November 1 2017 – Click here to listen
Halloween is an interesting holiday. I’m ashamed to say it, but early in life I was heavily involved with witchcraft and became a warlock, or male witch, when I lived in New Orleans. Halloween is a special day for witches throughout the globe and is arguably the most important night for performing evil especially blood sacrifices. Today it is regarded as a fun time to dress the kids up as witches or ghouls for a night of trick or treating, costume parties and a night of fun and revelry.
Satan wants us to look at it far differently than the true witches and demons in our midst.
Satan has similarly distorted Easter and replaced the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the Easter bunny. Christmas of course is now twisted to be all about Santa Claus which replaces the birth of Christ. The true meaning of these holidays is lost as retailers scramble for dollars in selling costumes, candy, and gifts.
What to do? It’s not my place, but at a minimum teach your kids the truth about these holidays.
Satan has built his empire upon deception and distortion. Nowhere is it more evident than what is happening to Christians. Just as he distorts holidays, he is heavily engaged in portraying us as right-wing bigots, haters, superstitious fools, and other dastardly untruths. And the world is falling for it. If you disbelieve, then dare to speak out.
In America, Christians face persecution as never before. In fact, Christians are more persecuted today than any other group. I monitor those charity law firms, such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, Liberty Counsel, and others, that pro bono fight religious liberty violation issues daily. The fight is intense; they are vastly outnumbered and out-financed by the ACLU and others. Christians are being fired, ostracized, sued, and in a few cases sent to jail in record numbers for simply living their lives according to their religious beliefs based on the Bible. If you question this, a quick visit to these law firm websites to review the myriad of cases before them will convince you. And they don’t have the finances to represent all of them . . .
In a letter to Timothy the Apostle Paul sensed he was nearing death. He offered a sage piece of advice to Timothy, whom he refers to as his son, regarding how he should conduct himself. In 2 Tim. 1:7 – For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Too many people today are afraid to stand up to those who oppose God, especially if it seems likely to affect their livelihood. I believe this comes from faith that is very shallow. I don’t know how more plain the Lord can make it than to tell us not to live in a spirit of fear. He has us in the palm of His hand and we will be blessed for our faith. If your faith is strong you will believe that God has not given us the spirit of fear. That spirit comes from Satan!
You might say that’s easy to say, but much more difficult to do. That is a copout for those who are filled with satanic fear. Again, fear does not come from God. Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
God grants us the spirit of power which manifests itself in courage and resolute determination to overcome whatever difficulties and dangers present themselves. He will hold us up.
God also gives us the spirit of love for Him and others, which will shred through opposition like a hot knife going through butter. Love God with all that you have and He will in turn bless you.
And He has given us the spirit of a sound mind. The world today is lacking a sound mind. Paul warned that this would happen in Chapter 4:2 – Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry . . .
Sound mind equates to sound doctrine or in other words it comes from the Bible.
Paul states unequivocally that we should preach the Gospel boldly. Grace was given to us before the world began in Christ Jesus, for all the gifts that come from God to sinful man, come in and through Christ Jesus alone. Paul urges Timothy to hold fast to the Holy Scriptures, and the substance of solid gospel truth in them. We are preserved pure and entire, yet we cannot keep it by our own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Don’t fret, it will not be gained by those who trust in their own hearts, and lean to their own understandings.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding