spiritualsnippets.com

Seeing life's events in the light of God's Word.

Sep 28

Have You Noticed?

by Brenda Poulos
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Ephesians 6:11- “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 

For the last two months, the selection of Halloween costumes and decor in stores has been steadily growing. 

Yesterday, I was shopping at my local home improvement store and I was appalled at the displays—gruesome and animated, with blood-curdling audio.

Am I imagining it, or are the Halloween decorations this season more massive, expensive, and scary?

Honestly, I cringed and walked past the display as quickly as I could.

I realize kids love to wear costumes and eat candy, but as a Christian, I was relieved when many churches and communities started having Fall Festivals. These promote “non-satanic”costuming and non-violent behavior (games, and so on). What’s more, some of them last year even fostered Harvest/Thanksgiving themes! 

I applaud the creation of safe atmospheres that resist the evil influences of this holiday.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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Oct 8

Rejoice in Him

by Brenda Poulos

Psalm 5:11- “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”

We get a free “area” magazine in our mailbox once a month. October’s issue has an endearing picture of a grandfather and his grandchild. It made us feel all “warm and fuzzy,” until we read the headline:

THE JOY OF HALLOWEEN.

I’m sorry if I offend you, but glorifying Halloween in our stores and neighborhoods is sometimes more than I can take. When it is called JOYFUL, I draw the line.

Evil spirits, skeletons, witches, zombies and goblins cannot produce JOY.

I like Carmel apples, popcorn balls, and hot apple cider the same as the next person. And I know, little children have fun “dressing up” and getting candy. They have no idea what is behind it. I don’t begrudge them having fun.

But, JOY in headlines has always been used in conjunction with Christmas, the birth of our Savior, helping others…

Joy is that deep-down happiness—that inward contentment—we Christians experience as a result of grace, salvation, forgiveness, kindness, mercy and so on. 

In the future, I hope we can reserve the words HALLELUJAH, JOY, ANGELS, JESUS and dozens more for use in descriptions which reflect Christian values.

Biblical lessons Encouraging words

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