OCTOBER FIRST WEEK LETTER

AS HALLOWEEN APPROACHES, CHRISTIANS--LET'S PRAY 

Choose Light Over Darkness

A Christian Message for Halloween  October Monthly Letter “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 As October arrives and Halloween approaches, I believe Christians have an opportunity to stop, pray, and remember where our hope and protection come from.

Halloween is often presented as simply a night of costumes, candy, parties, and fun. Yet many images associated with Halloween—witchcraft, demons, spells, death, fear, darkness, and the occult—should remind Christians of the importance of spiritual discernment.

The Bible tells us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

We Should Be Alert—but Not Afraid

Spiritual warfare doesn't happen only on Halloween. The enemy seeks to influence hearts and minds throughout the year. But as Christians, our response should never be fear. Our response should be faith, prayer, truth, and the Word of God.

God tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the schemes of the enemy. That means this October is a good time to pray intentionally over our children, grandchildren, families, homes, schools, churches, neighborhoods, and communities.

If our families participate in fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, neighborhood gatherings, or other activities, let's pray before we go. Let's ask God for wisdom about what our children see, wear, watch, celebrate, and participate in.

And let's teach them something even more important: Jesus Christ is greater than darkness.

People Are Not Our Enemy

We also need to remember an important part of Ephesians 6:12: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.

People are not our enemy. Our neighbors are not our enemy.

People who celebrate Halloween differently from us are not our enemy.

Instead of responding with hatred or condemnation, let's pray for people, love them, and show them the light of Jesus Christ. Christians should have discernment without fear, conviction without hatred, and courage without condemnation.

Put On the Armor of God God has not left us defenseless.

He tells us to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation—and to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

We don't overcome darkness by becoming consumed with darkness. We overcome darkness by walking in the light of Christ. Not everything our culture considers harmless is necessarily spiritually beneficial. As parents, grandparents, and Christians, we should prayerfully consider what we allow into our homes and what we teach the next generation.

But our focus should always remain on Jesus.

We should never magnify darkness above the power of God.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

A Prayer for Our Children, Families, and Communities

Heavenly Father, As we enter this season, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

We lift up our children and grandchildren to You. Surround them with Your protection. Guard their hearts and minds, and give parents and grandparents wisdom and discernment. Father, we pray over our homes, schools, churches, neighborhoods, and communities.

As families participate in fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, and other activities, help us represent Jesus in everything we do. Clothe us with the full armor of God. Help us stand firmly on Your truth and carry the sword of the Spirit—Your Word.

Lord, give us discernment without fear, conviction without hatred, and courage without condemnation. Help us remember that people are not our enemy. Teach us to love our neighbors, pray for them, and show them the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Where there is fear, bring peace. Where there is confusion, bring truth.Where there is darkness, shine Your light.

May our homes belong to You. May our children know You. May our families serve You.

We choose faith over fear, truth over deception, and light over darkness. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Darkness Does Not Get the Final Word

As Halloween approaches, let's not spend our time being afraid of darkness. Let's spend it shining the light.

Pray for your children. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your community. Open God's Word. Put on the full armor of God. And look for opportunities to show someone the love of Jesus.

Halloween may contain images of darkness, but darkness does not get the final word. Jesus does. ✝️

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Thank you for reading our first October blog letter. 

If this message encouraged you, please share it with a friend, parent, grandparent, or family who may need this reminder.

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