Ancient Darkness in Modern Clothes

Divination, Sorcery, and the Return of Forbidden Practices

Some people assume divination and sorcery belong only to ancient history. They picture fortune tellers in old marketplaces, witches in folklore, or strange rituals from another time. Because of that, many fail to recognize those same practices when they return in modern forms.

The methods may change, but the temptation remains the same.

Divination is the attempt to gain knowledge, direction, or hidden insight through spiritual means apart from God. Sorcery is the attempt to gain power, influence, healing, or control through spiritual practices outside of God’s authority.

That is why Scripture speaks strongly about them.

Deuteronomy 18:10 to 12 (NLT)
“Do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

Many hear those words and think, “That has nothing to do with me.” But look at modern culture.

People use tarot cards for answers. They consult astrology for direction. They carry crystals for protection. They burn sage to remove negative spirits. They seek chakra readings for emotional healing. They use pendulums, spirit guides, moon rituals, manifestation ceremonies, and other practices designed to unlock hidden knowledge or spiritual power.

These are not random trends. They are modern expressions of ancient desires.

Humanity has always wanted knowledge without obedience, power without surrender, blessing without repentance, and spirituality without God.

That desire began in the garden when the serpent offered hidden wisdom apart from the Lord. The strategy has not changed much since.

The danger is not only obvious darkness. It is counterfeit spirituality. Something can feel meaningful and still be false. Something can feel mystical and still be empty. Something can seem powerful and still lead people away from truth.

1 John 4:1 (NLT)
“Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them.”

Christians do not need secret tools, coded signs, or mystical objects. We have the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the wisdom of prayer, and the name of Jesus.

That is enough.

If a practice depends on hidden forces, unnamed energies, spiritual intermediaries, or powers outside of Christ, it should be rejected. Believers are called to walk in the light, not experiment in the shadows.

The answer to counterfeit spirituality is not fear. It is clarity.

Jesus offers what counterfeits only imitate.

Bible Promise

John 8:12 (NLT)
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Reflection Questions

Have I normalized practices God warns against simply because culture made them common?
Do I truly believe Christ is enough, or am I tempted by spiritual shortcuts?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Give me wisdom to recognize counterfeit spirituality in every form. Help me reject hidden things and cling fully to Christ. Let Your Word guide me, Your Spirit lead me, and Your truth protect me. Remind me daily that Jesus is enough. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all of the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Blessings of Accountability

Accountability can be uncomfortable, but it’s one of God’s greatest tools for growth. Proverbs 12:1 reminds us that correction is a sign of wisdom. In leadership, being open to feedback and correction shows humility and a willingness to grow in God’s image.

Rather than viewing accountability as a burden, we can embrace it as a blessing. It’s through accountability that we gain perspective, avoid pitfalls, and become better stewards of the roles God has entrusted to us.

Reflection Questions

How has accountability helped you grow as a leader and follower of Christ?
In what areas of your life can you embrace accountability more fully?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the blessing of accountability. Teach me to welcome correction and to grow through it, knowing that You use others to shape me into Your image. Help me to view accountability as an opportunity to glorify You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Building a Culture of Accountability in Ministry

In leadership, it’s vital to foster a culture of accountability. Proverbs 27:17 speaks to the sharpening that happens when we allow others to challenge and refine us. In ministry, this means creating an environment where open communication, honesty, and mutual encouragement are the norm.

Accountability isn’t about pointing out flaws… it’s about supporting one another in our walk with Christ. Whether through team check-ins, mentoring relationships, or small groups, leaders can model and encourage accountability as a tool for spiritual and professional growth.

Reflection Questions

What steps can you take to foster accountability within your team or ministry?
How can you model humility and openness to being sharpened by others?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the wisdom of accountability. Teach me to lead by example, creating a culture where honesty and growth thrive. Help me to sharpen others and be sharpened in return, always pointing back to You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Gift of Commitment

Marriage is one of the greatest commitments two people can make.

It is a covenant that reflects the faithfulness of God. Two lives joined together, learning to walk forward side by side through the seasons of life.

Love within a marriage grows through shared experiences. Through laughter, through challenges, through raising children, through learning how to support each other in ways that only time can teach.

Valentine’s Day reminds us to celebrate that love.

It reminds husbands to honor their wives and wives to encourage their husbands. It reminds families to pause and appreciate the gift of walking through life together.

Commitment is not always easy.

But when love is rooted in Christ, commitment becomes stronger than the circumstances surrounding it.

God designed marriage to be a place where love grows, forgiveness flourishes, and two people continually learn how to reflect His faithfulness.

Bible Promise

Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)
Let marriage be held in honor among all.

Reflection Questions

What does honoring marriage look like in daily life?
How can couples continue strengthening their commitment over time?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the covenant of marriage. Help husbands and wives grow in patience, understanding, and faithfulness. Strengthen the bonds of commitment and help every home reflect Your love and truth. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all of the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Accountability: The Foundation of Integrity

Accountability is one of the most important aspects of leadership, especially in ministry. Whether it’s to God, a mentor, or a team, accountability keeps us grounded and ensures we’re walking in integrity. Romans 14:12 reminds us that ultimately, we are accountable to God for our actions, decisions, and leadership.

Having people in your life who challenge you, support you, and speak truth to you is a blessing. It’s not about judgment but about growth. Accountability protects leaders from falling into isolation or pride, helping us stay humble and aligned with God’s will.

Reflection Questions

Who are the people in your life who hold you accountable in your leadership?
How can you invite more accountability into your daily walk?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for placing people in my life who hold me accountable. Teach me to walk in humility and integrity, always seeking to honor You in my decisions. Help me to embrace accountability as a tool for growth and faithfulness. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Leading by Serving: The Heart of True Leadership

Leadership in the church isn’t about power or position… it’s about serving others. Jesus, the ultimate example of leadership, came not to be served but to serve. He washed the feet of His disciples, fed the hungry, and gave His life for humanity. If the King of Kings modeled servant leadership, how much more should we as His followers?

Servant leadership means putting the needs of others above your own. It means leading with humility, empathy, and a heart for God’s people. Whether it’s pastors, ministry leaders, or anyone in a position of influence, true leadership is about building others up and pointing them to Christ.

It’s easy to get caught up in the tasks of leadership, planning events, managing teams, or growing ministries. But at its core, leadership is about relationships. It’s about investing in others, listening to their needs, and encouraging them in their faith journey.

This doesn’t mean leadership is easy. Serving others can be exhausting, especially when you feel unappreciated or overwhelmed. But when we remember that our work is ultimately for God’s glory, it gives us the strength to keep going.

Jesus reminds us in Mark 10:45 that greatness in His kingdom is found in serving. As leaders, let’s strive to follow His example, leading with humility, compassion, and a servant’s heart.

Reflection Questions

How can you practice servant leadership in your role, whether in ministry, work, or home?
What steps can you take to lead with humility and empathy, following Jesus’ example?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of servant leadership You’ve given us in Jesus. Teach me to lead with humility, love, and a heart for others. Help me to remember that leadership is about serving and glorifying You. Strengthen me to lead well, even when it’s difficult, and to reflect Your love in all I do. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Finding God’s Strength in Weakness

I’ll admit it. There have been seasons in my life when I’ve felt utterly weak. Whether it was navigating heartbreak, dealing with uncertainty, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, I’ve faced moments when I wasn’t sure how I could move forward.

It’s in those times of weakness that I’ve experienced God’s strength most profoundly. Psalm 28:7 reminds me that the Lord is my shield and my source of help. When I’ve come to the end of my own abilities, I’ve learned to rely on His power. And every time, He’s shown me that His strength is more than enough.

Weakness isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s an opportunity to lean into God’s grace. When we admit our need for Him, we create space for His power to work in and through us. It’s in those moments of surrender that we discover just how strong our God is.

Reflection Questions

When have you experienced God’s strength in your weakness?
How can you lean on Him in areas where you feel inadequate or overwhelmed?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my strength when I am weak. Teach me to surrender my struggles to You and to trust in Your power to sustain me. Help me to rest in Your grace and to find hope in Your faithfulness. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Alcohol: A Call to Abstinence

Alcohol consumption is a topic of significant debate within Christian communities. While some advocate for moderate drinking, the Assemblies of God (AG) firmly upholds a position of total abstinence, grounded in biblical teachings and a commitment to holistic well-being.

Biblical Foundation:

Scripture consistently warns against the dangers of alcohol. Ephesians 5:18 cautions believers not to be drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but to be filled with the Spirit. Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” These passages highlight the potential of alcohol to impair judgment and lead individuals away from a righteous path.

Health and Societal Impacts:

Recent studies underscore the risks associated with alcohol consumption. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted that alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer and is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. Additionally, alcohol-related deaths have nearly doubled from 1999 to 2020, with a significant increase among young adults aged 25 to 34.

Assemblies of God Position:

The AG’s stance on abstinence is not merely about avoiding sin but is deeply rooted in love for God and others. By choosing to abstain, believers set a positive example, avoid causing others to stumble, and promote a lifestyle that honors God in all aspects. The AG’s position paper on abstinence from alcohol emphasizes the importance of this commitment in fostering a healthy, Christ-centered community.

Personal Reflection:

In my journey, I’ve witnessed the destructive effects of alcohol on individuals and families. Choosing abstinence has been a deliberate act of obedience and a desire to lead by example. It’s a commitment to being filled with the od’s presence to guide my actions and decisions.

Reflection Questions

How does your personal choice regarding alcohol align with biblical teachings and the well-being of your community?
In what ways can you seek to be filled with the Spirit as an alternative to engaging in activities that may lead you away from God’s path?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Word that guides us in all aspects of life. Help me to make choices that honor You and reflect Your love to others. Fill me with Your Spirit, so that my actions may lead others closer to You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Our Daughter’s Tenth Birthday: Double Digits and Big Dreams

Our daughter turned ten today. Double digits! It feels like such a milestone as we see her growing into a strong, confident, and kind young lady. This past year has been filled with dreams and opportunities, and my wife and I have loved cheering her on every step of the way.

Our kiddo’s heart for others continues to amaze us. Whether it’s helping a friend, being a leader at school, or simply bringing light and joy to those around her, she reflects the love of Christ in ways that inspire me as a parent.

Today, as we celebrated with her favorite cake and lots of laughter, I prayed that God would continue to guide her steps. My wife and I are committed to nurturing her faith and reminding her that she is God’s masterpiece, created for great things.

Reflection Questions

How can you celebrate milestones in your child’s life as opportunities to point them to Christ?
What specific ways can you encourage their God-given gifts and dreams?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the privilege of raising our daughter and for the joy she brings to our family. Teach me to nurture her gifts and to guide her in becoming the person You’ve created her to be. Bless her with courage, faith, and a heart that shines brightly for You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Declaring God’s Promises Over Your Life

Praying Scripture over your life is a powerful way to align your heart with God’s promises and declare His truth over your circumstances. God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and when we speak it in faith, it brings hope, strength, and transformation.

Speak God’s Promises: Find Bible verses that address your situation. For example, when facing fear, declare “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Pray with Boldness: God’s promises are unchanging. When you declare them, you’re not reminding Him of His Word. You’re reminding yourself of His faithfulness.

Trust His Timing: Praying Scripture is not about manipulating God but aligning with His will. Trust that His answers are perfect, even when they come in unexpected ways.

Praying the promises of God strengthens your faith and shifts your perspective, reminding you that His Word is your firm foundation.

Reflection Questions

What promises from Scripture can you declare over your life today?
How can praying God’s Word strengthen your faith in challenging times?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the promises in Your Word that bring life, hope, and peace. Teach me to pray boldly, declaring Your truth over my life and trusting in Your faithfulness. Help Kneel Ministries encourage others to stand on the promises of Scripture. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.