(How the Holy Spirit Sanctified My Old Habits through My First Communion)
I have always been a very curious person, especially drawn to beautiful and mysterious things. When I was a freshman in college, a friend showed me a deck of tarot cards. That was the beginning of my interest in fortune-telling. I started reading tarot cards, playing cards, and horoscopes. My big mistake was that I believed I could help others through fortune-telling. A palm reader once told me I was suited to be a counselor, and another fortune-teller even invited me to become his disciple.
However, when I became a Christian in my senior year, I came to realize just how sinful fortune-telling is and how much God hates it. In the end, I wasn’t helping anyone—I was only leading people astray.
At my first communion, I received a small piece of bread and a tiny cup of wine. In our church, communion is held on the first Sunday of each month. Only those who believe in Jesus and have received baptism with water and/or the Holy Spirit are allowed to partake. By receiving the body and blood of Christ, we are spiritually united with Jesus and reminded of His grace.
That very day, I experienced the work of the Holy Spirit for the first time. When I returned to my apartment and saw the many fortune-telling books on my bookshelf, I suddenly felt unbearable discomfort. These were things I had treasured—like tarot cards I had bought in Europe and books I had collected over many years. Yet, although I had felt nothing unusual that morning, I now felt an intense aversion and couldn’t stand to keep them any longer.
I quickly packed all the books and cards into two large paper bags and took them to a nearby park. Since the spirit behind fortune-telling is controlled by Satan—God’s enemy—I prayed in the Holy Spirit as I burned them all. Afterward, my heart was filled with joy and peace. It was the first time I truly understood the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot serve both God and Satan. Without forcing myself, I was led by the Holy Spirit to abandon fortune-telling, which God detests. It had become a habit, and I could never have given it up by my own strength. But the Holy Spirit sanctified my heart and set me free. Since then, I have not been controlled or tempted by fortune-telling again, and I now live in true spiritual freedom.
Later, another incident happened at a coin-operated laundry. While the machine was running, I stepped out to do some quick shopping. When I returned, I found that someone had poured bleach into the washer, ruining a pair of matching sweatshirts that my boyfriend and I used to wear. I was devastated. My immediate reaction was deep anger—I thought, I can never forgive whoever did this. I couldn’t understand how someone could do such a thing. I even wanted to take revenge.
But then my feelings shifted—from anger to sorrow, and from sorrow to inner pain. I didn’t know why my heart hurt so much. However, I’ve come to realize that whenever I hold on to negative thoughts, my heart becomes troubled. But every time I say to Jesus, “I’m sorry,” my heart is filled with peace again.
Now I am no longer controlled by evil spirits but led by the Holy Spirit. How blessed I am to walk with God. Hallelujah!
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