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Trunk or Treat…

By October 25, 2020December 7th, 2022Devotional

We are getting to that time of year when we hear about ghosts, goblins, witches and all other sorts of Halloween characters. In fact, last week, we helped one of our daughters, Jill, and her son, Drew, carve several pumpkins for a contest at Jill’s place of work. We actually stacked two pumpkins together to form a more complex creation and it will be  interesting to see how it all turns out!

Today, we also helped out at a socially distant and COVID compliant trunk or treat event at the church where Kristin works. In this world where so much has changed this year, we stamped cards for the kids as they came by with their masks on. Then, when they completed their cards, they could turn them in for a pre-packaged bag of candy that had been sanitized by members of the church staff. The event was open to the members of the community and I think that it was a terrific outreach for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Many churches in the area have postponed or cancelled their Halloween events this year. But I must say that I was impressed that the organizations that are trying to do things for the kids are really taking serious precautions to make sure that they do everything possible to keep people safe. And next week, our neighborhood is having a socially distant parade for kids in costumes to walk down the sidewalk instead of going house to house for treats. This will be the first time in all the years that Janet and I have been married that we will not be passing out candy.

There are many traditions that have to do with Halloween. It is the eve of All Saints Day on November 1st and among other historical events, Houdini, the famous magician and spiritualist, actually died on Halloween evening as a result of a ruptured appendix. His wife held seances trying to get in touch with him for many years afterward and prior to his own death, Houdini tried to contact his mother through mediums and spiritualists.

This time of year I am also reminded of all the times that people in the Bible consulted mediums and other people to help them foretell the future or gain information in defiance of God’s desire for His people. And, to the best of my knowledge, it did not turn out well for anyone who transgressed the Law and defied the commands of God – and there were many who broke God’s commands on this topic…

Tonight’s verse highlights the prophet Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, who openly questioned why people would turn against the word of God. Isaiah tells us, in Isaiah 8:19, “When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”

That’s such simple advice, but so important. Many people today are confused and turn to others in an attempt to foretell the future or try to solve their problems. But witches, ghosts, goblins or any other sort of Halloween creatures have no serious place in any Christian’s life. My encouragement tonight is that God is the One to turn to when in doubt, or to seek affirmation, or to question the next steps in your life. My prayer is that we will all turn to God when we seek direction on the way our life is to go. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…

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