Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

There are debates amongst believers during this time of year if Christians should celebrate Halloween? Some say, “Sure. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not the devil’s day. Everyday belongs to Jesus. We can redeem the day. It’s just dress up to the kids.” Then others say, “No. We will have no part of it. Halloween is rooted in evil. It’s a day of honoring and glorifying the darkness and evil spirits. Christians are to be different and take no part in evil deeds of darkness.” These are very different viewpoints and while we may respect the wisdom and advice of other believers what matters most is what the Lord’s view point on this issue is. The scripture that comes to my mind is Hosea 4:6,

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.”

We must not allow ourselves to be deceived and influenced due to lack of knowledge. A lack of knowledge leads to our destruction and rejecting knowledge leads to severe consequences. So let’s get some insight on the origin and roots of Halloween. Then we can see for ourselves if it’s truly rooted in evil and inspired by the devil? Then we can search out God’s Word to see what He has to say about this.

Origin of Halloween – A Short Overview

Halloween’s origin traces back to the ancient Celtic’s pagan festival of Samhein. The Celtics had over 300 gods and were heavily involved in demonic activity. They believed that on October 31st that the barrier between the supernatural (spiritual world) and natural world was thin and that all divine beings and the spirits of the dead moved freely among men and interfered sometimes violently, in their affairs. The Druids (pagan Celtic priests) would offer sacrifices, usually of crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the winter; and frightening away evil spirits. During the celebration the Celtics wore costumes, usually of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes.

Frightened villagers were afraid the spirits would destroy their crops and live stock so in order to appease the spirits they would leave fruits and treats on their doorsteps as offerings for the spirits. They were also fearful that the demon spirits would try to harm them if they found them. In an effort to trick the entities they would try to blend in among them by wearing scary masks and costumes.

Pumpkins or turnips were cut with faces representing demons and was intended to frighten away evil spirits. It was said that if a demon or such were to encounter something as fiendish looking as themselves that they'd run away in terror, thus sparing the houses dwellers from the ravages of dark entities. They would have been carried around the village boundaries or left outside the home to burn through the night.

Samhein was also a time when it was customary for the pagans to use the occult practice of divination to determine the weather for the coming year, the crop expectations, and even who in the community would marry whom and in what order.

Halloween Today

Halloween today is the witches new year. It is considered a sacred and holy day to Wiccans and Pagans. It is considered a Sabbath to honor the ancestors who came before them. It is still believed to be a good time to contact the spirit world with a séance, because the belief continues to be that the veil between this world and the next is the thinnest. So the tradition continues with the sacrifices and offerings to the spirits (demons) as well as the divination rituals.

But for those who are not Wiccan the Halloween spirit is still manifested through them whether they realize it or not. During the night of Halloween people all across the United States dress up in scary customs and go from door to door asking for treats. Teens and thrill seekers go to cemeteries hoping to get a glimpse of a ghost or spirit. Pumpkins are carved and placed in the window or porch. At Halloween parties people will often times entertain themselves with playing occult games such as Ouija boards, tarot cards, light as a feather stiff as board, fortune telling, and other games that invite demonic spirits. Scary movies are promoted and encouraged to watch. Tricks, pranks, and mischief will happen on Halloween more than on any other night. Theme parks promote Halloween horror nights where people can go and see the most graphic, gory, demonic, and evil costumes.

The Word of God

"Little children, let no man deceive you.." 1 John 3:7
"Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against ALL STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12

Our Lord has warned us to put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. We are supposed to be soldiers in the army of God. Halloween is not the day to put down our swords and sup with the devil. We are to always be ready and alert like Gideon's soldiers were to defeat the enemy. It is apparent that Halloween is one of the devil’s strategies. It is a pagan celebration inspired by the god of this world, Satan. Everything that we do is to be done to glorify God. Does joining with the world to celebrate Halloween glorify God?

He seems to have many convinced that to participate in this celebration is innocent and it is merely dress up. He has blinded many from knowing the truth that it is in fact rooted in evil and witchcraft, inspired by him. He has beguiled some with compromise, who know the evil roots of the celebration but have convinced themselves and others into thinking it is ok to Christianize Halloween. Let us realize that compromise always comes with consequences.

Brothers and sisters..

“DON’T COPY THE BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMS OF THIS WORLD, but let God transform you into a new person BY CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

“Stay away from every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

We are supposed to be different from the world. A people consecrated to God. We are only here temporarily to set the example of godly living, to be a light in the darkness, urging people to repent and turn back to God. Although we are in this world we are not to act like the world. We are supposed influence them, they are not to influence us. We must not allow our contacts with the world to pollute us. When we begin to mix our faith with the evil customs of this world we are teaching the world, young believers, and our own children that compromise is ok. This is how in the ends days one world religion will be accepted, through this slow fade, COMPROMISE. (James 1:27, Jeremiah 15:19)

What should Christians do?

“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

“Teach My people to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Expose the strategy of the devil. Discourage them from participating in traditional Halloween activities. Redeem the day by educating our children and baby believers on the origin of Halloween and expose it’s demonic roots. Show them what the Word of God says about witchcraft, sorcery, and divination. Explain to them how they are called to be different. Assure them we have power through Christ Jesus over the forces of darkness. Then tell stories of how Christ worked in the lives of other believers to overcome the powers of darkness in their days and encourage them to allow God to use them too. If we reject the yeast of compromise now and implement this tradition with our children they will pass it down and they will not be afraid to stand up for what they know is true. They will not feel like they are missing out because they will want no part of anything that even looks evil. (Proverbs 22:6)

Elliot Watson from CBN.com advises after researching Halloween:

“To counter the evil influence of Halloween, we need to join together and celebrate the reality of the heroic efforts of Christian saints over the evil in their day. Many leaders in the past -- and present -- have fulfilled the mandate of destroying the works of the devil through their sacrificial commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.

Too, rather than “hide” in the face of evil, we should unabashedly and boldly create an alternative that is positive and uplifting; that celebrates good over evil and the triumph of God over Satan. We need to provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives.”

May the Holy Spirit minister to your heart His will for your family concerning the celebrating of Halloween.

Below are links for sites that I used to do research and read commentaries:
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/halloween/halloween_watt05.aspx
http://www.history.com/content/halloween/real-story-of-halloween
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/halloween.html
http://www.jeremiahproject.com/culture/halloween.html
http://www.chick.com/seasonal/halloween/celebrate.asp

Satan's Meeting

I don't normally do this but this was too good not to share. It's something to think about it..Here's a pass it along email that I received..Thanks brother Sean.

Satan's Meeting

Satan called a worldwide convention of
demons.

In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going
to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their
Bibles and knowing the truth..."
"We can't even keep them from forming
an intimate relationship with their savior."

"Once they gain that connection with
Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let
them have their covered dish dinners,
BUT steal their time, so they don't
have time to develop a relationship
with Jesus Christ.."


"This is what I want you to do," said
the devil:
"Distract them from gaining hold of
their Savior and maintaining that
vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons
shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials
of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds," he
answered...

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and
borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for
long hours and the husbands to work
6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day,
so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with
their children."

"As their families fragment, soon,
their homes will offer no escape from
the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that
they cannot hear that still, small voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or I-Pod
whenever they drive." To
keep the TV, DVDs, CDs and their PCs
going constantly in their home and see
to it that every store and restaurant
in the world plays non-biblical music
constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break
that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines
and newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24
hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with
billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail,
mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and
every kind of newsletter and promotional
offering free products, services, and false hopes."

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the
magazines and TV so their husbands
will believe that outward beauty is
what's important, and they'll
become dissatisfied with their wives. "

"Keep the wives too tired to love their
husbands at night."
"Give them headaches too! "

"If they don't give their husbands the
love they need, they will begin to
look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families
quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them
from teaching their children the
real meaning of Christmas."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they
won't talk about his resurrection
and power over sin and death.."

"Even in their recreation, let them be
excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation
exhausted."
"Keep them too busy to go out in nature
and reflect on God's creation.
Send them to amusement parks, sporting
events, plays, concerts, and movies
instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual
fellowship, involve them in gossip and
small talk so that they leave with
troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good
causes they have no time to seek
power from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own
strength, sacrificing their health
and family for the good of the cause."


"It will work!"
"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their
assignments causing Christians everywhere
to get busier and more rushed, going
here and there.

Having little time for their God or
their families.

Having no time to tell others about the
power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil
been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

Please pass this on, if you aren't too BUSY!

Prepare for War! Put on Your Armor

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:13-18

As soldiers in the army of God we have to ALWAYS be prepared for war. Our enemy often times comes to us like a flood trying to drown us with discouragement, fear, worry, frustration, confusion, feelings of unrighteousness and unworthiness. He will attack us at our weakest points. Remember that satan and his fallen angels have been around since before the creation of men and they have studied us. They know where to attack us and send familiar spirits to try to manipulate us and get us to drop our shield. They wait for opportune moments to attack full force. That is why we must be sure to put on the FULL armor of God if we intend to stand our ground until the return of our Lord, Christ Jesus.

One or two pieces of armor is NOT enough. Each part of the armor serves a purpose. It is vital that we are not only familiar with our armor, but that we know how to use it properly. Let’s first look at the defensive pieces of armor these help us to stand against the attacks.

Defensives Pieces

• Belt of Truth – Just like a natural belt is wrapped around our waist to help hold up and make our pants stay in place so the belt of truth is what will hold us and help us to stay in place. The truth that we have found in God’s Word is a weapon of warfare. The enemy will try to lie, deceive, contradict, and manipulate us any chance he gets. That is why we must wear the belt of truth buckled around our waist at all times. The truth will always set us free and help to maintain our ground.
• Breast Plate of Righteousness - The breast plate protects our vital organs from being pierced in battle. Our enemy will go straight for our heart trying to take our life from us. Our spiritual breast plate is made up of righteousness. Although we know that when we accepted Jesus as our Savior that we were clothed in righteousness we still need to manifest righteous living. By living with integrity, truth, justice, sincerity, upright, and by the Word of God really do not give the enemy anything to shoot at us. You see he is looking to be able to find fault and compromise in us so that he can accuse us of unrighteousness. Let us follow our Lord’s example and wear the breast plate of righteousness to protect our hearts. (Isaiah 59:17)
• Feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel – This peace of armor is both defensive and offensive. We have to be ready at all times to go out into enemy territory and share the truth of the Gospel without fear of persecution, but with determination in our hearts to see the captives set free. Then we must also always be prepared to give a response to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have, in gentleness and respect. We must be ready at all times to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus. (1 Peter 3:15)
• Shield of Faith – To extinguish all the fiery arrows of the enemy. Our enemy is going to try to get us to lose hope and weaken our faith. He will attack our minds with worry, anxiety, doubt, fear, and confusion. He will try to get us to think that our Lord as forgotten us and that He is not listening to our prayers and cries. He will try to tempt us. We have to put up our shield of faith and trust God no matter what. We have to believe His Word over any thoughts or circumstances that will present themselves in our lives. Without out the shield of faith we are left vulnerable to receive all types of demonic oppression that will severely hinder us and eventually cause us to fall back in battle.
• Helmet of Salvation – Often times the enemy will try to tell our minds that we are not truly saved. So be assured of your salvation. Know without a doubt that you belong to Christ Jesus. The Lord will not allow His children to be plucked out of His hand. Put on the helmet of salvation and protect your mind. No matter what battle we are in we are His.


Offensive Weapons

• Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God is your sword. The spoken truth of God’s Word will always defeat the lies of the enemy. Remember when satan tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness Jesus responded each time with, “It is written” or the NIV says “The Scriptures say”. We have to know what the scriptures say in order to discern the lies of the enemy. Remember that satan and his devils know the Word too and they will try to distort the Truth and manipulate your mind. So be submitted to reading the Word of God daily. Be prepared to speak the Word of God. (Luke 4)
• Prayer – Prayer is often overlooked when discussing the armor of God. But just like a soldier in battle gets his commands from his commanding officer prayer is our line of communication to our Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ. We need to stay prayed up all the time, especially in the heat of the battle. We should never attempt to enter any battle without prayer and fasting. Also prayer is how we carry our burdens from our battles to the Lord and leave them at His feet. Through prayer and supplication we receive healing and strength. Then we will be renewed in our spirit with the peace from God that surpasses all understanding so that we can continue to fight against the wiles of the enemy. Prayer is vital!


Be prepared my brothers and sisters for war against these unseen forces. Put on your armor daily, pray without ceasing, and STAY ALERT!

Stay Alert!! Don't Give the Enemy A Foothold

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in the His mighty power. Put on ALL of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6: 10-12

Take a moment and really read those verses over and over again. Let it sink into to your mind, heart, and spirit. We had better realize that we are ALL in a spiritual battle. Whether you like it or not you will either be a soldier in the army of the Lord, a tool in the hands of the enemy, or ignorantly become a casualty of the war. People are destroyed for lack of knowledge. As Christians we need to remember daily that we are in a real battle with unseen forces of darkness. Our battle is in the spiritual realm against devils, spirits, demons, and authorities. Although these are unseen their work is evident every where you look. Evil is rampant and very real.

Many Christians don’t even like to talk about devils or demons. They believe in God, heaven, the Holy Spirit, and angels but many do not want acknowledge that there are real spirits and demons that are fighting to win ground in our lives. They want to destroy us and our families. They want to get us entangled in sin and living to please ourselves instead of God. Their ultimate plan is to get us distracted from being living testimonies of Christ Jesus and prevent the spread of the Gospel. Of course they also want us to be damned to hell with them. They know that when Jesus’ blood was shed at Calvary that they lost the war, but that does not stop them from attacking God’s people. This is serious and it can not be taken lightly. Believers wake up and fight against the forces of evil in this world, in your community, in your families.

Don’t allow the enemy to deceive you into thinking that he and his demons are not real. Or perhaps you think that they can’t touch you. When we minimize the existence of the power of darkness that is when they win ground in our lives. Instead we have to realize that there are some powerful forces of satan plotting and planning the demise of God’s people. I’m not telling you to be scary and paranoid. Like Paul and Peter I am saying we have to stay alert!! Watch out for our enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. We have to stand firm against him and be strong in our faith. We have to learn to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, always remembering that He who lives in us is stronger than any demon, spirit, or principality in this evil world. Not by our own might but by the power of God we can defeat the enemy in all areas of our lives. (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Peter 5:8-9)

If we are to stay alert then that means that we have to be on guard at all times. We have the Holy Spirit of God living in us, the mind of Christ, and the Word of God which helps us discern when we are under attack and they also help us to avoid traps that the enemy has set for us. The truth is that no matter what we do there will always be attacks. For those faithful servants of the Most High God that are truly doing God’s work, the attacks will be more severe. That is why we have to put on the whole armor of God spoken of in Ephesians 6: 13-17.

Staying alert also means not giving the enemy a foothold in our lives or legal ground to oppress or harass us. How do we allow the enemy to have a foothold in our lives? By the way we live and act. Paul said, “Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” (Ephesians 5:15-19, Ephesians 4:27)

If we act thoughtlessly living like fools instead of like wise men and women of God who fear the Lord and if we allow ourselves to be conformed to the world and its customs then we truly do not understand what it is that the Lord wants us to do. What God wants and His will for our lives is for us to be holy just as He is holy. If we do not live our lives holy then we will most certainly give the devil and his minions ground over us. You see we can open the doorways for spirits such as the spirits of infirmity, sickness, and addiction when we do not honor our temple by smoking, drinking, drugging, and having adulteress relationships. We open the door to lustful and perverted spirits when we watch dirty movies or shows, magazines, and books. Watching scary movies open the doors to harassing spirits and other unclean spirits. Meditating on our problems and worrying opens the doors for the spirit of heaviness, depression, and suicide. Unforgiveness in our hearts opens the doorway for angry and vengeful spirits. Are you getting this??? (1 Thessalonians, Hebrews 10:10, 1 Peter 1:16)

We have to stay alert!! We can’t give the enemy any ground in our lives. Fear the Lord Saints of God. Don’t forget that we are in a spiritual battle. You will be attacked! Be prepared. Stay prayed up and be on guard. Be about our Father’s business and live your life pleasing unto Him. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Fight in the name of Jesus!

Don't Take The Bait

My husband and I had been in prayer and fasting regarding specific decisions that we needed to make for our family. After seeking our Lord’s face we were sure that He would make it clear to us what direction we needed to take. He has always been faithful to guide and lead us down the right path so we trusted Him to give us direction and to show us His will.

It has been several months now and an option has presented it’s self. But is it God or are we being baited and lured by a temporary solution that only ends in bondage? After reviewing the possibilities of the offer presented to us we realized that it was a trap. At first glance it seemed that the proposal would provide freedom and relief. It was appealing and tempting, too good to be true. My father in law said to us, “I always say if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.”

After digging deeper into the substance we were able to find the hidden hooks that would have hindered and kept us restricted from the freedom that we need. Had we of taken the bait and accepted the offer our circumstances would have changed for the better temporarily, however there were consequences and repercussions for accepting this false promise of peace. We thanked God for giving us wisdom, common sense, wise counsel, His Word, and His Holy Spirit to help us properly evaluate the situation. It became clear to us which way to go.

This isn’t the first time that the enemy as tried to divert us from taking the right path. The enemy will come to us all of with His alluring temptations full of false promises of hope and relief. He makes his offers so tempting and sound so good so as even to deceive, if possible, God’s chosen ones. His goal is to get us off tract and distracted from following God’s will for our life. We must be prepared to properly discern every claim, temptation, and offer the enemy presents.

In the past I more easily fell for the enemy’s lies and deceptions because I desired my own way more than God’s way. I did not read the Word of God daily and therefore I was not meditating on it either. My mind was worldly and full of selfish desires. I was easy prey. I was easy to deceive. Not any more! The enemy has to come correct and tactful now.

Don’t foolishly disregard what I am telling you. The enemy desires to blind us with deception, bind us, and keep us from achieving all that God has for us. I am not giving the enemy too much credit. I am just keeping it real with you and reminding you that this is a spiritual battle. Our enemy, satan is real. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)



Don’t fall for the enemies tricks. Stay on the right path, the narrow road. Know the Word of God and what it means. This is the sword that you will use to defeat the lies of the enemy. His Word assures us that we are on the right path. It is the light that guides and leads us. We are more then conquerors in Christ Jesus and we have the mind Christ to help us discern truth from deception. Don’t take the bait. (Psalm 119:105, 1 Corinthians 2:16)

From the Archives: Temptation-Our Daily Battle

Temptation is something that we will battle everyday of our lives. The enemy is constantly using bait such as physical desires, possessions, power, and pride to lure us into disobedience. He knows that our spirit is willing but our body is weak. The enemy knows that sin leads to death so he will be determined to deceive us and get us to disobey God. But if we resist the devil he will flee from us. (James 4:7) But how do we do that?

Jesus set the example for us when we he was tempted in the wilderness by satan. (Matt. 4:1-11) Christ defeated the enemy by responding with the truth of God’s Word. Every time satan spoke to Jesus our Lord responded saying “It is written”. This is the same as saying the "Word of God says". We need to know what the Word of God says in order to withstand the attack of the enemy. He knows what the Word says also and he will try to manipulate it and twist it so that we are confused and unsure. It is in spending time with God in prayer and in studying the bible that we will be equipped and alert ready to defeat temptation.

Jesus is also there to help us when we are being tempted. He knows what we go through and how we are tempted because he was tempted too, although he never sinned. So we can go to God and receive mercy and grace to help us in our times of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16) The temptations in our lives are no different from what others experience. God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than we can stand. When we are tempted, he will show us a way out so that we can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God has given us common sense so let us properly evaluate our situations and avoid temptation. Recognize what people or situations cause us temptation and stay away so that we do not stumble. We need to run from anything that gives us evil thoughts and stay close to anything that makes us want to do right. It is good to enjoy the companionships of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts. These are the types of friends that we can trust to help keep us accountable and encourage us not to sin. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Remember that the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us is more powerful than anything in this world and you can defeat temptation because you are no longer a slave to sin. Walk in the wisdom that comes from knowing the Word of God and you will truly begin to comprehend and experience that the Word is truly sharper than any doubled-edged sword. You CAN win this daily battle against temptation in Jesus name! Amen..

Satan The Father of Lies

The enemy would have you believe that God is far away from you. He wants you to think that He does not hear your prayers. But that is a lie! God hears your prayer. He sees your tears and He hears your cry.

You have got to trust your Savior; the one who saved your soul from hell. Don’t get worried or scared when you don’t see your prayers answered. You have to trust Him no matter what lies the enemy will tell you. It’s ok to tell your Heavenly Father that you are scared, confused, and maybe even losing faith. He knows it anyways! It’s ok to say, “Lord I believe but help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

Sometimes our Lord does not answer our prayers the way we want or in the time we desire. However, that does not change the fact that He IS still in control! Nothing happens in our lives that God did not know was going to happen. He will be your strength in your time of weakness. He will give you extra faith to believe when you feel you’re scared or overwhelmed.

Just don’t fall for the lies of the enemy. Satan is the father of lies. There is no truth in him. (John 8:44) Jesus IS with you always! He died for your salvation. He promised not to leave us. In fact He sent his Spirit, the Holy Spirit to comfort us. His Spirit will guide and lead us through all of our days. We are never alone in this world with no hope. We have Jesus! His Spirit is with us to remind us of God’s promises when we need them most. (John 14:26) You have to know the Word in order to defeat the father of lies. It is the weapon Jesus used when the devil tried to tempt him. (Luke 4:1-13)

When need to have promises like these in our heart:

Ø “Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Ø “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Ø “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)
Ø “I will never leave you; never forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

So when the enemy comes to whisper in your ear you can say “The Word says..”.

Choose to believe God because He if Faithful and True. Choose to believe God because He died for you! Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the believers. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Temptation - Our Daily Battle

Temptation is something that we will battle everyday of our lives. The enemy is constantly using bait such as physical desires, possessions, power, and pride to lure us into disobedience. He knows that our spirit is willing but our body is weak. The enemy knows that sin leads to death so he will be determined to deceive us and get us to disobey God. But if we resist the devil he will flee from us. (James 4:7) But how do we do that?

Jesus set the example for us when we he was tempted in the wilderness by satan. (Matt. 4:1-11) Christ defeated the enemy by responding with the truth of God’s Word. Every time satan spoke to Jesus our Lord responded saying “It is written”. This is the same as saying the "Word of God says". We need to know what the Word of God says in order to withstand the attack of the enemy. He knows what the Word says also and he will try to manipulate it and twist it so that we are confused and unsure. It is in spending time with God in prayer and in studying the bible that we will be equipped and alert ready to defeat temptation.

Jesus is also there to help us when we are being tempted. He knows what we go through and how we are tempted because he was tempted too, although he never sinned. So we can go to God and receive mercy and grace to help us in our times of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16) The temptations in our lives are no different from what others experience. God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than we can stand. When we are tempted, he will show us a way out so that we can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God has given us common sense so let us properly evaluate our situations and avoid temptation. Recognize what people or situations cause us temptation and stay away so that we do not stumble. We need to run from anything that gives us evil thoughts and stay close to anything that makes us want to do right. It is good to enjoy the companionships of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts. These are the types of friends that we can trust to help keep us accountable and encourage us not to sin. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Remember that the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us is more powerful than anything in this world and you can defeat temptation because you are no longer a slave to sin. Walk in the wisdom that comes from knowing the Word of God and you will truly begin to comprehend and experience that the Word is truly sharper than any doubled-edged sword. You CAN win this daily battle against temptation in Jesus name! Amen..