Halloween Scare

The party was about to begin, and the scariest of all the Halloween decorated houses appeared to be the one with a lifelike zombie crawling out from the ground with arms stretched out, ready to grab any passerby. The zombie, dressed in military uniform with a skull for his face, seemed like one that came out from the movie, World War Z. Among the many other houses in the area, there were also those decorated with pumpkin faces and heads, screaming ghost masks, cheese cloth ghosts, and cobwebs sprayed on gates.

I sometimes wonder how many of us really know the origin of Halloween, and whether we should be involved in such a celebration. Here's taking a look at an extract from the article 'Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?' by Elliott Watson at CBN.com.

The origins of Halloween are Celtic in tradition and have to do with observing the end of summer sacrifices to gods in Druidic tradition. In what is now Britain and France, it was the beginning of the Celtic year, and they believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Believe it or not, most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to these old pagan rites and superstitions.

But what about today? Perhaps we can still learn from history. In the fourth century, Christians attempted to co-opt the holiday by celebrating the lives of faithful Christian saints the day before Halloween. This was a conscious attempt to provide an alternative and re-focus the day away from ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches and other “haunted” experiences. Since that time many Christians have decided to allow their children to dress in more “innocent” costumes of pumpkins, princesses, Superman or as a cowboy. Part of this is due to the simple reality that in today’s Western culture it is nearly impossible to “avoid” Halloween.

As Christians you and I are placed in this world to be a light in a world of darkness. There is no lasting benefit to ignore a holiday that exists around us, but it also does harm to celebrate Halloween as it has originated and grown over the centuries.

My suggestion? Christians should be teaching their children (age appropriately) that:

• there is a spiritual world filled with goodness from God and evil from Satan (Ephesians 2:1-10);

• life with Christ has power over darkness (I John 4:4); and

• those who celebrate Halloween either are unaware of its roots, or are intentionally promoting a world where evil is lauded and viewed as an ultimate power.

To counter the evil influence of Halloween, we need to join together and celebrate the reality of the heroic efforts of Christian saints over the evil in their day. Many leaders in the past—and present—have fulfilled the mandate of destroying the works of the devil through their sacrificial commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.

Too, rather than “hide” in the face of evil, we should unabashedly and boldly create an alternative that is positive and uplifting; that celebrates good over evil and the triumph of God over Satan. We need to provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives.

Halloween came from the word Hallowe'en which is a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve" or the day before All Saints Day. All Saints Day is the day dedicated to the remembrance of the saints (hallows) and martyrs of the faith. So what is our family doing this Halloween?

Curiosity

I said to myself, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So enjoy yourself." And behold, it too was futility. (Ecclesiastes 2:1 NAS)

When I was a young Christian in my teens, I set upon myself an unusual quest to know, understand, and discover what it was like to face the problems other people were facing. I wanted to experience what they were experiencing so as to be in a position to help them spiritually. While the idea sounded noble, I made the mistake of placing myself at risk of testing God’s patience. I mingled with people who led a life of wanton pleasure for a little while to experience the ‘thrills’ of this world, only to realize the emptiness within me and the futility of such pursuit.

The author of the Book of Ecclesiastes described his discovery of living a life of pleasure that it was vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-11). James in his epistle warned us of the danger of worldly pursuit living luxuriously on the earth and leading a life of wanton pleasure. He cautioned that such a lifestyle is equivalent to fattening our own hearts for the day of slaughter (James 5:5).

No doubt, curiosity is not something we can avoid, and to want to find out more about something is nothing wrong. When the apostle Paul spoke to the people of Athens about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject” (Acts 17:32). It was curiosity that led to the opportunity for Paul to share the gospel. Yet we must be cautious not to be nosy or inquisitive in wanting to know or try out things, otherwise we might get our fingers burned.

Are we curious to find or try out things? If we are, let us do so with caution. Not all mysteries in life are likely to be understandable while we are still here on earth. For who can discover the depths of God and the limits of the Almighty? Such mysteries are high as the heavens and deeper than the depths below (Job 11:7-8). To the world and to those who are perishing, the word of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). This then is how we ought to regard ourselves—as servants of Christ entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed through the understanding of His word and the gospel  (1 Corinthians 4:1). 

As stewards of God’s mysteries, are we revealing Christ in us to the world? Are our actions and behavior creating curiosity among the unsaved to want to know more about our faith?

Guide us dear Lord as we seek to know more of You and Your mysteries. Keep our paths straight Lord that we may not get sidetracked to become nosy or inquisitive. Mold us to become more and more like You Lord that others who see us may desire to know You and the message of the cross.

Black Sheep for the Faith

For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. (1 Peter 2:20 NAS)

I was deemed by my parents as the black sheep of the family when I turned from idolatry to the Christian faith years ago as a teenager. To them, I was like one who had broken a trust, a lost soul who had deviated from following the family’s faith—Taoism. Initially, my parents tried to bring me back to their fold by punishing me through starvation and locking me up at times, but before long they gave up on me after I repeatedly refused to participate in their religious practices.

Like the difficult situations that befell me after I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, the disciples in the first century faced even greater persecution when they turned from Judaism to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Christianity was born during that time and many died for the faith, martyred for confessing Christ. To the religious practitioners of those days—the Pharisees, the Sadducees, among others—the Christians or the followers of Christ were renegades, the black sheep of the family. Persecution ensued and many believers were stoned to death or died by the sword, on the cross, or burned at the stake for refusing to deny the faith.

As Christians, we may sometimes face difficult situations or certain disadvantages. At work, for example, we may be given a miss to a promotion because we refuse to tell a lie or be segregated from a circle of colleagues or associates for being honest. Perhaps we are facing difficult situations because of our belief or because of following Christian principles. Are we crestfallen because our friends, colleagues or associates think of us as a black sheep or because our livelihood is being threatened as a consequence of choosing to do the right thing or tell the truth? 

If we are feeling distraught because of persecution or because of the difficult situations we face for doing the right thing, we ought not to. For we have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps. If for the sake of conscience toward God we bear up under sorrows when suffering unjustly, it is commendable. If we do what is right and suffer for it and endure it patiently, this finds favor with God (1 Peter 2:19-21). It is better, if God should will it so, that we suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong (1 Peter 3:17). Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, for once having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

Dear Lord, though the world may despise us because of our faith, we will not deny You because You are our rock and our salvation, our fortress in whom we will never be shaken. You O Lord have called us for Your purpose and if You should will it so, we are willing to go through trials or be disadvantaged to do what is right to honor You. Bless us Lord as we persevere under difficult situations and trials. Help us not be crestfallen or distraught Lord even if our friends, colleagues, associates or other people stay away from us or disallow us into their circle because of our faith. Grant us Your favor Lord in all we do that we will stand strong and stay unshaken.

What are you doing for Him?

Has anyone ever done something for you that you have remembered it your entire life?

Recently my Mom told me she had added a new friend to her Facebook list, Rodney, a guy she’d known since elementary school. He emailed her and told her he remembered her and their time in school together. He also shared a memory he had of her. He said in an email (which he gave me permission to use), “I remember I had a Birthday party when I was in the 2nd or 3rd grade. I remember inviting the entire class, but only you and Clenard from school came. I was so devastated. That I cried like a baby. It was my first birthday party as a kid. I remember you gave me a book of life savers candies. That is a very special memory that I will never forget. Thanks!!!!”

I remember when I was growing up my Mom told me about Rodney. Whenever we looked at pictures she would point him out and tell me about going to his birthday party. She remembered that she was the only white person there and she didn’t know why others from her class hadn’t come. She remembered Rodney’s mother walking to the car and hugging her mother, thanking her for letting Mom come to the party. It was something from her childhood that stuck out in her mind, but she never knew that it had been a special memory in Rodney’s mind as well.

As I think of this story and my Mom finding out years later that Rodney remembers her coming to his birthday party, I’m reminded that each day we never know the lives we are touching. Something we do may help someone else, and they will remember it for the rest of their life.

In Matthew 25:34-40 we read:

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

What you do or say may feel insignificant in your mind at the time. Maybe it’s just something you do naturally. Maybe you think no one notices what you do. It doesn’t matter who it’s for … whether a classmate, your sister, the homeless man at the corner, the cashier at the grocery store, your co-worker, the president of your company … Jesus is watching and is pleased when we give to others and show His love. We’re really doing it for Him. —Bethany P.

Each Day’s Requirements

David left Asaph and his associates before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister there regularly, according to each day’s requirements. (1 Chronicles 16:37 NIV)

Asaph and his co-workers ministered and worked in the temple each day. The tasks they performed varied day to day, depending on what was needed. I’ve been thinking about what it means to minister to others. Too often I look back on my day and realize I’ve ignored the Holy Spirit’s urging and a chance to serve someone else.

God doesn’t expect some spectacular, glorious deed performed on a stage or in the limelight. Some of the best ministering I’ve received involved listening, hugging, an encouraging note or email, or a helping hand. Ministering like Asaph means looking for occasions throughout the day to comfort a child, help a co-worker or call a friend. I love that Asaph and his helpers watched for what the day would bring. They didn’t set such a rigid schedule that they ignored opportunity, instead they watched for the chance to minister. This week let’s minister according to the day’s requirements. —Penny Mcginnis

Tangible Proofs

But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10 NAS)

The jittery feeling moments before an exam is always disconcerting. I remember many things would run through my mind that would leave me in self-doubt pondering whether I had done enough to pass the test when I was an undergraduate. 

Not all of us are likely to enjoy taking an exam, yet without it we seldom can prove we have learned the lessons taught to us. When an employer or a hirer wishes to engage a person for a job or task, the first things he or she looks for are usually tangible proofs of achievement such as our accolades, career portfolio or educational transcripts.

Like me and everyone else who had sat for an exam, Abraham was probably also feeling unease when put to the test while sojourning in Egypt and Gerar to say Sarah, his wife, was his sister (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-14).  Abraham did not do well for the two tests, yet God did not turn away from him but showed him mercy. Years later, when he was again tested, Abraham did well in willingly offering up his only son Isaac and to trust God completely (Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19). For his faith, it was accorded to Abraham as righteousness and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23).

Are we facing a difficult situation or going through a trial or test right now? Are we feeling jittery or unease because we are unsure whether we have enough faith to make it through to tomorrow or the days ahead? Perhaps we do not have the accolades, portfolio or transcripts to prove our accomplishments or perhaps we have failed badly in our tests. Are we in doubt of ourselves and our abilities? Are we in doubt of God’s care for us?

If we are walking with God, we need not doubt. Just as God did not abandon Abraham in his failures, He will not abandon us if we walk in Him. He knows the way we take and when He has tried us, we shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10). For though gold is refined by fire, it is the proof of our faith that is more precious, that we might result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:7).

Let us therefore test ourselves to see that we are in the faith and recognize that Jesus Christ is in us—unless indeed we fail the test (2 Corinthians 13:5). Though we may suffer grief and trials for a little time, we need not be afraid (1 Peter 1:6; Exodus 20:20). For blessed are we who persevere under trial because having stood the test we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes falling into self-doubt. We know Lord there is no need for us to doubt because You will not abandon us even when we fail badly in our tests. Help us Lord to hold fast to our faith, especially in our moments of weakness and during times of our testing and trials. Refine us as You will O Lord that we might reveal more of You and come forth as gold in praise, glory and honor to Your name.

Diamond Cuts

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29 NAS)

Before mathematical diamond cutting was formulated by Belgian craftsman Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919, chisels, mallets and other diamonds were used by craftsmen to painstakingly cut diamonds by hand, according to an article by Kaye Wagner at eHow.com. Few craftsmen were skilled enough to create jewelry-grade diamonds in those days because of the difficult process and the lack of skilled workers. Arguably, the diamond's cut is its most important characteristic. A diamond that is cut well is better at reflecting light than one that is cut less skillfully. Specialty cuts have more facets than regular cuts and create more sparkles of light.

The Bible tells us that a man skilled in his work stands before kings rather than obscure men (Proverbs 22:29). In today’s context, this is akin to the preference of a skilled worker over the unskilled. A person who is an expert in a particular field of work or study is usually valued more by the hirer or is respected by people.

Like the expert craftsmen and skilled workers, the Bible exhorts us to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as workmen who do not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). In order for us to become experts in handling the word of truth, however, we need first to study God’s word in depth and be trained.

Too often many of us have allowed our sins rather than God’s word to be inscribed with an iron chisel, engraved with a diamond point on our stony hearts and altars of our own desires (Jeremiah 17:1). Although by this time we ought to be teachers, we have need again for someone to teach us the elementary principles of God’s word, and have come to need milk instead of solid food. Everyone who lives on milk is an infant and is not accustomed to the word of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice has senses trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Are we unskilled in the word of truth? Are we neglecting the studying of God’s word? If we are, we need to grow up to become experts. Like newborn babies longing for pure spiritual milk to grow in respect to salvation, let us crave to have God’s word inscribed and stored in our hearts that we might not sin against God (1 Peter 2:2-3; Psalm 119:11).

Just as specialty cuts in diamonds through more facets create more sparkles of light, let God’s word sharpen us in and through all aspects of our lives to brightly shine. Equip and root ourselves in God’s word so as to better reflect Christ our Lord—the hope of glory and light of the world (John 8:12; Colossians 1:27).

Dear Lord, thank You for Your written word that equips us for every good work. Inscribe on our hearts Your precious word Lord that we might grow to have our senses trained to discern good and evil rather than remain in need of elementary principles. Sharpen our lives through Your word Lord to better reflect You in us, for we desire to shine brightly to reveal Your light and glory to this darkened world.

Asking for More

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1 NIV)

"Stop asking for more and be thankful for what you already have!"

That's what I always tell myself, even when in desperate need with mouths to feed. I have through the many ups and downs in my career life learned what it is to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12). Through the years, God has been good and faithful to me and my household, and I simply cannot ask for more. Yes, many a time I have hoped to have something extra to share with my loved ones and not leave them wanting. Without a choice, however, there would always be days, months, and sometimes years, we have to tighten our belts and live humbly.

The Bible tells us that God will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). He is able to bless us abundantly in all things at all times, that having all our needs met, we will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Nevertheless, God’s word also exhorts us to consider it all joy when we face various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

As Christians, are we allowed to ask God for more than what we are receiving now? When is asking for something extra acceptable and when is it not?

If we are walking in obedience to all that God has commanded us and honoring Him with whatever He has blessed us with, we can rest assured He is more than willing to prosper us (Deuteronomy 5:33; Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:24-25). This is the confidence we have in approaching God, that if our hearts do not condemn us and we are asking according to His will, He hears us and will give us anything we ask (1 John 3:21-22, 5:14-15). For the LORD is our shepherd, we will not lack anything (Psalm 23:1). Ask and we will receive, seek and we will find, knock and the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10). If we believe we have receive whatever we ask for in prayer, it will be ours (Mark 11:24).

Are we lacking anything? Ask and we will receive, that our joy may be complete (John 16:24). Are we seeking to make ends meet in keeping our loved ones and ourselves alive? If we are, we need not worry, for the door will soon be opened to us if we pray believing we have received.

Asking for more when we are lacking is perfectly sensible and fine. However, if we have more than enough and desire extra to feed our own pleasures, we will not receive what we ask for because we ask with wrong motives (James 4:3). If our motive is right and according to the will of God, whether we are rich or poor, God will give us more than sufficient to meet our needs. If our motive is wrong, even what we possess now may be taken away (Matthew 25:29; Mark 4:25; Luke 19:26). Learn to ask for more only when we are lacking or in need to help the deprived.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us all that we have. Help us Lord when we are lacking to know how to live humbly and be content, and when we have plenty to give generously to meet the needs of the needy. Open the door we seek to open Lord that we may receive Your bountiful blessings that complete our joy. Grant us the extra we need Lord to fulfill Your will, and guide our hearts to know what condemns us in seeking our own pleasures. You O Lord are our shepherd, we lack nothing. In You Lord we are assured of the plans You have for us, to prosper us and to give us a hope and a future.

Truth Hurts

But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23 NAS)

A relative of mine in her 70s was diagnosed with liver cancer not too long ago. Out of love and concern, her children decided not to let her know about her condition so that she may live happily for the rest of her remaining years, months, or days.

We may sometimes hide certain information from people we know so as protect them or to minimize their hurt. Such avoidance or pretense, although well-intended, may lead to self-detriment in more ways than we can possibly imagine. Concealing the truth, withholding or hiding something because of shame, can affect our behavior and especially our conversations. More than likely, a day will come when the truth will be revealed, and if we have anything to hide, it shall be exposed.

The Bible makes it very clear that nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light (Mark 4:22; Luke 8:17). All things become visible when exposed by the light, and everything that becomes visible is light (Ephesians 5:13). Malice may be concealed by deception, but wickedness will be exposed, for everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light for fear his or her deeds will be exposed (Proverbs 26:26; John 3:20).

Whether we choose to hide or reveal the truth is up to us to decide. If letting a person know the truth hurts more than help, then we should confer with God to know what is best for us to do. Whatever the decision, however, we need to be aware the revelation is merely delayed and will come to light sooner or later.

If our decision to hide is because of shame or something we have done wrong, let us come before God and confess our sin. Do not participate in unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them (Ephesians 5:11). If we will not do so, be sure our sin will find us out (Numbers 32:23).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes hiding the truth from the people we know. You O God are all knowing, and You see through our hearts and know our thoughts. We know Lord that nothing is hidden that will not be exposed sooner or later and regardless good intention or out of shame our hearts are laid bare before You. Correct us when we do wrong Lord and guide us in our making the decision to delay or reveal what needs to be made known. Comfort those who are hurting, Lord. Help them face tomorrow and the days to come in Your strength.

Over Breathing

Take a deep breath, God; calm down—don’t be so hasty with your punishing rod. (Psalm 38:1 MSG)

“Take a deep breath and calm down.”

Such an advice is not unfamiliar to many of us. We know deep breathing is one of the best ways to calm down, especially when we are feeling stressed. Few of us, however, pay attention to the fact that it is only when we breathe out that our tension is released, not when we breathed in. Holding our breath tenses us up and makes us feel breathless. 

People with panic disorder frequently experience shortness of breath or the feeling of not having enough air in their lungs, according to an article at PanicDisorder.About.com. Since all of us need to breathe to sustain life, such symptoms quickly bring about a sense of panic and fear. When we experience anxiety or panic, our breathing becomes quick, short and shallow, usually not because of a lack of oxygen, but because of over breathing or hyperventilation.

A quick relief to hyperventilation is to breathe into a paper bag, as advised in an article at Medical-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.com. Hyperventilation reduces the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our blood. By rebreathing the CO2 that was exhaled and trapped in the paper bag, the amount of CO2 in the bloodstream can be normalized.

Like the way exhaling helps provide relief from tension, the Bible mentioned a number of ways we can find relief from unwanted stress. When King David was on the edge of losing it, he cried out to God and confessed his sin (Psalm 38:3-4, 17-18). He called upon God not to dump him or stand him up, but to calm down and not be so hasty with the punishing rod (Psalm 38:21, 1). David poured out all his sorrows to God and did not hide anything from God (Psalm 38:8-9).

Are we losing our breath and panicking because of anxiety or stress? Are we exhaling and breathing too quickly, exerting and spending too much of our energy on things that are unfruitful or exhausting? If we are, then we need to let go what is holding our breath so that we may find relief from our tension. Just as the paper bag helps regulate hyperventilation, let God’s word regulate our lives that we may no longer smug in our sin. Confess to God all our wrongdoings and cry out to God just as David did. Seek forgiveness in sorrow, repent, and hide nothing from God.

If we are feeling all dried up, hopeless, with nothing left to look forward to, God is saying to us to follow Him, and He will save us from our sinful backsliding and will cleanse us. He will breathe His life into us and make a covenant of peace with us that will hold everything together for eternity (Ezekiel 37:11, 14, 23-24, 26).

Dear Lord, thank You for granting us relief in our times of stress and anxiety. You O God know our hearts, and all the things we have done and intend to do. Our souls are opened up before You and we hide nothing from You. We confess our failings Lord and repent of all our sins. Forgive us Lord and save us from our sinful backsliding. Cleanse us and breathe Your life into us that we may be restored in Your covenant of peace all the days of our lives to eternity.