So here we are on the 31st October 2020. Most
importantly it’s my nephew Adrian’s little boy’s birthday, so we are
celebrating all the joy and love that Sean has brought into our lives. As well,
it’s Halloween. While most Australians don’t celebrate this occasion, there’s
been a concerted effort in recent years to promote festivities, especially
encouraging children to dress up and collect lollies.
What many people don’t understand that anything involving
witchcraft is a form of the occult. This is a realm of Satan and his demons which
is very real. We are warned throughout the bible to have nothing to do with
occult practices- astrology, fortune telling, Ouija boards, summoning up
spirits casting spells and any other practices which invoke spirits other than
those of Christ.
“When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the
law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they
have no light of dawn” (Isaiah 8: 19,20)
“You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them
out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)
“He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and
divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the
sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.” (2 Kings 21:6)
The reason for this is God’s first commandment- to have no
other Gods than Himself. When we trust in God alone, we have no reason to fear
that He loves us and wants the best for us. A Christian obedient to God’s word
will not take part in occult practices. We depend on God to lead and guide us
through His Holy Spirit. We practise prayer, reading and meditation upon His
word, the Bible, and Christian teaching and fellowship in a church community. It’s
people who do not know Christ or His word that involve themselves in seemingly
“harmless” occult practices. They do not know that to do so may expose
themselves to satanic influences and spirits which can be the source of
addictions and troubles. The Bible tells us that Satan and his demons are
liars, ones who seek to kill, steal and destroy.
“The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full.” John 10:10
If you have unwittingly taken part in such practices, it’s
important to repent and ask God’s forgiveness for your actions. He is faithful
and will forgive. If you feel exposed to satanic influences, remember that at
the name of Jesus, satan and his demons must back down. Call upon the name of
Jesus and you will be safe in His care. Pray continually to Him. Above all, be
on the winning team- repent and believe in Jesus, the One who died that we
might be redeemed from sin and able to enter into fellowship again with our
Heavenly Father God.
