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