Hobgoblins scurry about like little urchins born to make trouble. Shapeless fears and uncanny superstitions can burst your bubble. Half-buried ghosts whispering lies can turn your resolve into rubble. Fluttering temptations, these ugly hobgoblins cause evil to double! “Forbidden fruit is most delicious,” unannounced, one entices. Of their motives to harm, well-hidden, they mumble not a word. Battering your defenses, they overcome by intoxicating your senses, Leaving the lines between right and wrong hauntingly blurred. With my ears plugged by their lies, my heart grows cold and hard. Then I snap and turn on those I love, leaving relationships marred. Addicted to pleasure, enslaved, I’m corrupted by ungodly thinking. Like clockwork, my body reacts to the poison I’ve been drinking. The consequences are falling heavily on my frame and heart. Diseases of the body and soul are too soon tearing me apart. “Why didn’t I listen to Mom and Dad, or my friends and pastor? I now see they simply tried to keep me from courting disaster!" "They all moved away to somewhere else, leaving me abandoned here. With shattered dreams and dashed hopes, my only companion is fear.” “Now, will you listen?” whispers another Voice, both distinct and small. “I tried to direct you. But it was your choice that led you to this fall.” “Is that really You, God? But how can I come now?” My mind unravels. “Riddled by guilt, I’m covered in shame and my life is left a shambles!” “Will you turn away from your self-centered ways and trust in My love? Then I’ll receive and restore you as my son and teach you to rise above.” In awe, I ponder and wonder, “Do you really mean it after all I’ve done?” With a tenderness so sweet, yet so strong, God replied, “I sent the Son I love. As My perfect Lamb, His blood was spilt to take away all your sin and guilt. It’s no disgrace that He died in your place to offer you a new life from above. And you’ll become a living stone in the Holy Spirit’s temple, now being built.” “This is now your time. It may not come again. Will you entrust your life to Me? Walk with Me and live in My presence to receive fullness of joy and divine favor. My Spirit will comfort, empower and guide with Jesus as your peace. You’ll see. I will be your God and Father with Jesus as your Bridegroom, Lord and Savior.” October Thirty-First is Reformation Day, honoring the Church reformed to live by faith. November First is All Saints’ Day which comes before All Hallows’ Eve or Halloween. They all belong to God. If you’re born again, you’re a saint; so live by faith and celebrate!
