Harry Potter is the Anti-Christ and other non-sensical comments!

There was deep concern in his voice as he made his claim. He turned toward the camera and emphatically declared that the Harry Potter books were ploys of satan to suck the spiritual life out of children! He declared that the books should be banned.  And, that Christian people should rise up and forbid their children to be duped by this vast satantic conspiracy!

 I mean this guy sitting there looking into the camera had the crednetials.  He was (and still is) a prominent televangelist. He pastors a large congregation.  Has dined with presidents and is a personal friend of Israel.  Not to mention, he has this really big chart that stretches across the platform of his church that he often refers to. Why should anyone doubt what he was saying?

This man launched a full assault of the books of J.K. Rowling.  He did everything in his power to sway millions to stay away from the budding Harry Potter franchise.  And, people listened and took what he said lock, stock and barrel.  Many never even checked Harry Potter out for themselves.  I recently spoke with a woman in the church where I attend and she said she would never read the Harry Potter books or see the movies. And, when I pressed her about it, she could not even tell me why.  In my opnion that is just doesn't make any sense.

When all the Harry Potter hoop-la started, I decided to look into this for myself.  I was not just going to take what someone said as fact without doing my own research. So, I looked in to it.  And, I became a Harry Potter fan! I have enjoyed every Harry Potter film and just saw "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (Part 1) on opening day.  And, after watching all of those movies I have never once had the urge to sacrifice cats and worship satan.  Nor, do I find myself casting spells or flying around on brooms!  All the claims made, though well intentioned, were wrong. It just goes to show you cannot believe everything you are told.

I wonder how many people live their lives based upon what someone else has told them?  I wonder how many people live beneath their potential because they were told they did not have any?  I wonder how many have bought a bill of goods about their future from friends or even family members?  They took what someone told them as fact and did not even explore their options.  That is not just a shame.  I believe it is a sin. 

God created each of us as unique one of a kind masterpiece. He has given each of us unlimited potential. We have more potential than we will ever use in a life time.  So, rather than buy the lies that you are hopeless, destined for poverty, that life is meant to be endured, why not look into the truth?  Why not discover who you really are and what you are meant to do?  You hear a voice in you for something bigger.  Listen to that inner voice! Stop listening to those who tell you can't and start believing that you can!! The road of discovery will change your life!

Be Thankful

Be Thankful


Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always for all things…”

I have heard this passage quoted mucho mas (a lot)! And, sad to say, much of the time it was interpreted incorrectly. Let me give you a few examples: “Thank you Jesus for breaking my arm!” Or “I am thankful for the painful divorce I am going through!” These are a couple of illustrations of how people have missed the point. I myself wrestled with this passage and the misguided interpretations I was given. There was just no way could I be thankful for something that brought me harm or intense personal pain. I felt that by saying “thank you” for my pain, hurt, loss or whatever, I was acknowledging that God was the author of it. I just could not wrap my head around the whole idea of God sending pain into my life. I could not believe that God would intentionally hurt me or anyone else just to teach us to be thankful. And, when I questioned people about this, I was told not to ask why or question God, just accept what He has sent. Fortunately, I learned that God is not the author of pain in my life. I discovered that he takes no pleasure in seeing me suffer. And, He is not afraid or intimidated by my questions. So, what did Paul the Apostle mean when he penned the words “giving thanks for all things”?

I believe Paul was stating that thankfulness is a life style. It is something that we should intentionally practice each and every day. Thankfulness should flow out of us and touch every aspect of our lives. You see, thankfulness starts on the inside and is not reactionary to external stimuli! Thankfulness is not something I demonstrate only when triggered it into action. It is a way of life! That no matter what is going on around me; I have a well of thankfulness I can draw from. Drinking from this well, I am refreshed when the heat is on! Am I thankful for the pain of breaking my arm? No. Am I thankful for the deep emotional hurt of a divorce? No. My thankfulness is demonstrated by me not allowing these painful life experiences to affect me. And, I can be thankful for God’s help, guidance and protection through the difficulties of life.

So, what can a person do to dig a deep well of thankfulness?

1. When you wake up every morning say “thank you” over and over again. This will get your mind and spirit moving in the right direction. Make this a practice throughout the day. Understand that thankfulness must be cultivated and maintained daily!!

2. When faced with problems, instead of asking “why is this happening to me?”, rather ask “what can I learn from this?” The way you view the problems of life will either make you bitter or better.

3. Understand that you have a choice. You are not the helpless victim of circumstances beyond your control. Make the effort to build up your internal person (the real you) to withstand the storms of life. You may not be able to change the wind, but you can change your sails!

Starting today; make faithfulness a way of life. By doing so you will discover that you have more joy, attract better people into your life and will b e a source of encouragement to others.