Halloween and The Face of Evil

Evil is real. It is not a Hollywood creation, nor a fictitious element of the Halloween holiday. Evil also has a face, and it is not Michael Myers. - Clint Decker 

October 31, 1978, teenager Laurie Strodes was in a fight for her life against 21-year-old psychopath Michael Myers. Laurie defended herself, stabbing Michael in the neck with a knitting needle, in an eye with a clothes hanger, and then with a large knife in the chest, leaving him for dead--or so it seemed. (Image by pixabay)

Michael rose one final time to choke Laurie to death when suddenly, Dr. Samuel Loomis, Michael’s psychiatrist, came frantically running into the house looking for him and fired six shots into Michael, saving Laurie and sending him over a second-story balcony to the ground. Loomis walked over and gazed at Myers’ motionless body. But when he went to check on Laurie and came back, Michael was gone. The classic horror movie Halloween ends with the eerie sound of Michael’s heavy breathing in his mask, set against an iconic musical score.

The movie was the most successful independent film ever produced at the time and launched the modern horror movie cinema. Halloween and other similar movies prey upon our natural human interest in the mysterious, the curious, and the forbidden, providing viewers with nightmares as a parting gift.

The movie aptly illustrates a spiritual truth—evil lurks in the darkness. The Bible says, “…people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” (John 3:19) It also portrays how evil can instill the most debilitating fears in us, making it seem as if that “scary” boogeyman cannot be stopped, giving him supreme control over us.

Evil is real. It is not a Hollywood creation, nor a fictitious element of the Halloween holiday. Evil also has a face, and it is not Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees or Pennywise. It is the Devil. He is also known as Satan, the Angel of Light, the Accuser, and the Father of Lies. Jesus said of him, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) He goes about as a god of this world and like a roaring lion, trying to intimidate, tempt, and devour the unsuspecting.

Does the Devil or some other evil entity lurking in the shadows have the final say over us? He wants you to believe he does. However, Jesus, the Lord over life and death, has something to say: “…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) If there really were a Michael Meyers, he would tremble in the presence of Jesus, the Son of God.

Once Jesus came upon the evilest of men, who was filled with demonic spirits that recognized Him and said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” (Mark 5:7) The Devil and his demonic minions knew who Jesus was and feared Him.

When Jesus suffered and died at the hands of evil men in the most torturous way—crucifixion—all hell rejoiced. The face of evil celebrated. However, on the third day, the Devil and all evil men and women under his spell were alarmed to find Jesus’ tomb empty. He had risen! He had defeated the Devil, death, and evil with the mighty blow of His all-powerful resurrection. The Bible says that Jesus “…disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15)

Always remember the goodness of God triumphs evil. The light of Jesus dispels darkness. The courageous faith of a Spirit-filled follower of Christ stands in victory atop every fear.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I confess how I have cowered under the thumb of fear. I pray you will deliver me from the forces of evil and darkness that have captured me. Lift my eyes toward You, the King of kings and help me to fear them no more. In Your Mighty name. Amen.

What is True Freedom?

Freedom is the heart cry of the human soul. - Clint Decker

Zuri screamed, “Mommy help me!” as her slave master, Mr. Nafi, beat her for accidently dropping and smashing a cup of tea for him. Zuri and her family were heartlessly kidnapped and sold for money by members of their own East African tribe to Arab slave traders. For 13 years on the seas, they served their cruel master. One day while in port Zuri was sent on an errand to purchase something for Nafi. The businessowner, Mr. Yacoub, took notice of Zuri as he was securing what her master requested. “What ship do you come from”, Yacoub said. When Zuri mentioned it, he replied, “I know it well and your master.” It was a popular slave port. Yacoub said to Zuri, “Let me go in back and give your master something extra for holding you a little long.” Yacoub came out, gave her a special item, along with an envelope for her master. (Image by Magnific)

When she returned and gave Nafi the envelope, a large smile came over his face as he read and shouted “Yes!” Then he called Zuri and her family together, and told them to quickly gather all their things, “You are no longer mine. Off my ship. Leave! You are Mr. Yacoub’s now.”

When they arrived at Yacoub’s business he welcomed them exclaiming, “Praise God! You are the third family this month.”

Yacoub offered Nafi one month of food and other goods in exchange for Zuri’s family. For 10 years, Yacoub had been using the profits from his business to buy slaves and set them free. Why was he so passionate about this, because he used to be just like Zuri.

Some say that “freedom is the heart cry of the human soul.” But what exactly does freedom mean? Some think it means that you can say and do whatever you want. In that case, was Mr. Nafi free? He was free to buy and sell people and treat them as he chose. His freedom though, took away Zuri’s.

What does the deeper meaning of freedom refer to? What does slavery or imprisonment represent? Evil bondage. Why individuals (or even societies) need freedom is because they are bound by something sinister, that can be something within or without. Zuri needed freedom, because she was bound by something without. Her slave master. What about Mr. Nafi? He was a slave as well, bound by something within. Jesus once said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) Nafi was enslaved to greed, hate, anger, pride, selfishness and cruelty. He looked at Zuri as the slave, but really, he was a slave too and did not know it.

Jesus declared about Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) What does truth have to do with freedom? Jesus also stated, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

What is true freedom? The ability to do and say as you want? No. Real freedom is found in the truth of Jesus. When He came from heaven to earth to suffer, die and rise again for all people, He did it to see humanity free from the evil within. For those who have trusted Christ they are able to agree with these words, “For freedom Christ has set us free…” (Galatians 5:1)

Originally, we were created by the Lord God to be free, however, because we chose to go our own way, we became enslaved to our selfish passions and impulses, hurting ourselves and others. You no longer need to live this way. Today, step into the rivers of freedom like Mr. Yacoub and let the waters wash over you. 

A prayer for you – Lord God, I am bound by my own vices, impulses and pleasures. No more! Set me free. Today, I turn to Christ and by His power I will no longer hurt myself or others. Unbind me, O God, that I might follow you with all my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Goes to Heaven?

It's always assumed at funerals that loved ones have gone to heaven. However, God is the guardian of heaven, and He's laid out the only way people can receive entrance. - Clint Decker

U.S. law states, “It is unlawful for a citizen of the United States, unless excepted under 22 CFR 53.2, to enter or depart, or attempt to enter or depart, the United States, without a valid U.S. passport.” Did you know that just as a nation has laws for leaving or coming across its boarders, so God has laws on who can enter His heaven? (Image from NIV Bible)

There was once a man named John, who had a vision of this heaven. One day as he looked up and saw a door opened in the sky above, he suddenly heard a voice that said, “Come up here…” (Revelation 4:1)

What John saw when he stepped through that door was breath-taking. His attention was drawn to a large throne. What he saw was no human physical appearance. Instead, there was a supernatural form described by John in terms of colors from the most beautiful gems. Surrounding the throne were 24 smaller ones with men like John sitting upon them. Then from the throne came “flashes of lightening, and rumblings and peals of thunder…” (Rev. 4:5) In front of the throne were seven burning torches of fire, and a sea that was so placid and clear it looked like crystal. Then stationed around the throne were four creatures that kept repeating, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8) Then John witnessed the 24 elders standing up from their thrones and falling down in worship before the Lord God saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)

John’s vision of heaven was of a place where Almighty God reigned. He was the chief figure, where all attention surrounded the Eternal One. John was the last of the 12 apostles, and his fellow co-workers were in heaven, yet his vision shows how he was gripped by the stunning imagery and presence of God.

What makes this picture of God so stunning? His holiness and power. No person, no other force in all of heaven and earth could challenge the power of the Lord God. He sits on His throne exalted above all.

We see God being called “holy” repeatedly. The picture of heaven itself, and God in all His beauty reveals how He is separate from all evil and perfect in every way. And as He is, so is His dwelling, which begs the question, “Who can live in such a place?”

There is the presumption that everyone who dies goes to heaven. As a minister, I have led many funerals, and it is always assumed that their loved one has gone to heaven, and are there enjoying time with other family members. Is this true? Since God is the guardian of heaven, what does He say about who gets in?

He states, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:14-15)

If you have placed your faith in Jesus and have been washed by the cleansing blood of Christ, you are welcomed in, that is your passport for entry. However, if you continue in your practice of disobedience against God’s law, heaven’s door will be shut and you will be refused admittance. Instead, you will be cast out of God’s sight into eternal darkness.

God desires you to be with Him and to enjoy the kingdom He has prepared for you, but you must turn from your ways and choose to follow Christ with all your heart. This is the only pathway into heaven.

A prayer for you - Lord God, the King of Heaven, draw me unto yourself. Help me to turn from my disobedience and to you. Fill my heart with the love of God and prepare me for eternity with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.