Is October 31st really a hallow eve? You will notice that hallow eve when you say the two words and run them together you come up with the word HALLOWEEN. Hallow means holy. Eve means the night before. How does November 1st become “HOLY”? Because the Catholic church set aside this day in honor of christian martyrs (a holy day); thereby hallow eve.

Hallow eve began in the 7th century. The Celtic Druids celebrated the ending of summer and last harvest on this day. They believe this was the end of the power of Light or God blessed time of year.

This night is one of seven ritual days during the year that is celebrated today by witches and satanists. They believe that they have cast a spell on the children on this evening; therefore we have what we call “trick or treat”. They believe that on hallow eve the graves give up the dead spirits, so we have ghosts, goblins and ghouls roaming about on this night. On this evening satan is his strongest and the Grim Reaper walks about.

Jack-o-lanterns were used to scare off the evil spirits.

It is on this day that satanists and witches offer up human sacrifices.

Halloween is only second to Christmas as a holiday celebrated in this age.

Yes, halloween is a hallowed day, but not for Christians.

All around us we see changes being made. I have noticed changes that happen very fast are usually short term - they won’t last. It is the changes which are made slowly that are dangerous. I at one time had the opportunity to drive a truck hauling heavy loads. In Arkansas there are very steep hills that are hard to pull when loaded. But the steep inclines were the easiest to make. It is the long gradual ones that pull you down.

Take the church for example. When people try to make immediate changes we stand up and resist; probably because we are afraid of changing our comfort zones. This was a lesson I learned early in my Christian life. It is important that we are continually watching our actions. We let a little thing slip unnoticed and it grows.

Here is an example I am continually trying to teach managers I train. A dirty spot starts with one very small and often unnoticed particulate of dust. This piece of dust collects another if not removed and now we have a particle of dirt. What was once just a little dust is now dirt. One spot of dust not removed goes unnoticed until a major cleaning is required and we did not know it because it changed so slowly.

Our children grow the same way. We still remember them as just babies. But, look again - they are adults. Sin happens the same way, just a little change today and tomorrow we are fallen away. This explains Paul's quote, “I buffet my body daily to bring it under subjection.” I read this again the other day, “ Character is destroyed one compromise at a time.” Time passes on the clock one tick at a time. Second by second, one second until eternity.

“Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into the city-, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appears for a little time and then vanisheth away.” James 4:13-14 (We are just a puff of smoke.)

Watch very carefully for changes being made within the church. Something that doesn’t really matter right now may be big tomorrow.

Warner Brothers released this last fall a Scooby-Doo full-length cartoon movie (Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost.) This video is now on the shelf for rental since October and was shown on the Cartoon Network in November. I remember the first movie to be released with two homosexuals kissing on the screen. (I walked out.) The devil has a fine way of desynthesizing us so that we will accept evil; therefore, it really won’t be evil. Remember the day that a drunk was a drunk, a homosexual was often called queer or pervert and “...God gave them over to a reprobate mind.”

By changing the name from drunk to alcoholic and from pervert to gay just doesn’t seem quite so evil. Now we have WICCAN. This doesn’t sound so bad does it? Now let us use the old unaccepted name, WITCH. Anyone even thought to be a witch was killed in the early days of our country history.

In the Scooby-Doo movie they are described as a people who are in touch with nature. Quite nice, “huh?” Just like in the garden. Go ahead and eat of the fruit -- it will be all right. God just didn’t want you to eat of it because he knew when you did you would become a god yourself.

So let’s downplay every form of evil; it is not as bad as it looks. You see “hell” really isn't hot it just means you will get to be in a place where you can enjoy everything in the world that you didn’t get to when you were there.

The Scooby-Doo article appeared in the Dallas Morning News and received praise from Brian Lankford, an elder clergyman of the Covenant of the Goddess of Dallas.

According to Warner Brothers there hasn’t been any comments from anyone either positive or negative. He assumes that parents don’t know what is in the Scooby-Doo cartoons they buy because they don’t even watch them. (Then who does?)

The following is from the Dallas Morning News interview with Don Capone. What possessed Warner Home Videos to make the movie? Someone on the creative team had a friend who was a wiccan (witch). They decided the same kids who watch Charmed, Sabrina the Teenaged Witch, and the movie Hocus Pocus and other popular current tales of supernatural would like a tale about Wiccans and witches. Bottom line don’t worry about our children, let’s just make money at the expense of their souls.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:15

So many of us are so involved with our jobs, and taking care of our families we are not even aware that we are chained. We are deceived into thinking that these things are necessary for us to be happy. We have not even noticed that we are actually chained to the world, and are being completely controlled by these things.

We need to take time to see if we are dragging any thing behind us. The trouble is we are so busy with our jobs and our families we don’t really have time or take time to stop and smell the roses.

My brothers and sisters “…the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1John 2:17.

“Behold, what manner of love has the Father bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1John 3:1. “Hereby we perceived the love of God because he laid down his life for us…” 1John 3:16 “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

Friends we should not shut up our hearts to those who have need no matter what a person’s need may be. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother has need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1John 3:17

“If a person comes to us and says he has needs. What are we to do? Tell him to be filled and his hunger goes away, or tell him he will be alright and not listen to his problem.” James 2:13ff. We are told, “ … let us love not in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth.” 1John 3:18.

Brothers and sisters if the chain that holds us to the world is really an umbilical cord, where is our spiritual life. If our life source is the world, how sad.

“He that loveth not, knoweth not God, because God is love. Herein is love, not that we loved God. But that he loved us. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1John 4:10-12

Friday I stopped at a Burger King for a hamburger. I parked in a space in front as I ate. I noticed that after I parked a beautiful Black Bird, with midnight black body feathers and coal black tail and wing feathers, landed in the empty space beside my car. As I ate he very patiently just stood there. I knew that all he wanted was, for me just to toss him a piece of bread from my burger. He would look at me as if to beg for just on small piece. I began to look at him even more closely. Then I noticed that in all his God-created beauty that he was not quite perfect. You see, the bird's feet has three toes that are spread evenly on the ground to give them balance. This particular bird only had one foot so place on the ground. The other foot was deformed and turned back so that he walked on the joint where the foot and leg connects. As I watched, the beauty of the bird really stood out as the dull colored crackles begin to land, and then the aggressive pigeons appeared. None could draw my attention from the Blackbird. He was struggling to stand steady as the strong wind blew. Yet, with great effort he never gave in to the wind but stood firm on his one foot.

The strength, courage, and dedication of this animal really touched my heart. Standing there on one foot, not even indicating that he was so much as even thinking about giving in to his surroundings, it almost brought tears to my eyes as I thought about his dedication to life, how he stood tall among the other birds and how he never gave up on what he wanted. But patiently he waited just hoping for one small morsel of bread. “Oh” but how wonderful it is to behold God’s creation.

Everyday on the streets I see one and usually more of God’s creatures standing on the streets, in the parking lots. For them just “Crumbs Will Do.” I grieve as I think that my emotions are not touched by these creatures as much as by the Blackbird, and they were created in God’s image. But instead of tossing a “Crumb” I try to judge, “…if that person really wanted money he could work, why should I give him my money I worked 12 hours today to earn what I have. Could he really work, or was he like the Blackbird only I could not see it? Was he having as much trouble standing in the wind as the Blackbird? Was I missing the beauty or was I just not looking for it?

“There was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table… And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: The rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lifted up his eyes being in torment.” Luke 16:20-23

I saw the above quote on a man’s cap as I stopped for dinner. And the very first thing I could see was a question mark and the question, “Would he really?” And then I remembered that the Apostle Peter made the same statement to Christ just in a different terminology. Would I die for God and am I living for God? These are very sobering questions.

How close are we following to God? Are we followers as Peter was? One of the first things we notice about Peter’s fall was that he followed afar off.

Just how close do we have to follow to be followers? When I am 5 miles behind a car that I have never seen, am I still following? Too many have never been close enough to Christ to know who He is and what He really is like. We say we know Him, but we don’t act like him. We say we know Him, but we don’t care for others like He does.

Jesus is the way. (John 14:6.) What stands in your way? “And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matt. 10:38.) “If any one desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24.) “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 13:27)

Each of us is different, but we are alike. We each have different features which make us our own individuals. Even though each of us look different, each has different needs and desires. Yet we are still of the same family in creation called HOMOSAPIENS. “Homosapien” makes us unique in God’s creation.

Each of us has our own position in the scope of things. We all cannot be leaders, some must be followers. And some of us are managers while some are employees. It takes all ranks in life to make things work. Even though we are people with diverse talents, we must all be united in purpose to keep our country great.

This is what Paul was teaching in I Corinthians 12 regarding the church. There is but one church. Each of us as members has a different position. All of us cannot be an eye, all cannot be an ear or hand or foot or arm. Where would the hand be without the arm? If the whole head was an eye, where would the ear and the nose be?

Each member of the church is different, and just like each member of the body, each still has a function to perform. With unity of the church just as with unity of the body -- working toward the common good of all -- much can be accomplished. There are weaker members of the body: let’s say the toe. It is necessary for the body to balance itself. “But God composed the body having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for each other.” Vs 24,25.

God gives different gifts to each of us and tells us “…we should desire the best gifts.” And then shows us a more “excellent way.” Vs 30,31.

The best gift and more excellent gift is explained in I Corinthians 13—LOVE.

Love is preeminate, longsuffering, kind, not jealous, humble, self-sacrificing, patient, all enduring, and never fails. “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond (glue) of perfection (completeness)”. Colossians 3:14 “…Jesus…in whom the whole building, being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord…” Ephesians 2:20,21. If love exists no part will feel it is of less importance.

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in MODEST apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” – KJV

This is the only scripture in the New Testament that I am aware of that gives instructions about a person’s attire concerning public dress. So much is said in such a few words. MODEST as it is used here may be different than we normally think of the definition. The word as used in this verse means to not call attention to oneself. The context here is the same scripture where Paul gives instruction regarding the woman’s place in public worship. Paul instructs that women should learn in silence and is not to usurp authority from the man. (vs. 11 & 12) With this line of thought in mind the following points are taught in verse 9:

1. Modest apparel by definition of the word means that a woman is not to dress in a way that would call attention to herself thereby causing those who are worshipping to not be able to give their full attention to the service at hand. This would also cause the authority of the man to be usurped by calling attention to herself by her dress.
2. SHAMEFACEDNESS would better be interpreted SHAMEFASTNESS. Shamefastness or shamefacedness is to mean that a woman is to have a sense of shame or modesty. In Hebrews 12:28, the same word is translated REVERENCE: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
3. SOBRIETY would indicate that a person must use self-control.

Paul’s first statement was “in like manner”. In like manner to what? Verse 8: “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” The woman’s apparel is to be in like manner to men – praying, ‘lifting up holy hands”. The point here is not that men who lead in public prayer is that of lifting up their hands but that of lifting up clean hands (signifying they are morally and spiritually clean). Paul continues his instruction as to how a woman is to dress in verse 10 “But, which becometh women professing godliness, with good works.”

Other scriptures speak of the custom of women’s apparel. One scripture which comes to mind is in Proverbs 7 when a warning is being given to a young man regarding a woman. Here the scriptures say the woman has the dress of a prostitute.

As I was writing this article, I just heard that short-shorts are coming back into style. Short skirts are here now. To be modest, one must address immodesty. Where are we to draw the line?

It is the duty of the older women to teach the younger women to be chaste, among other things. (Titus 2:4-5) It is the duty of parents to “train up a child in the way he (or she) should go…” (Proverbs 22:6) Bringing children up to dress modestly at an early age will set a good foundation for them when they enter their teens and adulthood. It doesn't mean they won't test you, but your good example will position to guide them to better choices.

It is important that our dress be done in reverence because we are always in the presence of God. Both men and woman can dress immodestly or even worldly like a prostitute. We must guard that -- whether young or old, male or female -- we do not lead the world to believe by our appearance that we are a part of worldly activities, but are the servants of God in all things.

DPC 7/5/00

We know nothing about Diotrophes more than is told to us in 3rd John verses 9-11. Although John addressed this letter to Gaius, Diotrophes was a representative of authority in the church. It is not known what his position may have been; it is possible that he could have been an elder or preacher. In any case Diortophes was taking complete control of the church at this location. We cannot know his motives for this control but one thing is for certain he did not want those whom he did not have under his control to come into the church. especially those who were preaching the truth. Verse ten “Neither doth he receive the Brethren,” probably those John speaks about in verses 5-7.

John says in verse 9 “I wrote to the church” and he records that Diotrophes “loveth to have the preeminence” to the extent he would not allow even the letter of and Apostle be read among the church. John’s observation was that “Diotrophes recieveth us not.” Why Diotrophes would not allow even an Apostle or other evangelists to communicate with the brethren of the church is not specifically told. Had the Gospel truths been preached it would have revealed Diotrophes as a person who had an unchristian spirit, and he had not authority which came with his position in the church.

We can learn 7 things of Diotrophes which John instructs us to be aware of and not to follow, which he calls evil in verse 11:
1. Ambition – loveth preeminence – vs 9 trying to be equal with Christ – Colossians 1:18 Christ has preeminence in the church and all things.
2. Self – exaltation – Had lifted himself over the other Brethren – preeminence I vs 9.
3. Slanderous – Prating against us with malicious (Greek word - Poneror – denotes evil which causes labor, pain, sorrow) W.E. Vine. Talking non-sense about others to bring up unjustified changes.
4. Inhospitable – “He refuses to accept the other Brothers or sisters” (NCV).
5. Hypocrite – after his own will but still active lead in the church – Bigot.
6. Judging or discipline without cause vs 10 …”casting those out who accept other brethren.
7. Complete control – lording his will over the church – vs 11 Diotrophes is called evil, not knowing God.

Question is “How can one man gain complete control?

My observation is that Diotrophes may have not been so different as the recent David Koresh who used the scripture and truth as he understood to control his own cult “the church” at that location.

Christ warn us in Matthew 7:15 To beware there are false prophets who are in sheep’s clothing. (Note: They look like Christians, They preach like Christians, They act like Christian, but their motives are to become part of the sheepfold and when the time is right they are ravening wolves preying on the true sheep.)

As a result of the previous elections there are questions being asked concerning the laws pertaining to counting and certifying votes in our country. Both of the presidential candidates are turning to the courts to interpret the elections laws.

I heard a news broadcaster make a statement that there are difficult to keep laws, which are so simple they are easy to understand (i.e. Ten Commandments). There are simple laws to keep that are difficult to understand (i.e. election laws). Simple verbage such as, to be, cannot be understood; therefore the Supreme Courts must be called upon to interpret them. These laws are manmade and cause confusion and needs to have man to make the final decision as to what they mean.

God is not the author of confusion”(1 Corinthians 14:33); therefore does not need any “private interpretation” (1 Peter 1:20) for us to know its direct meaning. The old law was simple, “Thou shalt not”. The new law is just as simple, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38), “Arise and be baptized” (Acts 22:16), “…as many of as were baptized have put on Christ” (Galatians 3”26), “Christ is the Savior of the body, the church” (Ephesians 5:23), “…now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

We don’t need the Supreme Court or anyone to tell us what God instructs us to do; it is just that simple. There are not misused verbs or adjectives, which changes the scriptures.

From the very beginning Satan has been there bringing destruction to mankind. It is this writer’s belief that under the old (Mosaical) law Satan or the devil worked directly upon his prey. I believe this is evidenced many times throughout the scriptures beginning in the Garden of Eden when he tempted Eve while he was in the form of a serpent.

Why would Satan work directly? This would fall in line with this dispensation of the law being a physical law, in contrast to the New Testament, which is a spiritual law. Also, God allowing Satan to do to Job the works he did without destroying him would be an indication of this.

We see further indications of this in the record of the Gospel accounts of the New Testament while the “old Law” was still in effect (examples are in the next paragraph). While in the Garden, Satan had deceived Eve into believing that God did not want them (Adam and Eve) to eat of the fruit of the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” because when they did they would be equal to God. After this occasion God made a promise to Satan when he said, “…I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed, He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15

Satan, the old devil, had worked his evil doings on Eve, Job, the many demon possessed who were brought to Jesus while he was at Peter’s house (Mt. 8:16), the 2 men in the country of Gadarenes (Mt. 8:28-34), the dumb man (Mt. 9:32), and the two men in the tombs. (Mark 5:2ff) Then came the one who would bruise Satan’s head. While Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness by the lord of this world, the devil himself, Christ kicked him in the head and removed him from his lordship when He said to Satan (after he had offered Christ the world if he would fall down and worship him), “Be gone Satan, It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:1-10) And then “SEE SATAN RUN” in verse 11,”the devil left Him.” Satan cannot withstand resistance. Later Christ bound Satan (Rev. 20:2) when He died on the cross (1John 3:8-10) and was raised, which is the ultimate defeating of Satan, that is overcoming death and receiving His glory at the right hand of God.

My friends “BEWARE “…your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (James 5:8 NAS) “Do not give the devil an opportunity” (Eph. 4:27)NAS. Be prepared, “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph.6:11) NAS. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but world forces of darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places. Eph. 6:12 NAS. We are tempted by our own lust. James 1:14,15

Satan knew the words of Christ and practiced them, that if no one will receive you or hear your words shake off the dust from your feet, taught in Matthew 10:14. There are many that will listen and receive.