Tag: sin

10 Wicked Women in the Bible: Lessons on Avoiding Destructive Traits

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The Bible is rich with stories of women whose actions exemplified both righteousness and wickedness, offering lessons that resonate across time. While the virtuous women of Scripture are often celebrated, the wicked women serve as cautionary tales, revealing the destructive consequences of sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God’s will. These women’s stories highlight traits we should avoid in our own lives. In this article, we explore the 10 most wicked women in the Bible, examine their actions, and reflect on the lessons they teach us about the dangers of sin and the importance of living according to God’s ways.

1. Jezebel – The Queen of Idolatry and Deceit (1 Kings 16:31–2 Kings 9:37)

Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is one of the most notorious women in Scripture. She led Israel into idolatry, encouraging the worship of Baal and other false gods. She used manipulation and deceit to achieve her ends, even ordering the murder of innocent men, like the prophet Naboth, in order to seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21). Jezebel’s legacy is one of pride, wickedness, and opposition to God’s prophets, ultimately leading to her downfall.

Lesson: Jezebel’s story teaches us the dangers of idolatry, manipulation, and unrepentant pride. We should avoid using deceitful means to gain power or achieve our desires. True fulfillment comes through humility and obedience to God, not through manipulation or self-serving actions.

2. Delilah – The Betrayer (Judges 16:4-22)

Delilah’s story is infamous for her betrayal of Samson, the mighty judge of Israel. After being bribed by the Philistine rulers, she used her relationship with Samson to discover the secret of his strength—his uncut hair. Once she learned it, she betrayed him, leading to his capture and eventual death (Judges 16). Delilah’s love of money and desire for personal gain led her to destroy the man who trusted her.

Lesson: Delilah’s betrayal highlights the destructive power of greed and selfishness. We should be careful in relationships, ensuring that our motives are pure and rooted in trust and loyalty. Betrayal for personal gain can lead to irreversible harm.

3. Athaliah – The Power-Hungry Queen (2 Kings 11:1-20; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21)

Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel, was a ruthless queen who sought to eliminate all potential heirs to the throne, including her own grandchildren, to secure her reign. After her son’s death, she slaughtered the royal family, only sparing her grandson Joash, who was hidden and later crowned king. Her reign was marked by idolatry and bloodshed, and she was eventually overthrown and killed.

Lesson: Athaliah’s thirst for power and her willingness to destroy others to maintain control serve as a stark warning against ambition at any cost. Seeking power through violence, manipulation, and destruction of others will only lead to downfall. God’s sovereignty and justice will prevail in the end.

4. Herodias – The Murderous Conspirator (Mark 6:17-29; Matthew 14:3-12)

Herodias, the wife of King Herod, is remembered for her role in the beheading of John the Baptist. When John publicly condemned her marriage to Herod (her uncle), Herodias held a grudge against him. She plotted with her daughter, Salome, to have John killed, demanding his head as a reward for Salome’s dance. Herodias’ desire for revenge led to a tragic loss of an innocent life.

Lesson: Herodias’ actions reveal the danger of harboring unforgiveness, bitterness, and the desire for revenge. Instead of seeking justice, her heart was filled with malice, leading to a senseless death. We should seek peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation rather than holding onto destructive anger.

5. The Woman of Tekoa – The Deceptive Schemer (2 Samuel 14:1-20)

The woman of Tekoa was sent by King David’s advisor, Joab, to convince David to reconcile with his estranged son Absalom. To achieve this, she used a fabricated story of her own family’s tragedy to manipulate David’s emotions. While she succeeded in her mission, she did so through deception and dishonesty, exploiting David’s compassion to sway his judgment.

Lesson: The woman of Tekoa’s story highlights the dangers of using deceit and manipulation to influence others. While we may be tempted to bend the truth for personal gain, God calls us to honesty and integrity, even in difficult situations.

6. Lot’s Wife – The Woman Who Looked Back (Genesis 19:15-26)

Lot’s wife is often remembered for one tragic action: she looked back at the burning city of Sodom when fleeing God’s destruction. Despite being warned not to look back, she did, and she was turned into a pillar of salt. Her longing for the comforts of her past life led to her demise.

Lesson: Lot’s wife represents the danger of holding on to past sins and worldly attachments. In moments of transition and growth, we must resist the temptation to return to familiar but destructive behaviors. Trusting God’s plan for the future is crucial to moving forward in faith.

7. Sapphira – The Liar (Acts 5:1-11)

Sapphira, along with her husband Ananias, lied to the apostles about the amount of money they had received from selling property, pretending to donate all of it while secretly keeping part for themselves. Their deception was discovered by the Holy Spirit, and they both fell dead as a result of their sin. Sapphira’s sin was not just lying, but attempting to deceive God and the community.

Lesson: Sapphira’s story teaches the destructive power of lying, especially when motivated by selfishness or greed. God sees all, and pretending to be something we are not can have severe consequences. Integrity and honesty are key to living in alignment with God’s will.

8. The Witch of Endor – The Practitioner of Sorcery (1 Samuel 28:3-25)

The Witch of Endor was a medium whom King Saul consulted when he was desperate to hear from the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Despite the Lord’s commands against necromancy and sorcery, Saul sought her out for guidance. This act of disobedience and reliance on occult practices ultimately led to his downfall.

Lesson: The Witch of Endor represents the danger of seeking spiritual guidance outside of God’s will. Practices such as witchcraft, sorcery, and necromancy are forbidden because they turn us away from trusting in God and His sovereignty. We must be vigilant against seeking guidance from any source other than the Lord.

9. Hagar – The Bitter Outsider (Genesis 16:1-16)

Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian maidservant, became the mother of Ishmael after Sarah, unable to have children, gave her to Abraham as a surrogate. Hagar’s bitterness towards Sarah and her prideful behavior caused tension and conflict in the household. Though she was a victim of her circumstances, her actions reflect an unwillingness to accept God’s timing.

Lesson: Hagar’s story teaches the importance of patience and trust in God’s plan. When we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting for God’s provision, it can lead to unnecessary conflict and heartache. God’s timing is always best.

10. Eve – The First Sinner (Genesis 3:1-24)

Eve, the first woman created by God, is infamous for her role in the Fall of humanity. She was deceived by the serpent into eating the forbidden fruit and then gave it to Adam. Her disobedience led to the expulsion of humanity from the Garden of Eden and the entrance of sin into the world.

Lesson: Eve’s actions highlight the consequences of disobedience and the temptation of sin. While we may face similar temptations in our lives, we must resist the urge to act outside of God’s commands. The story of Eve also reminds us of God’s grace and the hope for redemption through Christ.

Conclusion

The stories of these wicked women in the Bible serve as stark reminders of the destructive power of sin and the consequences of defying God’s will. Each of their actions led to harm, whether through pride, manipulation, deceit, revenge, jealousy, greed, disbelief or rebellion. However, their stories also offer us valuable lessons: to avoid pride, greed, deception, and unforgiveness, and to instead live in humility, honesty, patience, and obedience to God. By learning from their mistakes, we can strive to cultivate godly character and avoid the destructive traits that led to their downfall. May we look to these stories not just as warnings, but as opportunities to grow in wisdom and grace.

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** Photo by Jelena Kostic at Pexels

The Search For Meaning: How Modern Idolatry Reflects Our God Shaped Longing

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From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of a rural village, one thing remains constant: the human tendency to idolize something. This phenomenon is not new; throughout history, people have worshiped various deities, objects, and ideals. However, the essence of modern idolatry reflects a deeper spiritual longing—a God-shaped hole in our hearts meant exclusively for Him. This inherent desire for connection with the divine often leads individuals to fill that void with worldly pursuits, resulting in a cycle of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

The God-Shaped Hole: A Divine Design

The concept of a God-shaped hole in the human heart can be traced back to the idea that God created us with a longing for relationship with Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it is written, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” This verse suggests that God intentionally designed us with an innate desire for eternity, a yearning for something beyond ourselves.

When we do not know God as our Lord and Savior, this longing can manifest in various ways. People often seek to fill this void with things of this world: relationships, success, wealth, or material possessions. Each attempt to fill this gap with transient things ultimately leads to disappointment, as none can satisfy the deep-rooted desire for a relationship with our Creator.

The Allure of Worldly Idols

Modern idolatry often disguises itself in the form of societal values and personal ambitions. Many individuals idolize career success, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of pleasure. Social media platforms can amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated images of seemingly perfect lives, encouraging a culture of comparison and envy.

In the quest for fulfillment, people may unknowingly prioritize these worldly pursuits over their relationship with God. This displacement of affection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and emptiness. As humans chase after fleeting pleasures and possessions, they often find themselves in a cycle of unfulfilled desires, driven by the constant need for more.

The Consequences of Idolatry

When we prioritize idols over God, we risk drifting away from the very source of true fulfillment. The Bible warns against idolatry in various forms. In Exodus 20:3-5, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” This admonition emphasizes that anything we elevate above God is an idol, whether it be wealth, success, or even relationships.

The consequences of such idolatry are profound. It not only leads to spiritual stagnation but also to a profound sense of isolation. Without the foundation of a relationship with God, individuals often feel lost, disconnected, and devoid of purpose.

The Universal Search for Meaning

Across cultures and eras, the quest for meaning and fulfillment is universal. No matter where you go, you will find people idolizing something, reflecting the innate human longing for connection and purpose. From ancient rituals to modern practices, the forms may change, but the underlying desire remains: a yearning for something greater than oneself.

This universal search often leads to the creation of idols—be they material possessions, celebrity figures, or ideologies. However, these pursuits are mere substitutes for the real thing. They offer temporary satisfaction but fail to provide lasting peace and joy.

Finding Fulfillment in Christ

The only true solution to the God-shaped hole in our hearts is a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 reminds us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” When we accept Christ as our Savior, we begin to experience the fulfillment that comes from knowing our Creator.

A relationship with God provides the ultimate source of identity, purpose, and belonging. Through Him, we find the strength to resist the allure of worldly idols, focusing instead on His eternal promises.

Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Worship

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial to recognize the dangers of modern idolatry. The God-shaped hole in our hearts can only be filled by the love and grace of our Creator. As believers, we are called to identify and dismantle any idols that may have taken root in our lives, turning our hearts back to God.

Let us strive to seek Him above all else, understanding that true fulfillment is found not in the transient things of this world, but in a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, we can experience the abundant life He promises, a life where our hearts are fully satisfied in Him alone.

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**Photo by Wild Little Things at Pexels

Stop Blaming God for the Bad Things

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When tragedy strikes or life takes a painful turn, it’s natural to look for someone to blame. For many, that blame is directed at God. “Why did He let this happen?” “Why didn’t He stop it?” “Why didn’t He answer my prayer?” These are real and raw questions that come from deep places of heartbreak. But one truth must be remembered: just because something happens doesn’t mean God caused it.

Free Will and Human Responsibility

From the very beginning, God gave humanity one of the greatest—and most dangerous—gifts: free will. We are not robots, but people with the ability to choose. And with that freedom comes the possibility of both great good and deep harm. Much of the world’s suffering isn’t authored by God—it is the result of human choices.

When someone chooses hatred, greed, violence, or selfishness, others are often caught in the fallout. God allows us to choose because real love, obedience, and faith can only exist where there is freedom. But with that gift comes great responsibility—and real consequences.

So Why Doesn’t God Intervene?

If God is good and powerful, why doesn’t He stop all evil and suffering? Why doesn’t He intervene in every tragedy?

Because to do so every time would mean overriding human free will. He would have to stop every harmful thought before it became action, every wrong word before it was spoken. We would no longer be free beings, but pre-programmed automatons. And real love cannot exist without real choice.

But there’s another, deeply hopeful reason God delays intervention: He is merciful and longsuffering. Scripture tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God endures the evil and brokenness in the world not because He doesn’t care—but because He longs to give every soul a chance to turn to Him.

His delay is not absence; it’s grace.

When God Doesn’t Heal

Perhaps one of the most painful tests of faith is when we pray fervently for someone to be healed, and God chooses not to heal them—at least not on this side of eternity. It feels unfair. We wonder, “Why did He heal them and not my loved one?” “Did I not have enough faith?” “Did He not hear me?”

This is where the mystery of God’s sovereignty meets our limited understanding. Healing is one way God shows His power—but it’s not the only way. Sometimes, in His eternal wisdom, God allows a person to pass into eternity, even though it breaks our hearts.

We must remember that death is not the end for those who are in Christ. In God’s eyes, healing may come in the form of release from earthly suffering and entrance into eternal wholeness. To us, it looks like loss—but to God, it may be mercy. Isaiah 57:1 says, “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.”

It also challenges the entitlement mentality that says, “Well, He did it for them, so He owes it to me.” But God is not a vending machine. He is not obligated to operate by our timelines or our logic. He is a loving Father who sees the whole picture—past, present, and future—and acts from a place of perfect wisdom.

Who Are We to Question the Potter?

In these moments of confusion, frustration, or even anger, it’s easy to question God’s decisions. But Scripture reminds us of our place—and God’s authority—in Romans 9:20–21:

“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”

We are the clay. He is the Potter. He sees the design, the purpose, the future we cannot see. There’s a holy humility in accepting that we won’t always understand, but we can always trust the One who shaped us.

And that’s the essence of faith—trusting even when we don’t see the full picture. God allows certain things not because He is cruel, but because He sees the full story when we only see a chapter. He knows what we do not. And in His sovereignty and wisdom, He allows things we don’t understand for purposes we may not yet see. We don’t have to understand—we are simply called to trust that He is good, He is just, and He is in control.

God Is Still at Work

Even when we don’t understand, Romans 8:28 assures us: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Not that all things are good, but that God can use even the worst circumstances to produce something redemptive.

He is the only One who can bring beauty from ashes, purpose from pain, and hope from heartache.

A Different Perspective

Blaming God may feel justified in the moment—but it often blinds us to what He’s doing behind the scenes. Instead of asking “Why didn’t God…?” we can begin to ask, “What might God want to do through this?” or “How can I trust Him more deeply in this season?”

Faith doesn’t mean we always get the answers we want. It means we trust the One who holds the answers—even when they’re hidden from us.

Conclusion

God is not the source of evil. He is not indifferent to our pain. He honors the free will He gave us—even when it leads to suffering. In His great patience, He gives space for repentance. In His wisdom, He sometimes says no when we ask for healing. And in His sovereignty, He allows what we don’t always understand—because He sees what we cannot.

Rather than blaming God for the brokenness in this world, let us turn to Him—the only One who can truly heal it. He is the Potter. We are the clay. And He can be trusted, even in the dark.

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** Photo by Jane Mir at Pexels

Life Is Short. Eternity Is Long. Are You Ready?

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We often hear, “Life is short… better enjoy it!” But how about this: “Eternity is long… better prepare for it.”

“For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?”

— Mark 8:36

We live in very sobering times. This life is not paradise. It is a preparation for paradise. How we choose to live it will determine how we spend eternity — in heaven or in hell. Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell: these are the Four Last Things. And they’re not distant — they’re approaching with every tick of the clock.

Many say, “Life is short, enjoy it while it lasts.” But eternity? It will be very long. You better prepare for it.

We are so caught up in this life — in money, relationships, entertainment, career — we give little attention to the life that never ends. Yet Jesus taught that every soul has an eternal destiny — either heaven or hell (John 5:25–29). And that destiny is determined in this life (Luke 16:19–31). Every choice matters.

“The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

— Psalm 90:10,12

Time is collapsing. Technology is advancing — faster travel, faster internet, faster communication — yet we seem to have less time for what matters. We’ve gained speed but lost direction. We’ve advanced in knowledge but declined in wisdom. And worst of all — we are drifting further from God.

We are shadows that vanish. Grass that withers. Time is passing — and so are we.

“My days are like an evening shadow that lengthens and vanishes…

But You, O Lord, shall endure forever.”

— Psalm 102:11–12

From the moment you were born, you began dying. In 90 years, most of us reading this will be gone. The grave waits for no one.

So… what will you do with the time you have?

Every person gets the same 24 hours a day. But how we use it shapes our eternity.

Let’s say you live to 70:

The first 15 years? Childhood and adolescence. Around 20 years? Spent asleep. The final 5 years? Likely reduced activity. That leaves just 30 years — and even that includes eating, working, paying bills, and daily responsibilities.

What will you do with the years you have left?

“What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

— James 4:14

Even the wealthiest person cannot buy more time. Scientists cannot invent more minutes. Doctors cannot guarantee more years.

The most valuable thing you have is your time — use it for God.

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

— Ephesians 5:15–16

The world is dark — violence, immorality, brokenness. But Jesus is calling His people to shine as lights and make disciples. To do that, we must stop wasting time and start investing it in what truly matters.

Too many Christians tithe their money but not their time. We find time for entertainment, social media, and distractions — but little for God.

We have time… but what are we using it for?

You have time to:

Seek Christ Serve others Obey His will Fulfill your calling

You want to be with God after death — but do you want to spend time with Him now?

Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Where is your time?

“My times are in Your hand.”

— Psalm 31:15

Can you say this honestly? That your time — your life — belongs fully to God?

So… How Do You Give Jesus Your Heart?

You may be wondering:

“How do I know I’m saved? How do I give my heart to Jesus and prepare for eternity?”

It starts with repentance.

That means turning away from your sin — from living life your own way — and turning to God.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

— Acts 3:19

We’ve all sinned. Sin separates us from God and leads to death — not just physical death, but eternal separation.

But the good news is this:

God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins.

He took your place. He bore your punishment.

He rose again to give you life — eternal life.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:8

To be saved, forgiven, and made right with God:

1. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

2. Believe that Jesus died for you and rose again.

3. Confess Him as Lord — surrender your whole life to Him.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

— Romans 10:9

This is more than a prayer. It’s a life-altering commitment.

Here’s a simple prayer you can make your own:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I have broken Your laws and lived for myself. But I believe You died for me and rose again. I ask You to forgive me, wash me clean, and give me a new heart. I turn from my sin, and I turn to You. I surrender my life — all of it — to You. Be my Savior, be my Lord, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you prayed that sincerely, you’ve taken the first and most important step into eternal life.

But remember — salvation is not the finish line. It’s the starting point.

Now begin walking with Him:

Read the Bible (start with the Gospel of John)

Pray — talk to God every day via prayer

Join a Bible-believing church Get baptized

Share what God has done in your life

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent.”

— John 17:3

Your time is still in God’s hands. Don’t waste another moment.

Live for what truly matters.

Live for the One who gave His life for you.

Give Him your heart — today.

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** By Shalom for the world / Photo by KoolShooters at Pexels

Horoscopes, Astrology And Zodiac Signs

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A 2022 poll by YouGov found that 27% of Americans and 37% of adults under 30 believe in astrology. In fact, 31% of those are Catholics and 22% are Protestants. However, this belief has only increased as social media and celebrities have increased its popularity. Many newspapers include daily horoscopes that advise on how to act or what to expect each day. To understand why this growing belief is concerning, we need to see how astrology is different from science.

Astrology vs Astronomy

Astrology often gets confused with astronomy, but the two are very different. Astronomy is a science focused on studying stars, planets, and space; it helps us understand God’s creation. Astrology, however, is not scientific. It’s a belief system that attempts to predict personal events or personality traits by interpreting celestial movements. 

Astrology revolves around the “zodiac,” a term from the Greek word “zodiakos,” meaning “circle of animals,” derived from “zoon,” which means animal. This term refers to constellations associated with animals along the zodiac’s path. This “zodiac belt” represented the course through which the sun, moon, and planets appear to move over the year, which would then have an influence on a person’s personality or destiny.

While this belief is growing in cultural popularity and may seem innocent on the surface, we as believers should be on the lookout. To understand why, it’s essential to see the origins of this belief system.

What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?

The Bible clearly warns against astrology. In Isaiah 47:13-14, God rebukes Babylon and its astrologers, telling them that their reliance on the stars will not protect them from judgment. We also see in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 that divination is seen as a detestable act to God. And similarly, we see in 2 Chronicles 33:1-6 that the worship of heavenly bodies is associated with evil.

Unlike astrology, which tries to use the stars for control or prediction of a person’s future or destiny, astronomy, as a science, simply studies the stars and appreciates them as the creation that God made.

Reasons Why People Use Astrology: 

  • Curiosity: Curiosity is a natural human trait; however, turning to the stars instead of to God for these answers places our trust in creation, not the Creator.
  • Fun: Astrology is often seen as an innocent act, but if the “prediction” is not from God, it becomes a deceptive tool that can draw people into occult practices.
  • Fascination with the occult: It offers a form of spirituality that doesn’t challenge us with concepts like sin, repentance, or God’s judgment. However, any belief that lacks this is hollow and false.
  • Avoidance of personal responsibility: As Dr. Bob Larson points out, astrology promotes a belief that fate is controlled by the stars rather than by God’s will and our choices. Christianity, in contrast, teaches that our lives are influenced by God’s sovereignty and our actions. Astrology can become a way to avoid accountability, leading many people to not take responsibility for their choices.
  • Power and control: Many turn to astrology to feel a sense of control over their lives. However, while having self-control is positive, true guidance and empowerment come from God, not the stars. Any power that claims to offer control while originating outside of God, will only lead us away from God’s purpose.

3 Reasons Why Horoscopes are Wrong

1. They divert trust from God.

Relying on astrology places trust in creation rather than in the Creator. This act goes against the first commandment which tells us to worship and trust in Him alone. By doing this we are diverting our trust from God.

2. They allow for loss of personal responsibility.

Horoscopes make people believe that their destiny is set out for them in the stars and therefore, they don’t have much say. However, this is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible states that there is a sovereign God, but we also have a role to play in the way our life turns out.

3. Fascination with the occult

Taking part in this can open individuals up to demonic influence because it is an act that is in contradiction to the Bible and can be a distraction from believing and placing your trust in God.

Final Thoughts

If you have dabbled with astrology and horoscopes, I would encourage you to close those doors to the enemy through repentance. Choose to refocus on the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in regards to questions about your future and your destiny.

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*** By Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Mikhail Nilov at Pexels