The seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God. Micah 3:7

There are some stories that are just too good not to make into a devotion. This is one of them. Last week, in Philadelphia, city inspectors shut down a large group of shops belonging to psychics, astrologers, and tarot card readers. In the days to come, they expect to shut down a few more shops.

The inspectors decided to make this almost unprecedented move when the police told them of a 30-year-old, almost forgotten law. What law? The city ruling that said it was a third-degree misdemeanor for anyone to practice fortunetelling “for gain or lucre.”

Now, you would think that if those psychics, astrologers, and tarot card readers were any good at their craft, they would have been given some kind of “spiritual” advance notice that city officials were coming. That didn’t happen. All these folks who claim they have a reliable and profitable ability to look into the future were caught completely by surprise. To paraphrase the Old Testament prophet, Micah, “the seers have been disgraced and the diviners put to shame.”

Now, I’m not saying that Satan, in his desire to turn people away from trusting in God, doesn’t give certain "insights" to some of these future-tellers. Although only God is omniscient, the devil has had considerable experience observing and appealing to human weaknesses. As a deceiver, he may be able to make some pretty educated guesses as to what we will do. Of course, those who do trust him will soon find they have been duped.

Still, it is a human weakness to try and ascertain the unknown future that God has decided to keep hidden. This is why I “predict” that Philadelphia will soon have new shops filled new fortune-tellers. On the other hand, I believe God’s people will not be swayed by Satan’s questionable insights and will follow the Lord’s truth. This is how the book of Proverbs says it:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (3:5-7)

This leads me to conclude that while no one knows what the future holds for you today, believers in the Savior know He will be by our side. We know that the Christ is ready to hear us when we pray. He is ready to strengthen us when we are weak, and He is ready to uphold us when we stumble. No prediction here, just Jesus’ promises.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I give thanks that You will be with me as I walk in today’s unknown future. Let me trust Your love and know that Your grace will be sufficient for whatever may come. In Your name, Amen.




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Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 22    Psalms 56    Luke 22:1-23

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