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Exposing the enemy-Be ON ALERT!

I am about to start a Bible study to help understand why Christians sin, get tripped up and fall. It is a really important study. It comes down to remembering the 3 things we will always deal with as Christ followers on this earth, the flesh, the world, and the devil.

John clearly tells us in 1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Revelation 12:9
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

We will never NOT have this battle, so we must wake up and smell the coffee.
One of the first things to remember is that the enemy likes to be stealth. Exposing him and his tactics is a sure fire way to see, pardon the pun, ALL HELL break loose. Our eyes must be opened to seeing our real enemy and how he operates.

I am reminded that prayer for God's protection is paramount when going deeper, behind the supernatural scene, and understanding what we are really fighting. No good military goes into battle without understanding their opposition and working out a plan of defence! This is not a game. No football strategies will work here, this is WAR!

No one is beyond reach. From the most spiritual leader to the new Christian, we are all under attack.

Ephians 6 reminds us...
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

As Christians we need to always be on red alert and not be caught napping.

2 Corinthians 10:4
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds...

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

It is when we get complacent that we are in trouble, a lazy Christian, one that is not in the Word, praying and in fellowship, is like the weak and wandering prey, lost and vulnerable to being captured, caught and destroyed.

I embark on this Bible study as a personal wake up call, with excitement, alertness, and much prayer! Our God is an awesome God!

James 4:7
[ Humility Cures Worldliness ] Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.


1 John 4:4b...He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

We do not need to fear, but need to be armed as Paul tells us in Ephesians's 6: 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

So don't be surprised if you seek to get closer to God,when unexpected accidents happen or arguments start before church with your loved one, they are not your real enemy, but we know who is.

When you lift the curtain of the supernatural, behind it is a great and real battle in an unseen world, for your very life. Take every thought captive. Grab it and realise the culprit. Don't fall prey to the tricks and schemes of the evil one.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

Pray for Gods wisdom, guidance and protection as you study his Word to gain a better understanding of what you can't see that can hurt you.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

This is the evil day. We are armed. Now Christian stand! AMEN!

Be a Barnabas

Have you ever needed a word of encouragement?

Have you ever been the "new guy or girl on the block?"

Have you tried to be "in' with the 'in' crowd and been shunned?

As Christians we need to be above all that and welcome newbies to our world.
Do you have a warm smile and a handshake for visitors? Strangers are just friends we haven't met my grandmother used to say.

Be a Barnabas.
Acts 4:36
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)

Be the one that goes over an makes new people feel at home.

There have been times I was going through some rough stuff and sat in church crying my eyes out only to be looked at like something was "wrong" with me and totally avoided by people. God showed me, in that moment, I need to be looking out for other lonely, hurting people. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and offer a "hello", welcome, along with "How can I pray for you?"

People need prayer and are often reluctant to ask for it. We are Christ's' ambassadors. We are His hands, His eyes, His Words of peace to reach someone for Him.
Put up your "Holy Spirit antenna" and ask Him to guide you to others that need to be ministered to. In fact, YOU will be the one blessed the most when you do this!

When Paul was changed on the Damascus road none of the Christians believed he was converted. After all, he was one of the biggest persecutors of the church. Not until Barnabas stepped in as a "go between" did anyone change their opinions.

Acts 9:26-28 (NKJ)

Saul at Jerusalem

²⁶ And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

Then there was Mark.
Acts 12:25
[ Barnabas and Saul Appointed ] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
A newbie. When the going got tough he bailed out. Paul didn't trust him. But who gave him another chance? Right! Barnabas.

Division over John Mark

³⁶ Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. ³⁸ But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. ³⁹ Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

When Paul did not want to take Mark out again, Barnabas was the one that gave Mark a second chance. God blessed their ministry together. God used their division to reach MORE people for Christ. Remember Romans 8:28? But that's for another time.

Acts 13:42-44 (New King James Version)

Blessing and Conflict at Antioch

⁴² So when the Jews went out of the synagogue,^a]">[a] the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. ⁴³ Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

Acts 15:25,26
²⁵ it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

They were called beloved, men who risked their life for the Gospel!

BE a Barnabas!

Give people the benefit of the doubt! Let someone have a first , or second chance for that matter! You may be pleasantly surprised at how they rise to the occasion because of the kindness and blessing you bestowed by trusting them.

When I was raising my children I would always say "Catch them doing something right." If you never allow people a chance they can never prove they can do something right!

Eventually Mark proved himself and Paul realised he was wrong and found Mark an important, helpful part of his ministry.


2 Timothy 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.


I suggest you use wisdom and discernment but prayerfully, give people a chance to shine!

You may be amazed at how God uses them for His glory. YOU will be the person that gets the credit for allowing them the chance! What an opportunity for a great blessing AND a great discovery!



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.

Rhythm and rhyme, utterly sublime~

I have always loved poetry. Simple rhythmic poems that create a picture with words. Like short brightly colored artist brushstrokes I enjoyed writing poetry.

I see on Face Book many young people enjoy expressing themselves in a similar way. I hope they continue to grow and get encouragement to become a truly gifted writer someday.There are wonderful poets to read, study and be inspired by.

The Bible is one of the most beautiful books for literary greatness. Solomon comes to mind in his great, God given wisdom, he shares everything from the Proverbs, with their just plain "good sense" to his deeply passionate love story between he and his wife in Song of Solomon.

But, one of my favorite poets of all time is Robert Frost. This winter we had an unusual weather pattern. We received several steady, heavy snowfalls. Each time I bundled up myself and my little 12lb Lhasa/Shitzu girlfriend, Coco, and we braved the elements in a late night walk.

With the quiet stillness of the streets, the incredible beauty of the snow, we would jump and play all alone in the deserted neighborhood. We would then walk over to the edge of the old road that leads to a wide meadow, lined with tall statuesque evergreens standing guard around the edges, and we would just stand there and "take it all it in."

It leads me to think of this poem by Robert Frost.

Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

- Robert Frost

Lord, you know the length of my days and the miles yet I have to go. Please fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit that I may be empowered to serve You all my days. I love your wonderful creation. Most of all I love You, the Creator. Thank you for all You have done for me Jesus. Amen

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.

Scoffers are "old hat' - God’s Promise Is Not Slack

Last night in a lively LIFE group discussion, I mentioned that according to Scripture, world events, weather extremes and catastrophic happenings, it is highly likely that the Rapture of the church is imminent.
A friend agreed and commented her frustration when attempting to encourage some women in her Bible study the same thing, they mocked her and scoffed at her. I was immediately reminded of the words of the Apostle Peter.

This unbelief is nothing new as you will see as you read on...

God’s Promise Is Not Slack-2 Peter 3

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us,[a] the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[b] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The Day of the Lord

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.[c] 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Be Steadfast

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.



Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We ARE one day closer to the Lords return!



Let's be ready. The Apostle Paul explains...

1 Thessalonians 4-The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.


My friend then told me the ladies started ANOTHER age old argument.

"Well, if Jesus is coming why plan for college and the future."

AGAIN, Scripture tells us the answers!


The entire Book of 2 Thessalonians was written by Paul addressing this problem of "waiting for the Lords return." Please read it on your own.

Jesus HIMSELF tells us in Luke 17:26-36

And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 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. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”


Let us be ever more vigilant to reach the lost before we leave.
And don't be left behind~


God bless you all !

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.

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.