I was having a conversation with an acquaintance about Jesus. She got into reading the Bible and going to church, but she felt that life was getting difficult in her path of seeking the Lord. She eventually turned from that path and got into Buddhism, chanting and meditating every morning with incense around a Buddha head. She said when she started doing that, she got everything she wanted, although she got kicked out of her place for her hostile attitude. This brings me back to the last time I was at a spa, when I was on my way out, I noticed their meditation room, the plants and incense burning. I remember the feeling I got when I stepped into that room. There was something very luring about it, a serene feeling familiar to being surrounded by nature, but it was different compared to feeling of being in God’s presence.

There can be much deception from the worship of false idols. I’ve heard many stories of other women being into meditation, mainly concerning the moment they decided to stop and start to worship Jesus. Many felt like they started playing for the opposing team & had angered the spirit of the team they turned their back on. But the God of the Bible doesn’t work that way & no one should ever worship Him to get whatever they want. The world tries shape our thoughts into thinking we need certain things, but ultimately, who knows us better that our creator? The very things that money can’t buy can fulfill our souls & bring us joy. Just think about those that seem to have everything tangible that the world wants, but still it’s not enough. The empty places in our heart, only God can fulfill.

There’s a story in the Bible of a Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well. Jesus knew she had been married several times & currently not married to the man she was living with. He told her about the living water in John 4:14 KJV “But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

We sometimes seek after things believing it can fulfill us. The lady in the Bible was seeking for that something in men, which she never got so she moved on from one to the next. Ultimately, what she was looking for to fulfill that empty part of her soul was only found in Jesus. The living water is given by the Lord, fulfilling that part of us that seems to never be satisfied with the things or people we rely to make us happy.

Sometimes we start to worship things or people, becoming obsessed, clinging too tightly that if it, he or she is gone from our lives, we feel there’s no reason to live. Our lives had revolved around such a thing or person. This can be dangerous. But worshiping God, who will never leave us. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Also, Hebrews 13:5 says,”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Although sometimes it may not seem like He’s there, He is.

Throughout the Bible we see God’s character. The gospels in the New Testament, read the witness of God in the flesh, aka, Jesus. If you are aware of God’s character, you can start to see the defining line between the one true God and false gods. It is important to know who God is, His character. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..” 1 John 4:7 says, “
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.”

The Spirit of God brings love, joy and peace and with that comes His power that heals. 1 Corinthians 1:29 says that, “no flesh should glory in his presence.” Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; “ Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus..” Luke 5:17 says, “ …and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.”

Having an understanding of His presence, there is now a reference of discernment between the Spirit of God and false gods or wicked spirits. The Bible says in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God..” Some that are in darkness look for hope or help in the wrong places. This may be worship of false gods, playing with witchcraft, new age, tarot cars or getting involved with the occult and other demonic rituals. This opens the door for the demonic to come in, ruin your life and hopefully take you to hell with them.

The Spirit of God is all powerful. Through Him curses can be broken and demons tremble at His presence. We can’t make ourselves holy or pure by our own works, only God can purify us and He has through Jesus taking the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

My prayer tonight is for those that are involved with such deceptive groups, organizations or activities will have the strength from God Almighty to turn from all of it and that God will begin to break curses off of their life, that they will once again have peace in their mind, heart and home, that they will be able to sleep fully and peacefully and will once again gain back control over their life rather than being controlled by a wicked spirit. I pray that God will bring joy, healing and restoration into their lives, purify their minds, and fulfill their soul with hope. In Christ name we pray. Amen.