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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Guard Your Heart (06/08/12)
“Hey, what’s your sign,” is a common greeting among folks today. This doesn’t concern handicap signs or traffic signs. These signs pertain to the signs of the zodiac – Pisces, Cancer, Gemini, etc. - the horoscope base.

My family has always been interested in the occult; horoscopes, tarot cards, and fortune telling. Great Grandma Stenstrom from Sweden used to tell fortunes from reading coffee grounds. Grandma Londo, Stenstrom’s daughter, went to fortune tellers for horse betting advice. And, my mother was a Bingo fanatic charging her good luck to talisman perched on her playing cards.

It was a comical interest as their innocent faces revealed. But, the occult isn’t innocent, and its forces are evil. The Bible states that we are to trust in the Lord and him only, not wizardry.

A horoscope is enticing with a few possible words concerning love and joy. It seems harmless, but it is the gateway to Satan’s abode. Whenever someone asks about a zodiac sign, just reply with a testimony about the Lord. They’ll either respond with interest or flee.

Nothing really sinister happened to my family with their dalliance in the occult. But, sometimes they received frightening and upsetting words. One message concerned me; I would drown as a child. This wrecked their peace and fear filled their minds. Thankfully, this was false.

Many people are drawn to another facet of the occult, psychics and mediums. Those are prophets, who also communicate with the dead. Frequenting psychics and mediums is the most serious and fraudulent trick of Satan.

Most people are aware of Nostradamus, a French apothecary and seer. Add to his resume – a physical healer. He lived during the 16th Century, but his reputation and work are renowned. People look to his predictions through the centuries to this very day. Some of his prophesies include the rise of Napoleon and Hitler. His predictions for the future and the end times are highly regarded by occult fans.

Jean Dixon was a modern psychic and astrologer whose “work” was well known in the middle 20th Century. She was a devout Catholic and claimed her “gift” was bestowed upon her from God. Her most famous predictions were the outcome of the 1960 election and the ensuing and heartbreaking assassination of President Kennedy. In a future capacity she was rumored to counsel Nancy Reagan, wife of President Ronald Reagan.

These are only two of the many psychics that are and have been popular with the public. Sylvia Brown, a frenetic and confused woman, reigns the psychic world today. She has increased her message and herself by writing many books and appearing on television.

Although forbidden, in biblical times the occult consisted of dreams and prophet’s predictions. In I Samuel an account is given about Saul and the medium of Endor. Saul had lost God’s favor, and he was frightened about a future battle with the Philistines. He had already rid the land of all psychics, but under the circumstances he desired one. Therefore, he called upon the medium of Endor. He asked for the deceased Samuel, and Samuel with a mantle was brought up. Samuel told the grave news that he and his sons would perish. Saul was depressed and distraught.

It appears like all tools of the occult are fun and interesting, like horoscopes, Ouija boards, and tarot cards. At best occultists are usually fraudulent and after money. And, their predictions can really hurt placing seeds of misery in minds.

There are many passages in the Bible that warn us against the occult – Isaiah 8:19, II Kings 23:24, Deuteronomy 18:10-11 - There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, (11) Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. (KJV)

Don’t let curiosity open the door to your heart; guard it against the occult.
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This article has been read 717 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
06/18/12
Important reminder for all of us to beware where we put our interest. Thanks.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/19/12
This is an interesting piece. You did a great job of covering the topic in a fresh way. I know many people feel these things are harmless. I remember when I was young my mom sent me to a lady because of my panic attacks. She asked me if I was into horoscopes. I told her I read them sometimes but for the most part they all seemed like pieces of advice that could pertain to anyone. I thought they were rather silly. But this lady told me that by reading them it was a way to let Satan get at my heart. I was terrified to even glance down at the horoscopes after that. I know there is a lot of truth to what you say and I found your piece interesting.
Connie K Cameron
06/19/12
I liked this piece, very good information.
Laura Manley
06/20/12
Good information in this entry of yours and very good, sound advice. Your entry kept the interest of this reader from beginning to end which I find sometimes difficult to do in a piece that is more of a commentary than a story. Very well written!
C D Swanson 
06/20/12
Good job and great reminders how the enemy looks to "get a stronghold" on individuals. Good scripture to solidify the message in this entry. Thank you

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/22/12
Congratulations for ranking 10th in level one!