My fate is written in the stars

People are curious about tomorrow!  They wonder:  Will I enjoy good health? Will I fall in love?  Will I make more money?  And many turn to those who claim to be able to peer over the edge of today for answers.  Tarot card readers will tell you what’s ‘out there’ for you.  The horoscope, based on the alignment of stars and planets, will help you to choose a path of success, they say. A few months ago an astronomer kicked up a real storm by suggesting that astrological signs were in need of an update since the wobble of the earth’s axis has changed our view of the stars.  Going way past the cards and star charts, there are those who say that they can create a bridge to the world of spirits.

I sure that some of you are already derisively snorting, "Come on, Jerry, this is the 21st century. It's time to get over the idea that witches and pagans have real power. It's all just fun." Others are wondering, “Why is Jerry writing about this?  It’s no big deal.”  Ah, but is an important issue. The Scriptures are clear that dabbling in occult practices from astrology, to consulting mediums, to outright witchcraft is a forbidden practice for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Lord told His people, "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." (Leviticus 20:6, NIV) In the New Testament, Paul warned that "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Timothy 4:1, NIV)

There is nothing to be gained from dabbling in alternative spirituality!  Disciples of Christ are given the Holy Spirit who promises to guide us, to be with us, to empower us, and to keep us secure in the love of God. Occult practices may appear to offer many of the same benefits, but those who dabble in them find themselves enslaved. It's not all just fantasy, fun, and games. The Bible treats the issue of evil as real, presents Satan and his dark forces as real and powerful, and directs us to 'walk in the Light.' That being true, we also know this: we need not fear Satan or powers of darkness. Those who live 'in Christ' and who walk intimately with the Spirit have 'overcome the world' and all the powers of darkness.

Don't dabble! Instead, walk with God, exclusively devoted to Him. Let the Spirit own your love. Trust Him with the future.  With prayer, worship, and attention to His Presence, you will develop spiritual sensitivity so that when Evil is present, you will know it for what it is, and turn to the safe embrace of Jesus Christ who loves you completely.

Here's a word from the Word. Let Him guide you today.

"So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help." (Isaiah 30:18, NLT)

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, NLT)