Trick or Treat? Is Halloween Really Harmful?

Halloween marks the beginning of the fall season and is proudly celebrated by American children each year. Costume parties, newly released horror movies, and tons of candy are circulated in and around October 31 in celebration of a mysterious night of magic and adventure.

What could be so wrong about Halloween? After all, most people who celebrate the occasion are not witches. The majority of homes decorated with Jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and bats are owned by upstanding citizens and church-going families. If they are not doing anything “evil,” what’s so wrong with having a little fun?

The concept is actually quite simple. God’s Word condemns the partaking of anything once offered to idols. Since this holiday began as a pagan ritual to honor a false God and is currently the “holiest” day for modern-day witches and Satanists, our Father is not pleased with our involvement (Acts 15:29; 21:25; 1 Cor 8; 1 Cor 10). The Bible commands us to stay away from any appearance of evil, which includes murderous films and images of witches and ghosts (1 Thess 5:22). We are commanded to be holy (1 Pet 1:16). Is there anything holy about a celebration of death and fear?

Let’s take a closer look…

SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2)

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

EVIL INFLUENCE PRODUCES EVIL WAYS

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

DIVINATION, WITCHCRAFT, SORCERY AND MAGIC ARE EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations [people] before you” (Deuteronomy 18: 10-12, NIV).

ABSTAIN FROM THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

FEAR IS NOT OF GOD

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

DO NOT IMITATE PAGAN PRACTICES

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the ways of the heathen…” (Jeremiah 10:2).

GOD WILL REWARD THOSE WHO FORSAKE WICKED PRACTICES

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Halloween Traditions

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

(Colossians 2:8)

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION. Halloween began hundreds of years before Christ as a Celtic celebration called Samhain. Samhain, the Celtic god of the dead, was honored during this celebratory feast marking the beginning of the new year. In the 700’s AD, the church decided to integrate the feast with a celebration of departed saints, and transformed the celebration into All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day, to be observed on November 1. Witchcraft movements of the Middle Ages also contributed other symbols such as witches, black cats and skulls. America was introduced to the concept of Halloween by Irish immigrants during the mid-1800’s. As more time passed, our modern day observance of Halloween was developed.

TRICK or TREAT. During the ancient celebration of Samhain, celebrated on November 1, it was believed that the barrier between the dead and the living was at its thinnest. On the eve of the feast, October 31, many expected to be reunited with their dead relatives, and believed that visitation was possible throughout the night. Celtic priests, call Druids, were given the task to protect the people from ghosts or spirits of the dead during this time. Bonfires were lit throughout the village to guide the dead, and food was left out as a “treat” for the returning spirits. It was believed that pleasing the dead in this manner would prevent them from performing “tricks” on the citizens.

COSTUMES. As time elapsed, descendants of the Celts continued this tradition by dressing up as spirits and going from home to home demanding treats. If refused, they often placed a curse upon the crops or the household. Generally, the groups were led by one person dressed in a while robe and a cow’s skull. This person also blew a horn to warn citizens of their arrival.

JACK-O-LANTERN. The pumpkin in America is simply a symbol of the autumn season. Jack-o-Lanterns were carved during the Samhain celebration and lit with a candle to help guide the spirits of the dead to the homes of their families.

YOU DECIDE

Accept the TRICK of the enemy
OR
Accept the TREAT God has prepared for you…Eternal Life!

BELIEVE on the name of Jesus Christ. Know that He is the Son of God, and that He has died for your sins (Romans 10:9; Acts 16:31).

CONFESS your sins to God and settle your faults with men. (Romans 10:10).

REPENT from your sins by changing your ways and beginning a new life in Christ (Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38).

FELLOWSHIP with other believers and attend a Bible-believing church (Romans 10:14-17; Hebrews 10:25).

STUDY the Word of God daily (2 Timothy 2:15).

PRAY daily for yourself and others (Matthew 21:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

PROCLAIM that Jesus Christ is Lord and forsake the teachings of false doctrines and religions (Psalm 81:9; Matthew 22:37-78; Acts 4:12).

WITNESS to others about God’s love (Matthew 28: 19-20).

Copywright 1998 for Joy of the LORD Ministries.

Prophet of God, BECOME the Word!

Glory to God!

Last Wednesday, I was blessed to see my 30th birthday. For many, that may not have much significance, but it marked a large victory - one of faith - in my life. Since childhood, the enemy had convinced me that I would never see 30 years old. Even throughout my lifelong plans, I could not picture myself past 28 or 29. It was simply a concept I couldn't fathom. When my birthday rolled around, I suddenly came down with the flu, and was baffled by it.

"Father, what is it about this birthday that is so important?" I just had to ask God. I was immediately reminded of the the ministries of Jesus, John the Baptise and even Ezekiel. Each of these great men of God began their "active" ministries at the age of 30. Well, I'm one that doesn't believe in coincidence. By no means am I claiming to be as great as these, but what I am saying is this - God is doing a new thing in me, and I am humbled by it. Whatever He has assigned me to do, only I can do in His perfect will. Such is the case with each of us who are called to ministry - a specific assignment awaits and must be fulfilled. The Lord let me know that He would open my eyes to see His heart in a way I never have before, so that I can become effective in the prophetic office.

So, thus began this "newness" of revelation for ministry. First, the Lord instructed me to redesign the website for Joy of the LORD Ministries. Personally, I liked the old design, but God led me to create something more user friendly - something focused more on ministry and relationship with Him, rather than Joy. He needed a clear salvation message and a clear opportunity to present the Word via the internet. Then, the LORD led me to read Prophetic Ministry, a book by T. Austin Sparks. In the book, Sparks' main point is that the nature of the Prophet is to actually become the emodiment of the Word of God. I found the concept quite interesting, but was also challenged by it. Finally, the Lord led me to begin an in-depth study of Ezekiel. He is preparing me for a new level in the prophetic. The Father has given me a Word for the prophets in this day - Prophet of God, BECOME the Word!

By the understanding of most, a prophet of God is His mouthpiece. The prophet speaks forth the Word and will of God. According to God's Word it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. So, why is it that God's mouthpieces, the prophets, often speak things that are contradictory to God's heart, or His eternal purpose? God is dealing with His prophets about prayer. If you truly walk in the office, I'm sure you have felt the tug of God in this area. We have been taught so long to pray what we feel is right, but God is not pleased. We should not attempt to comfort those with whom God is angry. The Lord is just. So, he grants blessings and curses, awards and punishment. We must seek God to the point that we know His heart, even when it is not favorable toward His people. If the mouthpieces of God speak forth that which is contradictory to His heart, we have disobeyed and nullified the Word of God. Woe unto us!

Prophets of God, the Father is calling us into a ministry of correction. As in the days of old, the day has come when God's prophets will not be liked and favored. The Word of the prophet will be feared by some, but we must speak for the Word of God as He gives it to us. This is not the time to expect riches or favor. The fact that the prophetic has become a fad is a slap in the face to our Father. God is not pleased, so the Word of correction MUST COME FORTH. As with Ezekiel, if we do not warn in this season, the blood of the lost will be on our hands.

Speaking of Ezekiel, I must share the revelation God gave me concerning him. As the Lord prepared Ezekiel to deliver His word, Ezekiel was instructed to literally BECOME the Word he was to prophesy. The Lord had him to ration his food, baked with dung. He rationed his water and lay on his side to represent the lamentation that would come forth over Israel and Judah. Yes, God had Ezekiel live out the very Word he was to speak. In this manner, Ezekiel would understand the heart of God, and be able to speak it from a personal point of view. Even with Hosea, God had him marry an harlot. Why? So Hosea's own life would portray the very disappointment and betrayal God felt from His people. Such was the case with many of the Old Testament prophets of God. Even in their flesh, they carried with them the very words God gave them to deliver.

Prophets of God, are we willing to sacrifice our own comfort to actually BECOME the Word of the Lord? It is time for intercession like never before. Fasting and lamentation are truly before us. There is a birthing process that must take place, but the travail comes before the victory! This is not a time to celebrate, but a time to seek God and mourn for the sin in our land - even in the very churches. God's rath is upon us, and we must speak forth! We cannot tolerate sin. HOLINESS! HOLINESS is the desire of our Father.

People of God, this is so urgent. Everything IS NOT ALRIGHT! Sin is rampant, so why are we comforting the people and acting as if the lives they are living are acceptable? We are still prophesying cars, businesses, houses and husbands. For some, this may be God's desire, but He is much more concerned about holiness, sanctification and ministry. God does not bless disobedience, so we must examine ourselves before speaking forth in God's name. Shall a man gain the whole world and lose his soul? Not so. So, we must stop prophesying differently!

AMEN

Warning to the Prophet: Do Not Compromise

I know it's been a while since Prophetess Tonita shared this Word, but God has just been repeating it and rehearsing it in my Spirit ever since...

God has been dealing with me about people and their cunning deception. So many people are seeking a "Word", but they're really only running after the prophets of God, hoping they will speak cars and houses over them. Saints of God, that's just not God's focus right now. Yes, He wants His people to prosper, but what profits a man if he gains the world, but loses his soul? The Father is looking for holiness. Right now, in this season, God is concerned with the salvation of His people. He is looking for souls - He that winneth souls is wise.

The Father is tired, just as the Prophetess has spoken. God will do, as He has in the past. These are the days when even the very elect will be deceived. And God, himself, will send deception to the very prophets. Why don't we believe it. Would God really send a deceiving word to a prophet? Yes, just as he said in the Scripture shared by Prophetess Tonita.

Ezek 14:9 [The prophet has not been granted permission to give an answer to the hypocritical inquirer] but if the prophet does give the man the answer he desires [thus allowing himself to be a party to the inquirer's sin], I the Lord will see to it that the prophet is deceived in his answer, and I will stretch out My hand against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel.

Now, I admit that I struggled with this. Then, the Lord took me to 2 Chronicles 18...

¹NOW JEHOSHAPHAT had great riches and honor, but was allied [by marriage] with Ahab.

²After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance and for the people with him and persuaded him to go up with him against Ramoth-gilead.

³Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead? He answered, I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war.

⁴And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Inquire first, I pray you, for the word of the Lord today.

⁵So King [Ahab] of Israel gathered together the prophets, 400 men, and said to them, Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up, for God will deliver it into the king's hand.

⁶But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not another prophet of the Lord here by whom we may inquire?

⁷King [Ahab] of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is another man, Micaiah son of Imla, by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, for he never has prophesied good for me, but always evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

⁸And King [Ahab] of Israel called for one of his officers and said, Bring quickly Micaiah son of Imla.

⁹The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat each on his throne, arrayed in their robes; they were sitting in an open place [at the threshing floor] at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; all the prophets were prophesying before them.

¹⁰And Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made himself horns of iron, and said, Thus says the Lord: With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.

¹¹All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper; the Lord will deliver it into the king's hand.

¹²The messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him, Behold, the words of the prophets foretell good to the king with one accord. So let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.

¹³But Micaiah said, As the Lord lives, what my God says, that will I speak.

¹⁴And when he had come to the king, King [Ahab] said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go up and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

¹⁵And the king said to him, How many times shall I warn you to tell nothing but the truth to me in the name of the Lord?

¹⁶Then Micaiah said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd, and the Lord said, These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.

¹⁷And King [Ahab] of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good to me, but evil?

¹⁸[Micaiah] said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing at His right hand and His left.

¹⁹And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said this thing, and another that.

²⁰Then there came a spirit and stood before the Lord and said, I will entice him. The Lord said to him, By what means?

²¹And he said, I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets. And the Lord said, You shall entice him and also succeed. Go forth and do so.

²²Now, you see, the Lord put a lying spirit in the mouths of your prophets; and the Lord has spoken evil concerning you.

²³Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and smote Micaiah upon the cheek and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak to you?

²⁴And Micaiah said, Behold, you shall see on that day when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.

²⁵Then King [Ahab] of Israel said, Take Micaiah back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son,

²⁶And say, Thus says the king: Put this fellow in prison and feed him with bread and water of affliction until I return in peace.

²⁷Micaiah said, If you return at all in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me. And he [added], Hear it, you people, all of you!

²⁸So Ahab king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.

²⁹And [Ahab] king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and will go to the battle, but you put on your royal robes. So King Ahab of Israel disguised himself, and they went into the battle.

³⁰Now Syria's king had commanded his chariot captains, Fight not with small or great, but only with the king of Israel.

³¹And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat [of Judah], they said, It is the king of Israel. So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

³²For when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

³³A certain man drew his bow at a venture and smote King [Ahab] of Israel between the lower armor and the breastplate. So Ahab said to his chariot driver, Turn, carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.

³⁴And the battle increased that day; however, King [Ahab] of Israel propped himself up in his chariot opposite the Syrians until evening, and about sunset he died.

Ahhh! Look at God! The Word says He sent a lying spirit into the mouth of the prophets. Why? Because an ungodly man inquired about God's will with the wrong intentions! Bless God. Saints, we must get this!!! We are not to throw our pearls to swine. We are not to waste our ministry gifts on EVERYBODY. As Prophetess Patterson stated once before, it's not our duty to pray for everybody, prophesy to everybody or preach to everybody. If the person's desire is not to draw closer to the Father, why do we entertain them? Why are we concerned with telling them what they want to hear? They need to hear the truth. The truth is that destruction is coming. Holiness is right. Repentance is required. God is tired of their mess!

I bless God! This is so liberating for me. Ministry must be done according to God's agenda. Mechaiah knew God, and did not entertain sin nor sucumb to the pressures of the "crowd." He knew not only the voice, but the heart of God. My God! Now, this speaks to real RELATIONSHIP. I know the voice of many people, but when I know how they feel and think, that's indicative of relationship. God is asking, "Do you know my heart, or are you only able to recognized my voice?" Hallelujah! See, this is the key. If the prophets knew the heart of God, they wouldn't have been deceived by the spirit sent by God, even if it "sounded" just like Him. Glory to God! See, I know my Daddy's voice in the natural, but I also know his personality because I have a RELATIONSHIP with him. If he called and said something crazy and told me to do something outside of character, I would automatically know something was wrong, even though I recognize the voice. Relationship, Relationship, Relationship!!!!

The gifts are without repentance, but deception is in the camp. God's very elect are being deceived. Saints, we must get to know Him like never before. Even in ministry, we must be led by the Father rather than the thing that seems, looks or feels right. To God be the glory!

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Original Message - by Prophetess Tonita Patterson

A Word of Warning About Compromising This is not a time that we agree with SIN...Purification the Wind is BLOWING to clean the House...Do not try to please man... Kosomos (the world) do not want the TRUTH...It is offensive to them...Some of you are being tested WHO are you going to hold onto..MAN, their opinions their ways, their love...or to God His Word, His Move, His authority.... Ezek 14:7 For anyone of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who separates himself from Me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity {and} guilt before his face, and [yet] comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of Me, I the Lord will answer him Myself! Oh I have a WARNING to the PROPHETIC Ministries...Many have turned they back on God and they are seeking you to pacifier....there sins....Many do not want their stuff exposed...The Church is holding on to their gods and do not want to let go of them...When the WINDS (the blowing of the shofars) blow You have two choices to get anchored or blow away...Do not let them come with their woo is me stories and conjure up a WORD to make them feel good!!! Ezek 14:8 And I will set My face against that [false worshiper] and will make him a sign and a byword, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people; and you shall know (understand and realize) that I am the Lord. God is not doing this thing in the dark...Exposure is coming to the light...Cutting off from His presence will be VISIBLE and OPEN...He does this because He have to show that He is LORD!!! There is a way that seems right to a man the end of there is death...Be silent and kill people...Speak only that what God is saying do not tickle the flesh.... Ezek 14:9 [The prophet has not been granted permission to give an answer to the hypocritical inquirer] but if the prophet does give the man the answer he desires [thus allowing himself to be a party to the inquirer's sin], I the Lord will see to it that the prophet is deceived in his answer, and I will stretch out My hand against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel. There are some that are trying to get as many people as possible to agree to their sins....If they get some one to say that was not God that rebuke them then their ego and pride grows the more...They want someone to say God is graceful and He will bless you with in your mess...Do not agree to sin...You can not pray some one out of sin..The Word must be given.... Ezek 14:10 And they both shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the iniquity of the [presumptuous] prophet shall be the same as the iniquity of the [hypocritical] inquirer, Ezek 14:11 That the house of Israel may go no more astray from Me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions, but that they may be My people, and I may be their God, says the Lord God. All of this happens Because God wants HIS house to not stray any more..OH GLORY!!!! What ever it takes to keep me in YOUR PRESENCE in Your House Lord...Do not take your presence away from me....

Yes, Lord!!!

Praise the Lord!

This is not a post like most. Instead, God has me in a place of reflection today. A place where He is dealing with me on such a massive scale, as never before. I praise God for His goodness and His mercy. I am so thankful for the blood that Jesus shed, and I feel so privileged to even be called a child a God.

As I sat reflecting and praying, I felt such a peace. This is a peace like none other that I've felt before. I feel as if nothing can separate me from the love of God, and what a wonderful feeling that is! I've often stressed about bills, worried about my children and struggled within my marriage. While all those things are important, I am confident that the God I serve can make everything all right! Hallelujah! What a blessing it is just to rest in the bosom of our Father!

On Saturday, August 27 of this year, my life began a new transition in the Spirit. Amongst a company of prophets, I was ordained into the prophetic office, and God began to speak to me on an entirely different level. I thank God for Apostle and Prophetess Patterson. They have truly been a support to me during this shift in my life and ministry. I had no idea of all the changes that would take place in my, and so quickly. Yet, this man of woman of God have stood by, prayed for me, and mentored me from day one.

Much to my surprise, everything in my life began to shift. Even the people around me began to change. Some distance themselves while others were drawn closer. Despite my personal feelings, I could see God moving in every bit of the transition. Now, the Father has me in a quiet and alone place. I'm far from lonely, yet alone where I can hear His voice clearly. I am so humbled at all that I'm learning. I'm even amazed at all that God is brining to my remembrance...all I've gone through and experienced in preparation to walk in the new anointing upon my life. To God be the glory!

The Father is requiring more of me, and I want nothing more than to please Him. I desire to be used in ministry. I am ready to fight and operate in heavy spiritual warfare. People of God, time is winding down. God needs His soldiers in place, ready to work and fight - tools in one hand and weapons in the other! Yes!

I thank God for this ministry opportunity and for all He is doing in my life. Please pray for me, saints of God, as the transition continues. Each day brings a new revelation. I am excited - excited about ministry and excited about the move of God in my life. At the same time, I'm sober and conscious, knowing the enemy is working like never before. Yet, I have said "yes" and have no intention on changing my mind!