Finding Me

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
Psalm 139:8 NKJV

There was a lot of discussion about Halloween today and whether or not it is Christian to participate in celebrations, etc. I used to take a hard line against it - I wouldn't participate in anything having to do with it until about 10 years ago. 

I still don't celebrate the dead or glorify evil or evil spirits or give satan any honor. However, I realized that as part of God's church, I am commissioned to go out into the highways and byways of life. I am to go and make disciples. I am to take the Good News of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Any opportunity and every opportunity to offer salvation. I chose this Scripture to dwell on today because I was reminded that Jesus didn't find me in the church. He was out in the world searching for me and He found me. No matter where I am, no matter where you are, He will find you.

So now I buy candy and when I hand it out, I include one of my favorite, little illustrations:

The question was asked:
'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The answer was given, “It is like being a pumpkin.
God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed, then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.”

It helps me to provide an opportunity to point to Jesus - right where they're at. Just like He found me.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You that wherever we go, You are always right there. Your Word encourages us always, You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! But I praise You for it and ask that You continue to provide the opportunity to offer salvation in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen