BEWARE OF WISHES THAT ARE CRAFTY

Christian Treasure Devotion

Beware of Crafty Wishes

Anchor Scripture: Isaiah 8:19 (KJV) - “And when they shall come unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter. Should not the people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?”

Recently, I listened to a sermon that inspired me to reflect on being careful with our wishes so they don’t become crafty. Also, a close friend shared a story about a woman in her sixties who has a strong desire to marry but has yet to find a suitor. This woman accused a younger lady of subtly flaunting her engagement proposal in her face. The younger lady, who is in her thirties, was indeed happy to be dancing in front of the older woman, who had two suitors but was uncertain about which one to choose.

The older woman took great offense at this display of happiness and accused the younger woman of rubbing her relationship in her face. She warned the younger lady that if she wasn’t careful, neither of her relationships would work out, leaving the younger woman shocked and speechless.

When your wishes for another person become crafty, it can be a form of witchcraft. "Craft" refers to thoughts or actions that are cunningly devised—it's the process of creating something with a hidden motive.

From my personal Research, I found the following to be the three stages of witchcraft:

1. BITTER ENVY:This is an unnecessary bitterness directed at those who seem to prosper. The person experiencing this envy often doesn’t understand why they feel this way, especially towards fellow believers. When asked, they might dismiss it, saying something like, “I just don’t like him; he thinks too highly of himself.” This bitterness can easily lead to hatred.

2. COMPETITIVE JEALOUSY:It has been said that jealousy is the last step before becoming a witch. This means that jealousy is a facet of witchcraft. Competitive jealousy is the second stage of craft. Suddenly, a bitter and envious person wants to outdo the successful person in everything; it’s as if they are saying, “You think only you can succeed. Look, I can do this better.” This can lead to unnecessary and unproductive competition, even if it is counterproductive.

3. FULLY DEVELOPED OR MATURED CRAFT This represents the highest form of witchcraft. It embodies pride and rebellion, challenging established authority, much like the rebellion against God in heaven. This spirit, often referred to as the Spirit of Egypt in spiritual warfare, was the same power used by Pharaoh's sorcerers to oppose Moses in Exodus 7:12 and 4:1-5. It works to counter God’s authority and the efforts of believers, hence it is called counteracting power. Such spirits deceive people, offering them false promises, as all true power belongs to God. At this stage, any demonic wishes crafted will ultimately manifest but hold no real value.

LESSONS LEARNED TODAY:

Be cautious of negative wishes; envy, bitterness, and competitive jealousy are early signs of crafty thoughts that can grow into something harmful. It's akin to cancer—if left unchecked, it spreads rapidly and can have a devastating effect on our hearts.

Furthermore, God despises practitioners of witchcraft, regardless of the stage. This is evident in Leviticus 20:27: “A man or woman who has a familiar spirit or is a wizard shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them.” This is Jehovah's judgment against those who engage in witchcraft.

ASSIGNMENT:

Examine your motives. Why do you engage in certain actions? Do you harbor unnecessary bitterness? Do you resent others when things go well for them? Are you feeling overly proud of yourself? Do you secretly wish harm upon those who appear to be succeeding? Pray for deliverance from these crafty thoughts.

PRAYERS

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your words to me today. I ask that Your Holy Spirit fill my heart. I reject every crafty wish that comes from the pit of hell. Lord, please saturate my heart with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.