Matthew 16:26, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

     My wife and I were able to get away for a quick overnight celebration of our anniversary. No kids, no appointments, just us. Sort of like before we were married. We decided to go to Newport, Rhode Island and take in a different culture. I was in for quite a surprise.

     We planned our morning to visit the Newport Mansions which are situated along the coastline. They were constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries as “summer cottages” to society’s richest of the rich. I had heard of them before but didn’t pay much attention.  I changed my mind as soon as we drove through the “neighborhood.”

     For the low cost of $23 a person(!) we could visit 2 mansions of our choice. We decided to start with the biggest and best. It was owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, highly successful railroad and steamboat entrepreneur from the 1800’s. He is still ranked as the 2nd most wealthy man ever in the U.S. Bill Gates is ranked 5th. This man had some serious wealth.

     Upon entering the grand foyer we were amazed at the incredible and ostentatious display of wealth. Granted, this was built during the Gilded Age, an era of showing it all off. Pure self-indulgence and pride. It was a beautiful home/palace/castle/summer cottage. There was exquisite attention to detail and those details were covered in gold. While the main structure was being built, the inside was carefully crafted…in France. These rooms were then disassembled , shipped to Newport and built again. One of the first pre-fab houses,” our tour guide quipped. Words cannot describe the grandeur of this place. You have to be there. They wouldn’t even let me take pictures of the inside…they want you to go there and experience it.

     For 3 hours I saw first hand how the ultra wealthy lived in that time. As we wandered through I realized something. These people probably were not saved. I don’t know if Cornelius Vanderbilt accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. On January 4, 1877 he left his Newport mansion for a meeting in New York. Just before 6pm he said to his wife, “I think I am dying.” Within 5 minutes he went out into eternity. He certainly didn’t expect that.  All that money couldn’t buy him another minute of time.

     I wouldn’t trade my salvation for all the wealth in the world.  The value is priceless. It’s been paid in full with the blood of the Savior. He’s made it even ground for all to enter into Heaven. Poor and rich alike, we all have to enter through the same gate. Sure, we’re impressed with what money can buy and may even fight covetousness now and then. Heaven will only put our earthly riches to shame. Streets of gold and gates of pearl, the grandeur can only be imagined. Someday, maybe soon, it will become our reality.

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

     Before I make anyone upset with my biblical opinion about Halloween, let me digress. As a kid, we always went trick or treating. My grandmother’s house (who incidentally was a godly woman) was home base for a night of friendly candy mongering. I couldn’t wait. It was second only to Christmas as far as getting loot was concerned. Other than the years where we checked candy bars for hidden razor blades(!), Trick or Treating was fun and delicious.

      When my first son was 3, we dressed him up in a cute lion outfit and decided to make a go of it. The first few houses were fine and then we came to the party house. You know, the one with grave markers, cobwebs, and witches hanging from the trees. A scary guy in a bloody mask answered the door. It really wasn’t fun any more. My 3 year old was scared.

      As the years have gone on, we stopped going trick or treating all together as it became more apparent that it’s not really a holiday that Christians should observe. We resorted to leaving a basket of candy with salvation tracts attached on the front porch. In the morning I would go and pick up the tracts and candy wrappers from my front yard. We’ve finally come to the point where we won’t participate in any way whatsoever.

     Halloween today has become big business. It is second only to Christmas as far as sales go. People love to decorate their houses and themselves with things of the dark side. Most people don’t even understand the reality of what they’re representing. Look at the picture above. Click on it to get a better view.This house is loaded with skulls, witches, jack-o-lanterns, graves, and ghosts. And this is only half of the front yard. The front door has a digital clock counting down the days until Halloween. I was amazed at the variety.

     I chose the verse “Abstain from all appearance of evil” as a very appropriate one for Halloween. If nothing else, Halloween is all about the appearance of evil. Halloween desensitizes children to evil things. The problem is that they and their parents don’t believe in evil. What better way for Satan to blind people than by setting evil in a “fun” atmosphere. The truth is, Satan is a real being. Evil is a real force.

      I don’t have the space to write about the history of Halloween. You can follow this link to Wikipedia which has an in-depth explanation of the holiday. Take the time to look at it’s roots. There’s nothing good about it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

      I can understand why Halloween is so popular. For a Christian however, it is not appropriate. the main theme of Halloween is death. The Bible calls death the “last enemy”. Jesus Christ conquered death. Our kids should learn that it is not a holiday that the Holy Spirit would enjoy. Our churches should not have Halloween parties. Churches should  however provide a place for families to go on Halloween. This year we are having a fun night with games, preaching, and eating. No evidence at all of Halloween. It will be fun, filling, and most of all honoring to the Lord. I pray you will do the same!

     I understand that stopping trick or treating can be a difficult move with kids. They’ll accuse you of not loving them! It will be worth it the long run. After a couple years of  not doing it and replacing Halloween with something better, they won’t even care about trick or treating. Do right and the Lord will take care of the rest.

     I appreciate any opinions you may have (even those contrary to this post). Take a minute to sign in and leave a comment…it will be a blessing to others. Thanks, Marc

 Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

     There are certain songs that stir me more than others. I particularly enjoy singing “How Great Thou Art” with the congregation. I should clarify that.  I like to make a “joyful noise” as the Bible says. It may not be considered singing when I am by myself.

     When the congregation sings with one accord, it can be a very powerful time of worship. When you realize that you are truly reverencing the Lord of the universe, a good song can move your heart. The Lord is worshipped and you are blessed. There’s no better way to begin church. I am so thankful to be in a church that still sings the old fashioned hymns in the old fashioned way. No contemporary music here, but that’s another post.

     I feel so strongly about the importance of good godly music that I try to have it playing whenever I can. We’ve got good cds at home and with the internet we typically have the option of streaming some good songs throughout the day as well. One site that has good music for the most part is AbidingRadio.com. Another is OldChristianRadio.com. I’m sure there are others, I just haven’t researched them all. You won’t find any contemporary “Christian” music at these sites. There’s nothing worse musically than so-called Christian lyrics set to the world’s music. Not only does it sound irreverent, but it comes across sounding like the piece is “trying” to fit in like the world’s culture. Like it can be just as “cool” as the world. It’s not happening.

     We are encouraging our kids in the area of music as well. It is important to understand the role of good music in relationship to God. I will not push my kids to become proficient at an instrument or voice if it will only be used personally. Good music will honor the Lord and edify the believer. It should be used for those purposes. What good is a prodigy if he will only use his talent for himself? I know of a very talented Christian musician who is not using his talents for the Lord. His goals are secular. That makes me sad.

     Music is a very powerful medium of expression. Our musical talents come from the Lord. It is up to us to choose how we will use them. Contrary to some opinion, music is not amoral. There is good music and there is bad music. There is a right kind of music to be used in worshipping God. There is music in Heaven according to the Bible. I’m sure it’s not CCM.

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 Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

     I happened to pick up a copy of the Wall Street Journal last week as a headline caught my attention. One of the sections was titled, “The Mystery Worshipper” in reference to churches hiring consultants to secretly evaluate their premises, people, and programs. Just as department stores and restaurants employ this same tactic to improve their service, many churches are using outside firms to integrate today’s marketing tactics and drive “parishioners” to their churches in order to “keep their flocks.”

     I don’t think it is a bad idea to evaluate from time to time our churches and ministries in order to better serve and glorify the Lord. The Bible says we are to be good stewards of all that God has given us, especially the local church. We do want visitors to come to a clean, friendly, and more importantly, spirit-filled assembly. I don’t think we need to hire an outside firm to do that.

    There’s a self-imposed obligation within certain churches today to give people what they want on Sunday morning. These churches have a growing and ever-changing menu of so-called worship selections catering to every personality type out there. Perhaps the most influential of this movement is Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in California. His website offers 8 different worship “venues” according to your mindset  (and age) of preference. If you like a little Rock-n-Roll mixed with your Bible, they’ve got it. Maybe you’re just in the mood for some upbeat “praise” mixes from the worship team. If you are too old and too slow to enjoy these, then sit back and enjoy the “traditional” worship venue. Don’t even get dressed, you can come in your pj’s and flip-flops if you’d like.

     This is fast-food American Christianity at it’s worst. It really is a reflection of American society in general. It’s all about my needs, and my comforts, and my feelings. We are a selfish people. In 1974 Burger King came up with the slogan, “Have it your way.” This should be the slogan of many churches today. When John the Baptist came preaching he did not cater to the masses. What was his message? Repent. Very simple. It is a message that cuts across time, culture, and personality type. According to the Bible we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Every human needs to repent and be saved. Eating the fast-food worship of today, a person might feel good for a short time. But just as you will be hungry soon after eating Burger King, the hunger in your heart returns. So you go back for more. And you get hungry again. Maybe you start feeling sick. Eventually, if you eat too much, bad things start to happen. Finally, you stop eating altogether.

     It is time for a return to the simple message of the Bible…Repent and believe the gospel. We don’t need any crutches. We don’t need a praise band. We don’t need a motivational speaker. We need to come humbly before an Almighty God. The real church slogan should read like this…”Have it His way.” It is time to put down the burger and partake of some good ol’ meat and potatoes. Now that’s real food!

 Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

      I have forgotten the fine taste of a pb&j. Sure, I occasionally partake for a quick fix when my stomach is growling but on the whole, I’ve let the kids eat my portion. Last week however I had a tastebud rebirth. I put some peanut butter on one slice of bread, and some strawberry jam on the other. (For those with kids you know that jam spreads easier than jelly or preserves). I was surprised how much I enjoyed it, especially with a glass of milk. I’ve had a few more since last week. My wife even inquired if I had eaten “her” crunchy peanut butter. I cannot lie.

     What does this have to do with anything? I’m not sure. I suppose the point is that a lot of people are rethinking their menus in these uncertain financial times. It’s not ham and cheese sandwiches all the time for lunch anymore. Ramen noodles are making a comeback. (That’s another story). It is amazing how fast a grocery bill can add up for a week’s worth of food.

     In the above Psalm David writes timeless words of encouragement. Words that we can hang our anxieties on when times get tough. He’s lived to see the Lord do mighty works. He’s old now and knows that God does not forsake or leave His children. It sure does seem like He’s not around at times. That’s when you’ve got to get into His Word. Psalm 37 is great for picking up your spirit when you are down.

     God worked in David’s day and He’s still working today. In the midst of all the current global unrest, He still has a plan for each person. It may not be clear yet, but hindsight is 20/20. That is when we will kick ourselves for not trusting patiently in His wisdom and timing. He’ll never leave us nor forsake us, and we’ll never have to beg bread.

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Mark 10:13-15, “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

     We like to complicate things. Humans have the innate ability to confuse, confound, and complicate the most simple things in life. It is not enough to say that God created man. Scientists work their entire lives on a most elaborate idea that life evolved. We make machines to try and replicate the so-called “Big Bang” moment of the universe. Here’s the simple answer to that problem…”In the beginning God”.

     When it comes to the big question of life after death, man has added so many avenues and answers that it is all so confusing. It’s no wonder many people give up and just wait ”until they they get there” to see what happens. Satan is the author of confusion and he has done just that. He has blinded the world to the simple message of salvation. Faith + nothing= Salvation. How much more simple can you get?

     If God’s plan were any more involved, it would be salvation based on works. He has made it a free gift and all we have to do is accept it. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  I would think that everyone at some point ponders the question of life after death. May we be able to give that answer when the opportunity arises. May we tell of the Savior’s simple plan and gift of eternal life.

Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

     I don’t know what it is like to be a Christian teenager involved in the local church. I was a teenager once. I was also a Christian then. I was not involved in church at that time. I’m sure that the temptations and pressures are just as real to a “church kid” as they are to any other kid. With the protection and leading of the parents , I would hope they would honor the Lord with their lives. Sadly however the problem usually starts with the parents.

     The other day someone I know overheard a group of Christian teens. The discussion was about two horror movies. Red flag right away. What is the deal? Why are they watching these things?  I can’t answer that. I see Christian kids embracing the world howbeit ever so subtly as well. Kids embrace the current fashions, hairstyles, and entertainment of the world. Why? I think there are two significant answers.

     Mom and Dad don’t walk the talk. Sure, everyone goes to church faithfully but they leave the Lord there. Kids don’t see their parents living out what they profess. They don’t “catch” them praying or reading their Bible. They see what they watch on TV. They hear sarcasm and a lack of love in their conversations. What do you expect? Training begins in the home.

     The other important factor for this failure is not being desperate enough. Christians in America are probably the biggest spiritual wimps in the world. I speak generally. You know if you are one. We are reaping the fruits of yesterday’s believers who fought and sometimes died for our privileges today. We are not persecuted very much. We are not being jailed (yet). We are not being killed. We are not desperate for the Lord! We don’t depend on Him like we ought. Therefore our kids don’t see Him working mightily in our lives.

     I don’t want good kids. I want godly kids. I want them to serve the Lord in their younger years. I want to stand before Jesus Christ on that day and be able to say I raised my kids for Him. Good is not good enough. Our goal should be godliness and it certainly begins with us. May we raise our kids to be holy as He is holy.

Psalm 24:1-2, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.”

     How and when can we indoctrinate people with falsehood? Well, give them a bowl of cereal when they’re kids!  Forgive me for my sarcasm but it makes me sad. The pic for today is the side of a cereal box we had in our house. It tells how kids can help “save” the planet. That would imply that the earth is in danger of being destroyed! My, how egotistical the human race has become. Not only do we think we can destroy the earth, but we are also smart enough to “save” it. Pride is alive and well on planet earth.

     The environmentalist movement has become a religion in itself. Taken to it’s extreme it is nothing more than old-fashioned earth worship. Mother Earth if flexing her feminist muscles. Bow down before her before she kills you. It is sad that this is what we are teaching children. We are so concerned with saving the earth we give little thought to saving our souls! That’s what’s important! Let God take care of managing the earth. He’s quite capable. We need to be concerned with where we will spend eternity. That is the most important decision anyone can make. It is not remembering to bring your own bags (cloth only!) to the grocery store.

     Now before anyone accuses me of bad earth stewardship let me post this disclaimer. I have the utmost respect for God’s earth and all His creation. I love the outdoors and I make my campsites as if I was never there. I don’t litter, I don’t abuse animals (but I eat them), and I use a recycling bin weekly for my plastics. I love this place but I love God more. This earth is not going anywhere. Our souls however have the option of Heaven or Hell forever.

     “He’s got the whole world, in His hands, He’s got the whole world, in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands.”  A simple yet truthful answer to the entire environmentalist worry list. May we trust Him more.

 Daniel 2:20-21, “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”

     Happy Autumn! It never fails to amaze me how fast life is going by. This is one of my favorite times of the year, weather-wise. The Lord’s colorful creation comes to life in the autumn leaves of New England. I was thinking the other day on the fine arts…music, painting, photography, etc. As talented as many people are in these areas, they pale in comparison to the Master Creator.  We are mere copycats of the original Designer!

     With autumn comes a change of weather. We are also living in a time of change as a nation as well. I thought the above verse was appropriate for today. The Lord is sovereign over all activities here on earth. The times and seasons are under His watch. Even the rulers of the earth are subject to God’s approval. When the Bible says He is sovereign over all things, all means all. That is a great comfort in times like these.

     No matter which way the election goes this November, no matter how high the price of oil climbs, no matter how expensive a dozen eggs might cost, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes. Though the world changes with every new wind of doctrine, Jesus is unchanging and reliable. Pray that we would trust Him more and more as the days of our lives go on.

 James 4:13-15, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”