Flying Within Radar

I've learned something the last couple days, and I have to give thanks to the Lord for what I've learned. Though I didn't learn a lot that I didn't already know, I did learn some different perspectives on things I did think I already knew. You see, I attended a leadership conference, because even if I am only ever a "mother" to my children, I am still a leader to someone. The fact that I will not always be "just" a mother, and the fact that I do in fact influence others pretty regularly, it was a tremendous benefit for me to learn these new perspectives.

Frankly, it didn't matter to me what the denomination of these teachers were, and in fact I still don't know what all of them are. What mattered to me, is that they did teach some biblical truths, even amidst the stuff that is very useful even in the secular world. Among some of the best things I learned these past couple days was how to "light up the radar screen in heaven" with my prayers...

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

This is the "radar screen" that I was shown. A man by the name of Bill Hybels taught on that.

I've talked so many times about the importance of prayer, and being in the Word, but I must confess that I don't follow my own advice, nearly often enough. I want to light up that radar screen all day, every day. So, I have a challenge for you...before I tell you what the challenge is, I have to admit it's not my own idea. It came from another of the speakers at the conference, and regardless of what his denomination is, this was one such teaching, that no one can argue with. The challenge is this, and my husband and I are both taking it...just to see the benefit, and we already are... the challenge is called the 60/60 challenge.

Every day, for 60 days, set a timer to go off every 60 minutes, and when that timer goes off, PRAY!! Or, sit for a few minutes in silence, waiting for the Lord to speak to you. I've only been doing it for a day so far, and I have to say, my outlook on my daily life, my confession of my sins, my ability to stand firm in my faith- and flee from temptation, has already seen a tremendous change. I just want to challenge each of you to try this... can you imagine...if there was such a thing as a real radar screen in heaven, that we lit up every time one of us was in prayer, truly seeking the Lord's will, how many "lights" would show up on that screen?!?!

I don't share this with you, as any sort of pastoral or ministerial thought. I only share this as one of the members of the Body we all belong to. Won't you give it a try??? If you decide to try it (and it's not difficult, I promise) I'd love to hear how it's changing your daily life...Blessings to you all!!!

There is no "MORE" to this post.

Halloween- To Celebrate or Not by Shalene

What is your view of Halloween? If you are a Christian, you probably know some of the origins of this "holiday." Let me say here and now, I DO NOT consider it a holiday, as the root of holiday is Holy Day. This day is far from that! If you are a Christian, perhaps you discourage your children from wearing bloody, gory or evil costumes, but you may allow them to participate in "Harvest Festivals" in your church, as a substitute for the "evil" practices of Halloween. I ask you now, Why?

Why do you not spend the evening in prayer, fighting "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." For we are "not fighting against flesh and blood".Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

My view is not a popular one, even in my own household, but this year, I will stand my ground, as much as I am able. I will not participate in this day's festivities (or any that happen just prior for the same purpose.) I do not care if my church has a "Harvest Festival" I will not attend that either, and I will NOT take my children to it. That's not to say that I think that the rationale and reasoning behind having one is a bad thing in itself. But I do not see a purpose in showing my children that they are somehow needful of a substitute for this day that has roots that are nothing but evil.

Do you know where the practice of "trick or treating" came from? It is from the ancient Celtic custom of Samhain (pronounce Som Ween) in which people would leave fruits and nuts and other goodies on their doorstep for their dearly departed relatives that were able to slip back through the veil of death on this day. However, if the dear ones were able to come back through, then so are a host of other not so nice "things". That is also where the custom of dressing up as evil and gory monsters came from. In order to hide themselves from the "ghouls and demons" people would dress up as them, so that they would perhaps blend in and not be noticed.

I ask you, do you see what this is? This is a spirit of fear, that we need not have. For one, no one comes back from Heaven trying to get back into their old homes! For two, why would you not use the gifts that God has told us to use to fight the hosts of Satan? He expressly instructs us to use prayer to fight against Satan and his minions. Then if you just add to all this the fact that it's really kind of idiotic to buy a bunch of goodies to give out at your house, while your children go out and beg it from other people. If you want your kids to have candy and goodies, just buy them for them and leave it at that. Save a step, a lot of money, and keep your children focusing on what is pure, right and of good report.

This is my prayer for this year. I will pray that my children learn that prayer on this day is warfare against principalities and that participation in any other manner should not be something they want to do.

No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 NKJV

I will pray that they are alert and self controlled.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 NKJV

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 NKJV

And I will pray that my husband stands with me on this, this year. This is not a criticism of him or of our church (which does hold a Harvest Festival as a type of outreach) but Halloween celebrations, to me are not something we need participate in, as others do. I pray that if you had plans to partipate that you will also give yourselves over to prayer and rethinking the idea. Won't you join with me in prayer for the souls in jeopardy on this day.

--Lord, today I pray against the powers of darkness that will come out in full force on this day, and on all the other days. I pray for strength in my convictions, and I pray for my household and all the other Christ filled households that think that dabbling in this practice can be anything other than dabbling in demonic presence. I pray for the wisdom to broach this subject with all I come into contact with. I pray these things in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.

There is no MORE to this post.