This is the Day

This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24

 

The climate in our world today is very chaotic. There are so many differing views and opinions that could often cause confusion. But as a Christian, I know that God is not the author of confusion and His Word is truth. He gives us assurance far beyond what the world could ever offer. The assurance that cause rejoicing, even in dire situations.

 

Have you ever seen a person praising God at a funeral? Have you ever heard a person saying, “Thank you, Jesus,” when they have been hurt? Not only have I heard it, I have been that person. It may seem strange to others to see someone glorifying God when circumstances appear dismal, but not to the true believer. I thank God for giving life, although it may be hard to let go when a loved one passes on. I thank God when I’ve been hurt emotionally or physically because I can recognize how to move forward [emotionally] and that I have the ability to feel pain [physically]. Does this mean that I want people to die in my life or that I want to live in pain? Absolutely not, that’s not what I’m saying.

Psalm 118:24 makes a solid statement that this is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it … period. There isn’t a conjunction offering an alternative. It doesn’t matter what you may be going through, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Although our situations may change, God never does. His truth stands no matter what.

So, today let’s meditate on what was accomplished on the Cross and not the gore and darkness of what the devil would have us to. It does not have to be Easter Sunday for us to acknowledge His Sacrifice. Many have distorted Halloween as a time of “having innocent
fun” by celebrating gloom. Instead, why not gather to celebrate life like many do at fall festivals?

God made October 31^st too, and it is for His glory, not the enemy’s.

It’s All in Fun

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:5-7, KJV.

The Lord is at hand... This passage of scripture is very timely and so needed. As people get ready for Halloween, preparing like it’s their birthday, I rest in the peace of God that passes all understanding. I think if many knew the gravity of what they were actually doing, some would cease in their actions. I hear many say that God knows their hearts, but what is their heart telling Him. I think this serves as some sort of justification for their actions, but it is in fact a confirmation of what they are doing.

Yes, God knows our hearts, that’s why I traded mine in for Jesus’. I know that my best deeds are as filthy rags and none of them can save me. Only Christ can save me and I thank Him for what He accomplished on the cross. Once I surrendered my life over to Him, I wanted to do good things. No, good works cannot save me, but because I am saved I do good works. Many things I use to do in the past, now disgust me, but thank God He looks at us and sees Jesus. I am covered by the blood.

So, with that being said, my life has to be a display of what is in my heart. If it is in my heart to serve Him, that’s what I will do. No, this does not mean that I am perfect, what it means is that when I do stumble, He reaches down and picks me up. Because I love Him, I hunger and thirst after righteousness. I consider my actions and how they may make Him feel. We consider our actions when it comes to other people, why don’t some of us do it when it comes to Christ?

Consider this, if somebody cursed your mother out or shoved your spouse/companion in chest to harm them you would get upset. Well, when others defame Christ or bring reverence to another god, I get upset. And it’s even more challenging when these are people who say they love Him. And the response from them is, “God knows my heart.”

In many people’s eyes it is okay to play certain games for fun. Many get palm readings, consult horoscopes, and ask questions with Ouija boards, thinking it’s just a venue to entertain, but it’s amazing how many receive these things as the word of truth and not God. And later wonder why certain things come to pass in their lives. It’s not just fun and games—it’s spiritual adultery! These things have catastrophic effects. But then again…God knows the heart. And knowing that this is a true statement, what is your heart saying?

Halloween is not just a “holiday” it is a day that brings reverence to satan.

Suggested Link: Halloween Specifics

Additional Reading: Isaiah 64:6

Playing with Fire: TheTruth Behind Halloween

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience,” Ephesians 5:6, KJV.

As we approach Halloween, there are many advertisements on television, in the newspapers, and online, pumping our minds filled with demonic glory. Many don’t see it this way, but that’s exactly what is happening. There are gory movies and ghostly costumes competing for our attention to succumb to the upcoming event. I say event because there are parties and outings planned to celebrate this day. And even Christians join in on the masquerading, selling out to the enemy.

There have been times when my family would too dress up in “nice” costumes and parade around town as if it were the right thing to do during this time of the year. We would go to neighbors’ home, giggling and playing as we stood on the porches waiting for them to answer the door. “Trick or treat,” we would say with bright eyes and wide smiles, extending our arms eagerly awaiting the “gifts” dropped into our festival bags. It was widely accepted and even welcomed. But praise God, today and for many years now, we do not hand out candy, and there is no tolerance of this day reverencing the enemy.

Do we know what trick or treat means? Do we know where Halloween originated? Are we concerned about the spiritual wickedness we are flirting with by doing these things? Here is a site that provides very detailed information that I think every believer needs to know. It’s amazing how much preparation is made for this one day in comparison to the preparation needed for eternity, just something to consider.

I am glad to see that many churches now offer Christian events during this time of the year, specifically aimed to keep our faith strong in the Lord…where it should be and should remain. Our loyalty is to Christ and we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers in any capacity. We are to proclaim the Gospel at all times, not just when it’s convenient. If we deny Him before men, He will also deny us before the Father (Matthew 10:33). Falling to this kind of idol worship, is it worth it? It is dangerous to play with fire…you just may get burned.

“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning,” Proverbs 9:9, AMP.