Evil Spirits In Our Classrooms?

            

            I heard of a teacher requesting prayer over her classroom.  Obviously, legally she could not pray over her classroom within the confines of the school, but she held a prayer within her heart.  She shared the story of a student who was “interacting with a spirit” during the day at recess, which supposedly caused an object to move.

            She was at first skeptical about the incident being relayed by another student, but when she questioned the student practicing the craft, he said, absolutely; that he had indeed chanted a spell and an object moved by his design.  It was due to this incident the teacher requested prayer.

Witch craft is alive and well; strong and growing in our world. There are schools for magic all over the internet, with classes online and you-tube explanations and videos for those interested!  There are hands-on instruction and more being offered as “professional education.”  Some invite attendees to be a “witch for a weekend,” with so much interest in some schools, that there is a waiting list for up to a year!   One internet site which I did not enter, was about the “woes” and trials of being a witch today! 

Another site tells me that in today’s world, witchcraft has actually been “re-invented” from an old religion of the pagan world. In some circles, even without internet connections, there are those offering resources on the study of this phenomenon. It seems to have become accepted in some geographic areas as, “it is what it is” and while not encouraged, it is acknowledged as part of the current culture.

I remember when in elementary school being interested in the Salem witch Trials.  I found it difficult to believe people honestly believed in such things!  But my young mind and heart wasn’t tuned into what satan could do, even though I completely believed in God and his powers!

What is sad, is to know that our world has changed so dramatically even over the last 25-50 years!  We used to be called a “God-fearing nation.”  That isn’t the case, anymore, although many will still tell you they believe in God.  There are as many who choose the opposite side of the table and tell you there is no God, or are involved in satanic cults, which in effect is their god!

Where does that leave us, as Believers?  I believe we must recognize the strong hold satan has in the world all around us.  He and his minions have infiltrated our schools, political leadership arenas and even our church houses!  We must be aware of the power he and his demons have.  

The request for prayer of the teacher’s classroom is valid.  While she may be a Believer, satan can still use his power to wreak havoc around her if the children there get caught into the power the dark world has.  Prayer is essential for those we care about, those at our workplace, for those in leadership positions who govern our country and in our lives every single day.  

Satan is out there and he’s gaining ground.  The end is near.  Prayer is critical for the safekeeping of our young ones and even our own lives, as he twists and turns, and convolutes the Biblical truths written in God’s Word.

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8f13/59cec28f6c3fda185f47f15df0271f49035a.pdf

Straight As An Arrow

           One thing I’ve always wanted to learn, but haven’t yet, is to shoot a bow and arrow.  Archery skills fascinate me.  Back before firearms were available, people hunted and protected themselves via the bow and arrow.  Those who used them had accurate aim and were confident in their ability.   

       I can shoot a pistol with pretty accurate precision, but in my mind’s perspective, shooting an arrow is more difficult!  The premise would be the same: aim and shoot.  But there is skill in holding the arrow, pulling the bow string at just right degree and knowing when to let go!  I’m not there!   

            There is significance, Biblically in shooting a bow and arrow, as discussed in 2 Kings 13:15-19.  There was a call to action by a dying Elisha to the king.  Elisha’s directive was to “take up the bow and arrow.”  He was telling the king to not be sad about his death, but to arm himself, go forward into battle with faith in God Almighty. He encouraged him to know that God would go before him, if he believed and was prepared.

Listening, however, can be especially difficult! When I consider a small child who is told again and again to not do something, (like touching a hot oven) very often, he tries anyway. Ultimately the little ones ends up with burnt fingers, hopefully not badly burned, but none the less, burned.  The child will usually learn his lesson from the pain received.  

As adults in real life situations, we are often no different than the child who was burned on the hot stove. We plunge forward acting on our own emotions, and thought process and trust in our strength. Then we fall flat on our face! Our plans fail or at least don’t turn out the way we planned.  We become angry and disillusioned and ask God, “Why?  Why did I fail?  Was my plan not worthy?”

          We get in a hurry, wanting to get things done, worked out, moving along at our speed, and from our perspective!  Because of these human traits, we forget to even ask God’s advice.  We need to recognize the value of Divine direction before we begin.  And then we need to listen! As mentioned we all make plans, work out the details and go into action, and sometimes we go before consulting the One who knows best! We might even think he may not be interested in something so small as a decision we have to make!  

            Certainly, God can use our mistakes and often does.  He teaches us lessons and then uses what we have done for his good, even though we may not recognize it.  Had we knelt before an all knowing Father before we embarked on our journey we would be better prepared for whatever boulders or struggles jump up to greet us on our path!

            I encourage you to search God’s heart and make sure yours aligns with His, as you make decisions in your life, both large and small.  He cares about everything we are doing!  Let’s make him the Master of our plans, and embark on a journey following God's arrow!  

Reaching For The Stars

         

          Here we are the beginning of September and I’m thinking of Christmas!  It is, along with Easter, my favorite time of year.  While I don’t necessarily count down the days until the holiday, there are many people who do and even get aid from a computer app that works as a reminder every day!  Currently, I’m happy with knowing there is about four months until Christmas, and for any projects I need completing, I’d better get on it!

            I was reflecting on the Christmas tree recently, but particularly the star.  It seemed to be of most importance at the time.  I saw it as brightly lit, and shining for all the world to see.  That is, after all, what happened when the Shepherds saw it those many years ago, and the Wise Men followed to find the Christ Child.

            Considering this, it’s safe to say stars imply something wonderful and positive.  Even seeing a sky full of stars on a crisp, cool night in mid-summer is somehow energizing and encouraging.  The Pastor mentioned in a sermon recently that a clear sky in the dead of winter filled with brightly lit stars is a demonstration of the “heavens displaying God’s glory.”  I agree! It’s a breathtaking sight.

A star atop a Christmas tree somehow seems to inspire goals and lofty ambitions; changes and new beginnings; faith and dreams that can be realized. Isn’t this what we all dream for in our lives?   We desire to see our loftiest dreams and goals attained, not only for ourselves, but for our families.  It’s what drives us to do our best, regardless of our occupation to provide for our loved ones.   For those who are “faith” driven, our loftiest dream is to be obedient to whatever it is God has called us to do.

Even little children will look at a star and recite the lyric or poem line, “Star light, star bright; First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”  That’s just a little poem written by an anonymous author, but there is something to be said about stars and the inspiration they bring.

I’m not for “wishing” on a star, but I do have lofty dreams and believe, in time, the dreams will become a reality.  That doesn’t mean I can sit back and expect it to happen without a great deal of work.  Anything worth having is worth working for, and that’s as it should be.  When something comes free and easy, it often doesn’t have the same impact or importance on or in our lives, if some effort wasn’t required.

Dreams are wonderful!  They add a spark and drive to what might become dull and mundane and work not enjoyed, if it wasn’t something we truly desired.  In fact, there are those who would tell you, if you can do something (and get paid for it) that you really love doing, it often doesn’t qualify as work at all!  

I agree.  Even knowing it is “work,” being able to enjoy what we do, makes our day shine, much like the star on top of the Christmas tree.  It’s a way of shining brightly in a world that often is blurred with grayness and negativity!  I prefer the “shiny side of life!”  How about you?  Do you have lofty goals, that while striving toward, makes you smile with enthusiasm and positivity!?