It's not a big deal....

It's that season again when I want to decorate my porch with pumpkins and mums and wishing that Texas actually had seasons.  It's hard to find a plastic pumpkin that isn't a jack-o-lantern but I'm over it. 

The kids have told me that they told a friend that halloween is celebrated as Satan's day.  Geez....seriously?  I started thinking about this and thought maybe I should call the parents then decided that I wouldn't have anything to say...no apologies.....my kids will probably be "that kid" that tells everyone Santa isn't real...but...he isn't so oh well, right?  Politically correct...it's a funny term.

I've been praying for discernment and that the Lord will give me timely words, that I would speak as if speaking the very words of God...that's what His Word tells us to speak like, ya know.    I've also been praying for boldness and unapologetically standing on Truth.  Lately I've been avoiding the conversations about "what are your kids going to be for halloween?" Why?  I'm not sure except that is it one of those areas that are soap boxes that could divide and there's no sense in it....hhmm?

I've been reading God's Word and searching out what I can claim as Truth and not Jennifer's opinion.  I never want to add or take away from Scripture.  I think that the Christian culture believes lies and that things are not that big of a deal, it's all for fun, it's for the kids, etc etc.  I also think that it's Satan's way of desensitizing us to his plans and evil ways and we completely fall for it if we aren't soaking ourselves in His Word so we can discern His good, pleasing and perfect will. 

So...what's my response to halloween?  Well, to keep it as short and possible and get my point across about what my conviction is...and not to condemn or pass judgment but just to give you some food for thought....

Let's start with the description of Eli's sons in 1 Samuel 2:12.  They were described as wicked men because they had no regard for the Lord. 

Wicked, really?  Wicked.  That's such a strong word.  Scripture also says that the Lord was provoked to anger because the Israelites did wicked things such as burn incense and put up Asherah Poles...what's the big deal?  That's the old testament...

Proverbs 4:14&15 speaks specifically to us when it instructs us...do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.  AVOID IT, do not travel on it, turn from it and go on your way.

Instead of chewing on the fact that we might be under that label of being wicked if we acknowledge evil or witchcraft, we put it on the back burner of our hearts and pass it off as "just fun for the kids...no harm done!" 

Deut. 18:9-13
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, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritists or who consults the dead.  Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.  You must be blameless before the Lord your God. 

Wow.  This is a perfect description of halloween (in my opinion which may be a little skewed since I'm trying my best see things as the Lord sees them.)

I don't pass judgment on those of you who do halloween but I will venture out and ask you to pray over your family's decision based on what God's Word speaks to us.

The thought of "to much is given, much is required" speaks volumes to my heart.  For me to acknowledge halloween by partaking in all of the "fun for the kids" would be in complete disobedience because the Lord has put this strong conviction in my heart.  I pray that your heart will be softened as you seek God's plan for your family this fall season.