Innocent Witchcraft???

I heard an interesting fact the other day that involved the people of Italy and their use of fortune tellers. Here‘s a portion of the article from the Telegraph: “Amid rising unemployment and general gloom over the state of the economy, Italians are spending billions of euros a year on astrology and fortune telling, according to a report by the European Consumers Association. Tarot card readers and pavement fortune tellers are doing a roaring trade, with about 30,000 Italians paying between 20 and 600 euros ($35- 750) a day looking for advice to help them out of their financial woes.” In addition these same superstitious folks are using centuries-old hand gestures to ward off evil and believe that plaster statues of Jesus and Mary can weep blood.

 Italy, a Christian nation, last time I checked, in a state of panic, is turning in large numbers, not to God, but to witchcraft.  Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones.  Take a look at one of the most popular reality shows on TV, The Long Island Medium.  The program follows an everyday housewife who talks to the dead, and brings messages to their family.  I’m not saying this is all hocus-pocus, there is a spirit world, and it is a dangerous place.  When we venture outside of the safe confines that God has ordained, thinking it’s harmless fun, BEWARE.  We can’t split our allegiance to God, with an innocuous looking palm reader, horoscopes and Ouija boards.

The enemy wants to have us think there is nothing ungodly about them or their use, but take a look what God says.  “And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD.” Deuteronomy 18:9. Detestable is strong language, and not an adjective I want attached to my name.  Sure those things are fun, and even I glance at my horoscope once in a while, but never forget who is the power behind them. (Hint: it’s not God) I have no fear about my future, and neither should anyone who truly trusts in God. Are you Italians listening? “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18