War With Halloween?

 I suppose everyone has moments when they just wish they could stop doing what they do and just rest. Doing a blog is one of those things you can just stop. I mean, it’s not my job. I don't get paid or anything like that. The outlet of words just sometimes gets blocked. All the while time's a rolling on; I was depressed beyond belief and could hardly talk about it or explain it. Finally someone noticed, an old friend, I asked for prayer about it and prayed myself.  In the meantime, I just waited. While waiting I finished reading Leviticus, Isaiah, Peter's letters, and a few of Paul's. I even finished reading Steve Farrars' “Finishing Well,” a mans kind of book—the godly man. Now I'm even reading a classic, CS Lewis' “Mere Christianity.” Yet, while I wish I could say, “It’s restin’ time.” But it’s not like that, at all.

You see we are in spiritual war. Some don't realize it or care. Most people, even Christians, are simply unaware. Which seems odd especially around Halloween where “evil” is celebrated. That's another subject, perhaps for another day. Anyway, powers in high place don’t like it when we stand against darkness, especially the darkness it our own soul. But, we have powerful weapons. And, ultimately we know Jesus overcame the world and everything in it that would bind us.

Here's a few verses to chew on, but while you're reading say a prayer for me. Perhaps I'm overly sensitive, or too messed up, or have seen, did, and sinned too much--but not too much for Jesus! So while I'm kind of stuck in some consequences of my own messes and even some I didn't create; I know a God of grace and mercy and I'm not to proud to ask for prayer.

In fact, prayer is one of our tools.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks. Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people.

Also pray for me that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret of the Good News without fear.”
Ephesians 6:10-19 NCV

See how these verses are related. It's important to both know we are in war and to know our tools are not like the worlds.

“We do live in the world, but we do not fight in the same way the world fights. We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places. We destroy people's arguments and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NCV

Redeem our time Lord, help us take captive the wild thoughts of the past. Help us move past any condemnation of the enemy and celebrate your grace. Redeem even Halloween, You made everyday good, help us not buy into the world's view of a tainted man-made holiday. Take it back, help the church take it back! We Pray in Jesus name. 

Amen

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Buy the way, this is my 100th post. For me doing anything a 100 times is a celebration! I guess now it's officially a habit.