From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

KTS Monthly Blog 10/2020 From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe by Chaplain Nikita Johnson Theme- Seeing From God’s Perspective October 2020- Taboo Celebrations Scripture Reference- Ezra 3: 7-13 (read this entire chapter, the one before, and the one after for context. Cross reference to get a fuller understanding.)

In October, Columbus day and Halloween are celebrated. Many people are divided on the issue of celebrating Columbus Day, because Christopher Columbus was reported as being a murderer, rapist and thief. It is said that he took credit for discovering America, which was already occupied, by taking the land from the indigenous people. Some people do not want someone like him representing their nationality or heritage. While others feel that any observance that highlights their ethic group’s contribution to American society is a good thing. Likewise, people are divided on the celebration of Halloween. Some feel it is evil and encourages mischievous behavior behind a mask and costume. They feel that people wait for this time to do harm to others; some people even put dangerous things in the treats they give to the trick or treaters. Others believe it is a fun time to interact with neighbors, family and friends and even reach out to the community with God’s love. They believe it began as a religious celebration of All Saints Day Eve, where people remembered those loved ones and saints that went on before us. Some feel that, like many things, this positive celebration was hijacked by evil, and needs to be returned back to its original intent.

In the text, there were those who were on the fence about celebrating the wall of the temple being rebuilt, as the project was just in its infancy. People are often not comfortable with celebrating small accomplishments, controversial people, contentious events, or during sad circumstances. People often believe that what is going on in life dictates their mental and emotional state. But we are in control of our emotions. We may not be able to control what comes to our mind, but we are in control of what we meditate on and what we choose to believe. We can choose to find joy in sorrow, to bless God when things are not going according to plans, and trust the Lord when we cannot see a way out. It is not easy to go against the grain, but it is worth it. When we are faced with trauma and grief, we can choose to not run from it, to process it, to not try to numb the pain of it, and to lay it at the feet of Jesus to heal it. God wants us to reveal our pain, feel the weight of its effect on our lives, deal with the consequences and effects of our grief, and give it to Him to heal our pain and sorrow. He does not want us to push it down, mistreat others because we were mistreated, or abuse substances to help us forget what we are going through. Even Jesus went through the grief process and came out victorious on the other side. God will always send ministering angels to help us in time of need. And we can celebrate every stage of the grief and healing process along the way. We don’t have to wait for the battle to be over, we can shout for joy right now. We can smile when things are going wrong, knowing that God will make all things right in the end. We can have joy in our sorrow, knowing that God is with us and will never leave nor forsake us. We can celebrate any occasion along the way, knowing that everyday is a day of thanksgiving because God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Let us continually celebrate God’s goodness regardless of the circumstance, for God will cause all things, good and bad, to work together for our good in the end. Amen.

Simple Prayer- Dear God, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving for who you are, who you were, and for who you always will be. We thank you for all that you have done, what you are doing now, and everything you are going to do to manifest your goodness in our lives. We agree with you about our position of authority, your undying love for us, and your good and prosperous plan for our lives. Heavenly Father, we pray for all saints around the world, especially those suffering persecution for their faith. We pray for those in crisis, those who are experiencing loss, all those who are grieving, and those suffering from natural disaster. We celebrate the answer to these prayers now, for we know they are already done in the spirit realm. We eagerly await the manifestation of your goodness, and the physical answer to our prayers, for we are 1. Deeply loved, 2. Highly favored, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Songs to Meditate on this Month-

1. All things Are Possible by Tramaine Hawkins

2. Man of your Word by Maverick City Group

3. Don’t Wait Til the Battle Over Shout Now by Walter Hawkins Love Alive Choir III

4. Wordless by Lauren Daigle