into our lives. 
Lord I pray for those who do not know Jesus that they would come to know Him personally and that they would be saved by Your grace by accepting Him into their lives. I pray that they would be able to experience the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding and that Your joy and peace would just flood their inner being. Amen.

Love and Blessings,
Carol