The power is already in you

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

Deuteronomy 18

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

What's striking about this chapter is the utter condemnation of so-called "occult" practices:

9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you must not learn to imitate the abhorrent practices of those nations. 10 No one shall be found among you who makes a son or daughter pass through fire, or who practices divination, or is a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts spells, or who consults ghosts or spirits, or who seeks oracles from the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is abhorrent to the Lord; it is because of such abhorrent practices that the Lord your God is driving them out before you're. 13 You must remain completely loyal to the Lord your God. 

Why are these things abhorrent to the Lord? Perhaps it's obvious why child sacrifice is abhorrent (assuming that's what "makes a son or daughter pass through fire" means). 

The rest of the practices seem like possibly harmless tools. Tools that could, perhaps, collect information or shift energies in order to manifest what you desire.

On the other hand, this might be the entire focal point of the Bible since the children of Shem (Spirit), beginning with Abraham, came to redeem the land of Canaan from the children of Flesh (Ham). 

Children of Spirit do not make their way through life by reading tea leaves or relying on other external forms of fortune-telling. They rely on faith alone. Faith that the LORD who dwells in them will bring forth that which they require or desire.

Messages from "soothsayers" of various types can only confuse or disrupt one's mind, dividing it. The LORD, our Spirit or Highest Self, is the one and only being on whom to depend. 

When I think about it, statistically-based forecasts would also be condemned. Should statistics provided by a business consultant persuade you from pursuing your own dreams? That's really no more valid than changing your plans based on an astrological reading. Either source is confusing your initial intention. 

The power is not in the occult arts, or even in scientific data. The LORD is in you, and the power is in you.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)