Tag Archives: fortune tellers

Entering the Great Unknown

When the truth of God’s Word or a blunt reply from an honest friend, cuts to the heart, I find it difficult to initially accept their message.  A primal spirit joined by stubbornness make it hard for me to embrace the error of my way.  As a result, I am entering the great unknown in obscurity, far removed from friendships of the past.

The transition from adolescence into adulthood can be hindered or eased depending upon your status.  Dinner parties, gatherings and social events give individuals an opportunity to boast of their recent accomplishments or hide behind the great unknown.  Doctors, engineers and managers tend to flaunt their confidence unwittingly.  Meanwhile, the silence of the other guests speak volumes, embarrassed by their resumes, salaries or a combination of both.  Thus, these humble souls are eager to venture into the great unknown, hoping the future is better than their past and present circumstances.

While online fortune tellers claim they can reveal your future for a mere $20 bill, only God the Father knows what the great unknown holds.  Fortune cookies may give you a laugh or a series of so called lucky numbers, yet inside these treats are hollow, empty of any significant substance.  Therefore, as you start tomorrow, walking through an open door or driving toward a clear passage, take Jesus with you on this journey, serving as your mediator, 1 Timothy 2:5, as you enter into the great unknown!

by Jay Mankus

The Great Fortune Teller

crystal ball photo: Crystal Ball Crystal_ball.jpg

Modern fortune tellers rely on crystal balls, horoscopes, psychics and tarot cards to predict information about a person’s life.  At the turn of the first century, there was a girl from Philippi, a city on the north shores of the Aegean Sea, who possessed a powerful spirit.  According to Acts 16:16, she was purchased by a group of businessmen who greatly profited from her ability to predict the future.  While unknown, apparently this young girl was tired of being enslaved, reaching out to the apostle Paul by interrupting his ministry, Acts 16:17.  Thus, Paul was left with no choice, casting out the demon within her along with this special ability, Acts 16:18-19.  Although this girl was delivered from her bondage, Paul and Silas received a night in the slammer for their efforts, putting the slave owners out of the fortune telling business, Acts 16:19.

Today, fortune telling is considered taboo for many Christians to discuss, especially within evangelical circles.  By squashing debate on this topic within churches, people are overlooking the greatest fortune teller of all time.  In the gospel of Mark alone, Jesus is a perfect 21 for 21 without counting the same category twice.  The Holy Spirit, poured out upon Jesus during his baptism in Mark 1:12 enabled God’s son to read hearts, minds, motives and thoughts.  In addition, Jesus predicted betrayals, conversations, foresaw shortcomings, future events and reactions of his disciples and religious leaders.  A prophet may be perceived as getting lucky if they go lets say 3 for 3 on predictions.  Yet, once you foretell 21 future events exactly as they occur, luck is taken out of the equation.

I think one of the main reasons the Bible is under attack by college professors, scrutinized by the media and considered obsolete by Naturalistic Scholars is due to fear from within that Scripture does foretell the future.  Based upon Revelation 20:7-15, in the end, Satan loses, the Book of life will be opened, each person will be judged according to what they have done on earth and God’s sheep will be separated from the goats who will spend eternity in hell.  Though only the Father knows the date, year and time of day, Mark 13:32, the future is pretty obvious.  Use your talents that the Master has given you on this earth while you still have time, Matthew 25:14-30, before Jesus’ eminent return.

by Jay Mankus

Fortune Telling References:

Mark 2:8-11, 18-20, Mark 4:37-40, Mark 5:36-41, Mark 6:4-6, 38-44, 48-52, Mark 7:6-13, Mark 8:16-21, 31-32, Mark 9:17-29, 31-32, Mark 10:22, 32-35, 41, Mark 11:1-7, 17, Mark 12:38-40, Mark 13:32, Mark 14:6-9, 12-16, 18-21, 24-25, Mark 14:30-31, 42, 62, 66-72.  All verses are from the New International Version of the Bible.