Brown's Daily Word 10-31-12

    Praise the Lord for this last day of October. We will gather for our Wednesday Evening fellowship and study with a special meal at 6.00 PM followed by Bible Study at 6.30Pm and the choir to follow at 7.30PM. In the church calendar it is : All Hallow’s Eve( October 31) (from whence comes the name “Halloween”), All Hallows Day (or All Saints Day) on November 1 to honor dead martyrs of the faith (or those who have died during the previous year),
As Christians in America we live in an incredibly pluralistic society. On a daily basis we brush elbows with people of many different religions, including neopagans and even Satanists. The instruction that Moses gave the Israelites as they prepared to enter into the Promised Land applies equally well to American Christians today.

To the Israelites, Moses said: “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engage in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord…” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)

It’s important that those who are seeking to witness to the life-giving love of Jesus Christ avoid glorifying death or giving honor to symbols of evil.

October 31 may be a special day to groups who oppose the one true and living God, but still our God reigns. Our God is a God of love, and there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

In the Letter to the Colossians, we are reassured: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13)

This time of the year is a wonderful time for celebration. It is the time of harvest. Even though we have experienced great devastation, destruction and even death due to hurricane " Sandy" we turn our hearts to the Lord of creation for His healing, for His forgiveness and for His restoration. We will continue to pray for the grace and mercy of the Lord upon our land. May we all prayerfully participate in the ministry of recovery and restoration by praying , by giving , by getting our hands dirty. On this day Wearing costumes can be fun. Playing games and sharing candy in a safe and loving environment can be joyful.

The Letter to the Colossians also notes that Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15) On the cross and by his resurrection, Jesus humiliated Satan. One aspect of Satan’s defeat was humiliation—shame—dishonor—disgrace.
We can stand up to Satan by celebrating on October 31 in ways that let Satan know that we do not accept and do not fear his attempt to claim this day. We can stand up to Satan by celebrating on October 31 in ways that lift up Jesus Christ and share the light of Christ in the world.
Do not be overcome by evil, but instead overcome evil with good.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)