“A Bountiful Harvest”
Many people look forward to October with great anticipation. If you’ve lived through a hot, parched summer, the cool fall weather that October brings is a relief! For farmers, it’s harvest season–a time to reap the rewards of challenging work. For hunters it’s time to head to the woods. For golfers it’s a cool time to hit the links. For my mom, my sister, and Linda– it’s their birthday month.
October is also the month that many celebrate Halloween. Some do it for the candy, costumes, and craziness that this season promotes. Many, however, celebrate it for a darker spiritual context. But there is a way to transform a festival rooted in evil into one that honors God and all His provision. I love what Exodus 23:16 says,
“Celebrate the Festival of the Harvest with the first fruits of the crops you sow in your field.”
This instruction was given to the Israelites on their desert journey. This instruction still holds true for us today. Even in this time of high inflation, escalating gas prices, and a war in Europe we still have much for which to thank the Lord of the Harvest. And our gratitude and thankfulness can also be a powerful witness to a spiritually starving world.
There are many ways to celebrate this harvest season and have a wholesome, healthy, God-honoring celebration. Years ago, my good friends John and Cheryl Carnwath celebrated the whole week of Halloween where they decorated their basement, front yard, and back yard with scenes depicting the saints who suffered for their faith. Sure, they gave out candy(c’mon now…got to do that!)…but they also were able to share the gospel and stories of people who died for their faith.
Many churches also promote “trunk or treat.” Members of these churches park their cars with trunks full of goodies so the kids can safely trick or treat in the church parking lot. Even if you don’t do this but have candy for costumed revelers knocking on your door, you can always put Christian tracts in the goody bags along with sugary sweets.
Linda and I fondly remember living in Lake Zurich, Illinois when she was Women’s Ministry Director for Harvest Bible Church. In October, the whole church went all out for the Fall Harvest Festival. There were games, rides, contests, great food, and even a live concert that drew so many families from the surrounding area. This was a wholesome event that celebrated the harvest and all of God’s blessings. Visitors also heard a clear and compelling gospel presentation.
There are many ways to celebrate this holiday month that can have a positive eternal impact. But, whatever you do, you can expect that the enemy of our soul will be out to cause all kinds of havoc…from the scary movies to outright spiritual warfare. If you’ve never considered the impact of spiritual warfare and how to counter it, please download the Spiritual Warfare Prayer and Scripture Guide HERE. It will be well worth printing off, reading, and praying!
Whatever you decide to do for the month of October, make it a celebration of God’s love, protection, and provision! We’d love to hear your story of God’s abundant harvest in your life. If we can pray for you or you need ideas for how you can shine God’s love and light into your neighborhood, drop us an email at reen.waterman@navgators.org.
