Specific Occult Practices & God's View - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) January 27, 2023
Our review of occult practices and how they violate God's precepts continues with a look at specific things we have all done or are doing that create separation from the Lord (Isaiah 59:2). When this series began, we looked at the need to avoid the occult at all costs plus some consequences of failing to do so. Since then, we reviewed scripture which stated God's punishment for those who choose to disobey His command to not serve anyone or anything other than Him.
Consider the mantras and affirmations people listen to in order to manifest their self-motivated desires. These include desires to get rich, be beautiful, attract/repel a specific person etc. Now, this is the toughest issue for practitioners of the occult because their 'religion' is founded on self-actualization and self-determination. There's no room for God's plan and purpose for them since they see themselves as gods. However, the Bible tells us we were predestined for God's purpose and He knew us before we were born (Ephesians 1:4). Therefore, His children must submit to becoming what He intends for them to be. Does this mean you can't ask God for the things you'd like? Of course not, it just means that you ask knowing God will provide those things because He has the power to do so. Not you.
Another example is sage burning. I confess I have grown sage on occasion and kept some in my house for cooking purposes. I also confess that I found it confusing when I learned people were wasting seasoning to deal with evil. Especially people who say they are Christians. Yet, the practice of sage burning is presented as a means of 'cleansing' places, people and things of spirits. But why choke on smoke when a brief prayer in Jesus's name would suffice? In fact, the mere mention of that name makes demons flee in fear because of its power (Philippians 2:10). And if the spirits dare persist, double down the way Jesus taught in Matthew 17:21 - But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting (AMP). Plus, prayer, and fasting, are free and accessible to all.
Same with crystals that are supposed to 'shift energies'. Why not find God's word on peace (or whatever issue you have) and proclaim it? It actually takes less energy to search the Bible online with the word 'peace' than to study the many new age recommendations on the topic. Or pay for the books, consultations, stones or other items that should work but somehow years pass, and those who believe in this 'fix' are having to keep spending for a solution that doesn't seem to work. God, on the other hand fixes problems permanently. When He says it is finished, it is indeed done.
Then there's yoga. It stems from a region where idols and many other gods are worshipped. Hinduism, for instance, potentially has up to 33 million deities. Yoga is deeply woven into the gods they serve over there and, therefore, not just a form of exercise. How, then, can your practice of an 'exercise' that is tied to the gods of that land not constitute the very thing God is warning you to stay away from?
So many of us believe we need yoga to be mindful and to relax, but do we? God rested on the seventh day so we would know that even we need to, and can, relax. Consider going for a prayer walk. Craft time to observe the Sabbath by shutting off some, if not all, electronics. During that time, sleep, read, eat well, have a glass of wine (but please don't get drunk) and acknowledge the Lord your God in meaningful ways. I assure you, you'll come out of the Sabbath rested and rejuvenated. Besides, God gives rest to His beloveds (Psalm 127:2). It is a covenant promise He must keep. If you love Him and genuinely live like you love Him, He has to give you that precious rest.
And with that, we have come to the end of this series on understanding how occult practices, idol worship, and the worship of satan via other gods disobey God's word and will for all whom He created. I pray that the Lord will touch you and show you how to walk away from anything that might qualify as detestable to Him, IJMN, Amen.
I'm also sharing a personal 'story time' on how the Lord showed me how the tentacles of occultism touched my life. I have never knowingly been a dabbler or practitioner and thought occultism was a problem for others. That was until God showed me it was nevertheless an issue I needed to address. I pray my story edifies you and helps you move closer to where God stands on this subject. To view the post, click here. You will be taken to my site outside of this website.
See you for fellowship at Noon EST. God bless you.
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