HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH (English & Spanish)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH?

(1 Th 5:5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Many Christians have questions regarding Halloween. Should Christians decorate their houses in this theme? Should we send our kids out trick-or-treating? Wow, what a loaded question! But let me give you some things to think about:

- Each Christian must make their own decision on how to celebrate any festive day whether it be Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. And we shouldn’t judge each other on this decision. Listen to the apostle Paul on this: One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Rom 14:5)

- We must ask ourselves, “Does it glorify God?” Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.(1 Cor 10:31)

- In regards to Halloween, we must keep in mind the scriptural prohibition of any kind of practice (and I might add symbolism) of witchcraft. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

- The Bible says we are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Jesus is the Light and we are to shine His glory. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of the light. (Romans 13:12)

- Remember we have the Holy Spirit, not the unholy spirit represented in symbols of a devil, a witch, or a ghost. True power is from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and we don’t need to be tapping into or even flirting with the power of darkness.

- Christians are into the theme of life, not death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

I hope this helps you to think along the lines of a transformed mind (Romans 12:2). Be led by His Spirit in all you do for yourself and for your children. Ask God for wisdom in all your decisions in regards to your family celebrations and plans. And remember, you are a child of the light!

Louie

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Del Pastor a Las Ovejas

(1 Tess 5:5) porque todos vosotros sois hijos de luz e hijos del día. No somos de la noche ni de las tinieblas.

Muchos cristianos tienen dudas con relación al Halloween. ¿Pueden los cristianos decorar sus casas en esta época? ¿Pueden mandar a sus hijos a pedir dulces? Wow, ¡son preguntas difíciles! Pero dejame darte algunas cosas para meditar: 

- Cada cristiano debe tomar sus propias decisiones sobre como celebrar cualquier día festivo, ya sea halloween, Navidad, Pascua, etc. Y no debemos juzgarnos unos a otros en esta decisión. Escucha lo que el apóstol Pablo dijo sobre esto: "Uno juzga que un día es superior a otro, otro juzga iguales todos los días. Cada cual esté plenamente convencido según su propio sentir." (Romanos 14:5)

- Debemos preguntarnos, “¿Glorifica esto a Dios?” Entonces, ya sea que comáis, que bebáis, o que hagáis cualquiera otra cosa, hacedlo todo para la gloria de Dios. (1 Corintios 10:31)

- En cuanto al Halloween, debemos tener en mente las prohibiciones bíblicas en la práctica de (y debo agregar símbolos) de la brujería. (Deuteronomio 18:9-14)

- La Biblia dice que somos hijos de la luz y del día. No somos de las tinieblas o de la noche. Jesús es la Luz y nosotros debemos brillar con Su gloria. Debemos dejar las obras de las tinieblas y ponernos la armadura de la luz. (Romanos 13:12)

- Recuerda tque tenemos al Espíritu Santo, no el espíritu impío representado en los símbolos del diablo, una bruja, o un fantasma. El verdadero poder viene del Espíritu Santo (Hechos 1:8) y no necesitamos estar jugando ni coqueteando con el poder de las tinieblas.

-Los cristianos representan la vida, no la muerte. "Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, pero la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor Nuestro" (Romanos 6:23)

Espero que esto te ayude a pensar como debe hacerlo una mente transformada (Romanos 12:2). Se guiado por Su Espíritu, por bien tuyo y el de tus hijos. Pide sabiduría a Dios en todas tus decisiones en cuanto a las celebraciones y planes de familia. y recuerda, ¡eres un hijo de a luz!

Luis 

(Translation by Maura Cathey)

SUPERSTITIONS

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

SUPERSTITIONS 

(Psa 56:3) Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 

It’s interesting, if you think about it, how superstitions are still a part of our culture and makeup.  If you do this then that might happen.  Do this or wear that and then you’ll have good luck.  We find it among baseball teams on down to everyday life even in an educated society.  We know the occult is wrong but is it wrong to be superstitious?  What does the Bible say? 

Let’s review some common superstitions: FRIDAY THE 13^TH: Friday has long been considered an unlucky day (I thought it would be Monday!)  According to Christian tradition, Jesus died on a Friday and 13 has a long history as an unlucky number.  BLACK CATS CROSSING YOUR PATH: Most likely, this superstition arises from old beliefs in witches turning into cats. WALKING UNDER A LADDER: When you walk through the triangle you may awaken spirits that live within the triangle that might harm you. BREAKING A MIRROR: Since a mirror was thought to be a reflection of the soul, breaking a mirror was harmful to one’s self and you would have bad luck for seven years. OPENING AN UMBRELLA INSIDE: When the umbrella is opened inside, and out of the way of sun's rays, it offends the sun god and would bring back luck to those in the house. THROWING SALT BEHIND YOUR SHOULDER: In olden times, it was frequently said that the devil was always sitting just behind your left shoulder. When you threw salt at him you would be buying him off or getting him off your back.  And the list goes on.   

Now those who are into superstitions have also developed a way to get rid of the bad omen that has come their way. RABBIT’S FOOT: Interestingly, rabbits feet have been a symbol of good luck since at least 600 BC when Celtic people in England would kill rabbits possessing certain attributes that were seen as beneficial to the bearer of the lucky charm. KNOCK ON WOOD: Because things are going so good, this is the habit of knocking loudly to keep out evil spirits from making things go bad. CROSS YOUR FINGERS: Anything associated with the shape of the cross was thought to be good luck.  This list also goes on too! 

I love the story in Acts 28 of Paul being shipwrecked on the island of Malta.  One day Paul went over to a wood pile to help stoke the fire since it was so cold.  As he did so a viper came out of the pile and fastened onto his hand.  He shook it off and the people according to their superstition thought he was a bad person being paid back by fate.  But nothing happened!   

As believers, we believe the Lord is in control, not fate or a force or a fiend.  Good or bad comes at the hand of God (Job 1:21, 2:10).  But we know God is good and works all for good (Psa 119:68; Rom 8:28). When we are fearful we can pray and put our trust in Him. When we do we will sense a beautiful peace inside and mercy will surround us (Col 3:15; Psa 32:10). Don’t knock on wood!  Knock on heaven’s doors and watch God’s blessings come your way! (Mat 7:7-11)    

Louie  

FRIENDSHIP

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

FRIENDSHIP

(Pro 17:17) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Friendship is one of the most rewarding aspects of life. Having a good friend to experience life together is truly a gift. Sharing common interests, communicating thoughts and feelings, and being there for each other during the good and bad is all part of a significant relationship. What does the Bible say about friendship? How can we be a good friend to others?

First of all we must realize that a good friend is from the Lord. (Jms 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… You have heard it said that if you have one or more true friends you are a truly blessed person. And that blessing is from above. He knows just what you need and sends that person in your life for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). If you look back in your life you will see that a friend came into your life at just the right time. Perhaps you were kind of lonely and you prayed for a friend. The Lord provides social connections just as much as anything else we need in life.

Now that we have a friend it is important that we nurture that friendship. That takes time and good communication. It takes an investment of energies. It takes commitment. Sometimes it takes sacrifice. It also takes loyalty because a friend loves at all times…not only in the good times but in the bad. You will be there for each other in the highs and lows of life. (Rom 12:15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. You will support each other in all aspects of life…even when a dumb decision is made and consequences come about. You will agree to disagree agreeably and amiably. You will respect each other’s opinions. You will be a good listener and a good communicator. You will have a good sense of humor and take nothing personal. No matter what happens you will always stay together and pray together.

Good friends will also argue and fight at times. How can you not? Just think of how two fallen people are bound to bump into each other and get hurt. This is when you want to believe the best and overlook the faults of others. (1 Pet 4:8) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Cor 13:7-8) (Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails... At other times you will have to speak up and work it out. (Luke 17:3)…If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Your relationship will become stronger through these times of testing.

Remember also these important truths: Do not be unequally yoked with a unbeliever (2 Cor 6:14-18). And remember that true love comes from the Lord. It is Jesus loving you through that friend. He gets all the credit because He is the author of love (1 John 4:8). And a final note is the most important: When you don’t have a friend, Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother! (Pro 18:24)

Louie

EMPTY CHAIRS AT CHURCH

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

EMPTY CHAIRS AT CHURCH

(Heb 10:25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

As we gather to worship our King

Around the room is a curious thing

Not only do we see who’s there

But scattered about is that empty chair 

What causes a seat be lone?

Is someone sick or depressed at home?

Did they stay up late or are sleeping in?

Are they losing their fire because of some sin? 

Now Bobby’s got a decent reason

He’s on vacation, it’s hunting season

And Joe, he’s on a business trip

It’s just a week, that’s why he skipped 

The Jones’ we haven’t seen in awhile

He got that raise, they’re up in style

And the Williams, if I heard it right

Have soccer so their time is tight 

Max and Sarah aren’t getting along

How can they sit and sing a song?

Jose and Mary they’re all tied up

Working on their house and stuff 

A game’s on TV, a political debate

I’m pressed for time, I don’t want to be late

A garden to plant, and bills to pay

Maybe we’ll go some other day

Lord, I can see that empty chair

Fill them up so all can be here

Revival, Lord, is what we need

Hear our prayer in all due speed 

Louie

PEOPLE PLEASING

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

PEOPLE PLEASING

(Gal 1:10) For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Are you a people pleaser? Do you have a hard time saying no to others? Do you feel it’s your responsibility to make everyone happy around you? Do you make decisions to please people that you regret later? Then it looks like you may be a people pleaser for sure! Why do some have this tendency and how can a person overcome this weakness? Well, like anything else we struggle with the solution is in the Bible. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say.

In the book of Acts the disciples were told to not preach any more in the name of Jesus. That didn’t set right with them as they were told by Jesus to go everywhere and preach the gospel (Acts 16:15). So this is how they replied: But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) Don’t you love it? They had the capacity to say no to others and yes to what they knew was right. How did they do it? Where did their strength come from? Their boldness came from the desire to please God rather than man.

Jesus said something quite amazing: (John 8:29) And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” May that be the desire of every follower of Christ! To always please the Lord and not to please man. But it’s interesting when we please the Lord then it also trickles down into our relationships. (Pro 16:7) When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. But in between the time people will get mad that you didn’t do what they wanted. But eventually you just may gain their respect because you stood for what was right when you were under pressure to do the opposite.

It is deep in many of us to be liked. No one wants to be rejected. So in that desire to be accepted we may go a little too far in pleasing people. This inclination could lead us to compromise our values and do things we never set out to do (Pro 29:25). It could lead to burnout because we say yes to everything and fail to pray about it (Josh 9:14). It surely leads to frustration because we find ourselves living for the approval of others when our goal is to live for Christ and His commendation. (John 12:43) for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

When are we going to learn that we are not responsible for other people’s happiness? They have to rely upon God for that. When we people please we are taking over God’s job! No wonder this way of living wipes us out. Yes, we are to serve others as our Lord taught us but we are not their savior. When we people please really no one is pleased…including God, ourselves, and even that other person. So let’s please the Lord because that is so pleasing!

Louie

POLITICAL DEBATES

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

POLITICAL DEBATES

(2 Tim 2:24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

It’s crazy how things can get before an election.  The political rhetoric and mudslinging can get out of control.  This is the juncture where a lot of people get so upset over politics and the state of affairs in the government with the issues that are in the forefront.  It can get crass as people go for the jugular.  It’s because things have hit a nerve.  And when a nerve is touched there is an instant “ouch!”  You lash out at the cause of the pain.  People can only take so much and then there will be an outcry.

There are a few things to keep in mind when things amp up politically and we feel that sense of justice against inequity.  First, we must realize that the Lord is in control.  God appoints leaders as He seems fit.  (Rom 13:1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. You may have heard it said that God puts leaders in control that we deserve!  (Pro 29:2) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 

Take a look at Bible history.  We find that God used ungodly nations to bless as well as harass Israel.  It all depended if they were in line with God’s commandments or not. (1 Kings 11:14; 2 Chr 36:22-23).  Then as we get into the New Testament we find that God used Cesar over a tax issue to get the child Jesus from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy! (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7)  The plan of God will get worked out no matter who is in office!  (Pro 21:1) The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Remember who is King of kings and Lord of lords!! (Rev 19:16) 

These are the last days.  God’s people need to realize that in these dark times God will take care of us and our loved ones.  His covering hand will be with us and then Jesus will come to take us home!  Until then we are protected and provided for through His loving oversight of our lives.  Yes, we should be concerned and do what we can in the political process, but remember that this world is not our home.  We’re just passing through!  (Phil 3:20)  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The world’s not going to be right until Jesus reigns!  (Hab 2:14) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Based upon this we can be at peace and not get caught up in argumentation based out of frustration.  No one is in control except Jesus!  He’s got the whole world in His hands!!  Now we can dialog with others with peace in our hearts and we can disagree without losing our temper and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).  It’s a fallen world but not for long!  Maranatha!!

Louie

DO ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD?

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

DO ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD?

When you go somewhere you’ve never been before you usually look on a map or get online directions. You find that there are more ways than one to get there. You take into consideration the mileage, etc. and you finally make your decision. In ancient days they had a saying that all roads lead to Rome. If you got lost you would eventually see a sign that said Rome was this particular way. Is that the way it is with God? Do all roads lead to Him? Can you choose from any path and will it eventually end at His doorstep? That’s a good question and many people are asking that in their hearts even if they don’t seek it out practically.

There is a common voice out there in our world that says all roads do lead to God. The world is more united than it used to be. We can thank modern travel and the internet mostly for that. People are coming together like never before. There is a respect for not only diversity but also a cry for unity. Within that openness is a respect for each other's beliefs and world-view. In the desire to become one there is also that tendency to join in the voice that says all roads lead to God and that though religions are different they all are a vehicle to a common destination. That might be a good-feeling statement but is it true?

Jesus had been talking about heaven and His coming again to take His disciples there. His disciple Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:5-6) He said He was the only way to the Father. That's pretty exclusive. He said elsewhere that His road would not be popular. (Mat 7:13-14) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

After Jesus' departure from earth and return to His Father, His disciple's proclaimed the message that only one road leads to God and that road is Jesus alone: (Acts 4:12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." So today if we bend to the notion that all roads lead to God we would be distancing ourselves from what Jesus and His followers taught.

To get to my house I can give you many different choices because our southern California freeways are so extensive. But to get to God's house you have to go through His Son Jesus. You might say that's elite and limited but to me it's simple. I like simple. Don't give into the prevalent spirit of the day that says to embrace all. You might ruffle some feathers but speak the truth in love. (Eph 4:15). We’re not out for some popularity contest. Salvation is serious business. Sometimes the truth hurts but it would hurt more if we gave people wrong directions and they ended up being lost forever!

Louie