When I woke up this morning I was so sick and out of it, I felt something like a Thanksgiving Scrooge, bah humbug... I quickly checked my attitude at the keyboard as I logged into Twitter and FaceBook to see all my friends posting how thankful and grateful they were for various things in their lives... So I thought, what am I MOST thankful for and why?
I am MOST thankful for God sending his Holy and perfect son Jesus Christ to live on earth as a man to be an example of how WE should live our lives, allowing Him to be a ransom for the forgiveness of OUR sins, and allowing Him to conquer hell and the grave by raising Him 3 days later to sit at His right hand so that His Spirit may reside in ME to lead me and guide me in the ways of righteousness... Out of all the the love I've experienced in this world, that has to be the greatest!
I am thankful for the breath of life God allowed for me to breathe this morning and fully realize that the ONLY reason I am able to rise and breathe is because it is for HIS glory. It is in His plan for my life to continue to be a Godly example and fulfill His will and the purpose he has for my life...
I am thankful the unconditional love that flows through my family and that as we live and grow together we gain a better understanding of each other and who we are in Christ.
I am thankful for the numerous connections I've made in my life... whether they be for a reason, season, or lifetime...
I am thankful for every experience, test, trial, and victory... they teach me to talk to God, trust in God, lean on God, depend on God, believe in God, and mostly, to continue to grow in God and deepen my relationship with Him...
However, In everything we are supposed to give thanks... everyday!! So these are things I am thankful for everyday, not just on today!! So today, on this Thanksgiving, instead of focusing on all that I have received, I shall focus on what I can GIVE! Not in a material sense, but in an encouraging inspirational way... So my next question is what can i give you??
I can be kind and help a person when I see they have a need...
I can be gentle and sensitive towards ones emotions...
I can share my wisdom and experiences to help someone going through the same issues that I have successfully conquered...
I can hold my Peace and not get all puffed up about the minor things in life and give a living example of grace and mercy...
I can give Patience when people get all puffed up with me and let the Peace of a Holy God residing on the inside of me to prevail...
I can give Unconditional Love and love a person for the person God called them to be regardless of their situation, their actions, and if its reciprocated...
I can demonstrate self-control when faced with temptations so that I don't kill my witness, knowing that for some people I AM the bible that they read...
When I have the power to tear someone down and have every right to do so I will operate in Meekness and show them the love of a Holy God...
When I glance back over the last few years of my life, I'm looking to see how I have grown. Has MY tree of life beared any fruit or harvest? My pastor said "YOU CAN'T LOVE GOD AND NOT GROW!" That is really deep when you sit and think about it... So as I sit and think, YES, I see growth, I see fruit, and I see a harvest... I have grown, I have matured, after 8 years of no conception for no apparent reason, God blessed us with not 1 but 2 pregnancies, God blessed us with a house, and HE has stabilized our jobs and schedules to maintain our family dynamics, just to name a few things...
The things that I am thankful for and the things I have to give reflect who I am in Christ and the relationship I have with HIM! No, I'm not rockin a 4 carat ring, I don't live in a big fancy house, I'm not rollin the flyest whip for 2010, I'm not rich, and I don't wear the latest trends because I don't identify with materialistic things! They have nothing to do with a Holy God...
I am who I am... a child of God... Thankful for my life...
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours =)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Rules for a Happy Marriage
Rules for a Happy Marriage
1. Never allow both of you to be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly. Always end on an encouraging note.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past. Your future is as bright as the two of you will build together.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once everyday, say one kind or complimentary thing to your life partner.
9. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness. Stand ready to forgive your mate as well.
10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking.
11. Make your life partner your best friend. do not allow anyone else to occupy that position.
12. Always seek the best good for your mate.
1. Never allow both of you to be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly. Always end on an encouraging note.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past. Your future is as bright as the two of you will build together.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once everyday, say one kind or complimentary thing to your life partner.
9. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness. Stand ready to forgive your mate as well.
10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking.
11. Make your life partner your best friend. do not allow anyone else to occupy that position.
12. Always seek the best good for your mate.
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN
1. The Proverbs 31 woman reveres Jesus Christ as Lord of her life and pursues an ongoing, personal relationship with Him.
2. The Proverbs 31 woman loves, honors and respects her husband as the leader of the home.
3. The Proverbs 31 woman nurtures her children and believes that motherhood is a high calling with the responsibility of shaping and molding the children who will one day define who we are as a community and a nation.
4. The Proverbs 31 woman is a disciplined and industrious keeper of the home who creates a warm and loving environment for her family and friends.
5. The Proverbs 31 woman contributes to the financial well being of her household by being a faithful steward of the time and money God has entrusted to her.
6. The Proverbs 31 woman speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction as she mentors and supports other women, and develops godly friendships.
7. The Proverbs 31 woman shares the love of Christ by extending her hands to help with the needs in the community.
1. The Proverbs 31 woman reveres Jesus Christ as Lord of her life and pursues an ongoing, personal relationship with Him.
2. The Proverbs 31 woman loves, honors and respects her husband as the leader of the home.
3. The Proverbs 31 woman nurtures her children and believes that motherhood is a high calling with the responsibility of shaping and molding the children who will one day define who we are as a community and a nation.
4. The Proverbs 31 woman is a disciplined and industrious keeper of the home who creates a warm and loving environment for her family and friends.
5. The Proverbs 31 woman contributes to the financial well being of her household by being a faithful steward of the time and money God has entrusted to her.
6. The Proverbs 31 woman speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction as she mentors and supports other women, and develops godly friendships.
7. The Proverbs 31 woman shares the love of Christ by extending her hands to help with the needs in the community.
Forgetting The Past
forgetting the past doesn't mean to wipe it out of your memory...
forgetting the past doesn't mean the inability to forget the positive experiences that help us grow...
forgetting the past doesn't mean the inability for forget the negative experiences that help us to avoid making the same mistakes...
forgetting the past means moving past the negative influences that control our lives...
forgetting the past means no longer being influenced by the mistakes You've made and the sins You've committed...
Mistakes are errors in judgement and opinions...
Sins are a deliberate act against God with full knowledge...
forgetting the past means You are no longer controlled (something that has control over you is something that exercises influence over you, rules over you, restrains you, causes you to not be able to move, and ultimately becomes your master) by:
1.) Guilt - things You've done against GOD, yourself, and others...
2.) Past Hurts - things that others have done to you...
some people are stuck and unable to move because they are controlled by past hurts.
3.) Bitterness - resentment, animosity, hostility, anger, and things you hold in your heart against God, yourself, and others...
4.) Discouragement - to be deprived of courage and confidence; disheartened; controlled by lack of confidence and courage...
5.) Torment - things that happened in the past that stole your peace; severe and persistent stress to the body and mind...
6.) Missed Opportunities - things You've missed from mistakes made and sins committed...
7.) Bad Choices - rejected knowledge...
Forgetting the past starts with Introspection and Self-Examination... how do you value your self worth?
It's hard for us to forget the past because of the human element inside us... a negative past ALWAYS carries unforgiveness and the flesh ALWAYS looks for an external blame...
Never look a what someone else can do to change
Change Yourself...
forgetting the past doesn't mean the inability to forget the positive experiences that help us grow...
forgetting the past doesn't mean the inability for forget the negative experiences that help us to avoid making the same mistakes...
forgetting the past means moving past the negative influences that control our lives...
forgetting the past means no longer being influenced by the mistakes You've made and the sins You've committed...
Mistakes are errors in judgement and opinions...
Sins are a deliberate act against God with full knowledge...
forgetting the past means You are no longer controlled (something that has control over you is something that exercises influence over you, rules over you, restrains you, causes you to not be able to move, and ultimately becomes your master) by:
1.) Guilt - things You've done against GOD, yourself, and others...
2.) Past Hurts - things that others have done to you...
some people are stuck and unable to move because they are controlled by past hurts.
3.) Bitterness - resentment, animosity, hostility, anger, and things you hold in your heart against God, yourself, and others...
4.) Discouragement - to be deprived of courage and confidence; disheartened; controlled by lack of confidence and courage...
5.) Torment - things that happened in the past that stole your peace; severe and persistent stress to the body and mind...
6.) Missed Opportunities - things You've missed from mistakes made and sins committed...
7.) Bad Choices - rejected knowledge...
Forgetting the past starts with Introspection and Self-Examination... how do you value your self worth?
It's hard for us to forget the past because of the human element inside us... a negative past ALWAYS carries unforgiveness and the flesh ALWAYS looks for an external blame...
Never look a what someone else can do to change
Change Yourself...
The Difference Between Accepting and Knowing Jesus
accept means to take or receive what's being offered with a consenting mind...when we go to the altar for salvation we have accepted the gift of Jesus but not yet opened the package up...
When we have accepted the gift we have joy...joy when we go to church, joy when we go to bible study, joy when we listen to tapes and cd's of sermons, joy when we listen to Gospel Music...but we don't KNOW HIM...what happens when temptations are thrown in our face?? We don't know how to handle the situation because we don't KNOW HIM...we slip on back to our old ways...we have just accepted the gift but it's just sitting on the table...
BUT...when you KNOW HIM, we have perception, meaning we become aware of HIM, We Identify with HIM, we understand Him, we have a clear and certain perception of the TRUTH... When we Know Him, we have opened up the package that we have accepted...
Knowing the Lord takes time and effort...
we spend 3 hours to watch a game, but do we spend three hours reading the word?
we spend and hour at the spa getting a massage, but do we spend an hour in prayer?
we know everything about our favorite TV characters, but do we know everything about the Lord?
we know all the stories about what's going on in the streets, and at the neighbor's house, in the beauty salon, and around the corner, what r&b singer is dating who,but do we know all the wonderful stories and miracles in the bible?
we know how to dress in the latest fashions and name brands and conform to the worlds standards of making a fashion statement, but do we conform to the image and likeness of Jesus Christ and let HIM be our fashion statement?
Accepting the Lord is receiving the gift of Jesus Christ...
Knowing the Lord is opening the gift and utilizing it...
Matthew 11:27-30
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
When we have accepted the gift we have joy...joy when we go to church, joy when we go to bible study, joy when we listen to tapes and cd's of sermons, joy when we listen to Gospel Music...but we don't KNOW HIM...what happens when temptations are thrown in our face?? We don't know how to handle the situation because we don't KNOW HIM...we slip on back to our old ways...we have just accepted the gift but it's just sitting on the table...
BUT...when you KNOW HIM, we have perception, meaning we become aware of HIM, We Identify with HIM, we understand Him, we have a clear and certain perception of the TRUTH... When we Know Him, we have opened up the package that we have accepted...
Knowing the Lord takes time and effort...
we spend 3 hours to watch a game, but do we spend three hours reading the word?
we spend and hour at the spa getting a massage, but do we spend an hour in prayer?
we know everything about our favorite TV characters, but do we know everything about the Lord?
we know all the stories about what's going on in the streets, and at the neighbor's house, in the beauty salon, and around the corner, what r&b singer is dating who,but do we know all the wonderful stories and miracles in the bible?
we know how to dress in the latest fashions and name brands and conform to the worlds standards of making a fashion statement, but do we conform to the image and likeness of Jesus Christ and let HIM be our fashion statement?
Accepting the Lord is receiving the gift of Jesus Christ...
Knowing the Lord is opening the gift and utilizing it...
Matthew 11:27-30
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Receiving Forgiveness From God
In order to receive the forgiveness of GOD, we must first have a true confession / admission of our sins...
We must have an inner conviction, a realization the we NEED help from GOD...for example -- Psalms 51:1-2 says: 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. David felt convicted and realized he needed help from GOD...
We must also take full responsibility for our actions...Instead of saying "I sinned, or acted out of Godly Christian Character because YOU did such and such or so and so"... When we blame contributing sources for our sins, we do not take FULL responsibility for our actions and we leave the door open for the sin to be repeated...We MUST take full responsibility for our actions... for example -- Psalms 51:3-4 says: 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. David took FULL responsibility for his sin with Bathsheba, he didn't say, "Well Lord, I wouldn't have sinned with her if she hadn't been bathing in my view"...
We must also have a repenting heart...not because of fear, loss, or personal harm; but having a broken heart, and truly sorry for the sin we have committed and the ways we have acted...We must have a change in attitude, and no longer be blinded by what we've done, but to desire to be cleansed...for example -- Psalms 51:10-11 says: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. David desired to be cleansed and to have his Spirit renewed within him...
In order to receive the forgiveness of GOD, the past sins committed out of the our mouths must not remain in our hearts...
We must be ready and able to RECEIVE the forgiveness...to receive means to take to take, embrace, and welcome (the forgiveness)... GOD gives us forgiveness and we have to receive his forgiveness... Giving is not complete until Receiving takes place!!!
Then we need to move from forgiveness to cleansing, and take the CAUSE of our negative past out of our hearts...forgiveness takes care of what we have done...Cleansing takes care of what caused us to do it... 1 John 1:9 says: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In order to receive the forgiveness of GOD, we must know GOD'S attitude toward our past... Isaiah 43:25 says: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Forget The Past And Receive Forgiveness From GOD!!!
We must have an inner conviction, a realization the we NEED help from GOD...for example -- Psalms 51:1-2 says: 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. David felt convicted and realized he needed help from GOD...
We must also take full responsibility for our actions...Instead of saying "I sinned, or acted out of Godly Christian Character because YOU did such and such or so and so"... When we blame contributing sources for our sins, we do not take FULL responsibility for our actions and we leave the door open for the sin to be repeated...We MUST take full responsibility for our actions... for example -- Psalms 51:3-4 says: 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. David took FULL responsibility for his sin with Bathsheba, he didn't say, "Well Lord, I wouldn't have sinned with her if she hadn't been bathing in my view"...
We must also have a repenting heart...not because of fear, loss, or personal harm; but having a broken heart, and truly sorry for the sin we have committed and the ways we have acted...We must have a change in attitude, and no longer be blinded by what we've done, but to desire to be cleansed...for example -- Psalms 51:10-11 says: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. David desired to be cleansed and to have his Spirit renewed within him...
In order to receive the forgiveness of GOD, the past sins committed out of the our mouths must not remain in our hearts...
We must be ready and able to RECEIVE the forgiveness...to receive means to take to take, embrace, and welcome (the forgiveness)... GOD gives us forgiveness and we have to receive his forgiveness... Giving is not complete until Receiving takes place!!!
Then we need to move from forgiveness to cleansing, and take the CAUSE of our negative past out of our hearts...forgiveness takes care of what we have done...Cleansing takes care of what caused us to do it... 1 John 1:9 says: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In order to receive the forgiveness of GOD, we must know GOD'S attitude toward our past... Isaiah 43:25 says: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Forget The Past And Receive Forgiveness From GOD!!!
The Origin Of Halloween
History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the
Celtics. The Celtic people were very conscious of the spiritual
world and had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it
- such as by helping their over 300 gods to defeat their enemies in
battle, or by imitating the gods in showing cleverness and cunning.
Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer
(May 1), and Samhain at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They
believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two
worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were
active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.
The Celtic priests who carried out the rituals in the open air
were called Druids, members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland
and Gaul, who generally performed their rituals by offering
sacrifices, usually of animals, but sometimes of humans, in order
to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the
winter; and frightening away evil spirits. To the Celtics, the
bonfire represented the sun and was used to aid the Druid in his
fight with dark powers. The term bonfire comes from the words
"bone fire," literally meaning the bones of sacrificed animals,
sometimes human, were piled in a field with timber and set ablaze.
All fires except those of the Druids were extinguished on Samhain
and householders were levied a fee to relight their holy fire which
burned at their altars. During the Festival of Samhain, fires would
be lit which would burn all through the winter and sacrifices would
be offered to the gods on the fires. This practice of burning
humans was stopped around 1600, and an effigy was sometimes
burned instead.
Samhain was the supreme night of demonic jubilation. Spirits
of the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the
countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly
lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits
by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. This is the origin of our
present day "trick-or-treat." They began the tradition of placing
plates of the finest food and bits of treats that the household had
to offer on their doorsteps, as gifts, to appease the hunger of the
ghostly wanderers. If not placated, villagers feared that the spirits
would kill their flocks or destroy their property.
The problem was... if the souls of dead loved ones could
return that night, so could anything else,human or not, nice or not-
so-nice. The only thing the superstitious people knew to do to
protect themselves on such an occasion was to masquerade as one
of the demonic hoard, and hopefully blend in unnoticed among
them. Wearing masks and other disguises and blackening the face
with soot were originally ways of hiding oneself from the spirits of
the dead who might be roaming around. This is the origin of
Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, ogres, and other
demonic creatures.
Trick or Treat has been thought to have come from a
European custom called "souling". Beggars would go from village
to village begging for "soul cakes" made out of square pieces of
bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would
receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of
the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that
the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer,
even by strangers could guarantee a soul's passage to heaven.
In many parts of Britain and Ireland this night used to be
known as 'Mischief Night', which meant that people were free to
go around the village playing pranks and getting up to any kind of
mischief without fear of being punished. Many of the different
customs were taken to the United States by Irish and Scottish
immigrants in the nineteenth century, and they developed into
'trick or treat'.
When Christianity spread to parts of Europe, instead of trying
to abolish these pagan customs, people tried to introduce ideas
which reflected a more Christian world-view. Halloween has since
become a confusing mixture of traditions and practices from pagan
cultures and Christian tradition. The Romans observed the holiday
of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed.
Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up
prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was
celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th
century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace
the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. In
834, Gregory III moved All Saint's Day from May 13 to Nov. 1
and for Christians, this became an opportunity for remembering
before God all the saints who had died and all the dead in the
Christian community. Oct. 31 thus became All Hallows' Eve
('hallow' means 'saint'). Sadly, though, many of the customs
survived and were blended in with Christianity.
Numerous folk customs connected with the pagan
observances for the dead have survived to the present. The
various activities traditional to Halloween are mostly associated
with the idea of obtaining good fortune and foretelling the future.
The idea behind ducking, dooking or bobbing for apples seems to
have been that snatching a bite from the apple enables the person
to grasp good fortune. Samhain is a time for getting rid of
weakness, as pagans once slaughtered weak animals which were
unlikely to survive the winter. A common ritual calls for writing
down weaknesses on a piece of paper or parchment, and tossing it
into the fire. There used to be a custom of placing a stone in the
hot ashes of the bonfire. If in the morning a person found that the
stone had been removed or had cracked, it was a sign of bad
fortune. Nuts have been used for divination: whether they burned
quietly or exploded indicated good or bad luck. Peeling an apple
and throwing the peel over one's shoulder was supposed to reveal
the initial of one's future spouse. One way of looking for omens of
death was for peope to visit churchyards, because the spirits of
those who were going to die during the coming year were thought
to walk around the churchyard during this night.
The Jack-o-lantern is the festival light for Halloween and is
the ancient symbol of a damned soul. Originally the Irish would
carve out turnips or beets as lanterns as representations of the
souls of the dead or goblins freed from the dead. When the Irish
emigrated to America they could not find many turnips to carve
into Jack O'Lanterns but they did find an abundance of pumpkins.
Pumpkins seemed to be a suitable substitute for the turnips and
pumpkins have been an essential part of Halloween celebrations
ever since. Pumpkins were cut with faces representing demons
and was originally intended to frighten away evil spirits. It was
said that if a demon or such were to encounter something as
fiendish looking as themselves that they'd run away in terror,thus
sparing the houses dwellers from the ravages of dark entities.
They would have been carried around the village boundaries or
left outside the home to burn through the night. Bats, owls and
other nocturanal animals, also popular symbols of Halloween,
were originally feared because people believed that these creatures
could communicate with the spirits of the dead. Black cats has
religious origins as well. During the Middle Ages it was believed
that witches could turn themselves into black cats. Thus when
such a cat was seen, it was considered to be a witch in disguise.
Witches and witchcraft are dominant themes of the holiday.
Witches generally believe themselves to be followers of an ancient
religion, which goes back far beyond Christianity, and which is
properly called 'wicca'. Witches are really just one side of a
modern revival of paganism - the following of pre-Christian nature
religions, the attempt to return to worshipping ancient Norse,
Greek or Celtic gods and goddesses. The apostle Paul said
Witchcraft is one of the acts of the sinful nature and those who
practice it will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21;
see also Revelation 22:15).
"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices
his son or daughter in the fire, who practices
divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in
witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or
spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does
these things is detestable to the LORD, and because
of these detestable practices the LORD your God
will drive out those nations before you. You must be
blameless before the LORD your God. The nations
you will dispossess listen to those who practice
sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD
your God has not permitted you to do so."
[Deuteronomy 18:10-14]
Should Christians adopt such practices?
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." [Romans 12:2]
Can we borrow the pagan customs and superstitions of ancient
peoples and "Christianize" them?
"Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of
evil. [1 Thesalonians 5:21-22]
Who can deny that virtually all of the symbols of Halloween
are evil? Witches, monsters, ogres, vampires, ghosts, ghouls,
goblins, devils and demons all portray evil.
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them." [Ephesians 5:11]
The sort of practices celebrated on Halloween are what defiled the ancient
nations [see Leviticus 18:24-30]. The Israelites were warned
against such practices when they entered the Promised Land,
"When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those
nations." [Deuteronomy 18:9]
Is Halloween just another innocent holiday that doesn't harm
anyone? Is it really just childish fun? Should the church be
compromised by accommodating itself to the culture? Vandalism
and wanton disregard for the property of others is common on
Halloween night. Even normally well-behaved children are driven
by unseen forces to destructive behavior. Police officials
everywhere report a great increase in such activities on Halloween.
Worse yet are the horrifying accounts of poisoned candy and
fruits booby-trapped with razor blades and needles. Such threats
are so real that many hospitals offer free X-rays of Halloween
treats in order to prevent children from being harmed. Who but
Satan could inspire such monstrous actions?
As an alternative to the celebration of evil and death,
Christians should rather do what Christians are supposed to do
every day and that is shine the light of Jesus Christ. We should
emphasize the Christian influences and strive to make Hallow's
Eve a celebration of the acts of God through his people the saints.
We should make it a day when acts of charity instead of
vandalism and hatred abound. A day that emphasizes the light of
Christ instead of the darkness of evil. A day when people meditate
on the acts of Godly people instead of ghosts and goblins.
When America and the world celebrates the Festival of
Samhain and the powers of darkness by masquerading as evil
creatures or decorating our homes, schools, businesses and
churches with occult symbols, Satanic power is glorified. While
you may have participated "all in fun," be assured, Halloween is
serious business for Satanists and witches. Those who oppose
Christ are known to organize on Halloween to observe satanic
rituals, to cast spells, to oppose churches and families, to perform
sacrilegious acts, and to even offer blood sacrifices to Satan.
As evil prevails, Americans have embraced an evil day of
Satan, with the pranks of 'would be' hoodlums, combined with
'demon faces' on pumpkins, clothing of 'death' being worn, and
calling it fun. When Christians participate in Halloween, it sends a
message to children that witchcraft, demonism, Satanism, and the
occult are something fun, entertaining and harmless.
Many years ago, C.S. Lewis wrote that one of Satan's most
deceptive tactics is to convince people that he doesn't exist.
Apparently he has done a good job in his deception. Sadly, many
people think of the devil as no more than a symbol of evil: like
Santa Claus, he is just a fictional symbol. Many people today also
do not think of witches as real people who practice magic, but
simply as imaginary figures who represent the supernatural world
and everything that is 'spooky.' Recognizing this pagan holiday
gives the false impression that what is actually lethal is innocuous.
Some children develop a fascination with the supernatural which
leads them later into more sinister occult practices. It's the spiritual
equivalent of painting a loaded gun to look like a toy and giving it
to child to play with.
It is the kind of celebration that encourages kids like the 16-
year-old in Pearl, Mississippi who stabbed his mother to death in
her sleep and then opened fire at his high school, killing two
students and wounding seven. Authorities found this student along
with at least six others involved in a small, avowedly satanic clique
that calls itself "Kroth."
How some people can defend this kind of activity as just
another innocent holiday that doesn't harm anyone is beyond me.
"Light has come into the world, but men loved
darkness instead of light because their deeds were
evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will
not come into the light for fear that his deeds will
be exposed." [John 3:19-20]
Central to Satan's goals is the widespread acceptance of the
supernatural, including the occult, on the part of North Americans,
accompanied by a great revival of spiritism all over the world.
Over the last 30 years, the occult has moved into the mainstream
of America - in television, movies, magazines, business, and
various aspects of daily life. Movies, books, magazines and
encyclopedias of the supernatural have abounded. Turn on your
TV and hear from the ever-present "Psychic Friends" hotline, or
see lead characters in TV shows meet their "spirit guide." Entire
bookstores devoted to the occult have become common.
Universities regularly offer courses on witchcraft and magic -
usually the so-called "white" variety. Myriads of mystical Eastern
religions, bizarre and often demonic, have invaded North America
and found in most cases an amazing responsiveness.
Increasingly the curriculum in many public schools is
becoming a primer in occultism. Impressions, a curriculum used in
many school districts instructs teachers and students in how to
cast spells. One teacher's manual reads, "Tell the children that a
magician has cast a spell on some children. Have them work in
pairs to write the magic spell the magician used. Have each pair
write another spell to reverse the first spell. Have them chant their
spells." About 16,000 school districts use the Pumsey the Dragon
curriculum, by Jill Anderson. Many of the relaxation techniques
used are identical to those used in hypnosis. Another curriculum
called Duso the Dolphin employs relaxation techniques and sends
hypnotized youngsters off on guided fantasies to a place called
Aquatron.
Recently, a California skateboard manufacturer used a
package enclosure similar in appearance to a gospel tract to
encourage purchasers to sell their souls to the devil. The brochure
titled, "Let's Make a Deal" has a smiley-faced devil who explains
to Flame Boy what happened in heaven after he was banished:
"First off, they set up a bunch of dumb rules, and then they
imposed a really strict dress code. I'l wager that people must be
quite bored up there, but hey, that's what they get for being good."
He contrasts this with, "Flame Boy, even a dimwit like you can
see that hell is by far the best place to retire. Just look at all the
fun to be had." Children are asked to sign and return a contract,
by which they give possession of their souls to the devil for
eternity.
Satanism has become a phenomena that crosses the city limit
into the rural areas of our nation. It is reported there are some
6000 witches, and approximately 10 million people are involved in
the occult. However, it is very difficult to establish how many
actually participate. These individuals are involved in a wide
variety of activities from simply casting spells to human sacrifice.
The news wires carry story after story about young children being
kidnapped, only to be found later as victims of some bizarre
ritualistic crime.
As satantic involvement among our youth increases, we begin
to see the primary goal of such activity. According to Scripture (2
Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9), Satan's goal is to deceive man by blinding
him to the truth of the gospel and to receive worship for himself
(Matt. 4:9; Isa. 14:12-14). It has become clear that the primary
goal is to alter an individual's values and turn him against himself,
his beliefs, family, God and society.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as
a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
[1 Peter 5:8]
Young satanists believe the strong will rule with Satan. Once
an individual becomes involved, they often make a pact with
Satan. They commit themselves to a future date when they will
take their own lives by suicide. They believe if they submit
themselves to Satan in death, they will come back in another life
as a stronger being and rule with him forever. According to recent
statistics, fourteen young people a day take their own lives.
What's wrong with Halloween? It does not have even one
single redeeming virtue. It is custom born out of pagan
superstition. It is a demon-inspired, devil-glorifying, occult festival.
It is an evening holy unto evil, death, and divination. The
Scriptures tells us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
[1Thess. 5:22] Wake up Christian! This is the night of evil and
those who love the Lord Jesus Christ should have nothing to do
with it.
We are all accountable for our choices and decisions.
Ignorance is no excuse. The choice is up to you. Have you been
involved in this satanic holiday? Do you struggle with giving it up
because "it's just fun" and an innocent opportunity for children to
dress up and collect candy? Don't take my word for it. Let God
show you what he would have you do. You might begin by
praying the following:
Father in heaven I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ to
confess that I'm a sinner. I'm sorry! Please forgive me. I
believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son and
that You raised him from the dead. I believe that Jesus Christ
died for my sins and that I might be saved. Each and everyday
Father I turn my will and my life over to Your care, and may
Your Holy Spirit lead and guide me in all the things I think ,
do and say. I'm Yours and You are mine. Father, please use
me that I might help others come to know and love Your Son
Jesus Christ. Thank you for saving me. Amen
Celtics. The Celtic people were very conscious of the spiritual
world and had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it
- such as by helping their over 300 gods to defeat their enemies in
battle, or by imitating the gods in showing cleverness and cunning.
Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer
(May 1), and Samhain at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They
believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two
worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were
active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.
The Celtic priests who carried out the rituals in the open air
were called Druids, members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland
and Gaul, who generally performed their rituals by offering
sacrifices, usually of animals, but sometimes of humans, in order
to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the
winter; and frightening away evil spirits. To the Celtics, the
bonfire represented the sun and was used to aid the Druid in his
fight with dark powers. The term bonfire comes from the words
"bone fire," literally meaning the bones of sacrificed animals,
sometimes human, were piled in a field with timber and set ablaze.
All fires except those of the Druids were extinguished on Samhain
and householders were levied a fee to relight their holy fire which
burned at their altars. During the Festival of Samhain, fires would
be lit which would burn all through the winter and sacrifices would
be offered to the gods on the fires. This practice of burning
humans was stopped around 1600, and an effigy was sometimes
burned instead.
Samhain was the supreme night of demonic jubilation. Spirits
of the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the
countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly
lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits
by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. This is the origin of our
present day "trick-or-treat." They began the tradition of placing
plates of the finest food and bits of treats that the household had
to offer on their doorsteps, as gifts, to appease the hunger of the
ghostly wanderers. If not placated, villagers feared that the spirits
would kill their flocks or destroy their property.
The problem was... if the souls of dead loved ones could
return that night, so could anything else,human or not, nice or not-
so-nice. The only thing the superstitious people knew to do to
protect themselves on such an occasion was to masquerade as one
of the demonic hoard, and hopefully blend in unnoticed among
them. Wearing masks and other disguises and blackening the face
with soot were originally ways of hiding oneself from the spirits of
the dead who might be roaming around. This is the origin of
Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, ogres, and other
demonic creatures.
Trick or Treat has been thought to have come from a
European custom called "souling". Beggars would go from village
to village begging for "soul cakes" made out of square pieces of
bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would
receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of
the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that
the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer,
even by strangers could guarantee a soul's passage to heaven.
In many parts of Britain and Ireland this night used to be
known as 'Mischief Night', which meant that people were free to
go around the village playing pranks and getting up to any kind of
mischief without fear of being punished. Many of the different
customs were taken to the United States by Irish and Scottish
immigrants in the nineteenth century, and they developed into
'trick or treat'.
When Christianity spread to parts of Europe, instead of trying
to abolish these pagan customs, people tried to introduce ideas
which reflected a more Christian world-view. Halloween has since
become a confusing mixture of traditions and practices from pagan
cultures and Christian tradition. The Romans observed the holiday
of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed.
Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up
prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was
celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th
century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace
the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. In
834, Gregory III moved All Saint's Day from May 13 to Nov. 1
and for Christians, this became an opportunity for remembering
before God all the saints who had died and all the dead in the
Christian community. Oct. 31 thus became All Hallows' Eve
('hallow' means 'saint'). Sadly, though, many of the customs
survived and were blended in with Christianity.
Numerous folk customs connected with the pagan
observances for the dead have survived to the present. The
various activities traditional to Halloween are mostly associated
with the idea of obtaining good fortune and foretelling the future.
The idea behind ducking, dooking or bobbing for apples seems to
have been that snatching a bite from the apple enables the person
to grasp good fortune. Samhain is a time for getting rid of
weakness, as pagans once slaughtered weak animals which were
unlikely to survive the winter. A common ritual calls for writing
down weaknesses on a piece of paper or parchment, and tossing it
into the fire. There used to be a custom of placing a stone in the
hot ashes of the bonfire. If in the morning a person found that the
stone had been removed or had cracked, it was a sign of bad
fortune. Nuts have been used for divination: whether they burned
quietly or exploded indicated good or bad luck. Peeling an apple
and throwing the peel over one's shoulder was supposed to reveal
the initial of one's future spouse. One way of looking for omens of
death was for peope to visit churchyards, because the spirits of
those who were going to die during the coming year were thought
to walk around the churchyard during this night.
The Jack-o-lantern is the festival light for Halloween and is
the ancient symbol of a damned soul. Originally the Irish would
carve out turnips or beets as lanterns as representations of the
souls of the dead or goblins freed from the dead. When the Irish
emigrated to America they could not find many turnips to carve
into Jack O'Lanterns but they did find an abundance of pumpkins.
Pumpkins seemed to be a suitable substitute for the turnips and
pumpkins have been an essential part of Halloween celebrations
ever since. Pumpkins were cut with faces representing demons
and was originally intended to frighten away evil spirits. It was
said that if a demon or such were to encounter something as
fiendish looking as themselves that they'd run away in terror,thus
sparing the houses dwellers from the ravages of dark entities.
They would have been carried around the village boundaries or
left outside the home to burn through the night. Bats, owls and
other nocturanal animals, also popular symbols of Halloween,
were originally feared because people believed that these creatures
could communicate with the spirits of the dead. Black cats has
religious origins as well. During the Middle Ages it was believed
that witches could turn themselves into black cats. Thus when
such a cat was seen, it was considered to be a witch in disguise.
Witches and witchcraft are dominant themes of the holiday.
Witches generally believe themselves to be followers of an ancient
religion, which goes back far beyond Christianity, and which is
properly called 'wicca'. Witches are really just one side of a
modern revival of paganism - the following of pre-Christian nature
religions, the attempt to return to worshipping ancient Norse,
Greek or Celtic gods and goddesses. The apostle Paul said
Witchcraft is one of the acts of the sinful nature and those who
practice it will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21;
see also Revelation 22:15).
"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices
his son or daughter in the fire, who practices
divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in
witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or
spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does
these things is detestable to the LORD, and because
of these detestable practices the LORD your God
will drive out those nations before you. You must be
blameless before the LORD your God. The nations
you will dispossess listen to those who practice
sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD
your God has not permitted you to do so."
[Deuteronomy 18:10-14]
Should Christians adopt such practices?
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." [Romans 12:2]
Can we borrow the pagan customs and superstitions of ancient
peoples and "Christianize" them?
"Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of
evil. [1 Thesalonians 5:21-22]
Who can deny that virtually all of the symbols of Halloween
are evil? Witches, monsters, ogres, vampires, ghosts, ghouls,
goblins, devils and demons all portray evil.
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them." [Ephesians 5:11]
The sort of practices celebrated on Halloween are what defiled the ancient
nations [see Leviticus 18:24-30]. The Israelites were warned
against such practices when they entered the Promised Land,
"When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those
nations." [Deuteronomy 18:9]
Is Halloween just another innocent holiday that doesn't harm
anyone? Is it really just childish fun? Should the church be
compromised by accommodating itself to the culture? Vandalism
and wanton disregard for the property of others is common on
Halloween night. Even normally well-behaved children are driven
by unseen forces to destructive behavior. Police officials
everywhere report a great increase in such activities on Halloween.
Worse yet are the horrifying accounts of poisoned candy and
fruits booby-trapped with razor blades and needles. Such threats
are so real that many hospitals offer free X-rays of Halloween
treats in order to prevent children from being harmed. Who but
Satan could inspire such monstrous actions?
As an alternative to the celebration of evil and death,
Christians should rather do what Christians are supposed to do
every day and that is shine the light of Jesus Christ. We should
emphasize the Christian influences and strive to make Hallow's
Eve a celebration of the acts of God through his people the saints.
We should make it a day when acts of charity instead of
vandalism and hatred abound. A day that emphasizes the light of
Christ instead of the darkness of evil. A day when people meditate
on the acts of Godly people instead of ghosts and goblins.
When America and the world celebrates the Festival of
Samhain and the powers of darkness by masquerading as evil
creatures or decorating our homes, schools, businesses and
churches with occult symbols, Satanic power is glorified. While
you may have participated "all in fun," be assured, Halloween is
serious business for Satanists and witches. Those who oppose
Christ are known to organize on Halloween to observe satanic
rituals, to cast spells, to oppose churches and families, to perform
sacrilegious acts, and to even offer blood sacrifices to Satan.
As evil prevails, Americans have embraced an evil day of
Satan, with the pranks of 'would be' hoodlums, combined with
'demon faces' on pumpkins, clothing of 'death' being worn, and
calling it fun. When Christians participate in Halloween, it sends a
message to children that witchcraft, demonism, Satanism, and the
occult are something fun, entertaining and harmless.
Many years ago, C.S. Lewis wrote that one of Satan's most
deceptive tactics is to convince people that he doesn't exist.
Apparently he has done a good job in his deception. Sadly, many
people think of the devil as no more than a symbol of evil: like
Santa Claus, he is just a fictional symbol. Many people today also
do not think of witches as real people who practice magic, but
simply as imaginary figures who represent the supernatural world
and everything that is 'spooky.' Recognizing this pagan holiday
gives the false impression that what is actually lethal is innocuous.
Some children develop a fascination with the supernatural which
leads them later into more sinister occult practices. It's the spiritual
equivalent of painting a loaded gun to look like a toy and giving it
to child to play with.
It is the kind of celebration that encourages kids like the 16-
year-old in Pearl, Mississippi who stabbed his mother to death in
her sleep and then opened fire at his high school, killing two
students and wounding seven. Authorities found this student along
with at least six others involved in a small, avowedly satanic clique
that calls itself "Kroth."
How some people can defend this kind of activity as just
another innocent holiday that doesn't harm anyone is beyond me.
"Light has come into the world, but men loved
darkness instead of light because their deeds were
evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will
not come into the light for fear that his deeds will
be exposed." [John 3:19-20]
Central to Satan's goals is the widespread acceptance of the
supernatural, including the occult, on the part of North Americans,
accompanied by a great revival of spiritism all over the world.
Over the last 30 years, the occult has moved into the mainstream
of America - in television, movies, magazines, business, and
various aspects of daily life. Movies, books, magazines and
encyclopedias of the supernatural have abounded. Turn on your
TV and hear from the ever-present "Psychic Friends" hotline, or
see lead characters in TV shows meet their "spirit guide." Entire
bookstores devoted to the occult have become common.
Universities regularly offer courses on witchcraft and magic -
usually the so-called "white" variety. Myriads of mystical Eastern
religions, bizarre and often demonic, have invaded North America
and found in most cases an amazing responsiveness.
Increasingly the curriculum in many public schools is
becoming a primer in occultism. Impressions, a curriculum used in
many school districts instructs teachers and students in how to
cast spells. One teacher's manual reads, "Tell the children that a
magician has cast a spell on some children. Have them work in
pairs to write the magic spell the magician used. Have each pair
write another spell to reverse the first spell. Have them chant their
spells." About 16,000 school districts use the Pumsey the Dragon
curriculum, by Jill Anderson. Many of the relaxation techniques
used are identical to those used in hypnosis. Another curriculum
called Duso the Dolphin employs relaxation techniques and sends
hypnotized youngsters off on guided fantasies to a place called
Aquatron.
Recently, a California skateboard manufacturer used a
package enclosure similar in appearance to a gospel tract to
encourage purchasers to sell their souls to the devil. The brochure
titled, "Let's Make a Deal" has a smiley-faced devil who explains
to Flame Boy what happened in heaven after he was banished:
"First off, they set up a bunch of dumb rules, and then they
imposed a really strict dress code. I'l wager that people must be
quite bored up there, but hey, that's what they get for being good."
He contrasts this with, "Flame Boy, even a dimwit like you can
see that hell is by far the best place to retire. Just look at all the
fun to be had." Children are asked to sign and return a contract,
by which they give possession of their souls to the devil for
eternity.
Satanism has become a phenomena that crosses the city limit
into the rural areas of our nation. It is reported there are some
6000 witches, and approximately 10 million people are involved in
the occult. However, it is very difficult to establish how many
actually participate. These individuals are involved in a wide
variety of activities from simply casting spells to human sacrifice.
The news wires carry story after story about young children being
kidnapped, only to be found later as victims of some bizarre
ritualistic crime.
As satantic involvement among our youth increases, we begin
to see the primary goal of such activity. According to Scripture (2
Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9), Satan's goal is to deceive man by blinding
him to the truth of the gospel and to receive worship for himself
(Matt. 4:9; Isa. 14:12-14). It has become clear that the primary
goal is to alter an individual's values and turn him against himself,
his beliefs, family, God and society.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as
a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
[1 Peter 5:8]
Young satanists believe the strong will rule with Satan. Once
an individual becomes involved, they often make a pact with
Satan. They commit themselves to a future date when they will
take their own lives by suicide. They believe if they submit
themselves to Satan in death, they will come back in another life
as a stronger being and rule with him forever. According to recent
statistics, fourteen young people a day take their own lives.
What's wrong with Halloween? It does not have even one
single redeeming virtue. It is custom born out of pagan
superstition. It is a demon-inspired, devil-glorifying, occult festival.
It is an evening holy unto evil, death, and divination. The
Scriptures tells us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
[1Thess. 5:22] Wake up Christian! This is the night of evil and
those who love the Lord Jesus Christ should have nothing to do
with it.
We are all accountable for our choices and decisions.
Ignorance is no excuse. The choice is up to you. Have you been
involved in this satanic holiday? Do you struggle with giving it up
because "it's just fun" and an innocent opportunity for children to
dress up and collect candy? Don't take my word for it. Let God
show you what he would have you do. You might begin by
praying the following:
Father in heaven I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ to
confess that I'm a sinner. I'm sorry! Please forgive me. I
believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son and
that You raised him from the dead. I believe that Jesus Christ
died for my sins and that I might be saved. Each and everyday
Father I turn my will and my life over to Your care, and may
Your Holy Spirit lead and guide me in all the things I think ,
do and say. I'm Yours and You are mine. Father, please use
me that I might help others come to know and love Your Son
Jesus Christ. Thank you for saving me. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
