Recently on our cruise we went to the evening entertainment and saw an illusionist. Some would call it a magic show. She used several different kinds of boxes and put people or objects in them, even herself, and made them disappear. Everyone was "WOWED" by her skill and ability to do this.

Sometimes magic is used for entertainment. The thing one has to remember, however, is that is why it is done, to entertain. Every illusion that was performed has an exclamation. There is trickery and slight of hand involved that causes us to think something has been done.

His name was Simon. We read about him in Acts 8. He was known as a sorcerer. He was able to deceive many people by the things he was doing, much like the woman I saw. People believed in the power of Simon and he enjoyed deceiving the people.

When Philip went to Samaria he could perform miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit. Simon was amazed because he could not do these things. Philip did the miracles he performed to produce faith and for God’s glory, not his own. We read in Acts 8:13, "Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip." (ESV) Philip knew the real thing when he saw it and obeyed the teachings presented to him.

I told Cyndi that as impressive as this woman was, the fact of Jesus’ resurrection was even more impressive. On the day Jesus rose from the dead (John 20:1-10) there were no mirrors used to deceive people. As a matter of fact there was not even a crowd gathered to see the stone removed, but it was. Today His tomb is open and empty and he abides with His Father in heaven. There was no magic, no illusion, just the fact that He rose from the dead.

Having faith in Jesus Christ is important for each person who lives today. Each of us must believe that Jesus is Lord, the Son of God and our Savior. We must confess His name and be obedient to the teachings of the New Testament in order to live with Him. God gives every man the choice to follow Him or rebel against Him.

One day there will be a sight so grand that all will be amazed. Jesus will come back for His church and take the faithful to heaven. Every eye will see Him. It will not be "magic" but fact. Let’s all make sure we are ready for this day.