The Christmas from hell- or my most secular Christmas ever!

The following is taken from my post at "Christians that DO NOT drink alcohol" FaceBook group. I am not judging another's choice to drink or not to drink, or their walk with Christ, it is my own stumbling block. I started this group for fellowship and support.

Last Christmas we had snow storm for the first time here. My husband and I had an invitation to a Christian leader's home that knew me and I thought I was 'safe'. They had mentioned some unsaved neighbors that they we trying to reach through 'friendship evangelism' (Neither 'friendship' OR 'evangelism' in my opinion). So we braved the storm and Steve my husband drove there. We no sooner stepped in the door and the hostess asked me NOT to talk about Jesus to their unsaved friends! I had no idea their unsaved friends were also attending. I almost turned on my heels and left right then. But due to the weather we stayed.

Within a few minutes the host took out at a bottle of wine and asked if I wanted a glass. I reminded them that I am "allergic" to alcohol. I then went into the bathroom and prayed desperately! Steve ask the hostess to please put the bottle in the fridge. Well, I was really torn, dinner was about to be served and there were other family and guests there. I did not know how to suddenly leave at that point.

Well, who sat next to me at dinner but the "unsaved" guy neighbor! So I asked him about his life and he told me he was a retired DEA agent. That gave me a perfect opportunity to tell him my own testimony during dinner. When he stated that he had a friend that could not stop drinking or doing drugs, he told me, "You must be really strong!"

"No actually I am NOT strong," I informed him, "God has done great things in my life and if He wanted to hear more I would be happy to tell him about it." "NO NO", he said and then changed the subject. But GOD STILL GOT THE GLORY!

Well, there you have it. I GOT TO WITNESS TO HIM ANYWAY! "Nanny nanny na na!" :P
The couple hosting went away on an extended vacation shortly thereafter and my husband and I no longer attend the group because of this incident. I have been torn about what to do; either tell the couple about the torment they put me through or just drop it. At this point we are just moving on and praying for the WHOLE bunch!

My point is, never assume you are safe ANYWHERE. Satan stalks us like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour! Beware of "wolves in sheep's clothing." Always be on your guard!
I thank God for my Godly husband and that he played interference and helped me get through a very strange and difficult Christmas Day.

The MOST secular Christmas of my life. The day we celebrate our Savior's birth. Go figure~

Beware of Wolves in Sheeps Clothing ~ Wake Up Christian!

I have a "No Soliciting" sign on my front door.

That did not stop the Jehovah's Witness's from leaving me an invitation to their Kingdom Hall cleverly disguised to resemble a "Christian Easter "service.

They use Scripture , colorful flyers and say, "Jesus instructed his followers to remember the sacrifice of his perfect human life".

They are calling it an event to come attend a special "Bible" talk entitled , "Is there a true religion from God's Standpoint?"

It sounds "pretty good." If you did not have an understanding of the Word of God you might easily fall for it.

Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing!

We celebrate the RESURRECTION of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He lives! AMEN!
We Christian's have to get out there and invite friends, neighbors, co workers , and family to a true Easter service!

We cannot let these cults deceive our neighbors, family and friends. They are out "in force" and I have not seen a single local church invite people in my neighborhood. We could make up some flyers, or small cards inviting people to church. Start small, knock on our next door neighbors doors. Do what you can. Hand out Gospel tracts . We must make our presence felt amongst the treachery and deception!


1 Timothy 4

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,


I will start with the "Woman in the Mirror" and begin my own small campaign. I hope this compels you to do the same.

We MUST speak up and reach out to the lost. The time we have on this earth is so brief.

The saying goes, " Only one life it soon shall pass. Only what's done for God will last." AMEN


May God bless you as you honor His call to the Great Commission...one life at a time~



Love in Christ,

Darlene








All Content Copyright © 2009 Darlene Taylor. All Rights Reserved. Copying, forwarding or reproducing this blog in any way without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Permission may be obtained by writing the author. Thank you.

There is ONE way to God-Jesus said, "I am the Way..."

An old friend wrote to me the other day. She had gotten an invite to join a Christian support group I started. She wrote. "You have made a mistake, I am not a Christian, but have found a way I am comfortable with spiritually...."

I am deeply saddened and am writing this blog in hopes that I reach her and my many other friends that do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord and friend. I want to be absolutely certain they have received a true presentation of the Gospel (Good News) . I beg you, this one favor. Please read to the end of this message my friend. Here it is...

How to Know God

1. Realize that you are a sinner.
No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one” (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.

2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
The Bible tells us, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.

3. Repent of your sin.
The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19 NKJV). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.

4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life.
Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . . .” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

To put your faith in action, be sure to spend time with God by reading your Bible, praying, going to church, and telling others about Christ. Check out Calvary Chapel.org, put in your zip code and find your local church, call and ask to speak with one of their pastors about your new life in Christ.

Recently I was asked why I never seem to waiver in my faith in God. That is not entirely the case. I am just like other Christians, with their occasional doubts and struggles in their faith. I am only a sinner who is forgiven much and certainly not perfect.

But here is why I stay so true to Christ... Where else can I go? As the Apostle Peter stated when asked this question by Jesus.
John 6:67-69 (NKJ)

67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12


The Narrow Way

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.


Now my friend, you have been given a clear presentation of the Good News.

You must decide.

What will you do with this information? What will you do with Jesus?

You are now accountable for this most precious truth on the day of judgement after your last breath.

I implore you to open your heart and invite in the God who loves you, created you and gave you your life's breath. Before it is too late!

Do not believe the lies of Buddha or Mohammad, they are all still in the grave or your own creation of a god (or being "spiritual", Satan is "spiritual") that does not exist.

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25), and “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20)



I will end with a story I recently heard...

The King had a favorite court jester that he wanted to set free. He needed justification for doing so. The King called in the Jester and said," I am going to give you my royal scepter. I want you to go to and fro through out the kingdom. When you find someone more foolish than your self, give them My scepter and you will be free. You'll be a free man."

As the story goes, the jester went to and fro through out the land for many years, all over the Kingdom. He could not find anyone more foolish then himself. (An honest jester) One day the King became sick and his doctor said he would not recover. The King really liked this jester so he called him to his bedside to say Goodbye to him.

The jester came and said, "What is it my king." The King replied, " I am going to go on a long journey." The jester asked, "Do you know where are you going." The king said, " No I do not." The jester asked, " Have you made any preparations for the journey."The king said "No I haven't." So the jester took the royal scepter and gave it back to the king.

What is more foolish than a man who is going on a journey and has not made preparations for it?

What a tragedy! How foolish to go forward without God!


My love and prayers,
Darlene





All Content Copyright © 2009 Darlene Taylor. All Rights Reserved. Copying, forwarding or reproducing this blog in any way without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Permission may be obtained by writing the author. Thank you.

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Red light, green light...

I am the first one to say, I don't believe in friendship evangelism, it isn't friendship and it isn't evangelism. But yesterday I did not openly witness to 3 people in the grocery store that I know needed the Gospel. One Mormon, one "spiritual" and one Jehovah's Witness all in the same store!



Do you remember the game "red light green light" from when you were a kid? You would try to run to the other side but had to stop when they said red light or you were OUT. Well, I believe it is the same way we are led by the Holy Spirit. We pray for opportunities and the Holy Spirit leads us, says green light to some situations and STOP red light to others. He is giving us discernment.



Yes I know full well that this false "Elder yada yada," proudly wearing his plastic name tag on his shirt, the little old lady in the funny hat with the little terrier dog (yes real dog) sticking out of her shirt driving the motorized scooter, AND the check out girl telling me about visiting her grandma near Kingdom Hall ALL need true salvation. But I had a "check" in my spirit each time as I spoke to one of them . I prayed, "God open a door for me to share with them." None came.



The Mormon fellow actual had a palpable grey darkness around him. We talked about onions and London broil , but all I could say as he walked away way was "God bless you" to which he mumbled something back. The lady on the scooter, I even prayed for her to rectify the landscaper troubles she had. She said," I would really like to get together with you sometime." When I invited her to church she told be she was "spiritual" already, not interested in church. I gave her my business card. Then while checking out my groceries, I told the Jehovahs' Witness employee I would pray for her trip, as she described her grandma's recent health struggles.



I'm not going to kid you, it bugged me. I walked out of there praying for their salvation. yet stumped, why didn't I speak up? What's wrong with me? "Cat, got your tongue girl?" I thought to myself. "Since when are you shy about sharing your faith?"



Then I came home and wept for them.



I told my husband that I was mad at myself for not at least giving them a tract. He reminded me of something very important. There is a "time for everything" Solomon tell us. We are not to throw "pearls to swine" and we are to be prompted by the Holy Spirit in all we think, say and do. Jesus reached people in many ways, on many levels. Sometimes he spoke and sometimes he acted out his love by healing, touching , loving.



We are seed sowers. All good gardeners know the ground must be prepared before sowing seed. Maybe I was just their "latter" or spring rains. You know the kind that hit the frozen earth and didn't get down very deep until later, when the Son warms the soil? Don't fret dear brother or sister in Christ. Simply continue to be faithful. God just places us at different points at different times, from tilling to harvest.


John 4:36,37

³⁶ And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. ³⁷ For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’

Joel 2:23-25 (NKJ)
23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. 25 “ So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten...



Lord bless you as you sow~


Love, Darlene




All Content Copyright © 2009 Darlene Taylor. All Rights Reserved. Copying, forwarding or reproducing this blog in any way without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Permission may be obtained by writing the author. Thank you.

Is your Spiritual cable hooked up? OR What does it mean to be "born again?"

I remember growing up attending church and wondering "When is this going to be over!" It was all mumbo jumbo, get up, sit down, kneel, repeat after me, "Go in peace" then we'd leave.
It was boring and torturous. I got nothing out of it except a slightly reduced feeling of guilt. It was the "thing good families do." There was no joy in it. Yet I knew in my heart there was a God, that there was somehow MORE to this then meets the eye. I had no idea I could get closer to God or even that God wanted that with me. But HOW, I wondered could a Holy God be personal, real, maybe even my friend?

I hear from many people that they attend church or synagogue, pray, are spiritual, maybe even attend a Bible study. Yet, they feel like they are on the outside looking in. How is it others talk of God like he is their Father? They seem to personally KNOW Him! Deep inside they anguish. They feel left out.

Well, you are not alone. You see there was a really pious religious man in Jesus' day wondering the same thing! So he went to talk to Jesus about it. Here's what Jesus told him.


John 3
Nicodemus Comes to Jesus



1 There was a man named Nicodemus who was one of the Pharisees and an important Jewish leader.2 One night Nicodemus came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we know you are a teacher sent from God, because no one can do the miracles you do unless God is with him."
3 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot be in God's kingdom."
4 Nicodemus said, "But if a person is already old, how can he be born again? He cannot enter his mother's womb again. So how can a person be born a second time?"
5 But Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born from water and the Spirit, you cannot enter God's kingdom. 6 Human life comes from human parents, but spiritual life comes from the Spirit.7 Don't be surprised when I tell you, 'You must all be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wants to and you hear the sound of it, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it is going. It is the same with every person who is born from the Spirit."





So you see, you are born the first time of flesh by your mother. You are made in Gods' image the Bible says. We are body, mind/soul and spirit. God is Spirit. We cannot see Him with our physical eyes. He shows Himself to us in many ways though through his creation, His Word (the Bible) and through people.


I used to try and read the Bible. It seemed dry and hard to understand. I found out that was because I was trying to read the "instruction"book without being plugged in to the "cable". Let me explain it like this.There are thousands of radio waves, microwave's, energy signals we do not see that generate radios, satellite, electronic equipment.


God's Holy Spirit is like somewhat that, like the wind Jesus said, "The wind blows where it wants to and you hear the sound of it, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it is going. Deep in our inner being there is a desire to know God. We ask ourselves, "What is the reason I am here"," What is life's purpose." As we grow from child to adulthood, we seek that something to "complete us" Some try to fill that God shaped void with, possessions, people, power. Still no real fulfillment. Or we think everything is great we don't NEED God. Then a career fails, a tragedy strikes, an illness, death, then what?


Many of us have heard the Bible verse John 3:16. Or seen someone post it somewhere like at a sporting event. It explains Gods' great love for us. That is true. But if we read a few more verses down you will see that"the wrath of God abides on us".



John 3:16-18

16 "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. 17 God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.18 People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son,"



We must understand that we are separated from a Holy God by sin. We all have missed the mark, made mistakes, sinned. God built a bridge for us by sending His Son Jesus, who set aside His Glory, humbled Himself, was born of a virgin and became a man. He was without sin, but because of His great love for us.He took the punishment that we deserved, and thereby paying our fine. He rose from the dead three days later and is now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

We broke the Law and Jesus paid our fine. He redeemed us "for the joy set before Him He endured the cross" and"While we were yet sinners Christ died for us" it is a free gift.


You are given the right to choose, free will. God doen't want little robots. He is a loving Father that wants His children to choose to have a relationship with him.God is a gentleman. He never forces Himself on us. We must make a conscious decision to receive the free gift He offers. It is the gift of eternal life.




John 15:13-15

13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you...




God says we can be called His friend! First we must turn from living for ourselves, (repent) and invite Jesus into our heart (get Plugged in spiritually) to be our Lord and Savior. Be reborn of the Spirit, born again!


It is the answer you are seeking, deep in your heart you know it is the Truth. Sadly, some of you may be so hard hearted you know longer can hear the gentle whisper of Gods' spirit calling you...Come home, come home, you who are weary come home.


Life is but a wisp of smoke. We never know the day we will die and stand before a righteous Holy God with Heaven or Hell awaiting us and answer the Question" Why should I let you in to my Heaven"? It is only because of Jesus my friend. Without the bridge of Calvary's Cross an eternity separated from God in hell awaits you. Today is the day of salvation. Please choose the path of life. Choose Jesus today!


“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."



Love,
Darlene




All Content Copyright © 2009 Darlene Taylor. All Rights Reserved. Copying, forwarding or reproducing this blog in any way without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Permission may be obtained by writing the author. Thank you.