LOVE THY LITTLE NEIGHBOR!
Sunday’s Monday
In lieu of the upcoming highly controversial holiday that is upon us, I wanted to put a new spin on the way God has shown it to me. I realize that most Christians are okay with Halloween but those that aren’t, hate it. I also know that those living without Jesus, run pretty much parallel to the same statistics as a few studies have revealed. Sides does not even enter into my new train of thought because it is not about likes or dislikes. I’ve been given the vision of love thy little neighbor! If we dislike Halloween, we should look for ways to teach that instead of griping and complaining. Now this next remark may seem a little odd to most, but you got to know that putting a new dress on a pig just gives you a more acceptable pig. If you see Halloween as satanic and you believe it to be a sin, don’t dress it up. We must wise up to the fact that Halloween (the holiday) is one day a year, and our children (God willing) will live 365 days in that same year, how much are we in their lives during that 365? As adults, we have been given the task of protecting the children and I have to tell you, we’re failing miserably. Some go above and beyond in protecting and teaching the children while the majority are MIA. “If we fail to example the virtues of Jesus to our children, generations will fall prey to the evils of this world as we lose countless little lives to the enemy of our soul! PAL.
The vision that I received this week. Remembering when I was a small child, I was not a huge fan of the dark especially if I was already in a scary setting. I remember walking from my grandfather's fishpond which was one-tenth of a mile from the house, I guess I was around 12 in age, and it was late, about 11 p.m. To get home I could walk the paved highway that ran between a big patch of woods that was grandpa’s and a big empty hay field. I had walked it a bunch growing up, but this was my first time alone at night, in total darkness, with no flashlight and no moon. I could not believe the noises that came from those woods and to make matters even worse I could see eyes shining in the field. I didn’t get very far until I went into panic mode which grew stronger with every new step. It didn’t matter how fast or slow I walked, the sounds stayed right beside me until I saw my dad appear directly in front of me, he stood 10 feet tall (dad was 5’1”) and looked like Superman. My whole being was instantly filled with relief as love overshadowed every fear and when Daddy took my hand and said don’t be afraid, I got you. I knew everything was alright and that is what many of our children don’t have or didn’t get.
Dad went on to become addicted to alcohol and develop cancer, but it was after he taught me a valuable lesson that I failed to realize until 11 years after his death. He taught me that I could never be that guy, the invincible, strong man, alone! There has to be a motivator to stir one into action. Someone persistent in drawing out “the you” that God created to complete His plan and fulfill your purpose. It often helps to remember the feelings of that 12-year-old in the dark and what it feels like to have a savior. My favorite verse applies to children as well as to adults; Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT), 24- Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25- And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Imagine how this would work on a child seeking love, hope, protection, provision, guidance, and someone to love them. Remember, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world!”
Lord, I ask that this year instead of concentrating on this one day, have us embrace the opportunity with Joy and gladness. Have us look at who is involved and accept the children for who and what they are (Your creation). Remind us that we may have a role in your plans for that child's life. Lord help us to realize that you’ve won the war and if there are battles to fight, you’ll pick them. Show us how to receive and live your truths before all your creations and to know how you feel about children and widows. Lord, help us be to the kids exactly what they need from you. Help us live Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NLT), 5. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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