The setting sun had finally extinguished it's golden light as the lengthening shadows of the day's end finally gave way to the blanket of darkness that seemed to announce that another day was nearly spent. The beauty of autumn will soon follow suit as the transition of a new season grows near and the multicolored leaves that so artfully adorn the trees will soon be gone only to reveal the bleak barrenness of winter. As I settle in to enjoy the evening meal, the serenity of the moment is suddenly shattered as the sound of a loud, desperate, rapid-pounding knocking radiates from my front door.

As I swing the door open wide, I am met with screams of "Trick or Treat" resonating from none other than Darth Vader and an Imperial Storm Trooper who are being accompanied by what seems to be a princess and a pirate. Holding out their goody bags in anticipation of a tasty treat, I wonder who they really are? Do I know them? As they read the puzzled expression upon my face, giggles come from under the masks as they are keenly aware of their trick of deception, as their identity is deliberately hidden from my knowing.

Trick or Treat! It's not just a yearly happening, it's a daily event in the lives of each and every Christian. It's the choice that we are all faced with as we live this life of faith. It's as old as humanity itself, as satan initiated the first "Trick or Treat" choice, which was presented to the parents of mankind - Adam and Eve. Satan is a master of deception, and he knows how to cover up the real identity of his plans, masquerading them within very attractive packaging so as to allure us through our senses. The fruit was so appealing to the eyes, it's scent so inviting, it's taste must certainly be pure heaven - how could something this wonderful be so wrong?

A choice was made, the fruit consumed and in a moment of time everything changed and things suddenly appeared to be so different. The trick was realized when it was too late. The glory-cover lifted, nakedness was exposed, fear came rushing in, expulsion from the Garden, the penalty of the curse and worst of all, the separation that took place between God and man soon became a stark reality. The treat would have been realized through a simple act of obedience to the Word of God, in spite of the enchanting beauty and the enticing words that were spoken by the devil that were meant only to tempt and to trap.

I am reminded of the story of Samson. What a guy! Sent as a judge and deliverer to Israel to help free them from the oppression of the Philistines. Such strength and such might. All of the brawn of the armies of the Philistines could not subdue him. Bind him and he would break free! In one instance he killed 1,000 men armed only with a jaw bone of a donkey. However, he was subdued and overtaken, placed into bondage when confronted with the choice of "Trick or Treat."

A frail, weak, but wonderfully packaged woman brought him down. The trick was realized as his calling of judge and deliverer was deliberately set aside. He became intoxicated with the allure of lust and the stunning sight of such a pleasing beauty, and took hold of the so-called liberty of the moment, to enjoy what "appeared" to be a good thing. It cost him his calling, his anointing, his freedom, his eye sight, and eventually his life - what a extraordinarily high price to pay, and at such a young age! So much promise, so much potential lost. Again, the treat would have been realized through obedience to his calling (the word), and staying focused on the things of the Lord.

We all have a free will, and we need to realize that Satan is after our right of "choice". We all have within us the ability to pass each and every test that comes our way when presented with the choice of "Trick or Treat." Remember, 1 Corinthians 10:13 states - "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

In this scripture, the word is telling us that God would not allow the test to come your way if you were not able to pass it, and He will also provide the way of escape to insure that you make it! Praise God, we have the edge, we cannot lose and besides that, every test is an open book test!!! Go forth this month watchful and aware of the enemies strategies, knowing that you were called and ordained by God to walk in the blessing. Make up your mind ahead of time that you will stand for what God has said and will not be confused nor will you compromise when confronted with Trick or Treat!

Dan Downey
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Dan Downey 2000