Choices, Choices, so many choices; what to do, where to go. Better check the weather, should I rush out now or should I take some time and pick up my bible. Check my email or let it wait while I have prayer. Answer my texts or stay a minute more in quiet. At times these are real battles for me. For others it might just be letting prayer wait to have that first cup of coffee.

These types of choices are all common to face and we often forget, that when we seek him first, Matthew 6:33 says “ all these things will be added unto us”, yes there are wonderful, exciting things that Jesus wants to give us! How far can our choices really take us? Insidiously these seemingly small choices can build habits which can control larger, life-impacting decisions with unbelievable power! Let us take a closer look at some choices that have led to destinies with power at the wheel.

Excitement was in the air and many young people were choosing to celebrate Halloween in a different place that night in October, 2022. Some were young and needed to obtain permission from parents, saving their money for travel to the party and purchasing special costumes. Overall, it promised to be an unforgettable experience that night in Itaewon, South Korea!

Many years ago another person was headed for an unforgettable experience as well. His name was Saul and he was the King of Israel. He too chose a special costume to conceal his identity. He was seeking out The Witch of Endor for direction in making a life-or-death choice. In 1 Samuel Chapter 28, we are told that Saul was desperate for answers. He journeyed far as did many of those young people believing that all would be well.

Back at the Halloween event, it is now 10:15 pm on Oct. 29, 2022. The activities are intensifying as the music gets louder. Young people are everywhere you look and crowds are being drawn down into a narrow alley toward a doorway leading beyond. Many people followed each other until there were so many others behind that it was like a powerful current, and even when some tried to turn back they couldn’t. They were pushed tighter and tighter together until there was no space left. One young man, later shared, that he saw a young woman having difficulty breathing and another person attempting to reach for their phone with no success. He was able to climb a nearby wall desiring to help as many as possible to escape what began to look like a death trap!

King Saul also found that his choice was a trap and soon after his encounter with The Witch of Endor, in despair, he took his own life.

Halloween, a gathering so strongly associated with witches, wizards, witchcraft and satanism, likewise was Saul’s encounter with The Witch of Endor. Choices that seemed harmless and innocent, but were actually enticements, drawing them deeper into a trap.

What about you, what about me? What are our small choices which can easily become habits leading to our destinies? “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. Ephesians 6:12

Please choose Light and encourage that choice for others as well, especially as we approach the Halloween celebration planned in just a few days!

Grace Abounds has just returned from ministering in Houston, Texas, and the end of November will find us singing and sharing the Good News with the precious people of North Carolina. We feel strongly about encouraging them, just as we want to do for you in these inspiration notes. Prayer and finances of any amount are needed and lovingly appreciated. Giving on a regular basis is especially helpful!

Until next time, please remember that “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounds, grace does much more abound!” Romans 5:20