Witchy Woman

 "When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead." Deuteronomy 18: 9-11

    I met a good Christian friend for tea the other day. We had much catching up to do so, after two hours of yakking, Sue concluded our visit with a prayer request for a friend she has known for decades. During their last get together, Sue was quite shocked to hear her friend declare out of the blue: "I want to be a witch, a green witch, to be exact." 

    In disbelief, Sue had sputtered, "What exactly is a green witch?" The friend, who was otherwise a reasonable woman, went on to explain that a green witch is someone who loves nature, focuses on the wonders and mysticisms of the earth and even mixes potions for the healing of others using such odd ingredients as cats' whiskers. 

    By this time, poor Sue was incredulous but it was the friend's next statement that really floored her: "You could be a witch, too!"

    In sadness, Sue and I pondered how someone she thought she knew so well could be so deceived. We grasped hands across the table and prayed fervently for this friend and others like her, asking for the Holy Spirit to guard our own hearts and minds in Christ Jesus lest we be mislead ourselves. 

    The topic of witchcraft isn't some childhood fantasy from the Wizard of Oz. God solemnly warns about dabbling in the darkness of the occult because He knows just how damning those sinister spirits can be. As the times of our world draw closer to their culmination, Satan ramps up his attacks - especially honing in on God's people. Such buzz words as "mindfulness" and "finding balance from within" should be red flags, as are crystals and potions. 

    Be on your guard. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:11