Halloween... To participate, or not to participate... That is the question...

Since next Monday is Halloween, I thought I'd take a couple weeks to share my thoughts on this holiday before moving on to Gentleness...

A lot of people want to know what the Bible says about Halloween... Should they participate in the dress up day at work?  Should they let their kids go door to door to get candy?  What about those "Halloween Alternative" parties that churches put on to keep kids "safe"?

While I was growing up I wasn't allowed to trick or treat.  I had some Christian friends who did an annual "Halloween Alternative" party at their church, but I wasn't allowed to go to that either...  Is dressing up in costumes bad?  Some of my friends would say, well, we only dress up as Bible characters... As if to justify it...  I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but I never participated in anything on Halloween... So in the end, I guess I didn't really care.

Now that I am older I have adopted my own, personal, point of view on the holiday, based on what I have read and learned from the Bible and other sources.

I personally am against any form of participation in Halloween.  This includes those church alternative parties.  Let me be clear on something... Dressing up in costumes isn't bad... Playing games for candy isn't in itself bad...  Carving a face in a pumpkin isn't bad...  A lot of the activities or things that people do on Halloween or "Beggar's Night" aren't in themselves bad, but what they represent on this night in particular, to me, makes it bad...  "Why does doing it on that night make it any worse than doing it any other time?" you may ask...  

It's what they represent...

After researching the history of Halloween and some of the things that are done on or around this holiday here is what I have come up with:

Bonfires were used to drive Satan away...

Bobbing for apples had to do with superstitions regarding who a girl would marry...

Costumes were originally worn by people to make themselves appear dead so, in turn, evil spirits wouldn't bother them...

Black cats are historically associated with witchcraft and evil; at one point in time, they were considered to be reincarnated witches...

The Jack O' Lantern originated with an old story of Jack tricking the devil into a tree. He traded the devil's freedom for his never going to hell.  So when Jack died he just roamed around the dark places of the earth with a carved turnip lit by an ember from hell.  People used these vegetable lanterns (now usually pumpkins) to ward off evil spirits (especially Jack's)...

Other words and phrases associated with Halloween: voodoo, mischief making, ghoulish visitors, bribe with candy, ghost stories, satanic rituals...

Here are some of the most common costumes that people dress up as this time of year and their meaning*:

Witch: a woman thought to have magic powers (wears back and rides a broomstick); a woman practicing black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil; sorceress

Warlock: a man practicing black arts (male version of a witch)

Ghost: an apparition of a dead person that is believed to appear or become manifest to the living; spirit of a dead person; demon or spirit; a returning haunting memory or image

Devil: the chief evil spirit, Satan; a subordinate evil spirit; a demon; a wicked or malevolent person; an outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad

Zombie: originally a snake-deity of west Africa or Haiti; a soulless corpse said to be revived by witchcraft; a snake god of voodoo cults; a supernatural power or spell that in voodoo belief can enter into and reanimate a corpse

What the Bible has to say:

1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (KJV)

Ephesians 5:8-11, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." (NIV)

(For more on Witchcraft please visit my previous entry by clicking here!)

Everything about Halloween is negative to me...  Everything I have listed above has something to do with witchcraft, evil spirits, or the dead.  Why would we want to condone or associate with anything like that? 

And as for those "Halloween Alternative" parties that churches throw...  I think their intentions are good, but to me those parties represent the church accepting the holiday or condoning it.  Just look at some of the things I listed above... Do you want to participate in what all of those Halloween oriented things represent?  I know I don't.

What are some things we can do to be the best example we can be this Halloween season?  If I choose not to wear a costume to work, that may bring a lot of attention to myself...  But what better way to be an example and shine God's light to others!?!   I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings!

~ S*

*some definitions taken from google.com and thefreedictionary.com

Faithfulness (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... Faithfulness..." Galatians 5:22

Last week I asked everyone to read Hosea chapters 1-3.  I also asked you to decide how this story pertains to Faithfulness. Oh, did you forget to read them??? :)  Here is your chance to catch up. 

Hosea is the first minor prophet in the Old Testament.  The first three chapters are very short, but they are also very descriptive...  They not only describe Hosea's relationship with his wife Gomer, but it also shows/represents God's relationship with Israel at that time.

Can you imagine being faithful to your spouse when he or she isn't doing the same in return for you?  Can you imagine paying a high price to bring your unfaithful spouse back to you?  Ummm... I don't think so... I think the more accurate response would be, "See ya!" or "Good riddance..."  God would definitely need to have a huge hand in the redemption of your spouse, if there was any...

God had been faithful to Israel, even-though they had not been faithful to Him.  He still loved and cared for them even-though they loved Baal more than they loved the One, True God.  

Hosea was instructed to marry a prostitute so that they could represent what was going on with Israel.  Can you imagine that?  I cannot even begin to fathom what that must have been like.  Not only did Hosea marry Gomer (the prostitute), but he bought her back after she left him for another man later on...  

That is how great our God is.  He will buy us back even when we do unthinkable things.  He loves us anyways.  He is going to be Faithful to us even if we haven't been faithful to Him.

What are some ways in which we can be more faithful to God?  In what areas have we not been faithful to Him?  Let's reflect on this this week, and show our faithfulness to God and others throughout our every day life.

Blessings!

~ S*

Faithfullness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... FAITHFULNESS..." Galatians 5:22

Scriptures for this week:

1 Samuel 26:23, "The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD's anointed." (NIV)

Psalms 36:5-6, " Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep." (NIV)

Psalm 40:10, "I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness." (NLT)

Isaiah 11:5, "Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist." (NIV) (This is a prophesy about Jesus.)

Lamentations 3:2, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." (NLT) (Even in the book of laments the writer praises God for his faithfulness and mercy!)

More Scriptures:

Psalm 88:11

Psalm 89:2, 5, 8

Psalm 92:2

Psalm 119:75, 90

Psalm 143:1

Romans 3:3-4

For next week, please read Hosea chapters 1-3.  Let me know what you learn, and how you think this story pertains to Faithfulness!  I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings!

~ S*

Goodness (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... GOODNESS..." Galatians 5:22

Definitions:

good  (gd)adj. bet·ter (btr), best (bst)

1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience

2.a. Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint

   b. Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?

3.a. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.

   b. In excellent condition; sound

4.a. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.

   b. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.

5.a. Of high quality: good books.

   b. Discriminating: good taste.

6. Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.

7. Attractive; handsome: good looks.

8. Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.

9. Competent; skilled: a good machinist.

10. Complete; thorough

goodness [ˈgʊdnɪs] n

1. the state or quality of being good

2. generosity; kindness

3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

Scripture of the Week: The Parable of the Good Samaritan:

Luke 10:25-37, "One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

26Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

27The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

29The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant (a Levi) walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

36“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”" (NLT)

This scripture seems to be coming up a lot in my recent studies, so I thought it would be an excellent choice of s a scripture for us this week.  


In Bible times the Samaritans were "despised" by the other Jews.  So why would he (the Good Samaritan) show forth Goodness toward a man, who would probably pass him by had the roles been reversed?  This story is a great example to us in many ways.  We could think of Jesus as the Good Samaritan.  He felt compassion for us, and gave everything He had to help bring us into a lasting relationship with Him.  His Goodness out shown all of the evil that was thrown at him (so much evil that He was eventually crucified.)  God in His Goodness sent Jesus to redeem us/save us from all the evil that has weighed us down here on earth.  We live in a world of sin. We deserve to be beaten up and left for dead (like the man in the parable).  Ultimately we deserve hell.  But God sent someone to save us.  Someone who washed our wounds with his own blood and healed us(like the olive oil and wine in the parable).  Not only that, but He paid the price for us and died on the cross to redeem us from an eternity in hell("he handed the innkeeper tow silver coins, telling him, 'Take care of this man...'").  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV) Jesus was more than a neighbor to us... He was the ultimate redeemer; our Savior.  The least we can do is show Goodness and love to those around us.  After all, He loved his enemies as much as he loved those who followed Him. And while hanging on the cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24 NIV)

What does this parable mean to you?  What do you think the in-depth meaning of this parable was and is?  Do you think Jesus meant a little more by this parable than meets the eye?  I look forward to hearing your thoughts in comments below or by e-mailing me at girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com!

Blessings!

~ S*

Goodness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... GOODNESS..." Galatians 5:22

Below are some verses on patience for you to look up and study this week.  Next week I will give a  little commentary of my own on the subject of Goodness.  Please feel free to share some of your commentary on these verses or add some scriptures that you think pertain to this topic during this week and next by commenting below or e-mailing me at girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com.

Scriptures for this week:

Exodus 33:19, "The LORD replied, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.'" (NLT)

Psalm 23:6, "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever." (NLT)

Romans 11:12, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off."
(NKJV)

2 Peter 1:5-9, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (NIV)

Luke 10:30-35, "Jesus replied with a story: 'A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant (a Levi) walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

" (NLT)

Extra Scriptures:

Psalm 27:13

Psalm 86:17

Nehemiah 9:35

Romans 15:14

Ephesians 5:8-9

Blessings! 

~ S*

Kindness (Part 2)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... KINDNESS..." Galatians 5:22

 This week's Verses:

Acts 28:2, "The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold." (NIV)

This was right after Paul was shipwrecked; the locals surprisingly showed them kindness when they washed ashore.

Ephesians 2:4-7, "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." (NLT)

God is merciful and Kind!  It is because of His kindness that we will be with Him one day in heaven!  Isn't that so Awesome!?!

Colossians 3:12, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (NLT)

God has called us to be Kind.  I want to strive to follow God's Word and do what He says.

Titus 3:4-7, “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” (NLT)

Through His kindness He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so that we could live forever to be with Him.  I don't know that there is a kinder or more selfless thing to do!

Extra Verses:

Romans 11:22

2 Corinthians 6:3-10
2Peter 1:5-9

2Samuel 2:6

2 Samuel 9:1

2 Samuel 10:2 and 1 Chronicles 19:2 (same story)

Ruth 2:20

Ruth 3:10

Kindness, like all of the fruits of the Spirit, is an important on.  When we show kindness to people, they have a hard time doing/being anything but the same back to you.  Let's all try to be kind and see how God chooses to bless us because of it!

Blessings,

~ S*

Kindness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... KINDNESS..." Galatians 5:22 

Definitions:

Kindness:

1. the practice or quality of being kind

2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act

Kind:

1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.

2. Showing sympathy or understanding; charitable: (a kind word.)

3. Humane; considerate: (kind to animals.)

4. Forbearing; tolerant: (Our neighbor was very kind about the window we broke.)

5. Generous; liberal: (kind words of praise.)

How many of you watched some of the TV specials about 9-11? I personally watched a two hour special of "Dateline" about this historic date in America's history. 

Ten years ago, I wasn't really effected by the events of September 11th and the plane crashes that devastated our nation.  But after reading about it, and now seeing more of the events that took place that day, I have a new respect for the people involved.  

Kindness was shown throughout that day many times over.  People working their way down the stairway trying to make their way out, stopped, and took the time to help someone else un-bury themselves from the rubble on their floor.  A certain group of rescue workers refused to leave an elderly woman behind (which in turn saved their entire unit).  And the few passengers of the last plane hijacked decided to take the opportunity they had to save other people's lives by losing their own in the attempt of foiling the foreign hijackers mission. Kindness. And that wasn't the only fruit of the Spirit that was shown that extremely tragic day.  Countless stories of what people went through can have an amazing effect on your outlook of these few simple words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

How many fruits of the Spirit did you witness on 9-11?  How can we better implement these better in the future?  Are there things you need to reexamine in your life to change for the better?  Can you change them by applying Kindness and the other fruits of the Spirit?  

What are your favorite Bible verses relating to Kindness?  What/who is the best example of Kindness in your life?  

Let's try to apply Kindness where ever we go and see how much it impacts our attitude and how people respond to us!

Blessings!

~ S*