The "haunted house" I live in
Manila is quiet at this time of year. It's a long weekend and people go to the provinces to pay their respects to the dead. Our own village was empty. You could tell from the dark houses that people were out of town. I know that my neighbors at my right and left were gone, their houses were dead silent. Ahh, a great time to be in Manila.
Last night as I took a walk to enjoy the cool November breeze to enjoy the peace and quiet. I prayed to thank God for all that has transpired in recent days. I found myself in the empty village with all kinds of ghosts, ghouls and halloween paraphernalia ranging from puppets, lights and even ghastly sounds. It wasn't hard to be reminded of the house we have lived in for the last 17 years.
I remember the first time we saw the house. It was not only gorgeous it was a steal. We were wondering why the house had not been taken. It was only after we moved in that we found out why. Apparently the house was known in the village as the neighborhood haunted house. Whenever our little boys would go to play in the park they would be asked by other kids what it was like to live in "that house." The boys would casually reply, "I guess just like living in yours."
By January we would be living in this house for 18 years. And in 18 years we have not had one incident of so called halloween activity in this house. All these years we were guided by the truth that Bible so boldly declares:
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1John 4:18
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us fearful, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2Timothy 1:7
Today we celebrated my mother's 81st birthday in this home. It was an amazing day filled with family members and the love of God that we have in Christ Jesus. In Him there is nothing to fear!
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