Christian

Why Are Teenagers Are Drawn to Witchcraft and the Occult?

Friday, 10/31/25

I am writing this post to warn parents that the occult is seducing our children every day. We must teach our children what the Bible says about occult practices.

The influence of pop culture has made witches and witchcraft appealing to today’s teens. Growing up on Harry Potter books and movies has further opened doors for teens to experience both a curiosity and a familiarity with witchcraft. Increasingly, towns in the heartland of America, once known for their strong Christian heritage, are becoming hotbeds for Wicca, a pagan religion that emphasizes the worship of nature.”

Focus on the Family

Not only that, but TikTok has become the home of modern witchcraft. TikTok’s algorithms make it a safe haven for those interested in the occult – and they’re drawing more and more people into the practice. It offers tutorials and shared experiences that make witchcraft seem approachable.

According to Newsweek, the practice of witchcraft in the U.S. has risen dramatically over the past few decades, with millennials turning to astrology, tarot cards, and Wicca beliefs as they turn away from Christianity and other traditional religions.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says: “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. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord;”

Fortunetelling, also known as divination, includes anyone who claims to predict your future or advise you through Ouija boards, crystal balls, horoscopes, astrology, palm-reading, tarot cards, etc.

Other New Age and occult practices include consulting psychics, reading tea leaves, horoscopes, zodiac signs, the occult, yoga, and drug use. You may be unaware that yoga is a pagan religion, but it is. (more to come on yoga) There is also something called tapping, which is  a phenomenon during meditation where a feeling of tapping on the head might indicate kundalini activation, which is extremely dangerous.

The Bible warns us about these practices, but I fear that many Christians are ignorant of the dangers they pose. It is imperative that we teach our children about these dangers to protect them from the schemes of the devil. Ignorance is not bliss!

“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.” Leviticus 20:6 NIV

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31 NIV

Deuteronomy 18:10 says, “Let no one be found among you . . . who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft.”

See also Galatians 5:19-21, Acts 19:19, Revelation 21:8, ; 2 Kings 21:6Leviticus 19:2631Deuteronomy 18:14

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Sources: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/witchcraft-tiktok

newsweek.com/witchcraft-wiccans-mysticism-astrology-witches-millennials-pagans-religion-1221019

focusonthefamily.com/parenting/why-teens-are-attracted-to-wicca/

Christian

The Danger of Misguided Teaching

1-minute devotion for Thursday, 10/30/25

“These are the things you are to teach and insist on.  If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,  they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions  and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:2-10 (Emphasis mine)

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Quote of the Week for 10/29/25

“Study the Word, so that your faith may not stand in the
wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
~ Charles Spurgeon

This is one of the most potentially life-changing quotes I have ever posted.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Anticipating Christ’s Return

1-minute devotion for Tuesday, 10/28/25

“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.  They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 Read full chapter

“Certainly many believers in the first century – Peter included – expected that Christ would return during their lifetimes. But now the scoffers were making light of this ‘coming’ he promised, causing God’s people to doubt whether Jesus’ promise was true.” (Jeremiah Study Bible Notes)

Even today, scoffers still scoff. Don’t let them stop you from earnestly looking for His coming with anticipation and joy!

“Come Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Sincere Love and Devotion

1-minute devotion for Monday, 10/27/25

“Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,” Romans 12:9-10 NASB Read full chapter (Or outdo one another in showing honor.)

In His Love, Cindy

Photo by Gary Fultz

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

Reflecting on God’s Creation

1-minute devotion for 10/26/25

“When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4

Facts you may not know:  

  1. Every star you see in the night sky is bigger and brighter than our sun! (according to NASA)
  2. Astronomers estimate that the universe could contain up to one septillion stars – that’s a one followed by 24 zeros.

How great is our God!

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

How Can I Effectively Engage in Conversations About God?

Have you ever tried to engage in a conversation about God’s Word with someone who held a different view, only to be shot down before you even got started? I have – on more than one occasion!

I have discovered that taking an authoritative stance usually shuts down any further discussion. And interrupting is a huge mistake. So what should we do?

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone..” Colossians 4:5-6 Read full chapter

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1Peter 3:15 Read full chapter

Greg Koukl, in his book TACTICS says this,

“Using simple leading questions is an almost effortless way to ease spiritual topics into a conversation…without seeming abrupt, rude, or pushy. Questions are engaging and interactive, probing yet amicable.”

Jesus often used questions in His interactions with a hostile crowd. Here are a few examples:

 “I will also ask you a question. Tell me:  John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” Luke 20:3-4

“He saw through their duplicity and said to them,  “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” Luke 20:23-24 Read full chapter

“Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” Mark 2:9 Read full chapter

We can learn a lot about why a person believes what he does by asking questions. Most people are only too glad to have an opportunity to express their beliefs.

When you ask a question, you are showing interest in that person, and it’s an invitation to thoughtful dialog. Koukl suggests nicely asking questions like:

  1. How did you come to that conclusion?
  2. Why do you say that?
  3. I’m curious, What do you mean by that?
  4. What do you mean by (fill in the blank) evolution, evil, etc.

“It is not the Christian life to wound, embarrass, or play one-upmanship with colleagues, friends, or even opponents, but it’s a common vice that anyone can easily fall into.” Hugh Hewitt

I used to think that if the conversation didn’t go anywhere, the other person was just unreasonable. In other words, it was their fault we couldn’t have a friendly discussion. But now, I realize that it was really my fault because I didn’t know how to engage in a conversation with someone who has differing views. But I am learning.

The big takeaway for me was this: Instead of immediately correcting or quoting Scripture, ask questions. That way, you will have a better understanding of why they believe what they believe and where the weaknesses are in their viewpoint. I have barely touched the surface on what Koukl can teach us. I hope you will look at the free sample.

I highly recommend Greg Koukl’s book TACTICS. Read a sample HERE.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

To Be Approved by God

1-minute devotion for Friday, 10/24/25

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

The Greek word translated be diligent is spoudazo. It means to be diligent, eager, earnest, or to exert oneself with haste and zeal to accomplish something. It encapsulates the idea of giving one’s best effort, not just working hard but doing so with a focused intention, often driven by a desire or need. 

What is it we are trying to accomplish? It is to accurately handle the word of truth and so be approved by God. And what if we don’t? Someday we will stand before God and be ashamed.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

Christian

God Sees Our Heart

1-minute devotion for Thursday, 10/23/25

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV (emphasis mine)

I love the story of David being anointed king over Israel. When Jesse brought out his sons before Samuel, the Lord rejected them all, one by one. A little confused perhaps, Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, but he is tending the sheep.” They brought him in from the fields and the Lord said, “He is the one.”

 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” (v. 13) Read full chapter

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

RealChristianWomen.blog  

Christian

A Word of Wisdom

Quote of the Week for 10/22/25

Footnotes

  1. Genesis 41:51 Manasseh sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for forget.
  2. Genesis 41:52 Ephraim sounds like the Hebrew for twice fruitful.

In His Love, Cindy

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.