Several years ago, I was introduced into the New Age Movement by way of a nationally televised broadcast of Shirley McLaine's autobiographical ministries titled: "Out on a Limb." At the time I was experiencing a void in my life. I felt like I had it all, yet I had an emptiness that my successful career, my possessions, and my lifestyle couldn't fill. I began to wonder if the missing link in my life was GOD. "Out on a Limb" was my catalyst into the world of metaphysics. I became a "TRUTH SEEKER" and in time, I found that I was precariously perched "Out on a BROKEN Limb."

Do you wear crystals around your neck to give you "power?" Well, if you'll notice my picture, I used to wear crystals also. Now I wear instead the only symbol of all TRUTH and POWER, which is the cross. Have you learned about CHAKRAS yet? If so, then open the "CROWN CHAKRA" which is in your head! I now call it my BRAIN that I use to read the Word of God which is the true source of "enlightenment!" Before you laugh scornfully, I challenge you to answer a few questions.

Have you been told:

--that God is "within?"

--that "channeling" is connection with the "Godhead?"

--that you are God — we ALL are Gods?

--that Jesus Christ was the "greatest Psychic" who ever lived?

--that Jesus even said in the Bible, "greater things than this you too shall do?"

Have you been told that Jesus was a walk-in? Have you been told to protect yourself with the WHITE LIGHT before going into a trance state? Were you told about the "New Age" coming — the millenium of Peace and Love and Brotherhood?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions, I'm afraid you have been deceived. Don't feel too bad, because I was once running in the same lane you are and I fell for it ALL; hook, line and sinker. I can tell you now that "New Age Movement" is actually "Old Age DECEPTION."

My heart goes out to you as you are probably truly searching for answers as to how you fit in to the overall plan of things in relation to God. My spiritual quest turned into a living nightmare, and I am now compelled to warn others and expose the truth of what the metaphysical realm really is. You may totally reject my personal testimony, but I implore you as a TRUTH SEEKER to explore an area you may have never considered before. Perhaps you never bothered because you felt you were learning all about it from your teachers.

I'm referring to the Holy Bible. I really thought I was quite well versed in the scriptures, as I was learning the important things that the Bible speaks of. I was told that I could do the very same things that Jesus did once I "tapped into" the higher source of knowledge that He had found as He traveled to India to study with the MASTERS. It made sense to me, for after all, Jesus even said, "...these things you too shall do." I had never actually read a Bible, but I trusted my teachers in the psychic development classes that I enrolled in, along with all the many books I had been reading, and certainly Shirley McLaine wouldn't lie! I studied the works of the most popular channeled entities at the time, which were RAMTHA, SETH, LAZARIS, and my favorite was the MICHAEL MATERIAL. I started to believe that God IS within each person, so therefore, we are actually fragmented parts of God, and that the PURPOSE of life is to evolve back to the "Godhead" by recycling our souls by way of a process known as "REINCARNATION". I even fell for the lie that the "CHURCH" has intentionally hidden the truth from us in order to maintain control over people, for they didn't want us to be responsible for our own spiritual life.

I found all this to be very logical, and since "church people" really turned me off anyway, I was drawn even deeper into this alternative religion. I devoutly pursued my quest for God and found a kaleidoscope of subjects, all intertwined in the metaphysical realm. I learned about crystals, soul-mates, karma, psychic powers within, meditation, creative visualization, automatic writing, astral projection, healing through mind control, along with all the lingo associated with the New Age Movement such as HIGHER SELF, VIBRATIONS, AURA, CHAKRAS, KOUNDALINI SERPENT FORCE, SPIRIT GUIDES, etc., etc. I even tried numerous hypnotic regression sessions to find out about "my past lives." It became much too expensive for me to pursue, but the fact that nothing was happening didn't discourage me — I simply figured I wasn't ready for such things yet. After all, I was only a novice at all this stuff. My personal home library began to overflow with books on all the previously mentioned subjects, but the most fascinating area was the "Trance Channelers." My life goal was to become a trance channeler so that I could help other people find their "higher spiritual realm" by means of SEANCES. I began to rapidly excel in all areas and I was sure my spiritual achievements were above normal because I was destined to find and fulfill my life purpose.

I had a Christian friend at work who noticed that I was always reading metaphysical books during coffee breaks and he became concerned about my involvement in the "OCCULT." I was offended because the word "OCCULT" had such a negative overtone, and I remember laughing at him when he told me I should be reading the Bible. I actually felt sorry for him as he was so "narrow-minded" to the truth. I told him I was learning about the Bible and all spiritual truths. I was even trying to convert him, just as he was trying to convert me.

The Bible says that "My people perish for a lack of knowledge of my Word." (Hosea 4:6)

I had been warned by my psychic teachers in class not to pursue any of the techniques that I was learning during classes while at home, unless I had someone in the room with me during these endeavors to reach my "HIGHER SELF." Being very impatient to know what I was considering to be "GOD", and what my teachers termed "higher self", I felt no need for a spectator. I was told that occasionally some "not-so-friendly" spirits can enter a person, but I didn't really think that was possible, so I began to prepare for my meditative session.

I lit my red candles, burned incense, placed a New Age "inner harmony" tape in the cassette player and proceeded to allow myself to drift off on a meditative cloud, as I envisioned the "WHITE LIGHT" flowing through every pore in my body. I finally achieved connection with my "higher self", and the day I had long awaited was finally here! Little did I know then that this was a turning point in my life and that I would never be the same again.

I saw this incredibly beautiful "being of light." I was sure this was the God that I so earnestly longed to know. This glimmering presence was like a faceless silhouette of Jesus Christ. I was experiencing an incredible sensation throughout my entire being. I had crossed over the boundary line. The Invisible Veil had been lifted to divulge the beautiful side of EVIL!

All the radiant beauty suddenly turned into a grotesque barrage of hideous faces. I began to tremble and shake all over and my breathing became very deep. My entire body began to move involuntarily in a rythmic gyration. I experienced FEAR on a level I never knew was possible. I was caught in a living nightmare for the next several days with demonic manifestations trying to kill me. I was on the brink of suicide, trying to flee these horrible demonic forces that I had cordially invited into my life. During this satanic attack, I sensed a presence in the corner of the room that said gently, "THIS IS DEMONIC!" The voice was not audible but very firm, yet loving. I immediately received revelation knowledge! It was as though a bright light-bulb had become lit in my head, and I immediately yanked the crystals from my neck. I can hardly find the words to describe the full satanic bombardment from that point on. I was petrified beyond comprehension. The only thing I could think of was my Christian friend Benny and how he had tried to warn me. I called information to get his phone number, but I could barely dial the telephone, as my hands were shaking so severely. I finally reached him and he told me to get my Bible out and read certain verses along with him. He kept saying over and over "I rebuke you, Satan, in the name of Jesus!"

He told me to get all those New Age books out of my house, so I got a large garbage can and just swept my arms along the shelves and brushed the books into the can. Then I dragged them outside my house, but I was still under attack for days. I felt like I was running for my life, trying to escape these demonic forces, until I wound up in Albany Medical Center for a two-week period. While I was in the hospital, I found a Bible and for the first time I REALLY read it. I was willing to try anything to get relief and peace from the torment I was in. I found that my mentors had "CONVENIENLY" taken scriptures out of context to apply to their metaphysical concepts. I had been deceived and blinded to the very TRUTH that I had been searching for.

Did you know that the Bible repeatedly denounces spiritism? Here are some of the verses that I found while I lay there in the hospital bed:

"DO NOT TURN TO MEDIUMS OR SEEK SPIRITISTS, FOR YOU WILL BE DEFILED BY THEM" (Leviticus 19:31 NIV)

"I WILL SET MY FACE AGAINST THE PERSON WHO TURNS TO MEDIUMS AND SPIRITISTS TO PROSTITUTE HIMSELF BY FOLLOWING THEM..."(Leviticus 20:6 NIV)

"LET NO MAN BE FOUND AMONG YOU WHO ... IS A MEDIUM OR SPIRITIST OR CONSULTS THE DEAD. ANYONE WHO DOES THESE THINGS IS DETESTABLE TO THE LORD." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

You can imagine my SHOCK to read that God would consider me detestable for seeking Him in such a manner. I wound up being involved in the very things that God's Holy Word says not to do. I was seeking the TRUTH through lies. Then I found another revelation;

"FOR EVEN SATAN DISGUISES HIMSELF AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT" (II Corinthians 11:14)

"NOW THE SPIRIT EXPRESSLY SAYS THAT IN THE LATTER TIMES SOME WILL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, GIVING HEED TO DECEIVING SPIRITS AND DOCTRINES OF DEMONS." (I Timothy 4:1)

"BELOVED, DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD; BECAUSE MANY FALSE TEACHERS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD. BY THIS YOU KNOW THE SPIRIT OF GOD; EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSES THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH IS FROM GOD; EVERY SPIRIT THAT DOES NOT CONFESS JESUS IS NOT FROM GOD; AND IT IS THE SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST OF WHICH YOU HEARD THAT IS COMING AND NOW IT IS ALREADY IN THE WORLD." (I John 4:1-3)

There are so many more verses in the Bible that pertain to this subject matter. It seems as though these verses came to life and jumped off the pages at me as I sat in that hospital bed, I was so broken inside to realize how close I came to going to hell. I cried out for God to forgive me as I was deceived by Satan. My life has never been the same since. I found new life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said: "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE; NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER BUT THROUGH ME!"

The Bible also says: "BEHOLD I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK; IF ANYONE HEARS MY VOICE, AND OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME UNTO HIM." (Revelation 3:20)

I opened the door of my heart and invited Jesus in and HE came into my life and totally changed me. He will do the same for you if only you will ask him to. The Lord said: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Please seriously consider my story as I am simply trying to reach out to others in hopes that they will never experience the horror that I encountered. Through the grace of God, I escaped before it was too late. This may be the only chance you will have to reconsider and turn your back on this satanic endeavor. I challenge everyone reading this paper to open a Bible and really read it.

I pray you have learned from my testimony.

I lived it, I experienced it.

Stop being deceived by people who act as though they care about your soul — there is only ONE GOD and unless you accept His eternal gift of salvation you will be lost forever. Hear his voice, respond in your heart, turn away from your involvement in the occult, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and rose from the grave to give you eternal life. Accept Him as your personal Savior, make Him the Lord of your life and serve Him. NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION ... NOT LATER ... NOW!!! TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE — HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART ... TODAY ... NOT TOMORROW!!! JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!

Jesus said in John 8:32 "YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE". If you want to be set free and experience the peace that only God can give, then pray this simple prayer with me right now:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I have tried so many ways and methods to come to know You, but all have failed in the end. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins, and resurrected from the grave to give me a new spiritual life because You love me. Please take control of my life and teach me Your Truth. I ask you now Lord Jesus to come into my heart and change my life. Thank you for Your free gift of eternal salvation. Mold me into what you want me to be and deliver me from the spiritual forces of darkness. Amen.

Congratulations! I urge you to start reading your Bible daily, starting with the New Testament. Find a Bible believing church so you can learn more about the teachings in the Bible and you'll get to know what a Great God we serve. This is also an excellent way to make new friends that love the Lord and can help you to grow as you walk with the Lord daily. Learn to pray and communicate with God every day. Tune into the local Christian radio stations. Another helpful tool is the 700 Club, or the Family Channel on cable.

There is a video titled "THE GODS OF THE NEW AGE", for anyone that is interested in finding out further truths about the New Age movement. If I can help you in any way, please feel free to contact me through Testimony Newsletter.

My prayers are with you and may God's blessings and protective hand be upon you always!

Lovingly in Christ,

Maureen Cuttle Rion

God says, "These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life." (I John 5:13)

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'LL SPEND ETERNITY IF YOU SHOULD DIE TODAY?

If you die, do you know for sure you would go to heaven or do you doubt it even a little bit?