Evil is real. And so are the tactics of the Devil. As we celebrate Halloween, it is especially important that we recognize that. Many may think such talk is simply the stuff of scary movies. But today, St. Paul urges us to hold our ground, recognizing that the Devil and evil spirits pose great threats to us.
As evening approaches, let us recognize that Halloween revelers can go too far when it comes to celebrating evil depictions. However, we put on the armor of God every day when we wake up and immediately say a prayer of thanksgiving. We put on our armor when we pray the Rosary and when we reverently participate in Mass. We put on our armor when we remember that the word “Halloween” is a contraction of “All Hallows' Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day.
Practicing our faith every day means that we will be much less likely to be “tricked” into straying from God.
Amen... thank you Terence for your important words today...I live with the belief that God and Good will always triumph over evil through prayer, faith, love and kindness...
Thank you very much for your hopeful post, Cheryl. The light of Christ and His goodness and Love are all we need to live in peace. God bless you, Cheryl.
Amen, Terence! Way too much evil in the world as of late. We must turn towards the Lord and pray for goodness always and everywhere. ????✝️
Yes, evil is real not just on Halloween but everyday and everywhere in *** Ephesians 6:12, " Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world!" *** 1 Peter 5:8, "Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up!" *** It starts small until it is not in Romans 1:21, 28-32, "They knew God. But they didn’t honor him as God. They didn’t thank him. Their thinking became worthless. Their foolish hearts became dark...They didn’t think it was important to know God. So God let them continue to have evil thoughts. They did things they shouldn’t do. They are full of every kind of sin, evil and ungodliness. They want more than they need. They commit murder. They want what belongs to other people. They fight and cheat. They hate others. They say mean things about other people. They tell lies about them. They hate God. They are rude and proud. They brag. They think of new ways to do evil. They don’t obey their parents. They do not understand. They can’t be trusted. They are not loving and kind. They know that God’s commands are right. They know that those who do evil things should die. But they continue to do those very things. They also approve of others who do them!" ******* So what do we do? Put on the armor of God y the power of he Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 6:10-11, 14-18, "Finally, let the Lord make you strong. Depend on His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor (6 protective/defensive armor and 1 offensive weapon). Then you can remain strong against the devil’s evil plans...So remain strong in the faith. Put (1-defensive armor) the belt of truth around your waist. Put (2-defensive armor) the armor of godliness on your chest. (3-defensive armor) Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the Good News of peace. Also, pick up (4-defensive armor) the shield of faith. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Put on (5-defensive armor) the helmet of Salvation. And take (6-offensive weapon) the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God’s Word. At all times, (7-defensive armor) pray by the power of the Spirit. Pray all kinds of prayers. Be watchful, so that you can pray. Always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people!" *** I pray for us who are in chains as the Lord's messenger preaching the Good News here at LFFamily in Ephesians 6:19-20, "Pray also for me. Pray that whenever I speak, the right words will be given to me. Then I can be bold as I tell the mystery of the Good News. Because of the Good News, I am being held by chains as the Lord’s messenger. So pray that I will be bold as I preach the Good News. That’s what I should do!"
Christ followers lives look like this in Ephesians 6:13, "So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing!" Amen!!!
Yesterday I read a report that the percentage of children growing up in single-parent homes has tripled in this country since the 1950s. Satan is indeed at work all around us. Children who grow up in single-parent homes do more poorly in school, are more violent, more depressed, have more mental health problems… Eighty percent of these families are headed by mothers. There is now one divorce for every two marriages in the US. Imagine being a working single mother coming home to fix supper, do other household chores, and having the time and energy to discipline her teenaged children. And the boys who survive to become fathers most likely have had no role models to understand how to be a successful father. Please pray to the Holy Family to help these children and their parents to put on the armor of God to protect them “from the wiles and snares of the devil.”
Thank you for a very important message, Joe. Many prayers for the families you mentioned and all families here on earth. May we be light bearers to all we come in contact with and for all God’s children. He created each and every one us and He loves everyone.
The Good News ✝️ *** Psalm 68:5, "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, Whose dwelling is holy!" *** Jeremiah 49:11, "Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive. Your widows too can depend on Me!" *** Luke 11:2, "Jesus said to them, “When you pray, this is what you should say. “ ‘Father, may Your Name be honored. May Your Kingdom come!" ******* Amen (so be it :- ) ✝️
This is such an important thing to remember - centering your Faith is so important!
Thank you Terence. Evil is real and always looking for a place to take root. Thank you LFF for helping to be spiritual protection. Irene, it was so great to hear about your replenishment and I am so happy you had a soul-filling experience at the retreat. Continuing to lift Working Mother and all of those who need an extra hand today. Asking Susan and Juan’s gaurdian angels to continue to be with them during the rehab and healing process. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
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Amen.