The Four Witches

This blog is being covered as I am working with several cases that involves a couple of these powerful witches working in the bloodlines of families I am assisting.  According to ancient texts there are four female beings who are the Queen Demonesses thus the most powerful of witches who mated with a very powerful arch angel who is known as Satan.

These female beings were as follows: Lilith, Agrat Bat Mahlat, Eisheth Zenunim, and Naamah.  Now it is stated that these beings are part of Satan’s concubine so to speak which go against the rules of God.  Now according to these ancient texts three of these beings were said to have already been fallen angels while one was a mortal woman (the first woman, not Eve) who fled the Garden of Eden thus becoming a ‘demon’ due to whispering the very secret name of God.

These beings then became the known as the Queens of Hell, and all four have ‘begot’ with this arch angel who holds the title of Satan.  All but Lilith bore children; Lilith instead bore offspring called Lilim or Lithu known as ‘children of night terrors’.  While the others offspring were called ‘the oracles of divinity (witchcraft) and sacred prostitution’.  Discussed in the Kabbalah these offspring were sent to ‘lustful’ men in their sleep and removed some of their lust, or sent them on a journey to the oracles in order for their sin to be removed from their souls so they won’t become possessed.

Now, Lilith is the most well-known demon succubi.  The story of Lilith has so many “chapters” that the real question is where does one begin? For starters the Kabbalah states that Lilith was the first wife of Adam, but because she was made from the same materials as Adam (dust – not from his rib) and that Lilith was not submissive to him during sex.  Lilith wanted to be on top, but Adam felt because he was a male that it was his God given right to be on top. Furious, Lilith spoke the secret name of God thus then turning into a demon and flying out of the Garden of Eden.

Lilith having fled without eating from The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is believed to be immortal until the end of times.  When Lilith fled away she took refuge near The Red Sea.  Even though she left, she still visited Adam in his sleep via dreams and supposedly ‘begot’ with him and stole his seed.  Now God sent for Lilith to come back to Adam, so God sent three angels named Senoy, Sansenoy, and Semangelof to convince her to return.

They found her by The Red Sea and informed her that if she doesn’t return then 100 of her offspring shall die every day for her actions of being with the very powerful Satan.  Lilith indicated she’ll never return, but she will spare the human children who bore the mark of one of the three angels who visited her to make her return.

Many stories branch off into different interpretations, some say Lilith begot with Satan to turn her into a succubus and becoming a wife for Satan.  While others say she was the serpent who tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the forbidden tree so that their offspring would thus die as well.

Lilith is known as one of the Queen of Demons thus making her a very powerful witch.  Within the paranormal realm people have encountered and do not understand it is Lilith and her offspring tormenting many of the people.   It is said that Lilith will pursue every child born on this earth under the ancestors of Adam and Eve.  The first born is whom she really goes after due to using Witchcraft rights from ancestors who long ago passed away.  It is said in other texts that she has the head of a Lion and the tail of a scorpion if seen by a child this is who this is.  Lilith will also portray an image of an attractive blonde or dark haired woman as a spectre.

The next powerful queen demoness is known as Agrat Bat Mahlat.  In the Hebrew both Agrat and Mahlat are proper names, however Bat means ‘daughter of’; together the name means Agrat daughter of Mahlat.   Mahlat has a translation of ‘illusion, bringer of deception, or reward for deception’.

The Kabbalah references Agrat Bat Mahlat as one of the four sacred angels, who also begot with a specific fallen arch angel known as Satan, once again not Lucifer.  In Rabbinic literature Agrat Bat Mahlot is “the dancing roof-demon” who dances while Lilith sings.  Agrat Bat Mahlat is also known as “the mistress of the sorceresses” who communicated magic secrets to Amemar, a Jewish sage.

Agrat Bat Mahlat is also said to have ‘begot’ with King David and as a result bore Asmodeus, known as the ‘King of Demons.’  However, Agrat Bat Mahlat is depicted like the Gorgon and is better known as ‘Medusa’ because she has snakes as her hair and is a Witch Queen.

Agrat Bat Mahlat will also show herself as on old elderly woman with very frazzled hair to humans.  When a human practices witchcraft or pagan worship it is believed to be her that is thus behind the witchcraft giving power to the dark realm, thus leading the human away from God.

The next queen demoness is known as Eisheth Zenunim.  She is the crone succubus and believed to be the first wife of Satan as well as the very first succubi.  Eisheth Zenunim is about the importance of sexuality and women’s rights (much like Lilith) and is shown as a crone, but she’s ‘the destroyer and bringer of life’, thus manifesting as a thin, graceful crone shown wearing golden robes and a crown with 6 horns.  Eisheth Zenunim is justice based, she goes by “an eye for an eye”.  You have heard that term before and now you know where this comes from.

Lastly is the queen demoness who oversees prostitution and this one is known as Naamah.  The name translates to ‘pleasant’ or ‘pleasing’.  Naamah is said to be one of the goddess’ of divination and the goddess of the earth (i.e. mother earth).  It’s not clear on how she became a demoness of sacred prostitution. The Kabbalah depicts Naamah as a fallen angel and also begot with Satan.

Naamah is said to have joined Lilith in visiting Adam as a succubi, bearing children as well.  Naamah is said to be to so attractive that no one can refuse her, not Satan, not Lucifer nor any angel and certainly not man.  Naamah will present herself as a crouching woman with an animal body in the paranormal realm as this is a very powerful evildoer and is also aligned with Abaddon – known as the ‘Destroyer’, The Gate Keeper of Hell, Baphomet, et cetera.

I pray this has opened someone’s eyes tonight regarding the falseness of witchcraft and how one or more of these powerful witches are active within the kingdom of evil against humans.

Blessings.


Rev. Bradley Luoma

Does The Scripture Stipulate Anything About Lucid Dreaming, Sleep Paralysis And Demons Possibly Connected?

I have been researching Sleep Paralysis for over four years intensively due to my two experiences that prompted me to see a Dream Doctor and ask quite a few questions. Many people over the years have asked me questions that are very important and need answers if that is even at all possible.These nightmares can be extremely disturbing, but is there any spiritual significance? In Genesis 20 God spoke to Abimelech, warning him not to touch Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Other dreams include Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28), Joseph dreamed that his brothers would serve him that led to his captivity in Egypt (Genesis 37), as well as his dream about Pharaoh (Genesis 40-41) that led to his being made the second most powerful man in Egypt. The Lord or His angel appeared to others in the Bible, including Gideon (Judges 7), Solomon (1 Kings 3), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2), Mary (Matthew 1), Joseph (Matthew 2), and Pilate’s wife (Matthew 27). None of these dreams, however, with the possible exception of Pilate’s wife’s dream, can really be called a nightmare. So it would appear that God does not usually speak to people through nightmares.

Some people think it's a form of Demonic Visitation and I feel the same. 97% of people say they felt a very malevolent presence and many see shadow people?. A gentlemen once told me he witnessed a dark shadow crawl up the walls and disappear. I have heard similar stories for the last 20 years. Why is it that 97% of people feel the same thing..Evil presence or attacks? Satan and demons are infiltrating our minds during nightmares, but there is nothing in the Bible to substantiate this very common issue. There are no biblical incidents of demonic forces communicating with people during dreams or nightmares. Nightmares are said to be nothing more than the brain’s way of contending with our fears and concerns as it continues to function during sleep cycles. If a Christian experiences continual, frequent nightmares that are interrupting sleep and causing emotional disturbance on a regular basis, then it would be prudent to seek medical attention. But, remember as in all things, prayer is our never fail weapon against any kind of spiritual distress. Christ gave us victory in His name! The war has been won my friends! One of the last things Christ said before leaving earth to be with the Father was "I leave you with the power of The Holy Spirit so you may cast out demons in thy name." Praise God! Praying for just 10 minutes prior to sleep as I feel is the most effective way to calm the mind and prepare for restful sleep.“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

At times our minds can play tricks on us when discussing things that can seep into our subconscious.The Enemy is always on the prowl, make no mistake.

These blogs are just my humble opinions on said subjects. God Bless you all and have a fabulous week. If you have any questions or need any help, please email me at: Biblicaldemonologist@gmail.com

Written by Jennifer L. Auld

A Plethora of Paranormal Phenomena—a Unified Theory?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Psychic Phenomena, or Psi, are events that cannot be explained by conventional scientific observation. These are the phenomena that parapsychologists study, and others as well. Extrasensory perception (ESP) and Psychokinesis (PK) are primary, but there are others. Many, many others! My goal in this blog is two-fold: to give a representative list of the vast variety of Psi, and to ask which explanation best explains this wild diversity of phenomena.

While listening to a recent interview of Tricia Robertson with host Kev Baker, she asked the question: what happens after we die? She then stated that there was “evidence beyond a reasonable doubt” that we live on after death, and that there is this same level of evidence of for many Psi. It was a fascinating discussion, and Dr Robertson is brilliant. She knows we cannot ‘prove’ much paranormal activity by reproducing it in the lab. So, I found her “beyond reasonable doubt” very helpful and instructive.

My question is this: having found evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt” that paranormal phenomena does in fact occur, does that explain the CAUSE behind the paranormal activity? They are two, distinct issues! Some otherwise very intelligent people seem to forget this distinction. Establishing the factualness of a phenomenon does not necessarily explain its origin, identity, or purpose….and to confuse the two is a logical fallacy. Psi are not self-referential nor self-defining. Remember we are dealing with the supernatural realm, and not the natural realm.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. What I DO (and many others) have in common with those in the paranormal community is a ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ knowledge that a long litany of paranormal phenomena truly do occur….and seemingly with increasing frequency. That is a strong point of contact for fruitful discussion, is it not? We need to recognize this common ground and use it to engender useful discussions.

While not an exhaustive list, here are some of the phenomena. I listed some of them in a recent blog entitled the “Creeping Darkness.” For sake of time, I will simply mention them without explanation or comment: telekinesis, psychokinesis, ESP, the appearance of dark clouds in a room, dark shadows—sometimes humanoid shaped, floating faces, poltergeists, drop-in communicators (T Roberston’s term for entities communicating out of the blue, unknown to any present but later confirmed), psychic surgery (invasive and non-invasive), energy healing of all kinds (e.g. Reiki), psychic art—some with ‘precipitated art’ (Bank Sisters), automatic writing, mediums, psychics, EVP’s, energy shapes or orbs,  apparitions of various shapes and solidity, indoor rain, bee-sting sensation, cob-web effect, breezes, cold-spots, black-eyes kids, Aliens/abduction, cryptozoology, doppelgangers, quantum jumping, light bulb effect, sleep paralysis, vivid dreams/nightmares, ‘prophetic dreams’, ghost pets, alleged appearance of deceased loved ones, bangs, footsteps, smells, conversations, whistling, possession, spoon bending parties (at Rhine Inst.), wraiths,demons or ‘negative/hostile entities, elementals, fairies, leprechauns, etc. And we must not forget the very real effects/affects (emotional, intellectual, physical, relational, and spiritual) that these paranormal phenomena have on people…the effects are as long as the causes list above! Scratches, bites, burns, ect. And then there are the four alleged types of hauntings: intelligent deceased human, non-intelligent or residual, poltergeist, and demonic. Some affirm other types of haunts (e.g. multi-dimensional beings, or aliens).

When Kev Baker, from Scotland, interviewed T. Robertson (parapsychologist), she stated that, “It is a good thing I have no religious background.” As to establishing the facticity of paranormal phenomena—which she strongly affirms—her religious beliefs are not that important since she adheres strictly to being rigorously honest in her observations of the phenomena. Analogously, one can be the world’s leading astronomer without any religious faith, if they are rigorously honest in reporting and analyzing the data (though lack of faith inevitably effects how one views the phenomena). I admire Dr. Robertson’s encyclopedic knowledge of the wide variety of Psi. Again, a common ground is afforded people of different faiths (who know paranormal activity occurs) and folks in the paranormal community who tend to focus on the scientific method…or at least the collection of verifiable evidence, as Dr Robertson prefers to call it.

However, when it comes to the cause/origin/purpose of paranormal activity, I must insist on the myth of so-called neutrality—her lack of religious belief DOES seriously diminish Robertson’s ‘objectivity’. In fact, total objectivity is unattainable, nor even desirable. Robertson, as brilliant as she is, must remember that Proverbs 1:7 applies to everyone. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/knowledge.” If God created the spirit realm, then I humbly suggest that we need His perspective, or we will not be able to answer the second part of my question (origin/identity/purpose).
The issue of presuppositions is so crucial, but I need to move on.

In Kev Baker’s interview, the principle of Occam's Razor was put forth as being very important when dealing with the multiplicity of paranormal phenomena, and the differing explanations. Occam's Razor goes like this: when you have multiple possible explanations for the same phenomena, the simplest explanation tends to be the right one.

Earlier, I had mentioned the distinction between establishing the factualness of the plethora of paranormal, and the IDENTITY/ORIGIN/PURPOSE of each of these paranormal phenomena. I trust that makes sense. For example, it is one thing to establish that shadow figures are facts, and asking the question: what ARE they?

If you take that long litany of paranormal phenomena listed above, people in the paranormal community have a wide range of opinions on their origin, identity, and purpose. For example, Dr. Robertson asserts that some poltergeist activity is due to deceased humans trying to communicate with loved ones, but other poltergeist activity is traced to interior, living human, psychic forces, often connected to an adolescent. That introduces some measure of complexity regarding the origin and identity of poltergeist activity. Frankly, how does one (in a scientific manner) determine which one it is? The point I wish to stress is that poltergeists are just one of a growing number of Psi that have a complexity surrounding them in the paranormal community. ‘Interior psychic forces’ is easy to say over and over, but not as easily explained in scientific manner.

Let’s look at the commonly held view that there are basically four different kinds of hauntings: intelligent human, non-intelligent/residual, poltergeist, and demonic. I have spent the last seven years analyzing each of these alleged forms of haunts….much in my book—Seeing Ghosts through God’s Eyes.

According to many in the paranormal community, residual haunts are a very common form of haunting, if not the most common. That fact itself, should make it incumbent upon us to do as Socrates said…to lead an examined life! I am NOT a scientist, but I did some basic, common-sense analysis of the notion of an energy-entrapment leading to cyclic ‘re-enactments.’ I wrote three or four lengthy blogs on the subject—challenging it on the grounds that it contradicted the second and third laws of thermodynamics….which introduces incredible complexity (or lack of simplicity) To date, I don’t know of a single sustained reply—I may be wrong, but I’m unaware of any. I’m not patting myself on the back, but I am humbly trying to help folks see where Occam’s Razor would lead us. The simplest answer tends to be the correct one.

What I have discovered is that many of the paranormal phenomenon mentioned above usually involve an incredible array of varying possible origins or identities…not to mention the purpose behind it. Elementals originate in one way, poltergeists another way, residual haunts in yet another, ect, ect. The mechanism allegedly changes from one phenomenon to the next. That is NOT simplicity regarding explaining the phenomena!

2 Corinthians 11:14—the angel of light principle-- is a simple, but not simplistic, means of explaining all true paranormal phenomena (except miracles and that which is angelic, and they don’t play games). Satan and his minions are at war with us, and they will use their very considerable intellects, power, and imagination to lob as many ‘grenades’ at us as possible. Every paranormal phenomenon that I listed above—from automatic writing to a zoo-ful of demonic animals—is easily explainable via the agency of Satan/demons, especially since we are near to Jesus’s return.

Appearance= reality may work in the natural realm, but not in supernatural realm. I am glad that I have ‘religion” (Jesus and bible) because we are given information from the Creator of heaven and earth, and ALL that is in it….which we cannot acquire on our own.

Back to Ockam’s Razor: which explains all the paranormal phenomena in the simplest fashion? One agent/cause….one identity behind all paranormal phenomena, with one consistent purpose (deceiving and destroying us), OR a view that has numerous explanations/mechanisms for every phenomenon? If Christianity is true, then what we are experiencing is exactly what we would expect….increased activity. Otherwise it is just a guessing game as to identity….nothing in science can block or take into account the angel of light principle.

Some folks think more visually…see if this helps.
I-o---o-------------o--------o--------------------o--------ooo-I-ooo------o--------o--------o----------------oooI

Creation/fall                                                        Cross                                                    Second Coming
In the flow of human history, there is a continuity of paranormal/demonic activity with humans—which began at the Fall,  increases at first/second comings of Christ, due to Satan’s frustrated anger. This visualizes that, amidst all the vast diversity of paranormal activity, there is a unity of origin, purpose, and identity. Simple, but not simplistic, diagram of the unity amidst all the incredible diversity of quantity and nature of demonic activity. All the Psi is accounted for in the entire flow of human history. (each ‘o’ on the scale represents some Psi activity) Obviously, the diagram is not to scale, but it shows the linear movement of history, and the Psi involved in its flow.

On the other hand, without a biblical view of history and demonic activity, there is nothing but chaos when trying to bring order out of the vast diversity of Psi throughout human history.
         ….o                                                                                 o
o
                                    o
                                                                                                                       ooo

The second diagram is meant to show chaos….much diversity, but no unifying ‘force’ to show how  they are connected in any meaningful, consistent fashion.

Without the God of the bible, history has no meaningful beginning, and no meaningful end…..all the Psi is dis-connected….no way to bring unity to all the diversity of paranormal activity. The true origin, nature, identity, and purpose of entities/activity must remain a mystery. One can only fixate on single datum and try to explain it by appearance.

An analogy is the continuing search of physicists for a unified theory that would explain all the forces at work in the cosmos…underlying this search is an awareness of a profound unity amidst the staggering diversity.

In physics, a unified field theory (UFT), occasionally referred to as a uniform field theory,[1] is a type of field theory that allows all that is usually thought of as fundamental forces and elementary particles to be written in terms of a single field. (Wikpedia)

Similarly,  the teaching of the bible in general, and especially the Creation/Fall/Redemption meta-narrative, provides from Genesis to Revelation, a profound unity amidst the staggering diversity of details revealed in the bible—including the beginning of paranormal activity, it’s purpose, and their identity.  The line above represents all of paranormal/demonic activity within the flow of human history, over which the Living God is absolutely sovereign. I have not included the miracles of God, nor angelic activity, in this discussion. Hence, the biblical model provides us with a ‘unified field theory’ which brings unity to all the vast diversity of paranormal activity, from the ancient past up until today. It not only acknowledges the vast variety of paranormal activity, but insists that all of it ultimately emanates from the same source…providing us with the source, purpose, identity of all Psi.
While non-biblical theories can ascertain the reality of paranormal activity (by borrowing from selected aspects of a biblical worldview….e.g. the foundation for the scientific method), it takes a staggering and confusing multiplicity of different explanations/methodologies in their attempt to explain the identity, origin, and purpose of many of these different phenomena. In other words, the non-biblical methods of attempting to explain paranormal phenomena is becoming increasingly complex, and often at odds with accepted scientific laws….while the biblical view has a beauty of simplicity. Occam’s Razor most certainly confirms the bible as the simplest, and most comprehensive, explanation of the multiplicity of paranormal phenomena, without resorting to reductionism.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

The Dalai Lama's 3 Main Commitments

His Holiness has three main commitments in life. 

Firstly, on the level of a human being, His Holiness’ first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their life happier. His Holiness refers to these human values as secular ethics. He remains committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone he meets. 

Secondly, on the level of a religious practitioner, His Holiness’ second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world’s major religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other’s respective traditions. As far as one truth, one religion is concerned, this is relevant on an individual level. However, for the community at large, several truths, several religions are necessary. 

Thirdly, His Holiness is a Tibetan and carries the name of the ‘Dalai Lama’. Therefore, his third commitment is to work to preserve Tibet's Buddhist culture, a culture of peace and non-violence.

original link: http://dalailama.com/biography/three-main-committments

Demonic Strongholds

What is a stronghold?

Hello my parabeauties. I hope you have had a fantastic weekend and free from bad weather. Many across the world are suffering so let's be sure to keep them all in prayer. I'd like to add that my blogs are simply my humble opinion and in no way am I claiming fact. I thought this goes without saying but apparently not. It's all based on biblical laws and scripture.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through god to the pulling down of strongholds;" -2 Corinthians 10:4

A Legal Right is how the devil gets in, and a stronghold is how the devil stays in .  A Stronghold is something that you have to attack and go after and remove or "pull down".  In Most cases, A Legal Right- you renounce through some declarative process - you say, "this is something I want to be free from.

A Legal Right, for example, being involved in the occult, or committing a willful and deliberate sin, is something that gives the devil a Legal Right to attack your life.  So, If you've done this (involvement in the occult or willful sin), you have to repent, you have to renounce, and that is how you get free of the Legal Right.

But, what the devil does with the Stronghold is much more subtle.  For The Record, what the devil actually does is three-fold :
(1) he gets a Legal Right
(2) he establishes a stronghold
(3) he declares dominion in every area of your life

A Legal Right is how the devil gets in, but A Stronghold is how he stays in.  Once the devil gets access to our life legally, he tries to build an "infrastructure of evil" by enmeshing himself into every aspect of who you are, and that's how a stronghold is established.  Many people think that it is "themselves",-they think that these very behaviors that are really a stronghold - they believe are themselves. They don't know how to distinguish between "the real them" and the devil's stronghold in their life.  How do we distinguish what is a Stronghold and what is just "ourselves ?"  Well, sometimes we believe that some of the things that the devil does through us is "us", but the devil has so mimicked his behavior and activity in our lives that we act out that behavior, and in doing that, we are doing what he wants us to do, and yet, it's really the devil motivating it.

The Strongholds And Principalities

The principalities waging war on earth have gained footholds by pagan worship. The sons of light have battled these principality's by overcoming the peoples that worship these entity. That's why God commanded the Israelite's to:-

(Numbers 33:52 KJV) Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

Depending on the obedience of the sons of light the stronghold is held or lost. Islam and its demonic principalities are fighting back and in fact will win for a while and triumph temporarily over the sons of light.

(Revelations 11:7 KJV) And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Iran and Iraq have been the major strongholds of the principalities of demons. And guess where that hatred is directed..Israel and the "Christianised".

(Ephesians 6:12 KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Identifying Strongholds And How They Enter

Our thoughts influence our emotions and our physical reactions. A thought may seem harmless, but it can become physically, emotionally or spiritually dangerous. Satan will bring evil thoughts into our minds. We cannot entertain these thoughts. Doing so will give way to the enemy. We need to rebuke the evil thoughts from our minds immediately. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5 NKJV) Our way of thinking determines the way we feel. As we entertain our thoughts, our emotions become involved. Negative thoughts will bring about negative emotions. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (Matthew 15:18-19 NKJV)

Giving in to our emotions eventually leads to taking some sort of action. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:14-15 NKJV) This is very evident in the life of Amnon and his lustful desires for Tamar (2 Samuel 13). His lustful desires for his sister led him to rape her. Absalom was so angry at Amnon for raping their sister that he plotted to kill his brother Amnon in revenge. Anger, unforgiveness, pride, etc. If there is sin in your life that you are unable to break away from, you need to be set free from the demonic stronghold that keeps you bound. The demons controlling the stronghold need to be rebuked from your life, old habits need to be broken, and your thoughts and emotions need to come under the control of the Holy Spirit. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2NKJV)

This subject can go on and on and on. Feel free to research this yourself and compare it to what the Bible says. It's hard to really have a proper ending to this. This was a request so I hope I am ble to answer a few questions and clear up what the Bible says regarding this subject.

Written By Jennifer L. Auld

Sleep Deprivation & Its Comprehensive Effects

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

The mighty prophet Elijah was fresh off his spectacular God-centered victory over the false prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel. Yahweh displayed that the false god of storms was impotent, indeed, non-existent.However, we see that Elijah was left exhausted by this victory and he plunged  into depression. (1 Kings 19:1-7) Here is a principle: after doing spiritual battle and seeing God work in a powerful way is exhilarating. However, after such powerful battles, one needs to be aware that this is a particularly likely time to be drawn into discouragement. After the initial glow wears off, exhaustion often comes, and it's wake, discouragement.

What was God's remedy for Elijah? He put his prophet to bed and fed him....twice.

Two nights ago I saw a TV special on the comprehensive effects of sleep deprivation and how widespread it is. Driving while sleep deprived is as dangerous as if one were drunk. This point was supported by statistics of how many people drive, and often die/kill, while driving half-asleep. My point is not to elaborate on the details, but only to ask this:I wonder how much emotional, physical, and spiritual problems are traceable to sleep  deprivation? The bible clearly indicates that our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being are inter-related.

If one is out of balance, it will affect the other two. For example, if we are chronically sleep deprived then it will weaken us not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. They are inextricably connected.

While the TV special focused on the physical and emotional effects of lack of sleep, there are spiritual effects as well.

Have you noticed how demonic oppression often hinders people from getting enough sleep? Only one night of bad sleep can make many of us have a very difficult day. Think of what chronic insomnia can do to a persons psyche? Irritability, impatience, depression, joylessness (resulting in unkind comments) are not only poor advertisements for Christianity, but they can also weaken one's defenses against the Evil One. Sleep is not a waste of time. It enables us to make the best use of time. We are a body/soul composite, and the Lord wants us to take care of both.

If meditation is crucial to spiritual maturity, then proper sleep is as well. Some of us have this notion that it is noble to try to function on as little sleep as possible. I went through that stage in grad school, and the results were not pleasant.

We live in an era of unprecedented sleep deprivation, especially teenagers.So much stimuli from so many sources make us stand out from our agrarian ancestors. We live in this era by God's providence, but we are the ones who decide how late we stay up. Parents of young children, sleep apnea, and shift workers (there are others) often cannot avoid losing sleep. Some of you stay desperately fatigued and my heart goes out to you. My first step to overcoming this plight was simply becoming aware of how I had accepted it as normal. It is neither normal nor healthy.

Some may need behavioral insight or others medication, or both, but we need to make it a priority to get a good night's sleep. Not only does it enhance our physical immune system, but also our spiritual immune system. Abiding in Christ and displaying the fruit of the Spirit are hindered by fatigue. Our adversary knows our weaknesses and will attack.

Some suggestions--get more exercise, no caffeine before sleep, make your bedroom dark and quiet, go to bed and get up at the same time if possible, do not habitually try to "make up sleep" over the weekend. Some of you may need to be checked for sleep apnea. For chronic insomnia one may need to talk to their doctor and get a prescription (if the above are not sufficient)...at least for a while.

An increasing number of people are dying as a result of fatigue caused car crashes. It has also been shown that proper sleep can ward of cancer (as the whole immune system is enhanced).

God wants us to glorify and enjoy Him moment by moment, and a good nights sleep can help immensely.

If you have any further insight on this issue, please share it with us...thank you!

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

The Dalai Lama on Promoting Human Values

After a short drive across Delhi, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received at Springdales School by the Principal, Mrs Ameeta Mulla Wattal. She escorted him to a brief reception and meeting with other principals and staff, including the Founding Principal, 90 year old Mrs Rajni Kumar. She established the first Springdales School in 1955 with a view to giving students a broad progressive holistic curriculum and a strong value system that included the universal values of love, truth and goodness.

On the daïs, His Holiness was offered a traditional shawl and a living plant. He took part in lighting the inaugural lamp while members of the school choir sang an ecumenical medley. Mrs Wattal declared that as teachers she and her colleagues feel it their responsibility to shape young minds with the notion that compassion is the solution to all ills. She said they had dreamed of inviting His Holiness to speak at the school and were now so pleased the dream had become reality. She requested him to address the gathering of eager young minds and their teachers.

“Respected principals, teachers and older brothers and sisters,” His Holiness began, “and younger brothers and sisters. Whenever I meet other people I remember that we are all the same as human beings. Having the same human brain, we all have the same potential. Sometimes that potential ends up creating more problems, but in general our basic human nature is compassionate.”

He spoke of experiments scientists have conducted with young infants. Showing them animated drawings of situations in which someone gives help and or hinders and obstructs, they favour the instances of help. He said this clearly accords with our status as social animals whose survival depends on others. This is why we develop a sense of community. And the emotions that foster community are love and affection, while anger and jealousy create distance and separation. It is by cultivating a sense of concern for others that we can learn to use our intelligence constructively.

“Modern education tends to focus on materialist goals with insufficient stress on developing warm-heartedness. If our education touches on ethics it is usually in relation to religious faith. Despite their philosophical differences, the main practice of all the major religious traditions is love. And in order to practise love effectively, you need tolerance and forgiveness, self-discipline and contentment. These traditions have a common purpose, to help us develop love. It may be through belief in a creator and the sense that we all have a spark of God, of love, within us. Or we might follow a non-theistic tradition that believes in causality and the idea that if you do good, you benefit, or that if you do harm it will have negative consequences. Whatever their differences philosophically, these spiritual traditions share a common goal.”

His Holiness remarked that in India all the major religious traditions have long lived together in harmony. However, among the 7 billion human beings alive in the world today, 1 billion assert that they have no such belief. He said the question then is how to educate such people in the value of love and compassion. He suggested a need to adopt a secular approach and that India has historically adopted such an approach that expresses an unbiased respect for all religions and even for people who proclaim no faith.

“I believe, therefore, that the idea of secular ethics is something that can appeal to all. We are biologically equipped with love and affection. When we are born we depend on our mother’s affection to survive. Love and affection allow us to grow in a healthy way and give us self-confidence. Many of you young women take time and trouble to make yourselves look beautiful using cosmetics and so on, but the real key to happy relationships, to creating a happy marriage is inner beauty.

“We all need friendship and friendship is built on trust, which comes about on the basis of mutual respect and concern for others. A family may be wealthy and powerful, but if its members are moved by mistrust and suspicion they’ll be unhappy. A poor family whose members trust each other, on the other hand, is happy.”

His Holiness referred to scientific research that shows that people who engage in training in love, compassion and warm-heartedness for as short a time as three weeks show a marked reduction in their levels of stress and blood pressure. Their relations with their friends improve. He cited this as an example that it is possible to educate people on the basis of scientific findings, common experience and common sense. Because of the materialist tendency of modern education, work is going on in the USA and here in India to design a curriculum that fosters secular ethics, that develops the heart as well as the mind.

“The 20th century saw many remarkable developments,” His Holiness declared, “and yet it was also an era of unprecedented violence. 200 million, by some counts, died in violence. Billions of dollars were spent on developing powerful weapons, but it didn’t result in positive change. Even now, when it is pleasant and peaceful where we are, elsewhere human beings like us are being killed and injured. We cannot create a more peaceful world through the use of force; we have, instead, to cultivate inner peace.”

Looking out over the audience he said that those less than 20 years old belong to the 21st century. While nothing can be done to change the past, if this generation tries it can change the future. He said that being concerned only about your own country is out of date, now it is time to be concerned about all humanity. India, with its ages-old traditions of ahimsa and inter-religious harmony, can make a great contribution to this.

“I have lived 55 years in this country as a refugee,” His Holiness said. “I consider myself a messenger of ancient Indian thought. I also sometimes call myself a son of India because as a student of the Nalanda tradition, that is the source of all my knowledge. Meanwhile, my body has been nourished by Indian rice and dal. Indian culture doesn’t reside only in the external trappings of song and dance, but here in the heart. If we pay attention to that, it will be effective. Please take your modern education seriously, but also remember what ancient India can teach us about reality and the nature of our mind and emotions. This knowledge, this Indian treasure, is particularly relevant today, as shown by the appreciation it is receiving from many modern scientists.”

In answering several questions from the audience, His Holiness explained that competition that ensures the success of all participants is helpful, but that competition that favours some while eliminating others is not. He clarified that stern action can be employed in a positive way, for example by a teacher who is wholly concerned for his or her student’s welfare. Asked whether he watches movies he replied that he went to the cinema in the early 60s, but nowadays does not watch television or films.

Questioned whether Buddha was a god, he said no, he was a human being who through his own efforts became an enlightened Buddha. He told his listeners that his greatest challenge had been in seeking to understand emptiness and dependent origination as taught by Nagarjuna. As to his dreams when he was young, he said he only wanted to run here and there, with little interest in study, but today at the age of nearly 80 reading and study are what he likes to do. And looking fondly down at Mrs Rajni Kumar, he expressed a hope to live to 90 or 100 like her.

Asked who his sources of inspiration were, without hesitation he mentioned masters of Nalanda like Nagarjuna and Shantideva. He said that hearing Shantideva’s texts explained changed his life. Prompted to name some contemporary figures, he cited Mahatma Gandhi and India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, whose knowledge and humility had deeply impressed him. Finally, he remarked that making others happy is not a question of sacrificing our own happiness. Trying to make others happy, even when we do not always succeed, is a source of great satisfaction. He concluded that it is anger and hatred that are signs of weakness, while compassion is a sure sign of strength.

In the afternoon His Holiness was invited to address a meeting organized by the Ananta Aspen Centre, which is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that seeks to foster positive change in society through dissemination of knowledge. He outlined his own three commitments. Firstly, he talked about the promotion of deeper human values as a source of happiness and physical health; the idea that the ultimate source of happiness is within the mind. He remarked that our lives begin under the care of our mother’s affection and that as social animals it is affection that brings people together.

His Holiness described his second commitment as the promotion of inter-religious harmony, citing Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity as examples of people whose dedication to the welfare of the poor and needy was an expression of their faith. He reiterated that religious traditions may have philosophical differences, but they share a common goal.

Thirdly, he acknowledged that he is a Tibetan and that many Tibetans place their trust in him. While he has wholly retired from political responsibility, he retains a concern for the flourishing of Tibetan culture. Tibetans retain a comprehensive Buddhist tradition, the result of individuals’ study and practice down the centuries. Tibetan Buddhism can benefit not only Tibetans, but also the millions in China who describe themselves as Buddhists. He said that the Tibetan language remains the most accurate medium for exploring and explaining Buddhist ideas. He added that his concern for Tibet also extends to its natural environment, noting that a billion people across Asia are dependent on the water that flows from Tibet’s rivers.

“We are all the same as human beings,” he concluded. “We all need to take responsibility for creating a better world and a more peaceful humanity. Please keep this in mind and take it to heart.”

Answering the audience’s questions His Holiness elaborated on his thoughts about secular ethics, the importance of compassion, the steady changes taking place in China and the fact that the future of the world depends on us and how we exert ourselves. He said that in seeking to find the source of happiness within us, we need a map of our mind and emotions. We need to develop a sense of emotional hygiene, an understanding of how to manage our emotions, how to counter those that are negative and cultivate those that are positive. He said that is the way to find peace within.

original link with photos http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1200-promoting-human-values

Innocent Ghost Tours Can Lead To Real Attachment

I know I have said this already in the past...I apologize that my blog subjects are regurgitated however, I spent most of the weekend dealing (and still dealing) trying to handle this situation. This person had a demon attach to them during a innocent sight seeing "trolley ghost tour " here in the city of St Augustine, Florida. It was one of those tours where they would stop at some places and actually go inside while the driver facilitates a walk thru explaining the history of the haunted location. The client did touch quite a few items in areas where they had signs telling tour guests to "stay behind the yellow line" for example. In Saint Augustine there's quite a few different tours and even the most innocent of things something can easily happen especially if you're not in the right state of mind such as maybe being depressed over a break up or you're sick or anything like that. It truly weakens your armor and unfortunately that stands out to these entities like a red flag. The weakest link type of thing. Or if someone thinks they want to be a big shot and show off by taunting and using provocation and what they don't realize they very well may get an attachment and like I've said many times, demons are very patient they may not do it right when you ask they may just wait until it's the lowest point in your life and then pounce on you. They will make every attempt to oppress you then we know it the next step is......possession.

What Is Demonic Oppression?

Demonic oppression is the work of evil spiritual forces that try very hard to encourage us to sin. It mimics depression down to a T! Discernment, which is a gift of the spirit, is needed to determine which one is actually present. There's a lot of mental illnesses that are not caused by the devil and his demons. We have to be very careful and not blame everything on demons. They have the ability to make us feel spiritually dead, and to be in bondage to sinful activities and thoughts.  This oppressive work is performed by demons, which are fallen angels who resist God, and who sinned in their first estate. (This information can be found in the book of Jude chapter 6).  They wage war against God, against God's people, and against unbelievers as well.  Their goal is to bring as many people as possible into rebellion against God and condemnation in hell. They want to drag as many souls to hell as possible.

I just want to say I certainly do not blame St Augustine nor any of their tours for causing anybody any spiritual torment. When people want to know about this stuff they're going to find a way to do it no matter what so I don't personally place blame on these places or ghost tours. There's just so many different ghost tours out there making money or places seen on "reality" ghost shows charging a fortune to investigate at their place now all because it was on Ghost Adventures. It makes me sick. People getting ripped off by con artists out there promising a show or whatever and then people are left without refund for the tickets they the main thing is the opportunity for attachment is never given a second thought. Just because it doesn't happen right when you do whatever it is you do doesn't mean at a later point it's going to manifest.

And of course all these people just have years of experience that they can't prove I can easily prove back to 1999 it can't be that hard but you got demonologists left and right popping up the same ones you see on TV but yet the ones that truly deserved to have their knowledge to be put out there ones that I have met nobody knows about because either they don't know anybody in the right place or what ever. This field attracts a lot of nobodies and they want to feel like a somebody. This field attracts a lot of misfits of society and you know I'm right.

I received a call from this person's friend who was referred to me by a acquaintance who worked at one of the stores there who sold K2 meters, voice recorders and other types of ghost hunting gadgets. Evidently the  behavior of this client was changing so fast and so much the roommate/best friend was truly concerned for his safety and of his friends. I have a process I do....I always ask a series of questions in attempt to try to gain an idea of how most likely the person came across the entity and if it was given legal rights or if this was inadvertently done. I don't just jump in and assume anything. Much information needs to be gathered first and sometimes a mental health evaluation. My interview with a client can be time-consuming but you have to know as much as possible because you want to attempt to figure out where it most likely came from and maybe give you a better idea of what you're dealing with. Exorcist Reverend Bradley Luoma was kind enough to send me a copy of the questions that he created as a "client interview" type of title. It gains the same answers but not near as much time-consuming as the one I created.. LOL. He's has many, many, years of experience just like my dad did so I'm blessed to have some guidance when needed. So thank you Reverend Bradley.

As I said in one of my past articles, some people will flat out lie because they're bored or they are seeking attention. I've run into many simply seeking attention and we all get lonely at times and we are being BOMBARDED with at least 6 or 7 "reality" ghost hunting shows and "Paranormal Encounters" where you have people sharing a "true" events that happened to them at some point in their life. Then the next thing you know they have a fan page for themselves because they were on "A Haunting" for example or one of those shows as a guest. It's sickening. Then......the Exorcist one, I forget the name but a male (alpha big time) demonologist is called to help ones in valid demonic distress just as I am. It was so refreshing  to see someone actually real, doesn't appear to be in it just for the money and ironically has some of the same procedures that I do. And most importantly he makes it clear that without Jesus Christ helping none of that could've happened. Just like when a priest does an exorcism who do you think he's calling on for help but yet some people try to take credit for when someone says "thank you so much for helping me" no one says well I couldn't of done it without the help from above.

I'm not saying the investigators don't deserve any type of acknowledgement because it's hard work to do an investigation to determine what needs to be done. People don't understand all the hours That goes into watching & listening to audio and video watching very carefully as you can literally blink and have missed something on video or simply yawn and missed something on the audio. People who do make up demonic activity or false scratches etc.. what they're doing is drawing attention to themselves. It's the law of attraction in my humble opinion you are now on their radar. They know you have an interest in them. But in this case that was not the situation. They definitely have a problem on their hands. In some cases if it was real to them it's real. Even if I feel nothing malevolent is going down I still understand if it's real to that person you have to take an approach and be very sensitive to their feelings even if I disagree. I still have a very concerned and upset person in true fear so it still requires finding them some source, some kind of relief and finding who can do so.

Just trying to point out and warn that so many more people are doing things that they don't realize by opening very dark doors, some inadvertently, some on purpose. And once something is out of the box it is very difficult to put it back in.

By Jennifer L Auld

An Appeal to Christian Paranormal Investigators

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Part 1 can be read here: Musings On How Superman Defeated the KKK (really!), and Discerning if your Call Really is from God

I have perhaps never felt such a heavy heart while writing a blog, as I feel now.

As of 12/29/15 there are 3,638 paranormal investigation groups in the USA (listed on “Paranormal Societies.com”, which is the most comprehensive listing of groups in the USA., owned and operated by Bill Wilkens. I have an article included on the identity of shadow figures).

Of these groups, a sizable number claim to be Christian groups. The question that I wish to explore is this: what does it mean to be a CHRISTIAN Paranormal Investigator? Or a CHRISTIAN Paranormal Investigation Team?  (for ease, I will use CPI for short).This is a massive topic, as there are so many issues that one could pursue. For example, should Christians even be involved in PI? However, I think it is safe to reduce the issues to three. That is, in order to say with integrity that one is a Christian paranormal investigator they must--

1. They must be a professing Christian/s—giving a credible profession of faith, believing with all their being in the essentials laid out in the Apostles/Nicene Creed. If, for example, one disavows the bodily resurrection of Christ or the deity of Christ, then one cannot with integrity claim to be a Christian.

The Nicene Creed is the most widely accepted summary of our Faith….

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, light from light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

By the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

He suffered, died and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father (and the Son)

Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

Who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 

Amen.

Do you believe this?

You are a Christian first and foremost, and paranormal investigators somewhere after that. When I was a pastor/preacher, I had to constantly remind myself of the same truth. It is so easy for pastors to get their identity wrapped up in ministry and not in Christ. The same temptation is faced by all Christians….to put the cart before the horse, especially when dealing with something as singularly alluring as the spirit realm. But God makes it abundantly clear that He is a jealous God, and the most important commandment is to love God with all of our being.

2. Praying before/after an investigation for protection in the name of Jesus, and Jesus alone.

3. And attempting to live all their lives, including all their beliefs and practices regarding the paranormal, to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), in conformity with the Word of God….under the Lordship of Christ over the full spectrum of life.

That would entail that they would humbly seek to be teachable by the Word of God regarding beliefs/practices that are possibly taken for granted by the consensus of the paranormal community. Honestly, I have seen little substantive self-reflection by CPI’s—rigorously analyzing all the chief tenets of the paranormal community to see if they are biblical.

Your first communal allegiance is to your local church and not your group.

It is understood that nobody will attain perfection this side of heaven, and we all stumble every day. Thank God for His forgiving grace! However, after over 40 years of intensive study of the bible, I have found the following statement to be true--If the bible is stepping on your/my toes, then your feet are in the wrong place. This has happened to me more times than I can count, and the proper response is to align our beliefs/practices with the Word of God. Repentance is a lifestyle, and not a one-time event, though it must start there.

But many love their sin and will often go to any lengths to rationalize or defend it, and this corrupts the conscience until it becomes entirely mute regarding the sin in question. The bible, and not our conscience, is the final criterion for determining what is right and wrong belief/actions. The subjectivity of truth has seeped into the church, but we must reaffirm that the bible is the objective Word of God which informs our consciences…otherwise the conscience will be lead us astray.

In this blog I will NOT discuss whether ghosts exist—I’ve done that in dozens of other blogs as well as in my book Seeing Ghosts through God’s Eyes—for a comprehensive list of my blogs please see my Facebook page by same name. Neither will I discuss other significant issues that are believed by most in the paranormal community….again, which I have written about many times.

What I do want to address are the implications of #3 above. Please let me quote from a text in Deuteronomy which includes a prediction of the coming Messiah as The Prophet, while addressing “paranormal issues.” (I’ll return to this)

And remember that when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, all three times He quoted from this same book of Deuteronomy to repel His infernal attacker….Satan. So, if ever there were an inspired Word of God directly relevant to the issues concerning the paranormal, Deuteronomy is high on the list! Jesus had a special love for this book. The Incarnate Word fed on the Inscripturated Word. I mention this because some simply dismiss this text because it is Old Testament. But 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is primarily referring to the Old Testament, as the New Testament was just coming together. And our Lord had very harsh words for any who would jettison the Old Testament. One last preliminary word—this text is part of the moral law (not civil or ceremonial) which has transgenerational and transcultural authority over all Christians today.

The text below is from Deuteronomy 18:9-22. I have my Hebrew bible open to this text and it is clear that this is one, unified section—dealing with same issue, divided into two parts….but NOT two watertight compartments. The Holy Spirit’s intention in Verses 9-22 is to explain how to attain knowledge regarding the supernatural/paranormal/God. Vvs. 9-14 tell us how NOT to attain it, and vvs 15-22 tell us how we ARE to attain knowledge about the supernatural/God. Hence, it is one logical unit, with 2 sub-divisions….strongly linked together. Linked all the more stronger with a Messianic prophecy woven into this seamless discussion.

“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.

15  “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’—22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.

I have a friend who is in communication with a Christian author of fiction. The author is of the opinion that the bible allows for ghosts as an admissible category, but this text (and parallel ones in Leviticus, 19, 20) have persuaded him that we must not attempt communication with them. Good point….very good point! Indeed, an unassailable point.
In order to not get things bogged down, I said I did not want to address the issue of ghost’s existence. I realize that the vast majority of  CPI’s do believe in some form of trapped spirits….whether by free will or some other agency.

I love you…I respect you…and so I am trying to not build a straw man or worse, commit the ad-hominem fallacy—attacking the person/motive. But this brother did raise a point I’ve been trying to make repeatedly over the years. Namely, as Christians we MUST NOT ATTEMPT COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEAD. PERIOD. That is crystal clear in vvs 9-14. The Hebrew is just as clear, or more so, than your English bible on this matter.

However, a salient part of almost all paranormal investigations (Christian or non-Christian) is some form of attempted communication with the dead. Whether it’s via a professing Christian psychic/medium (also condemned as an abominable practice in God’s eyes), a ghost box, getting flashlights to blink, ect… somewhere along the line, a paranormal investigator is verbally asking if a spirit is present, and if so, would it communicate….make itself known, ect. There are many ways of doing this—all allegedly in the name of science—but they ALL fall under the prohibition of attempting communication with the dead.

God calls these practices abominations in HIS eyes, and He is going to destroy the then current inhabitants of the land because their means of communicating with the spirit realm included, among other things, mediums, necromancers, and those who inquire of the dead. When they practiced speaking to the dead it defiled the land….spiritually polluted it, and made it a haunt of demons.

How can you do something to God’s glory if that practice is condemned by God?

Christians are to have our emotions aligned with God’s emotions. We aren’t just to simply accept what is right and avoid what is wrong, we are to heartily embrace what God sees as good and to passionately hate that which He hates….without hating the person sinning.

I have heard so many Christians say that, since these deceased spirits are trapped, it would be un-Christian to not help them in some way. Jesus is the Lord of Christians and HE is the One who tells us what pleases Him and what doesn’t…not our intuition, our fallible moral sensibilities, or our feelings. God will not call you to a ministry of abomination.

In vvs 15-19 God promises a line of prophets who will speak to His people on His behalf. Pagan nations look to occultic means of communication with the spirit realm, but God’s holy people must listen to His prophets….those who have stood in council with the Lord. False prophets were the bane of God’s people back then, and not much has changed.

Not only is Moses called as a prophet but a whole line of prophets will communicate God’s will for His people. “A prophet like you…v 15, 18” A prediction is made of a special Messianic Prophet who will be the culmination of all prophetic activity in the Old Testament. In the first century A.D. Jews expected a final Prophet, whom the New Testament writers identify as Jesus (Acts 3:22-24; 7:37…these verses refer back to the prediction in Deuteronomy 18) see also Hebrews 1:1-3.

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. (Acts 3:17-24, emphasis added)

37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ (Acts 7:37)….again, referring to Jesus.
Jesus—Prophet, Priest, and King.

And as we saw, Jesus had a special affection for the book of Deuteronomy. To be consistent, those who throw out the verses which condemn illicit means of paranormal communication, they would also have to jettison the prophesy of Jesus as The Prophet, the Divine Messiah.

The bible is not a salad bar which we can pick and choose whatever verses suit our likes and prior beliefs. Rather, if the bible is stepping on your toes, then your feet are in the wrong place. It grieves me to say this but most of the Christians who need to read this, won’t read it. Or if they do, they will commit some logical fallacy in their futile attempts to avoid its implications. Will you fear God and be teachable? Or will you bring up irrelevant issues to distract from simple obedience?

I know many who say that they are utterly convinced that God has called them to be CPI’s. It is not my place to question that, but are you willing to stop doing things God has clearly prohibited? Yes or no?

I have observed that many CPI’s feel so strongly that they have received a sanction from above, that their ‘calling’ takes on more authority than the Word of God. That is how they ‘get around’ this clear prohibition. But there is no getting around it because the texts are so clear, and God does not speak out of both sides of His holy mouth—saying one thing in Scripture and allegedly something contrary to you.

This is the great tragedy and disaster of the CPI movement of the last 3 decades or so. Sincere, but sincerely wrong, unwittingly being the agents by which the floodgates of hell are being opened. I feel sick in saying that, but like Jeremiah, it is ‘fire in my bones.’

Here I bear my heart. Jeremiah was called the “weeping prophet”, and I weep for those whom I now challenge. I am not a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but God forbade the ancient Jews from communicating with the dead because He knew it was in their best interest. Likewise, I have personally listened to many professing Christian PI’s whose homes have paranormal activity, and they have grown accustomed to it…some even enjoy it—but others are being destroyed even as I write, and it breaks my heart.

I think that most CPI’s have paranormal issues (demonic issues)—and that does not count the many who have a demonic presence that is quiet—like spiritual radiation—that is causing long term damage.

At this point I don’t care if you believe in ghosts (yes I do), but will you STOP all attempts at communicating with them? According to the Word of God, these sins are opening the door even wider to demonic activity—both in your life and in your clients --giving them legal rights due to disobeying God’s clear commands. If you truly wish to help your clients, then you need to stop this….NOW. It is just as spiritually polluting today to attempt communication with the dead as it was when the OT text above was written…probably more so because of how great a salvation is being corrupted…and because demonic activity is exploding due to end times.

Did you know that when you communicate with the spirit realm you are jumping into Satan’s sandbox? Is not the spirit realm the place that God has sovereignly placed Satan and his minions temporarily until He returns?

If you desire to obey and glorify God, then you must stop NOW.

I plead with you to stop, because I know it is bringing harm to you.

Other than historical research and employing the spiritual gift of discernment (which has nothing to do with ghosts), I do not see what else a Christian should be doing, according to the bible. But that is for another day. Deliverance of people and places from demonic activity--in a biblical manner--is what is most needed.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Dalai Lama Questions & Answers

Question: How do you view yourself?

Answer: I always consider myself as a simple Buddhist monk. I feel that is the real me. I feel that the Dalai Lama as a temporal ruler is a man-made institution. As long as the people accept the Dalai Lama, they will accept me. But being a monk is something which belongs to me. No one can change that. Deep down inside, I always consider myself a monk, even in my dreams. So naturally I feel myself as more of a religious person. Even in my daily life, I can say that I spend 80% of my time on spiritual activities and 20% on Tibet as a whole. The spiritual or religious life is something I know and have great interest in. I have some kind of confidence in it, and thus I want to study it more. Regarding politics, I have no modern education except for a little experience. It is a big responsibility for someone not so well equipped. This is not voluntary work but something that I feel I must pursue because of the hope and trust that the Tibetan people place on me.

Question: Will you be the last Dalai Lama?

Answer: Whether the institution of the Dalai Lama remains or not depends entirely on the wishes of the Tibetan people. It is for them to decide. I made this clear as early as in 1969. Even in 1963, after four years in exile, we made a draft constitution for a future Tibet which is based on the democratic system. The constitution clearly mentions that the power of the Dalai Lama can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Assembly. At the present moment, the Dalai Lama's institution is useful to the Tibetan culture and the Tibetan people. Thus, if I were to die today, I think the Tibetan people would choose to have another Dalai Lama. In the future, if the Dalai Lama's institution is no longer relevant or useful and our present situation changes, then the Dalai Lama's institution will cease to exist.Personally, I feel the institution of the Dalai Lama has served its purpose. More recently, since 2001 we now have a democratically elected head of our administration, the Kalon Tripa. The Kalon Tripa runs the daily affairs of our administration and is in charge of our political establishment. Half jokingly and half seriously, I state that I am now in semi-retirement.

Question: Do you think you will ever be able to return to Tibet?

Answer: Yes, I remain optimistic that I will be able to return to Tibet. China is in the process of changing. If you compare China today to ten or twenty years ago, there is tremendous change. China is no longer isolated. It is part of the world community. Global interdependence, especially in terms of economics and environment make it impossible for nations to remain isolated. Besides, I am not seeking separation from China. I am committed to my middle-way approach whereby Tibet remains within the People's Republic of China enjoying a high degree of self-rule or autonomy. I firmly believe that this is of mutual benefit both to the Tibetans as well as to the Chinese. We Tibetans will be able to develop Tibet with China's assistance, while at the same time preserving our own unique culture, including spirituality, and our delicate environment. By amicably resolving the Tibetan issue, China will be able to contribute to her own unity and stability.

Question: The Chinese have recently stated that the next Dalai Lama will be born in Tibet and chosen by them. What do you have to say about this?

Answer: If the present situation regarding Tibet remains the same, I will be born outside Tibet away from the control of the Chinese authorities. This is logical. The very purpose of a reincarnation is to continue the unfinished work of the previous incarnation. Thus if the Tibetan situation still remains unsolved it is logical I will be born in exile to continue my unfinished work. Of course the Chinese will still choose their own Dalai Lama and we Tibetans will choose our own according to tradition. It will be similar to the present situation of the Panchen Lama. There is a Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama and there is the Panchen Lama chosen by me. One is paraded to serve its master's purposes and the other is the Panchen Lama accepted in the hearts of all the Tibetans.

Question: What are your commitments?

Answer: In general, I always state that I have three commitments in life. Firstly, on the level of a human being, my first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their lives happier. I remain committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone I meet. Secondly, on the level of a religious practitioner, my second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding amongst different religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create better human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other's respective traditions. Thirdly, I am a Tibetan and carry the name of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans place their trust in me. Therefore, my third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. I have a responsibility to act the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice. As far as this third commitment, it will cease to exist once a mutually beneficial solution is reached between the Tibetans and Chinese. However, my first two commitments I will carry on till my last breath.

Question: What were your first feelings on being recognized as the Dalai Lama? What did you think had happened to you?

Answer: I was very happy. I liked it a lot. Even before I was recognized, I often told my mother that I was going to Lhasa. I used to straddle a window sill in our house pretending that I was riding a horse to Lhasa. I was a very small child at the time, but I remember this clearly. I had a strong desire to go there. Another thing I didn't mention in my autobiography is that after my birth, a pair of crows came to roost on the roof of our house. They would arrive each morning, stay for while and then leave. This is of particular interest as similar incidents occurred at the birth of the First, Seventh, Eighth and Twelfth Dalai Lamas. After their births, a pair of crows came and remained. In my own case, in the beginning, nobody paid attention to this. Recently, however, perhaps three years ago, I was talking with my mother, and she recalled it. She had noticed them come in the morning; depart after a time, and then the next morning, come again. Now, the evening the after the birth of the First Dalai Lama, bandits broke into the family's house. The parents ran away and left the child. The next day when they returned and wondered what had happened to their son, they found the baby in a corner of the house. A crow stood before him, protecting him. Later on, when the First Dalai Lama grew up and developed in his spiritual practice, he made direct contact during meditation with the protective deity, Mahakala. At this time, Mahakala said to him, Somebody like you who is upholding the Buddhist teaching needs a protector like me. Right on the day of your birth, I helped you.  So we can see, there is definitely a connection between Mahakala, the crows, and the Dalai Lamas.

Another thing that happened, which my mother remembers very clearly, is that soon after I arrived in Lhasa, I said that my teeth were in a box in a certain house in the Norbulinka. When they opened the box, they found a set of dentures which had belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. I pointed to the box, and said that my teeth were in there, but right now I don't recall this at all. The new memories associated with this body are stronger. The past has become smaller, vaguer. Unless I made a specific attempt to develop such a memory, I don't recall it.

Question: Do you remember your birth or the womb state before?

Answer: At this moment, I don't remember. Also, I can't recall if at that time when I was a small child, I could remember it. However, there was one slight external sign perhaps. Children are usually born with their eyes closed. I was born with my eyes open. This may be some slight indication of a clear state of mind in the womb.

Question: Between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, after you assumed temporal power, did you change?

Answer: Yes, I changed a little bit. I underwent a lot of happiness and pain. Within that and from growing, gaining more experience, from the problems that arose and the suffering, I changed. The ultimate result is the man you see now (laughter).

Question: How about when you just entered adolescence? Many people have a difficult time defining themselves as an adult. Did this happen to you?

Answer: No. My life was very much in a routine. Two times a day I studied. Each time I studied for an hour, and then spent the rest of the time playing (laughter). Then at the age of 13, I began studying philosophy, definitions, debate. My study increased, and I also studied calligraphy. It was all in a routine though, and I got used to it. Sometimes, there were vacations. These were very comfortable and happy. Losang Samten, my immediate elder brother, was usually at school, but during these times he would come to visit. Also, my mother would come occasionally and bring special bread from our province of Amdo. Very thick and delicious. She made herself.

Question: Are there any of your predecessors in whom you have a special interest or with whom you have a particular affinity?

Answer: The Thirteenth Dalai Lama. He brought a lot of improvement to the standards of study in the monastic colleges. He gave great encouragement to the real scholars. He made it impossible for people to go up in the religious hierarchy, becoming an abbot and so forth, without being totally qualified. He was very strict in this respect. He also gave tens of thousands of monks' ordinations. There were his two main religious achievements. He didn't give many initiations, or many lectures. Now, with respect to the country, he had great thought and consideration for statecraft. The outlying districts in particular. How they should be governed and so forth. He cared very much how to run the government more efficiently. He had great concern about our borders and that type of thing.

Question: During the course of your life, what have been your greatest personal lessons or internal challenges? Which realizations and experiences have had the most effect on your growth as an individual?

Answer: Regarding religious experience, some understanding of shunya (emptiness: lack of independent self nature) some feeling, some experience and mostly bodhichitta, altruism. It has helped a lot. In some ways, you could say that it has made me into a new person, a new man. I am still progressing. Trying. It gives you inner strength, courage, and it is easier to accept situations. That's one of the greatest experiences.

Question: When you became a refugee, what helped you gain this strength? Was it the loss of your position and country, the fact of everyone suffering around you. Were you called on to lead your people in a different way than you had been accustomed to?

Answer: Being a refugee is really a desperate, dangerous situation. At that time, everyone deals with reality. It is not the time to pretend things are beautiful. That's something. You feel involved with reality. In peace time, everything goes smoothly. Even if there is a problem, people pretend that things are good. During a dangerous period, when there's a dramatic change, then there's no scope to pretend that everything is fine. You must accept that bad is bad. Now when I left the Norbulinka, there was danger. We were passing very near the Chinese military barracks. It was just on the other side of the river, the Chinese check post there. You see, we had definite information two or three weeks before I left, that the Chinese were fully prepared to attack us. It was only a question of the day and hour.

Question: About you being the incarnation of the bodhisattva of infinite compassion, Avalokiteshvara. How do you personally feel about this? Is it something you have an unequivocal view of one way or another?

Answer: It is difficult for me to say definitely. Unless I am engaged in a meditative effort, such as following my life back, breath by breath, I couldn't say exactly. We believe that there are four types of rebirth. One is the common type wherein, a being is helpless to determine his or her rebirth, but only reincarnates in dependence on the nature of past actions. The opposite is that of an entirely enlightened Buddha, who simply manifests a physical form to help others. In this case, it is clear that the person is Buddha. A third is one who, due to past spiritual attainment, can choose, or at least influence, the place and situation of rebirth. The fourth is called a blessed manifestation. In this the person is blessed beyond his normal capacity to perform helpful functions, such as teaching religion. For this last type of birth, the person's wishes in previous lives to help others must have been very strong. They obtain such empowerment. Though some seem more likely than others, I cannot definitely say which I am.

Question (follow up): From the viewpoint then of the realistic role you play as Chenrezi, how do you feel about it? Only a few people have been considered, in one way or another, divine. Is the role a burden or a delight?

Answer: It is very helpful. Through this role I can be of great benefit to people. For this reason I like it: I'm at home with it. It's clear that it is very helpful to people, and that I have the karmic relationship to be in this role. Also, it is clear that there is a karmic relationship with the Tibetan people in particular. Now you see, you may consider that under the circumstances, I am very lucky. However, behind the word luck, there are actual causes or reasons. There is the karmic force of my ability to assume this role as well as the force of my wish to do so. In regard to this, there is a statement in the great Shantideva's Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds which says, As long as space exists, and as long as there are migrators in cyclic existence, may I remain removing their sufferings. I have that wish in this lifetime, and I know I had that wish in past lifetimes.

Question (follow up): With such a vast goal as your motivation, how do you deal with your personal limitations, your limits as a man?

Answer: Again, as it says in Shantideva, If the blessed Buddha cannot please all sentient beings, then how could I. Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being.

Question (follow up): Is this what keeps you from being overwhelmed when you see the suffering of the six million Tibetans, who on one level, you are responsible for?

Answer: My motivation is directed towards all sentient beings. There is no question, though, that on a second level, I am directed towards helping Tibetan. If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.

Question (follow up): A lot of people say this, but few really live by it. Did you always feel this way, or did you have to learn it?

Answer: It is developed from inner practice. From a broader perspective, there will always be suffering. On one level, you are bound to meet with the effects of the unfavorable actions you yourself have previously committed in body, speech or mind. Then also, your very own nature is that of suffering. There's not just one factor figuring into my attitude, but many different ones. From the point of view of the actual entity producing the suffering, as I have said, if it is fixable, then there is no need to worry. If not, there is no benefit to worrying. From the point of view of the cause, suffering is based on past unfavorable actions accumulated by oneself and no other. These karmas are not wasted. They will bear their fruit. One will not meet with the effects of actions that one has not done oneself. Finally, from the viewpoint of the nature of suffering itself, the aggregates of the mind and body have as their actual nature, suffering. They serve as a basis for suffering. As long as you have them you are susceptible to suffering. From a deep point of view, while we don't have our independence and are living in someone else's country, we have a certain type of suffering, but when we return to Tibet and gain our independence, then there will be other types of suffering. So, this is just the way it is. You might think that I'm pessimistic, but I am not. This is how, through Buddhist teaching and advice, we handle situations. When fifty thousand people in the Shakya clan were killed one day, Shakyamuni Buddha, their clansman, didn't suffer at all. He was leaning against a tree, and he was saying, I am a little sad today because fifty thousand of my clansmen were killed. But he, himself, remained unaffected. Like that, you see (laughter). This was the cause and effect of their own karma. There was nothing he could do about it. These sorts of thoughts make me stronger; more active. It is not at all a case of losing one's strength of mind or will in the face of the pervasive nature of suffering.

original link: http://www.dalailama.com/biography/questions--answers