Ever Met A Witch Who Switched? I Have. Not Many. Some Actually Do Experience Some Frightening Things And Want Out... We Know Who Can Help Them Exit.
Some teens with too much time on their hands traveled far just to meet witches and Potter-enthusiasts that they could relate to. We’re seeing more and more from the video-game-generation acting out what they read, play or see in theaters. They don't want to feel bored. It’s about participation now!
Some were “witches” wanting to cast real spells, some were college professors who teach, and some were merely literary buffs that wanted to learn to write better about witchcraft. I talked with some of them briefly in Dallas, but didn’t have the privilege to verbally witness this time. But some of my friends who were downtown meeting with Gospel for Asia did and they even exchanged some literature and made some new friends.
It was interesting to see one friend of mine named Matt (not with GFA) who is a real nice guy (a sincere not-yet-believer) who showed up all inquisitive as he was observing the interactions. He made me chuckle when he said “Kurt, this is just like having Big Tobacco’s Phillip Morris and company right next to the American Lung Association and yet they are all getting along.” Bob a long time security guard there said, “Kurt, here we have light and darkness together. We were afraid and concerned that all the Born Agains would save the children of the night, but amazingly it’s been peaceful and they are getting along” I related some of these words to the founder of GFA, K.P. Yohanan, a very godly Indian man and he also got a big kick out of the whole situation. I think he should feel stoked-out about how his constituents handled themselves just like champs. I wish all acted like that. Jesus was and is the friend of sinners. He risked His reputation among the religious elite to associate with sinners like me.
Some from both sides of the spectrum there—from both groups I mean—ended up getting photos of each other together (it was hilarious… arms around the shoulders of each other and all). You’ve undoubtedly seen all the Star Wars characters (in costumes) gathered outside the theaters in lines waiting to get into that movie when it was new—same type of thing here. Countless youth in black hooded robes, ankle length capes, long synthetic shiny white wigs and some even dawning black witch hats or carrying long wooden staffs… they were hungry for supernatural power and wanted to be more than mere spectators on the sidelines. They played their music together, shared their smokes, sang songs and some lectured on wizardry …seeking to “live the dream!” Yes, they initially came to study and learn about the words and their meanings found in the Harry Potter books—a well planned out heptalogy of fantasy novels (obviously lacking long-term foresight of consequences) written by clever British author J. K. Rowling. Though I’m sure these books were probably written in an interesting way, I don’t recommend them. These books for children chronicle the adventures of the eponymous adolescent wizard Harry Potter who is not a good role model for kids.
Careful With Words
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words…" —John 6:68
Jesus always made every word, every sentence, and every opportunity COUNT for the Father! What He said was helpful even if it didn't initially feel like it was. In John 6, we see the Lord of lords preaching as an authoritative oracle of God. This was His, "I am the bread of life" Message and people really listened up (see verse 35). It was delivered much differently than when the religious leaders spoke. What this Revolutionary said was impacting, authoritative and radically controversial. Many of His fair-weather followers ended up bailing out on Him that day. They simply quit following Jesus after hearing His communication …and it was because Christ wasn't out to win a popularity contest or out to gain a huge applauding crowd. He's never needed the people though He cares about them.
He wasn't "in it" to tickle ears, or even to please the folks primarily. He was a crowd-thinner for sure …when his lips were moving, but He didn't deceive or exaggerate. He wasn't offensive for being offensives' sake. The truth He spoke offended some sinners and for others—it set them free! That's what happened to me as well. I have made a lot of blunders with my mouth before, but He has forgiven me. Jesus knows what people really need to hear more than they know what they need to hear. In fact, He'll speak to you about what you need, if you are open to it.
But those followers of His that day just split and walked away from God, not wanting to follow Him anymore (v.66). They chose to stop listening to the voice of the Lord. How tragic! Like me, do you long to hear what He would say?
When Jesus challenged His closest disciples as to whether they also would bail out, Pete wisely spoke up saying, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Peter wanted eternal life and wanted to know the way. Do you?
How important are the words we choose and the sentences we utter? "Words, like glasses," says Joseph Joubert, "obscure everything which they do not make clear."
Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matt. 12:35-37, kjv).
This might sound crazy, but we are living in perilous times which are getting more and more perplexing. I'm no prophet of doom, but things might even get worse before they get better …after the upcoming election. We all have got to be ready. We all need discernment with our words like never before. Our families, churches and society need us to be careful and discerning in how we act and speak. What some pastors, Christians and Christian bands are exporting these days reminds me of some verses in a song by Glen Kaiser:
Child, you don't say much
Maybe ain't got much to say
You sing about boys and girls
Seem to like bein' up on the stage
Perhaps just a little too young
Maybe just a bit afraid
Or maybe it's a case of fantasy thrill
Maybe just wanna get paid
But ya don't say much
Words are important to you
You like to hold tight to the truth
But fun means more sometimes
It's an interesting habit I find
From the mouth we reveal our heart
And singin' ain't only an art
We need to think about the things we say
Life isn't only for play
Some folks are so out of touch
Because you don't say much
But ya sure like to play guitar...
Heaven, hell, or this earth
There's somethin' 'bout value and worth
Actions speak louder than words
But hidin' God's truth is absurd
Pithy lyrics huh. Yes, those are words from one of my favorite artists from his: "Time Will Tell" album. I've never heard Glen waste words. He's always gutsy and direct. He passionately addresses messengers and their motives. He humbly appeals to all who would utilize words productively. He reminds me of what Pete admonished us, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Pet. 4:11). Maybe like me, you've encountered some Christian concerts where the artists seem to be doing their best to “cross over” to a secular audience.. to possibly "make it big in the world," but are also failing to take the cross over. Calvary is not a popular subject to the world, but I’m not ashamed of Christ or what He did for us.
Hey gang; let's be careful to exalt Jesus… to build up and to influence others in a positive way for Him without lowering our standards! His Spirit can live big on the inside of you and me. He can get a hold of your tongue if you will let Him in. Let's say much in truth and in love, but only when the time and inner motives are right.
http://www.fish4souls.org/FDevo/25_Do_Ya_Say_Too_Much.pdf
