LeFors Tribe

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Halloween is around the corner and I was doing some reading about the history and origins of Halloween. I also took some thoughts on how we as Believers behave on this day. This is really for Believers.

Halloween is also called ‘All Hallow’s Eve’. Take note that the celebration of “All Hallow’s Eve” is nothing like America’s Halloween which has gory costumes and haunted houses. It’s different. 2,000 years ago, a group called the Druids (also called pagans) worshipped gods and goddesses. They lived regular lives like many of us and October 31st was a special, holy date for them. They performed worship acts and celebrated on that night and it was because they believed that the worlds of the dead and the living would blur in together. The boundaries between the two worlds were thin and the dead souls would come into the living. It was a special and holy date for the Druids (also called pagans).

(see picture of Druids)

Don’t assume that such religion have become exnict because it is thousands of years old. There are many pagan worshippers all around the world, even in America today. This religion practice has not passed away.

The Scriptures uses the word ‘pagan’ to refer a person that does not worship the One–YHWH (God), the Creator of the Earth. They worship something else, sometimes a wood carving treated as an idol, a rock, or some kind of spirit. It could be something else, too. Those who worship the One YHWH, the Creator of the Earth, and none else are not called pagans. Notice the different identification.

Now, I would like to take a look on certain ways of actions and would you consider them an act of hypocrisy?

Hypocrisy #1? “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Adonai is YHWH in heaven above and on earth below. There is none other.” -Deuteronomy 39:4

We would often tell others that do not believe in YHWH that worshipping other things or gods would not exactly be a good idea because it is evil and not real. It isn’t real because there are no other God out there but the One YHWH that created this Earth. We take the time to explain this concept. Now, we Believers, on October 31 take it to heart to enjoy this special holiday. We get together and have fun and say that whatever happens on that day isn’t real. It’s all fakey- no big deal- all fun.

The Pagans take it that while we say that their gods isn’t real and that it is make-believe, we also find that their special day is fun. The pagans find their special date fun, too. There are no differences between the pagans and Believers. Both take view that October 31st is a fun date. The pagans enjoy worshipping thier gods on that night. There’s really no difference in that sense.

Would you consider this an act of hypocrisy on our part?

Hypocrisy #2? “Do not be trapped into following their examples in worshipping their gods. Do not say, “How do these nations worship their gods? I want to do the same.” - Deuteronomy 12:30

Pagans do have a desire of wanting to do good things. They have a goal of wanting to live a happy life. They do not want to do evil things. During their time of worship, they do not dress up in monsterous costumes nor tell horror stories. It is a holy and special night to them.

We, Believers, often tell Pagans that doing such worship is not the way to go. The gods are only an illusion, a deception from Satan. Also, we say that Satan is a cunning devil always deceiving people. Now, us as Believers, also say that we do not celebrate “Halloween” but rather we celebrate “Fall Festival” at church. Doing Fall Festival at church is more better. It differenates us from those who celebrate Halloween since we do it “AT” Church. It makes Fall Festival holier when done at Church.

The Pagans see that this action of the Believers are absolutely of no difference. The pagans take note that Believers are celebrating “Fall” at their place of worship and they are having fun. The Pagans are celebrating Fall on October 31st at their place of worship. too. There’s no difference. They often wonder why Believers are saying that their gods are not real and why they have said that Satan is a cunning devil but they’re doing the same thing as Pagans. They’re enjoying Fall festival at their place of worship.

Would you consider this an act of hypocrisy on our part?

Hypocrisy #3? Those who have been born into YHWH’s family do not sin, because YHWH’s life is in them. So they cannot keep on sinning, because they have been born of YHWH.” -1 John 3:9

“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires.” -Romans 6:12

The Pagans have no desire of doing evil things, though they do not believe in Satan or sin. They don’t believe that Satan or sin is real, just that wickedness happens because people choose to do bad things. We, Believers, believe that Satan and sin are very real. We believe that Satan and sin have an influence on us.

Now, on October 31st, the pagans really just want to do some worshipping on that night and be around the spirits. While we Believers dress up in costumes and getting into the Halloween Spirit, we may dress up as a murderer, or maybe a costume of a dead spirit. We tell horror stories on that night and we say to everyone that October 31st is a make-believe date. A fun date- all fakey. “We’re just enjoying ourselves”.

The Pagans question our integerity. While we say that everything that happens on October 31st is fake and not real, we tell the Pagans that the devil and his demons are real. We often reply by saying, “Oh, but to us October 31 is just a make-believe night.” The Pagans pretty much agree with that–Satan and Sin are just “make believe”.

Would you consider this an act of hypocrisy on our part?

Hypocrisy #4? “This is the day that the Adonai has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” -Psalms 118:24

While the Pagans worship on that night, they also celebrate that Fall has begun. The date between October 31 and Novermber 1st is important to them. We, Believers, are like that too. We celebrate Fall on October 31st. We may also say that October 31 is also a day that the “LORD” has made.  The Pagans agree with that too. They enjoy and celebrate fall on the same day.

I’d like to point out something: How many days are there in fall season? September 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th….October 1st, 2nd, 3rd…ah, 90 days in fall season. Why are we limiting the celebration of fall to one day, October 31st? We can enjoy nature the way YHWH made it every single day. Fall is a beautiful season. Why limit it to one day?

The Pagans say they celebrate fall on October 31st and they see that tbe Believers are doing the same thing. No difference between the two. Now, why should the pagans believe in YHWH?

Would you consider this an act of hypocrisy on our part?

Hypocrisy #5? “But if anyone causes these little children who trust in Me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” -Matthew 18:6

We Believers often want to keep Halloween for the sake of our children–let them have fun- let them get scared. Let them dress up in different costumes and that will help them with their creativeness. It’s enjoyable and fun. Oh, let’s not forget the candies–let them get lots of candies. “It’s all fine. It’s all good.”

The pagans understand, too. They understand that people want to have fun on October 31st. They understand it. They have fun on that day, too, worshipping their gods.

I want to point out something: Why are not parents allowing their children to dress up everyday, all year around? Let them have fun everyday. Why do we tell the kids, “Oh no no, no do not wear this costume. Save it for October 31st. You don’t want to ruin it. Keep it a surprise. Save it for October 31st!” We should allow our children play and be creative everyday year around. This is the same with carving jack-o-lanterns. Year around parents do not want to do craft work with their kids–they’re not in the mood but come October 31, they work so hard to bring in the Halloween Spirit by helping their kids carve  jack-o-lanterns.  

We actually show Pagans that their customs are really the same customs as ours but we critize them by saying that their gods is not real. We even go far to say that they’re wrong.

Would you consider this an act of hypocrisy on our part?

Hypocrisy #6? “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” -1 Thessalonians 5:22

We, Believers also take the time to explain to people that there are things that are evil and of sin. We also encourage people to abstain from all appearance of evil by not partaking such activities that are considered “sin”. Yet, on October 31st, we, the very same people, take part in everything that is has an appearance of evil–and we think it is no big deal. Appearance of murder–”oh, no big deal”.  Appearance of horrors, such as an act of rape, we laugh and say, “oh man, fake.” Other appearance of evil such as cruelty, blood, and things that come from a “sick mind”. We say of those things, “Far out, wow, so fake.”  The pagans agree with us: “Satan and sin are all fakey.”

Hypocrisy #7? “Live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify YHWH on the day He visits us.” -1 Peter 2:12

Take note that in America, our celebration of Halloween is NOTHING like many nations in this world. We “whip” them big time in our Halloween holiday. Many nations don’t even do Halloween, and if they did, it would not be as significant as in America. Americans go all the way come Halloween and spend lots of money on that holiday. In fact, Americans spend a total of 8.6 billion of dollars in one year on Halloween items such as costumes, candies, attending haunted houses, and decorations bringing a great exposure and glorification of Death.

Then…at the same time, we tell pagans that Death is something they should not seek but rather find Life and that Life can be found in YHWH. We tell them of YHWH’s love.

The pagans are quite perplexed by now. “But…but…you love October 31st, don’t you? Now why do you want me to know your God? We’re the same. We love Octover 31st.”

It has come to a point–a time– that pagans are saying now that we Believers who do not practice what we preach ought to sit down and stop talking–”Who are you to tell us what to do?”

I’m pretty much catching up on their view on this. We do have the intention of wanting to show people the love of YHWH but they see that we are really no different than them. We’re pretty much like them– what’s the point of switching “gods” for them?

This also makes me think of a Scripture in the Bible where Yahushua (Jesus) says that before we want to take a sawdust out of a person’s eye, we ought to turn around and look in a mirror and take the log out of our eyes.  (paraphrased)

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye? You hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” -Matthew 7:3,5

http://www.leforstribe.com/ 

Hello Everyone!

Proverbs is a book in the Old Testament section of the Scriptures. It has thirty-one chapters. The book is…*CHAMP*. It teaches us wisdom. I even had a friend who told me that Proverbs is like a good grandfather. The good grandaddy who you would like to sit under and listen to him tell you wisdoms of his days and so on. The kind that gives you wise advices and experiences that you can so much learn from. Ooooh, yeah.

Out of all 31 chapters of Proverbs, my most favorite is chapter 3. The entire chapter really applies so much to life–the things we see, the things we go through everyday. Oh yes, it does. At anytime when I feel I need to read the Word, I usually go and read Proverbs chapter 3. It has a special place in my heart. I want to share parts of Proverbs 3 with you. 

Proverbs chapter 3 begins its first and second verses telling us not to…not to forget..His teachings. YHWH’s (God’s) teachings and his commands. Why is this so? Because it will give us a long life and peace. Ah, yeah.

“Don’t forget My teaching, let your heart keep my commandments for length of days, years of life, and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1-2

After this, it says to cherish kindness and truth, to cherish it. Why is this so? This is so that people will like you, regard you well and that your reputation will be good. Even YHWH will look upon you and admire you.

“Don’t let kindness and truth leave you….You will find favor and good repute in the sight of YHWH and people.” -Proverbs 3:3-4

Continuing after this, it says to trust and acknowledge YHWH in all things and not to depend on your own understanding. The way you would percieve or measure such circumstances or situations. Why does YHWH want us to acknowledge Him? This is because He will make our paths straight for us. There will be no wasting of time, wasting of energy on our part. He will just guide us and make things turn out smoothly for us.

“Trust Elohim and do not depend on your own understanding, obey Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 

It goes on to say afterwards for us to honor Him and not to decieve ourselves thinking we can do this or that on our own or even so to “abuse” a situation by dishonoring him once or twice. The evil one flees us when we honor him. Why is this so? This is so that sickness will not be in our bodies and that we will be healthy.

“Don’t be wise in your own eyes, reverence YHWH and turn away from evil. It will be a healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” -Proverbs 3:7-8

With our things, wealth, possessions, we must honor YHWH with it. We use our possessions to serve Him. We honor Him with our tithes. Why is this so? Because He will bless us tremendously.

“Honor Him with your wealth and from the first of all of your gains and your barns will be filled with plenty/” -Proverbs 3:8-10

YHWH disciplines us by touching our hearts and we recognize it. We change our ways to please Him. It says not to reject His disciplinary. Why is this so? Because He’s the Father and He loves us. He wants to help us just the same as we help our own children. We teach our children because we love them. This is the same concept.

“Don’t reject the discipline of Elohim because he loves who he reproves…” -Proverbs 3:11-12

After this is a portion that tells us to find His wisdom and understanding. Because finding His wisdom and understanding will bless us with so many things such as long life, and that in itself is a better blessing than gold and silver. Peace, happiness, and joy comes with it. It even explains that the wisdom we have is the same wisdom YHWH used to create the earth, made it rain and designed creatures. Those are His wisdom.

“Blessings of wisdom and understanding…YHWH founded the Earth…”-Proverbs 3:13-26

Also, obtaining wisdom and understanding will help us lead a better life, to live in safety, and even so to have good night’s sleep. You know, when I was growing up, I never really had problems sleeping. Once I got under the covers, I’d just be knocked out and sleep until the sun came up. I had no problem sleeping until recently. For the past week and two I began waking up in the middle of the night and would not be able to go back to sleep. I would toss and turn– attempt to force myself to go to sleep but I would not be able to sleep as good as I would like to. I definitely did not like this. During the day I would be at work, getting things done but I’d feel like I am slumbering though– dragging through. I’ve begun to appreciate good night’s sleep. Apparently, I need to be in my search for gaining more wisdom!

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Your sleep will be sweet.” -Proverbs 3:24 

Whenever your neighbor (or friend) comes to you and say that he/she needs help or need to borrow something, and you have that ability or certain item, do not withhold from helping out your neighbor (or friend) by saying you don’t have anything or cannot help him/her out. Also do not do revenges on your neighbor (friends), do mean practical jokes or spite them because they live next to you. They securely live next door to you. Be friends with your neighbors.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when you are able to do it. Don’t devise harm against your neighbor.” -Proverbs 3:27-29 

Those who are wicked and like to do bad things, or do things wrongly, even hatred, do not follow or covet. Sometimes wicked people appear to have “it made”. They have nice houses and cars. YHWH warns us not to covet them. It’s not even worth it.

“Don’t envy a man of violence and don’t choose any of his ways.” -Proverbs 3:31

And lastly, wise people will recieve honor and fools will recieve dishonor.

“The wise will inherit honor, but fools will display dishonor.” -Proverbs 3:35

I just did a summary of Proverbs 3. It has so many applications for us as we live our lives. There are many “nugget” information we can take for grabs to apply to our lives. Whew, really, the Scriptures is full of wisdom–information on how to live our life. I would like to suggest you all to read Proverbs chapter 3 for yourselves. You will be blessed! Now, because you have been blessed, use that blessing for someone else.

Hello Everyone! It’s fall time–fall season. It’s my favorite season because of….FOOTBALL! I play football and I just love watching football as well. I just enjoy playing football. But, at the same time, though many people may not realize…VOLLEYBALL is something fun to watch and play! Volleyball is during fall season, too.

Recently, my church had a Beach Volleyball League where we would team up and play beach volleyball against each other. My wife and daughter participated in the league. As I was watching them play, there were also other teams playing on other courts. There were about 4 courts. While watching, I became “aggrivated” at the fact how many teams would be so quick to bump the ball over the net–that’s just one pass– rather than passing it two more times before getting it over the net. You can bump, set, and then spike it. This is where the “show” is.  A ball comes over into your court, you bump it, someone else sets it, another player comes by and jumps to spike it and it may hit the ground and your team gains a point. During the Beach Volleyball league, it was very common that the teams just bumps the ball so quick over the net without even attempting to let it be set, then spiked. This somehow bothered me because I knew the effeciency of bumping the ball then setting it and spiking it. I began to let my mind wander and I wondered how it could really apply to our lives. I think I figured something out.

While watching, I tried to figure out WHY the teams often were quick to bump the ball over the net. Was it because the player thought it would be easier than having to pass it to their teammate to set the ball then spike it? Y’know, this play requires SKILL. I will have to bump the ball into the right area for the player to properly set it to the right location and the right height for the other player to jump and spike it over the net. The spiker will also have to jump at the right time and the right length to spike the ball over the net and have it hit the ground. This play requires skill. It requires practice. It requires working hard. But being able to do this play does provide the best results than just passing it one time over the net quickly. Maybe for the time passing it one time over the net works, and you’re gaining points, but we have to realize that it is much more effective if we bump it to the next player for him/her to set it so that the other player can spike it over the net. Chances are high that you will get points doing it that way than just passing it once quickly over the net. Your hope is that the opponent would make a mistake for you to have an advantage in gaining points.

 While watching, I realize this is the same way with faith. F.A.I.T.H. in YHWH (God). When I say faith, I’m not talking about one’s belief, “I believe in “So-So and that’s my faith. I’m fine. I’m good.” No, that’s not what I’m talking about because that is not the real definition of “Faith”. The real definition of faith is evidence of something that you cannot see–things that you are hoping for. In Hebrews 11:6, it says that when we come up to YHWH, we must believe that He’s real and that He is a rewarder. We are rewarded through our faith. This is because you cannot see YHWH and the things you are hoping for. Not being able to see YHWH with your eyes and the things you are hoping for, both combined, is called FAITH.

As I was thinking, we can live with “easy faith” like those who play volleyball passing the ball once quickly over the net. They just play “by ears” and hope the opponent fails. Living like this is like “accepting whatsoever comes our way”, “Oh, so this happened to me, oh well, what can I do?”, “Perhaps this is God’s will?”, “Bad things happen to us, That’s life.”. It may be percieved as something with “good attitude”. They’re really hanging onto dear life– trying to get pass it and really, this is not the effective way to go. They’re just ignorantly passing through life taking in whatever is coming their way.

Now, compare that life to people who actually practice faith. People who actually stand on the Word believing in YHWH for healing, trusting completely that YHWH will meet all of their needs, and things like that. This life is like the team that plays volleyball effectively; bumping the ball to the setter so that the setter sets it for the spiker to spike it. Maybe we may make mistakes and fail to do this the right way, but with working on our faith and practicing on it, in the long run we will become very effective in life. Just like volleyball. Bump. Set. Spike. Bump. Set. Spike. Bump, Set. Spike. Bump. Set. Spike. Playing the “pass once quickly over the net” is not as effective as playing “Bump. Set. Spike”. “Pass once quickly over the net” is living a “get by” life- sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. When you get through it, you will look back and say, “wish I knew a better way to get through this.” “Bump. Set. Spike” is doing it again and again and standing on faith to beat it always.

The question we can ask ourselves is: “Do I want to be on the “pass once quickly over the net” team or the “Bump. Set. Spike.” team playing much effectively?” The choice is yours.

Be blessed!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to YHWH must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6