Fortune Teller

Written By Betty Predmore

ACTS 16:16-40 (June 25)

They have been around since the beginning of the ages. They are mystical, magical individuals (or so they want you to think) who have been given the ability to look into the future and tell you just what will happen.

They are no prophets. They are fortune tellers. And they make their living by giving you information that you want to hear. You can find them at carnivals and circuses around the world. Some set up shop in small towns and villages. Some work their trade in secret.

I have never been to a fortune teller or a palm reader, or anything like that. To me, knowing the future takes the wonder and surprise out of life. I feel that God gives us the information that we need, when we need it. So, why try to outsmart him by knowing things ahead of time? (But I DO eagerly tear into my fortune cookies, just to see what they say!)

What about you? If given the chance, would you want to know what the future holds? What would you do with that information? Would you make the very best of every moment and live life to the fullest?

Tim McGraw sang a song some years back about a man in his forties who found out he was dying. He talked about what he changed about his life once he had this information:

"I went skydiving. I went Rocky Mountain climbing. I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu. And I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."

The man described in this song took the information about his future and used it to live life fully, enjoying his bucket list and making quality time with those around him.

As Paul, Silas and Luke went down to a place of prayer, they met a slave girl who had a demon spirit in her which allowed her to tell the future. This knowledge wasn't used for checking off a bucket list or making the most of relationships, it was used simply for bringing wealth to her masters. (Isn't it always all about the wealth?)

She shouted to the crowd, "These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved."

Day after day, she spoke these words. Paul knew these words were true but he knew better than to accept testimony from demons. Also, he was saddened by the condition of this poor slave girl. Finally, Paul turned to her and spoke to the demon within her, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her," Instantly, the demon left.

Her masters, realizing their hopes of wealth just went out the window, were furious. They grabbed Paul and Silas (where did Luke go?) and put them before the crowd. The city officials ordered them to be stripped and beaten with wooden rods. After being badly beaten, they were thrown in the inner dungeon of the jail with their feet clamped in the stocks.

Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns. Around midnight there was a massive earthquake which unchained all prisoners and opened all doors of the jail. The jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open and assumed the prisoners had escaped. He was going to kill himself for his failure. But Paul stopped him by assuring them no one had left.

This caused the jailer to fall at their feet and ask, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" to which they replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." (I wonder if he could've predicted THAT would happen to him on this day?)

They shared the word of God with the jailer, he washed their wounds, and then everyone in his household was baptized. He brought the men into his house to eat, and everyone was in a rejoicing mood as they celebrated their new hope in Christ. (We don't need to know the future when our hope is in Christ, because we know he has only good planned for us.)

The next morning, the city officials demanded the jailer let the men go. He told Paul and Silas, "The city officials have said you are free to leave. Go in peace."

But Paul was having none of that! To beat Roman citizens and put them in prison without a trial, right in front of everyone, but to try to quietly send them out of town? NO WAY, JOSE! Paul wanted to be PUBLICLY relieved of his accusations. So the city officials came and begged them to leave, which they did, returning to Lydia's house.

What made these people so upset? Was it the message Silas and Paul were sharing? Or was it the fact that they caused their opportunity for wealth to disappear? The desire for wealth can make a person do some crazy things... even believe in a Fortune Teller.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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