Signs of the Season

Seed:

Exodus 34:12-16; 2 Kings 18:1-6; Mark 12:28-34; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Plant:

We are about to enter October, one of my favorite months of the year – and not just because it contains my birthday. It is the beginning of cooler weather, bonfires, and the beautiful autumn hues that grace the trees this time of year. At least trees in certain parts of the country. Here in the deep south, the trees stay green well into December when they simply turn brown then fall off their branches sometime in January.

In tribute to the season, many of us decorate our front porches with haybales, scarecrows, and mounds of mums echoing the colors of fall. Other homes incorporate into their landscape skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, and pretend graveyards ushering in another sign that October is here.

These signs of Halloween have been embraced by people of all different faiths, or even no faith at all. But for us who love God, it should not be so.

Most people say it’s OK to celebrate Halloween because they’re not worshiping the devil. They just like the decorations and candy and dressing up in costumes. There’s no harm in doing that as long as we aren’t doing it on honor of the darkness those things represent.

OK. That’s one argument. But what does God, the One we say we are worshiping, have to say about that?

First, we need to understand what Halloween is and how things like jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and dressing up in costumes came to be. I think we can all agree about the inherent evil in witches and ghosts, but what’s so bad about giving candy to a little girl who looks like a princess as she stands on our doorstep which is decorated with smiling pumpkins?

I’ll give you the short answer first. Then we’ll dive into the deep end of this pool. Anything that has to do with Satan should have no place in our lives. He is the master of tying evil up in pretty red bows and calling it good, and we fall for this trick more often than anyone would want to admit.

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.“

– 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Halloween began some 2000 years ago in parts of France, Ireland, and England. It was a druid celebration commemorating the change of seasons. It was believed that on the night of October 31st, the portal to the dead was opened, and lost souls were able to come back to earth. These lost souls were thought to wreak havoc – think destruction of crops and terrorizing humans. Druid priests would seek to communicate with these spirits in hopes of procuring a milder winter.

As the years went on and Halloween was spread across Europe and into America, other rituals were developed, and more pagan customs were incorporated. Costumes were worn so people could hide their identity from the wandering spirits, or to blend in as one of them in hopes of avoiding the torment they wrought. Pumpkins were carved with scary faces hoping to scare off the evil spirits all together.

The trick-or-treating so many kids look forward to isn’t bad because it threatens to overload our children with high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors, leaving in its wake weeks of crying over how much candy they can eat in a day until it is finally finished or thrown away – although that would be enough for me to shun the practice. It is a watered-down version of a long observed pagan ritual. Just in case the costumes and pumpkins didn’t do the trick (pun intended), people would often give offerings with the hopes that it would appease those pesky mayhem makers. You can imagine how some people took advantage of this practice by showing up at people’s homes dressed as an evil spirit demanding treats to avoid getting tricked.

Today, Halloween is the Satanic high holy day, when more sinister acts are carried out in the name of darkness than on any other night of the year. Animal and human (yes, human) sacrifices. Brutal acts of rape and sexual abuse against men, women, and children, many who were prepared by their own parents for such an egregious act. Worship of the Devil is at an all-time high. It glorifies all that is evil. So why do so many God-fearing Christians take part in this day?

We don’t celebrate those things.

We just do it for the fun stuff.

We don’t dress up in scary costumes.

Everyone else does it and has been doing it for years.

That’s what Halloween used to be, but it’s not that way anymore.

We’re redeeming this day for God and use it as an opportunity to minister to our neighbors who come to our door.

The reasons are almost endless. And some of them even sound reasonable. But is our fallible human reasoning reason enough to take part in something that clearly has dark and nefarious roots? Can we truly redeem and take part in a day that glorifies Satan and still glorify God?

God never instructed His people to take part in or try to redeem evil things. He told us to destroy them. In Deuteronomy 12, God instructs His people to refrain from pagan practices, that we are NOT to worship Him as they worship their Gods. (Deut. 12:2-4) Adopting pagan worship practices was the very thing that led Israel (and will lead us) into captivity over and over again.

Even when Israel turned back to the LORD, many of those times were noted with an “except.” They worshiped the LORD… except they continued to make offerings at the high places. They worshiped the LORD… except they did not tear down the Ashera poles. (See 1 Kings 3:3, 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3, 14:4, among others.)

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be remembered as someone who loved the LORD… except. I want to be someone who truly loves Him with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. No exceptions. I don’t want to leave pagan high places or Ashera poles in my life – whether demonic celebrations tied up in pretty red bows or any other thing that opposes His glory – just because they were “fun,” “cute,” or because “everyone else does it.”

I’m including some links here, some of which contain graphic content. So, proceed prayerfully. I highly recommend doing some research, both searching the scriptures, the history of Halloween, and your heart. Ask God what He really thinks about this day, and how you can really celebrate Him in a way that will honor Him. Believe me, God’s got some really great holy days that we get to take part in that are so much fun! Way more fun than a bag full of cavities and rotten pumpkins!

Harvest:

• In what ways have I accepted the influence of this world to distract from my worship of God?
• What things have I accepted as harmless fun that are really evil tied up in a pretty red bow?
• Where are there Ashera poles or high places that need to be torn down in my life?

Heavenly Father, may Your name be kept holy. Keep me from anything that detracts from Your glory. Let Your kingdom come, and your will be done in my life both in thought and deed. May all I do be proof that you are my LORD and King. Give me today, the strength I need to follow You with my whole heart, even when the world tries to tempt me to compromise in the name of harmless fun. Forgive me for any way that I have strayed from a pure devotion to You, and to show grace to others who have done the same, that I might be a light testifying of Your mercy and grace for all who call on Your name. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I might be able to discern the schemes of the enemy and not fall into the seemingly harmless temptations of this world. You truly are the King above all kings, the Light in this dark world, powerful, merciful, and good. Amen

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/holy-days-vs-holidays/halloween

https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/halloween-celebrate-christian-satanist-evangelist

https://wordmissionchurchinternational.org/should-christians-celebrate-halloween

I Was Abused In A Satanic Halloween Ritual

Lessons from the Lunchroom

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

Seed:

1 Corinthians 1:3-12; Philippians 1:9-11; Romans 12:1-2; John 15:16-19; 2 Timothy 2:19-26

Plant:

Today is the first day of school for my two littlest ones. I’ve been homeschooling for the last twelve years, but this year we decided to take a break. My oldest son is a senior, so he will finish out his last year homeschooling while he’s dual enrolled at a local college. He’s pretty self-sufficient at this point and doesn’t need much help on my part. However, the two littles are enrolled at the local elementary school; a total change of life from what they’re used to.

I’ll tell you though, I have second guessed our decision to do this for the last two days. It was really hard for me to walk them to their classes then turn and walk away. The looks on their faces as my husband and I left told me they weren’t any happier about it than I was. As we drove home, I couldn’t help but feel like I was sending them out as sheep among wolves.

I know they’re going to be fine. The first week or two are going to be the hardest as they (we) adjust to this new normal. We’re a family of introverts who like small groups, familiar spaces, and alone time. All of us except Emberlee, that is. She’s painfully shy at times and hates to be away from me unless it’s with someone with whom she’s very familiar, but she loves busyness and noise and interaction with others. But even for her, this will be a big adjustment.

But this wasn’t just a school day for my kids. God turned my kitchen into a classroom, and He had an important lesson in mind for me today. As I was making their lunches this morning, the LORD reminded me of a very important part of our faith walk. It’s something I need to remember for myself, but also something I’m going to have to be diligent in teaching to my children as well. Something that will be even more important as they are immersed in the world around them.

Their school system is offering free lunches to every student this year. And not just lunch, they are offering free breakfast to all students as well. This is a great thing, but not something my family will be taking advantage of. Both my kids have food allergies. They may or may not be able to eat the food the cafeteria makes each day. And even if they could, I’m not sure I’d let them. I’m pretty particular about what they eat. I try to feed them healthy food that nourishes their bodies and helps them grow. And let’s face it, school cafeterias aren’t known for making the most nutritious meals.

But now, my sweet kids who are being immersed in a new school with new kids, who don’t like to stand out but would much rather blend in with the crowd, are not going to get to do what most of the other kids are doing. I’m sure they won’t be the only ones. My kids aren’t the only ones with allergies and I’m not the only mom who wants to feed their kids better food than what the school cafeteria provides. But it’s still different. And different tends to not feel good, especially when you’re the new kid in town.

So, here’s what the LORD showed me as I packed their lunches this morning…

We, as His redeemed children, aren’t meant to fit in to this world. Right now, it’s just school lunches. But tomorrow, it may be an inappropriate video game, a relationship, or some belief about God. If my kids, if you and I, aren’t confident enough in who we are to take our own lunches to school, how are we going to stand against the world when the stakes are much higher? When the volition of looking different carries a lot more weight?

I desperately want to go get my kids and bring them home and surround them with likeminded families and friends. I miss the freedom to take a field trip or go on vacation or have a sick day or choose our curriculum or have any of the other countless freedoms afforded with homeschooling. But when we made the decision to send them to public school, we prayed hard and felt peace. So, I’m not going to let fear take that away. I will, however, use this reminder to diligently teach my kids that it’s ok to be different.

This is a great opportunity in a controlled environment to help my kids learn discernment. It’s a great opportunity to reinforce what God says about them. To find the teachable moments that will inevitably arise and show them how to seek out God’s Word and find out what He says about things and encourage my kids to hold fast to His truth. And it’s not just for my kids. This is a reminder for me, too. And for you. To strengthen both our own prayer life and our resolve to live for God regardless of what the world says.

We’ve still got our church and friends and people who love us and will continue to be a constant in our lives. People with whom my kids won’t feel so different. Faith-family is deeply important. Having a community to be a part of where you don’t look so different helps to anchor you when the world tries to pull you out into the sea of conformity.

I don’t believe public school will be forever, it’s just for right now. But our walk with the LORD is forever. We need to learn to walk with Him now so we will be able to walk with Him in eternity. And my hope is that this season will help teach my kids to do just that.

In Romans 12, Paul encourages the believers to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Rom 12:2) I really love how The Passion Translation Bible puts it:

“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” – Romans 12:1-2

Just like it would be bad for my kids if they ate food they were allergic to, it is harmful for us to indulge in the things of this world that God tells us to stay away from. An allergic reaction would cause temporary discomfort, but sin can have eternal consequences. Compromise, even in small ways, can be a slippery slope that leads us down a path whose end is hell. We are meant to be set apart as holy, undefiled and spirit-filled, being transformed from one degree of glory to another until we finally reflect the image of our Heavenly Father. We can’t do that if we keep trying to look like this world.

Harvest:

• In what ways have I conformed my mind to the things of this world?
• How can I better discern the will of God in my life?
• Am I spending time each day in prayer and reading scripture? (If not, figure out a time and start today.)

Father, thank You for calling me out from among this world and setting me apart for Your good purpose. Help me see the gift and responsibility of being Your redeemed child. I ask You to send Your Holy Spirit to teach me and lead me into all truth. Sanctify me by Your truth, Your word is truth. Show me where I have strayed from Your ways and lead me in the path of righteousness. This world has nothing to offer that compares with the riches we have in You. Thank you, Father. I pray all these things in the name of Your Son, Yeshua our Messiah. Amen

Redeeming the Wrinkles

Seed:

2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:18-25; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Galatians 5:22-26

Plant:

When I was talking to my mother yesterday, she said something to me that I can’t get out of my mind. I’ve been pondering it, and I thought I’d share my ponderings with you.

She was telling me about a woman who lives near her who has dementia. Although she and my mother are acquainted, when they saw each other the other day the woman said to my mom, “I don’t know your name, but I know you’re a nice person because your wrinkles go in the right direction.”

Although dementia is slowly robbing this woman of many things, it has yet to steal her ability to see people. To see beyond the external to something much deeper. And she saw something in my mom, through something most of us lament over, that revealed who she was inside.

This reminded me of how our lives should be as children of God. People are supposed to be able to look at us, at our lives, and see Him inside of us.

Often times, it is our scars, our weaknesses, our circumstances, the things we may be lamenting over as a woman laments over the wrinkles invading her once youthful face, through which others are able to see the most beautiful picture of God. It isn’t our fancy clothes or salon styled hair or radiant skin through which others see our Heavenly Father. It is through the fruit of the Spirit permeating our lives regardless of those things by which they get a glimpse of Him.

Do others, when they look at me, see the mercy, grace, goodness, faithfulness, strength, and holiness of God? Do my wrinkles, scars, and shortcomings reflect His perfect love?

We aren’t going to be perfect, but I think that’s the point. We are all in need of a Savior. We all need someone to step in and fix the broken messes of our lives. But are our wrinkles going in the right direction? Are all the things that our Messiah came to redeem pointing others to our Redeemer?

Harvest:

Heavenly Father, thank You for our wrinkles. For all the imperfections in our lives that point to Your perfect love, Your perfect provision, Your perfect mercy, Your perfect strength, and Your perfect ability to redeem our lives from sin. May I continue to be transformed day by day, from one degree of glory to another, into the image of Your Son, that I would be – scars and all – a beautiful reflection of You to the world. Amen.

Putting Away the Asherah Poles

I know many of my posts will never win any popularity contests, but that’s ok. I am much less concerned with being popular than I am with being holy. I’m afraid this post may fall into that unpopular category, none the less it is what I feel compelled to write.

I see a lack of a pursuit of holiness within the church today, much like we see in the history of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. Surprisingly, it manifests this time of year possibly more than any other. Are you surprised that I would say that? This is, after all, the Christmas season, when everyone around the world is celebrating the birth of Christ. To that I say, is that really what we are doing?

First, let’s step back and see one of the ways Israel continued to turn away from the LORD:

"And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth." - Judges 3:7 

Asherah poles were a common practice in the worship of Asherah, the pagan goddess of fertility, during the period when the Old Testament was written. When the LORD told Israel to drive the nations out of their land, He included the instruction to destroy all their high places and the Asherah poles, cutting them down and burning them to the ground. Many times in scripture, we see where Israel turned form the LORD and rebuilt these pagan idols and began to worship them. We even see instances where they tried to incorporate them into their worship of God. This, however, was an abomination to the LORD and contributed to their exile into those foreign nations whose pagan practices they’d embraced.

Pagan symbols have no place in our worship of the One True God. He made it very clear that we are not to worship Him the way the pagans worship their Gods. (Deut. 12:4) But, Israel continued to do just that. They embraced the rituals of the pagan nations around them and even made up rituals of their own. Holiness became less about setting themselves apart for God and more about doing what was right in their own eyes.

Here’s where the parallel of Christmas comes in…

Christmas is rampant with pagan imagery and customs. Evergreen trees were decorated during winter solstice celebrations as a way to offer gifts the the tree’s spirit. Mistletoe is an ancient fertility symbol under which much more than kissing took place. The yule log is steeped in pagan rituals centered around the rebirth of the sun after the winter solstice. Even the story of the birth of Messiah has been recreated to fit a narrative far from the actual biblical account. Yet all these things have become tied up in our Christian celebrations, handed down from one generation to the next, without so much as a thought as to where they came from.

Now we have added a fat man in a red suit created as a marketing campaign by a soda pop company, to whom our children must be accountable for their actions. We have promoted going into debt just to buy gifts our families don’t need as an honorable venture. And most of our celebrations have nothing to do with the very thing we claim to be celebrating.

When the pilgrims first came to this country, they also came with laws that prohibited Christmas observances. Oliver Cromwell’s Puritan Council even abolished Christmas itself in December of 1657. They understood the pagan influences, the reality that Messiah’s birth was not in December, and the need to separate themselves from such unholy things. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that Christmas became more widely practiced in the United States, when the presence of Dutch and Anglican influence became more prominent.

With so many fond memories and so much joyous celebration wrapped up in this time of year, it can be hard for many of us to want to let go of something we’ve come to hold so dear. But many of the traditions, if not all, are simply glittery versions of Asherah poles tied up with pretty red bows. When faced with the truth of the origins of our Christmas traditions, and of Christmas itself, we must be willing to ask ourselves some questions:

• Do we believe God meant it when He said we are not to try to “Christianize” pagan practices and incorporate them into our worship of Him?
• Am I really willing to hear His answers to these question even if it means letting go of something I’ve held dear for so long?
• Am I willing to pursue holiness even when it’s not the popular thing to do?
• If not Christmas, what kind of celebration does honor God?

These are some hard questions. Believe me when I say I have wrestled with them all. But they are worth asking, whether about Christmas or anything else this world tempts us to embrace. However, the more I learn about God and the celebrations (feasts) He instructed us to observe, the less joy I find in the counterfeits of the world. He has given us such hope in the promise of His salvation, and each of His holy days points us to that. There’s no marketing, no greed, no hustle and bustle, just adoration and worship of the One from whom all blessings flow.

If this stirs you at all, I recommend that you research the celebration of Hanukkah, which begins tonight (Dec. 18th). What a beautiful place to start when considering the cost/benefit between embracing or dismantling the Asherah poles of this world.

• Links to articles for further study:

https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/102978/jewish/The-Story-of-Chanukah.htm

https://rcg.org/realtruth/articles/169-ttooc.html

• An online teaching about the history of Hanukkah and how it pertains to the church today: