Saturday, October 19, 2019

The "evil one"


Halloween can be, a teachable moment - far more of a blessing to hallow the words of the Lord's prayer, than begging strangers door to door, for candy! 
2Thessalonians 3:3 picks up, as does Matthew 6:24, in the Lord's prayer, something strongly imprinted on Jesus' heart, to protect and warn us. Jesus teaches us to pray: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." 2Thessalonians 3:3 declares: "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." Jesus calls out the "evil one" in His High Priestly prayer of John 17:15: "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one." 
Since God is sovereign over all, there is a only measured amount of time for Satan, who will be dispatched right on time, God's timing. Until then, Jesus prays, we recognize, and become aware of Satan's tricks. October is a great time to embolden and broaden our prayer awareness. Bible time, has taught us Satan's many names, such as Accuser, Deceiver and Father of Lies among many other things. He loves darkness, thrives in chaos, and he knows, his time is short. It's good to be reminded, that Satan and his demons know God's word very well. They twist it, to ensnare us and bring us to sin, against God. Knowing God's word, is the quickest way to recognize His voice among all the competing voices for our attention. His word sounds the, "imposter alarm." Remember Satan, (Lucifer) fell from heaven because he wanted to be God! Once God's most beautiful angel, now outcast and pure evil. In his hateful anger, he knows how to abuse and use God's word, out of context, with twisted lies, because he is the Father of Lies. An accomplished imposter, he's able to mimic and fool people into thinking he is wise, beautiful and worthy of following, making himself, a very real threat. 
HALLOWEEN CAN BE A VERY VISUAL, TEACHABLE MOMENT.  
Many feel bad to see Devil Costumes, not because they scare us, but because we are to hallow God and Jesus. The Lord's very own prayer, calls out the "evil one" so we may be on guard for him, NOT FRIENDLY with him!
Heavenly Father, we pray in Jesus name, that we handle our earthly time, in ways that honor you, the cross and resurrection. We ask loving ways to separate ourselves, and others from sin and actions which can bring dishonor to You. We ask for Your understanding, kindness and love, to guide the lost, out of darkness. That you might, by the Holy Spirit, show how Halloween has come to "hallow" death, bloody suffering, fear, sin, and hell. We ask Your kind heart to overflow our own, throughout this season. We thank You for Your kindness, Your presence and how Your word, teaches & reaches, us all. We hallow, Your name. Amen.

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