The Everyday Demonic

Just because the world has modernized, desensitized, and beautified old traditions doesn’t mean the demons detached themselves from it. The spirit realm, aka, where the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), "he who lives in the world" (1 John 4:4), and the "works of darkness" (Ephesians 6:12) live is very real and God intends for all of His children to be cautious because Satan goes around through this realm like a roaring lion looking for anyone he can devour (trick, trap, stumble, etc.) (1 Peter 5:8). The reason the spirit realm is able to interfere with the physical realm is because humans have spirits, which are connected to our physical body and driven by what we see, hear, read, and consume. Knowing this, Satan can trap us in every day objects and practices. His job is to normalize them, have us view them as harmless, and use "our own flesh understanding" (Proverbs 3:5) against us. With these examples I'm about to share with you, you'll understand what I mean. In fact, a lot of you will dive straight into "Yeah right! Another legalistic Christian! It's just insert object! That's not demonic!" One of the biggest lies Satan and his entourage have used to deceive many lives, Christians included, is that he cannot effect us through objects, health-related practices, food, music, TV, and everything else. Let me reassure you, he very much can and does! And I've seen and heard stories of people who got delivered from these very "harmless" things and can attest that it is very real. So let's get started!

Energy Drinks

First of all, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Drinking energy drinks, like most food and beverage, is not a sin it itself, so please don't misunderstand! However, there are two implications in which you should stop drinking them, and both of them are spiritual.

1. If God (Holy Spirit) convicts you or tells you to stop drinking them. Even if you have absolutely no issues drinking them! Even if He uses the term "shouldn't," furthering your consumption is considered rebellion and therefore, sin. He knows what's best for you. He knows everything. God isn't a legalistic God. He designed everything—your body, your mind, your spirit, the physical realm, and the spiritual realm, and knows how all of them work. I can readily assure you He's trying to protect you, whether it be the chemicals that will damage your physical body, your mental chemical balance, and if there is demonic activity attached to it, protecting your spirit. If I loved drinking energy drinks, had no physical/mental issues from it, and God still told me to stop, I love God more than energy drinks, I know He made my body, and I know He wouldn't tell me to quit something for no reason. You bet I'm going to stop!

2. If you consume energy drinks and notice some negativity in your life, such as depression, anxiety, nightmares, trouble regulating emotions, trouble sleeping, dietary issues, etc., you might want to consult with the Holy Spirit and ask Him the source of these issues, even if it's just one of them. God is interested in every detail of our life, no matter how petty we think it is (Psalm 56:8)! He will always tell us how to take care of our body if we ask! When an object is attached to a demonic stronghold, Satan will use those things, including food and drink, as a contract to meddle with us in various ways. Drinking them (certain brands, not all of them!) lets the powers of darkness know that you have given them permission to effect you. Whatever they do to your spirit, manifests in your physical body. This can be felt as every symptom I listed at the beginning of this paragraph. Physical ailments and poor mental health isn't always your immune system fighting something. It can also be your spirit fighting something because of a stronghold you allowed into your life from a seemingly harmless thing.

Now that I've explained it, here are the brands you need to avoid for spiritual reasons! These are just the three that I've found, but there's more! And be mindful! Not all spiritually tainted energy drinks have demonic names! Some of them are all cute, colorful, and make us all warm and fuzzy inside like cupcakes and rainbows!

Liquid Death has confirmed they have a hired witch doctor who curses their cans before they are sent to stores. Their name wasn't chosen on a whim. If you're skeptical, there are sources you can look up. Here's one of many that I found: https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/liquid-death-certified-cursed

Monster Energy’s famous animal claw logo turns out to be the Hebrew insignia for the triple six. "Christian Karens" use to market this once upon a time and equally so, I was the skeptic who made fun of it. That was before I started listening to the Holy Spirit. And if it doesn't get any more coincidental, a lot of people I see and/or know who drink this brand are not very happy or healthy people. Coincidence? I think not.

Alani's Witch’s Brew speaks for itself. If it's caramel apple flavor, just call it that.

Not all energy drink brands are run by demonic-promoting employers, but even so, most energy drinks are made with chemicals that will damage your body if they don’t damage your spirit (and this includes the ones that claim to be "healthy." They are NOT). Even though the consumption of energy drinks in itself isn’t a sin, I promise you if you asked the Holy Spirit about consuming energy drinks, there's a pretty good chance He would kindly advise you to stop drinking them, the same as He would with alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Your body is a temple. No, you may not quit sugar and the likes of things which are also bad for you, but cutting consumption of any damaging consumable is better than nothing, for all three parts of you—body, mind, and spirit.

My sister experienced this once upon a time. Upon meeting her husband who practically lived on energy drinks (notoriously, Monster Energy), she began drinking a few of the peach-flavored ones. But it was already evident within the first few cans that her body was taking on damage. Her anxiety sky-rocketted. The appetite suppressing caffeine caused her to nearly stop eating, especially during long work hours. She started having depressive episodes out of nowhere. And multiplied with the stress of working retail nearly forty hours a week, nearly landed in the hospital for "anxiety-related health issues." As for the rest of us, her family, we had already seen the culprit to be the peach Monster Energy drinks within the first can we witnessed. After marrying her husband (who was experiencing some of the same mental and physical symptoms for much longer), they both decided to seek the Lord to see how He wanted them to start living life, which required them to let go of some things. One of the first things they received was to stop drinking, not just Monster Energy, but energy drinks altogether. The reason? God wanted them to protect their spirit and their physical body and confirmed it multiple times through our mother and personal research. They were met with a strong wakeup call and both of them quit cold turkey. Ever since, their attitudes have increased, they are laughing more, smiling more, sleeping better, and just generally living better. Unfortunately, this is the only example I am allowed to give due to privacy reasons.

Everyday Witchcraft

Today’s normalized crazes among everyday people, not even self-proclaimed witches, are yoga, astrology, crystals, angel/demon numbers, shakable fortune toys (magic 8 ball and its counterparts) meditation, and ouiji boards.

Just because you aren’t a self-proclaimed witch (male or female) doesn’t mean you can’t or don’t practice witchcraft. Most modernized practices today, especially social and self-care promoted practices are forms of witchcraft and antagonize and invite demonic influence into the lives of those who practice them. They’ve become so normalized, that no one but the witches know that it’s dangerously real. It’s been reduced to normal, almost second nature, so common that it’s comparable to getting coffee in the morning or going grocery shopping. Just something that everybody does now. Nothing strange about it.

So, here’s what you need to know behind all the “normal” things we do today. Note: Some of these have deeper explanations located in other blogs! :)

Yoga is a Hindu practice in which they use to worship their gods (whom the Bible warns are demons). Just because you aren’t Hindu doesn’t mean you aren’t worshiping demons or enticing demonic activity when you engage in yoga. In fact, you can talk to true Hindus and they will tell you just what you are opening your spirit to when you engage in it. Long story short: It's not just stretching. Some churches and religious organizations offer "Christian yoga," where they attempt to blend the Hindu practice with Jesus and therefore, claim it to be safe. That is not how the Kingdom of God works. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" What does Hinduism and true Christianity have in common? What fellowship can God have with demons? Stretching isn't a sin; in fact, it is very good for your physical body. But when mankind has purposefully invited demons to attach themselves to some choice positions is where God draws the line. Stretch physically and responsibly, not spiritually.

For a more in-depth view on Yoga, click here!

Astrology/the Zodiac/Horoscopes is a popular form of social identification and practice used to predict individual psychology/activity as well as earthly events based on the astronomical alignment in which an event takes place, or an individual was born. It is most practiced in Hinduism and Chinese culture who use it to worship their gods (also demons). They worship celestial bodies instead of God who created them. It is a form of fortune telling and false god worship, which in turn is a form of witchcraft (divination). The Bible states clearly and in multiple segments of Scripture that practicing astrology is a sin and those who are involved in it are in danger of spiritual death. Even simply identifying as one of the twelve signs is practice enough. You are not who the constellations say you are. You are who God says you are. To believe that your features are based upon the alignment of stars and planets is to engage in false worship, one in which God strictly forbids in His Word. God gave us the stars and planets to reflect Him so that we can magnify Him and glorify Him, but mankind has perverted it into pagan worship. Scriptures included are Deuteronomy 18:10-14, the story of Daniel and the lion's den, Isaiah 47:13-14, and Leviticus 19:26.

The use of crystals is also mentioned in the Bible. Supposedly, earthly elements contain invisible frequencies or “positive energy” which “manifest” positive things to those who possess them. Like astrology, reverence is given to rocks instead of God who created the rocks and the only person who can bring blessing into His children. This is practiced by self-proclaimed witches and anyone who practices "New Age" witchcraft, and is a form of idol worship. God created crystals as symbolic reminders of his pact with Israel (included in the priestly garments) as well as a way to reflect His power and splendor. There are even crystals and gemstones listed in Revelation to be included in Heaven's structure. Crystal divination and astrology typically go hand-in-hand and are therefore condemned equally by God in His Word and today.

Angel and demon numbers are a pre-requisite identification trend to the mark of the beast. Supposedly each triple segment of numbers represents something similar to both crystals and astrology as each set has a unique meaning. They are signs the universe sends to give people identity, direction, and encouragement. They are the opposite influence of God and demons hide behind them and take advantage of these numbers to have individuals act against God’s will. It is a form of idol worship and a form of witchcraft. All of these numbers are demonic, including the "angel" numbers. Remember that the "fallen angels" in Scripture are still demons. The Bible also warns that the mark of the beast is a demon number, the triple six, and will decide the final destination of every individual's spirit, eternal life, or eternal death. Do not associate with ANY these numbers! They are not your identity. Your identity, direction, and your encouragement come from God Himself! You should be listening and putting your trust in Him and not a number.

The shakable magic 8 ball and its counterparts like the cube, etc. are random “harmless” toys you can find at the mall. You ask it a question, shake it, and it gives you a random answer. The issue is, this is a form of self-fortune telling and therefore, a form of lesser-known witchcraft. It is no different than a travel sized portable ouiji board disguised as a children’s toy. Yes; even "for fun."

Ouiji boards used to be an obvious occultic and paganistic object to have and use as it was originally used by witches. But today, it’s turned into a “harmless” board game used for the thrill and by literally anyone. But the demonic tie to it has not changed; in fact, some use it to try and summon demons or converse with the dead (necromancy). Just like the magic 8 ball, it is a form of fortune telling (with more answers), putting your trust in demonic activity to answer questions rather than God. It is and has always been a form of obvious witchcraft.

Meditation originated as a Hindu practice, but today, it has turned into a daily self-care ritual. Like Yoga, it is used to worship their false gods while convincing themselves that self-reverence will bring inner peace. It requires the individual to meditate on things which are not God. The practice is used by self-proclaimed witches. It is used to obtain a counterfeit of peace from the universe, aka, demons acting as though it works, instead of choosing God’s real peace. It is a form of false god worship and a form of witchcraft. We are commanded by God to meditate on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8), and to think only of things that are good (Philippians 4:8). An idle (empty, undisciplined, wandering) mind gives room for demonic invitation (Matthew 12:43-45). It makes it easy for Satan to manipulate what you think about and what you grab onto; and when meditated long enough, becomes habitual.

Fortune Cookies

First and foremost, eating fortune cookies isn’t a sin (I mean, come on. It's a cookie). But the religion behind the notes inside is a form of Chinese witchcraft when taken seriously (key note: When taken seriously. And you'd be surprised how many do UNINTENTIONALLY). Reading them isn’t a sin either; it’s taking them into consideration and putting your belief in something typed on a piece of paper instead of God that is. It is tied with luck and fortune telling, much like tarot cards, and the magic 8 ball, etc, which entice the demonic to act on behalf of your belief and make it appear as though it is real. So, the next time you go to an Asian restaurant and decide to eat a fortune cookie, toss the paper. It’s pointless. Luck does not exist but give in and demons will make it seem like it is.

Media centering around witchcraft and/or the demonic To learn more about this topic, click here!

I tend to use Harry Potter as a prime example, because it nails everything you should avoid, but this goes for ALL forms of media consumption which revolve around things which glorify sin; more concentrated, directly Satanic. Watching TV, moves, series, and reading books etc. isn’t a sin. But intentionally allowing content into your eyes and ears (which are direct lines into your soul and spirit) that goes against God IS, especially after He warns you not to. God will never allow you to watch or listen to something that glorifies evil without giving you His input, so there is NO excuse to justify your involvement. There is no such thing as good magic/witchcraft. God says all of it has ties with the devil and when watched or listened to has spiritual consequences no matter who you are. Watching and listening to things which glorify the demonic is the spiritual equivalent to eating a junk-based diet. Your spirit consumes light and sound through your eyes and ears just like your body consumes food through your mouth. God created your spirit, which means it was designed to consume things that are also connected to Him to grow and stay healthy. So, when you watch and listen to things that are the opposite of Him, they damage your spirit just like junk food damages your body.

Pagan Holidays

To learn more about this topic, click here!

Halloween is the most obvious in terms of pagan holidays, but it is not limited to it as there are other holidays which, although aren’t inherently pagan, involve practices which are not of God and go against Him. Just because some of us engage in pagan practices once a year, doesn’t justify it. Just like watching and listening to things which clearly connect themselves to the devil, aka, the demonic/witchcraft, doing “fun” things in the name of a holiday which represents the same things is equally damaging. Also, the origins of most “once upon a time” pagan holidays were used to worship false gods and some, Satan himself. Just because the world has modernized, desensitized, and beautified old traditions doesn’t mean the demons detached themselves from it. Instead, their influence has become even greater. A lot of people immediately jump to Easter and Christmas and accuse them of being pagan to justify why they celebrate Halloween and then turn around and call the avoiders hypocrites. Although it’s true that the origins of the Easter bunny and Santa (who is NOT St. Nick anymore) are pagan, the focus on Jesus Christians celebrate it for is not.

Heavy Metal Music

Specifically, the secular version. There are some heavy metal musicians who use the genre to directly glorify God (like Skillet). However, please take into account that they are acting on behalf of a God-given direction that is NOT for everybody! It sounds risky, but it works when your heart posture and intentions are in the right place. However, most heavy metal music glorifies the dark instead of the light. This is why most people refer to it as “the devil’s music.” The genre itself symbolizes a loss of self-control, which is a Fruit of the Spirit, and typically glorifies Satan himself with its lyrics and darkened atmosphere. Just like most if not all secular music, heavy metal is a genre in itself you should stay away from unless Christian HM has been approved to you by God. And yes, you have to ask! Assuming something is safe without consulting God is always a flesh move!

Shopping

Specifically, what certain stores and shops represent and what they sell. The objects in general could have familiar spirits attached to them, which will affect the buyer. Stores that sell objects in relation to witchcraft are a good start to stay away from. It doesn’t mean walking into the store or buying something else is a sin, but it does mean you should stay alert as Scripture tells us to do and if something is purchased, to pray over it should there be a spirit, which could negatively affect you. I tend to stay away from stores like Spencer’s and Hot Topic, solely because of the dark atmosphere and the things they sell. Once or twice I've had to stay away from a Five Below store (just the one where I live) due to an entire table selling books on witchcraft.

Conclusion

To conclude, demons will attach themselves to ANYTHING we give them permission to. Satan has come to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). His nature is to corrupt all that God has held sacred. This is why a lot of biblical practices have become witchcraft, and also why even some Christians are deceived into it. For example: Animal sacrifices were commanded for atonement of sin until Jesus' death atoned for all sin in past, present, and future. So to sacrifice animals today to whatever god man chooses is now a form of witchcraft. Mankind worships the created instead of the Creator and the result was the perversion of, not only the supernatural, but the objects it touches upon permission. Mankind is the only created being God gave dominion over the physical earth and the power to command the supernatural into the natural. He even gave us the power to command the light and condemn the darkness! But alas, we have perverted it and instead, we command the darkness and condemn the light. We call what is evil, good, and what is good, evil (Isaiah 5:20). But there is hope, because God will tell you what to stay away from! All you have to do is ask! We need to stop playing these things off as superstition built on normalized culture, and start listening the Holy Spirit. When Jesus returns, He will not accept New Age or Progressive Christianity. He will only be coming for those who listened and obeyed.

Love you all! God bless!

Featured image by Kevin Carden