Barbara Latta writes for her local newspaper and contributes to devotional websites and several anthologies. She also contributed to the Bible study compilation, The Power to Make a Difference. She loves traveling with her Harley-riding prince on his motorcycle taking in the creativity of nature. Drinking coffee on the patio while the sun comes up is her favorite time of day. Her desire is to share how the grace of God overcomes all obstacles. She loves being a mom to two grown sons and one daughter-in-love, and Mimi to one granddaughter.
After staring at my computer screen for what seemed like hours, I turned off the machine to escape the blinking cursor on the blank page. Frustration at my writing endeavors plagued me along with other areas of my life. Bible reading was sporadic and exercise non-existent. I couldn’t figure out why I had dissatisfaction in my soul.
One day while reading about laboring to rest in Hebrews, I meditated on that lesson and thought more deeply about God’s rest. Resting means listening, absorbing, and turning off everything but God’s Word.
When I rested, I could hear. And what I heard in my spirit was, Consistency is the key.
My loving heavenly Father was telling me that achievement depended on steadfastness in whatever goal is being pursued.
My resolve that day was to start getting up earlier in the mornings to read the Bible in the quietness of the day. I started a regular writing schedule, and the dust was blown off the treadmill. The first few steps were somewhat squeaky after the machine had experienced months of no use.
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty (
Proverbs 21:5
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
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Paul lived a life of consistent discipline. Even when he was terrorizing Christians, he never wavered from his goal. His misplaced passion pushed him toward what he thought was a defense of God. After encountering Christ, that same passion was now guided in the right direction. When he was persecuted, he didn’t give in. He didn’t forget the task God had laid upon his shoulders, and the world at that time was turned upside down because of his influence. Diligence in his work caused him to write most of the New Testament, and his words are still impacting us today.
He wrote from prison. Chains and bonds didn’t stop him. He continued to travel. Shipwrecks and storms didn’t stop him. He was told to keep quiet. Threats didn’t stop him. He pushed through the hardships of life and pressed toward the prize of the high calling of Christ (
Philippians 3:14
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
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We are all given a high calling from Christ. We are not Paul, but we do have a sphere of influence. What we do in our personal lives will spill over into relationships. Constant faithfulness in following Christ and His Words will determine how powerful that impression will be.
That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (
Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.
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The most consistent person who ever lived was Jesus. We have no better example of life and discipline. When people were pulling him in every direction, He still took the time to spend with His Father because it was the most important thing in His life—even when it meant losing sleep and praying all night (
Luke 6:12
One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.
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If consistency and diligence reign, it’s easier to put priorities in order. When Christ is the most important person in our lives, we can hear what He is saying. Consistency drowns out distractions, strengthens resolve against attacks and builds new habits that can last a lifetime.
A rewarded life will be the prize when we apply the power of consistency to everything we do.
Later, Pope Gregory III marked November 1 as All Saints’ Day to commemorate the martyrdom of saints (History.com), and the day before this observation was the hallowed eve. Just as worldly practices were mingled into Easter and Christmas, they have been mingled on this day that was set aside on October 31.
We are called to be a light in the darkness and not to emulate the world. As Christians, we can seek alternatives for a day when some celebrate evil. Multitudes of churches have adopted fall festivals as substitutions for Halloween. These events are used as outreach tools to serve the communities they are a part of and to reach those who are without Christ and have no hope (
Ephesians 2:12
In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.
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). Participation in these festivities is another way to follow the words of Jesus in
John 4:35
You know the saying, `Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe* for harvest.
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"Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!"
Another option would be to have a party at your home. Invite children to come dressed as Bible characters and give prizes for the best costume. Provide games and of course, lots and lots of sweets and snacks. A Bible-based movie for kids could also be an activity all would love.
And for those who choose to ring the doorbell and hold out their little baskets in anticipation of handfuls of goodies, we can turn this day into a celebration for good instead of evil. Kid-oriented tracts can be included with candy—not messages of judgment, but stories of a Father who loves them and doesn’t want them to be afraid.
We don’t need to hide in our homes on October 31 and refuse to answer the door. Jesus didn’t avoid places where Satan had spread doom and gloom. Rather, He went where the revelation of God’s Word was needed.
When we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us regarding alternatives to Halloween, as in all our decisions, we can be guided by the peace of God.
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts ..." (
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
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Each little voice that shouts “Trick or Treat” can be given the best treat of all. Chocolate and God’s Word. What could be sweeter than that?
