Day 24: Fascination With The Forbidden
The world is increasingly fascinated by the occult. America is no exception. Trends show that millions of Americans are increasingly seeking a spiritual connection — but they are turning to the occult and other Satanic sources instead of the Bible and the God of the Bible. Why? Bob Russel opines that: “The reason for this fascination with the spiritual side of the occult is a desire for power, wealth, purpose and influence. In the struggles of life, people seek a source to increase their impact and presence, and the spiritual dimension is readily available to those that seek such power.” Occultism is a pervasive influence marked by the pursuit of hidden knowledge or power through divination (fortune-telling), spiritism (spirit-contact), and magic. All these practices are forbidden by the Bible and are repugnant to the Lord. See Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Acts 8:9-25, and Revelation 21:8.
The occult poses a special threat to Christians and the church because it introduces Satanic and demonic influence which are ultimately destructive. Jesus revealed that Satan’s sole purpose is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). Author John D. Ferrer in a February 14, 2025 article “Infiltrated: Recognizing and Responding to Occultism in Your Church”, pointed out that: Occult forces are stirring in every sphere of American society. Here are some disturbing public examples: 1) The hexing of Donald Trump and Brett Kavanaugh by Brooklyn area witches; 2) Satanists erected a goat-headed idol on the Arkansas state capital; 3) startling estimates showing that there are as many witches in the U.S. as there are Presbyterians; 4) an uptick in demon possession; 5) Occultism’ connection to big business: there’s an increase of streaming shows broadcasting dark arts like a badge of honor for example, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Charmed, The Craft, Grimm, Supernatural, Constantine, Van Helsing, Hemlock Grove, Practical Magic, American Horror Story, Penny Dreadful, Salem, Teen Witches, and many more. Television has made the forbidden downright fashionable. The cosmetics distributor Sephora, trying to capitalize on the female-focused trend in witchcraft, attempted to launch a “starter witch kit” before being shouted down by actual witches offended at the insincere commercialization of their craft.
God promised to rain down judgment on those who embrace and/or practice the occult. Only the Holy Spirit working through the Church has the power to stop America’s fascination and involvement with the forbidden. The Body of Jesus Christ must arise and stand on the Word of God; and seek God in fasting and prayer so that we may be clothed with power from heaven (Luke 24:49) to avert God’s judgment and drive back the prince of darkness and his demons.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, instead of always looking for the quickest exit out of grief, remorse, or pain over my sin and wrongdoing, I now realize that I need to invite you to give me a proper perspective of my actions and hurtful ways. The best way to do this is by humbling myself through fasting and repentance. Give me a genuinely repentant heart. Thank you that when I sincerely repent, you stand ready to receive me. Today I embrace your mercy, compassion and loving kindness. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Join us for a 6-week online book study of Derek Prince’s “Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting” starting July 8, 2025. We will meet each week on Zoom from 5:00-6:30pm CT. The online book study will conclude on August 12, 2025.
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