Halloween. FYI

                                                                     By: Donovan Parker

Trick or Treat?

I wasn't able to do as much research as I would have liked to on Halloween, it's origin, and practices.  

This year especially, I've been uneasy about anything related to such a holiday.  I can remember growing up always going to church on Oct. 31 for "Holy Night".  While this was an attractive alternative to the traditional 'walk around gathering candy' understanding that I have of Halloween, I'm not quite sure that I fully comprehended it all.  

Hopefully I can put into words what I feel God wants me to share on this topic.  

Let me start w/Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  -Ephesians 6:12

For the Christian, this is NO game! It shouldn't be commercialized, entertained, or endorsed.  We KNOW the enemy can/will disguise his attack, but we also KNOW what we war against! As it relates to the traditions and practices of Halloween (as we know it) - it brings NO glory to God, and MUST be considered a TRICK of the enemy. 

Here's the TREAT though ... 

John 12:26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.  

John 12:32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  

John 12 assures us that if God be glorified, we have hope and prosper against darkness. He will honor us in return, and ALL men will be drawn to Him. That sounds like #WIN if you ask me.

This one's for the Dressers 

How's this for a Costume ...

Ephesians 6:13-18

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

Press forward w/this .. consider the ways of the world vs. the standards of God. Whether you believe it's just candy, or another commercialized holiday, etc. Don't allow yourself to be deceived ... God will not be mocked. 

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

Lord God, I am amazed with your splendor. You are holy, and I must be holy. Thank You for knowledge and understanding in You.  Convict us where we fall short. Strengthen mentally, physically, and most importantly spiritually so that You get ALL glory! It is in the name of Jesus we count it done. Amen.