text: do demons have the ability to hurt us? isn't it said in the bible that god has to grant evil beings (specifically satan in the passaeg i'm thinking of) permission to hurt or torment us? when one complies with the counsel of god's word regarding spiritism, you spurn the bait of the demons. (compare psalm 141:9,10; romans 12:9.) does this mean that wicked spirits will stop trying to capture you? by no means! after tempting jesus three times, satan (the chief of the demons) "retired from him until another convenient time." luke 4:13) similarly, obstinate spirits not only attract people but also attack them.   recall satan's attack on god's servant job.  the devil caused the loss of his livestock and the death of most of his servants.  satan even killed job's children. next, he struck job himself with a painful disease.  but job kept his integrity to god and was greatly blessed.  (job 1:7-19; chap. 2:7,8 & chap 42:12) since then, the demons have made some people speechless or blind and have continued to revel in the suffering of humans.  (matthew 9:32,33; 12:22; mark 5:2-5) today, reports show that demons sexually harass some and drive others to insanity.  they incite still others to murder and suicide, which are sins against god. (deuteronomy 5:17; 1 john 3:15) nonetheless, thousands of people once ensnared by these wicked spirits have been able to break free.  how has this been possible for them? they have done so by taking these vital steps. even  if you have not practiced spiritism , get rid of anytghing having spiritistic uses or overtones.  this includes books, magazines, videos, posters, musical recordings and objects used for spiritistic purposes. also included are idols, amulets and other items worn for protection and gifts received from practicers of spiritism. (deuteronomy 78:25,26; 1 corinthians 10:21). we can be successful in our spiritual warfare against the devil and the demons under his direction.  there is no reason to quake in fear of satan, for the disciple james wrote: "subject yuourselves...to god; but oppose the devil, and he will flee from you."  james 4:7. so go on the offensive in opposing satan by having nothing to do with occult or magical practices and those indulging in them.   the scriptures clearly show that servants of god must refuse to look for omens or to engage in astrology (horoscrope reading included) divination, etc.  if we are spiritually active and strong in true worship we need not be afraid that someone will cast a spell on us.  numbers 23:23; deuteronomy 18:10-12; isaiah 47:12-15; acts 19:18-20.   first century christians in ephesis who had practiced spiritism before becoming believers took positive steps.  we read that "quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody." (acts 19:19)  we know that the devil fled when jesus resisted his attack by using the scriptures during the temptation in the wilderness. (matthew 4:4,7,10, 11. putting on the complete suit of god-given spiritual armor makes a difference.