Exploring the Four Main Sources of Spiritual Information

Beyond the Veil: Understanding Spiritual Information and Its Sources

Today, we're diving into a topic that could transform your spiritual journey—the four main sources of information in the spirit realm.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered where the insights you receive during prayer or meditation come from? As someone who has been born again since 1995 and spent countless hours praying for others and myself, I've learned the importance of discernment. Understanding the source of spiritual information is crucial, whether it’s God, demons, our own hearts, or projections from others. Let’s explore these sources together.

The Main Sources of Spiritual Information

Demons: The Deceptive Enemy

Demons are real, and their main goal is to mislead and draw us away from the truth. They often present false information to waste our time and thwart the gospel. In Deuteronomy 5:09, we learn about the generational curses that demons carry out. These familiar spirits know our family history well, which is why they can be so deceptive.

In my book, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey," I recount an experience where I cast out a demon that manifested as a black cloud. This was a powerful reminder of Jesus’ words in Mark 16:17, where believers are empowered to cast out demons. Developing discernment over time is key to recognizing when we are dealing with these spiritual entities.

Our Own Deceitful Hearts

Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that "the heart is deceitful above all things." Our subconscious mind can project thoughts that seem spiritual but aren't divinely inspired. Imagine your mind as a ship's captain and your heart as the crew. If the crew doesn’t align with the captain’s orders, chaos ensues. Similarly, if our hearts aren’t aligned with God, we become double-minded and unstable in our spiritual pursuits.

Praying consistently and purifying our hearts, as James 4:8 suggests, helps us discern whether our insights are internal or divinely inspired. I've explored this in depth in my podcast, "Communing with Our Hearts: Real Positive Life Change."

Projections from Others

We are always projecting something in the spirit, consciously or unconsciously. Consider it similar to how we can sometimes sense when someone is looking at us from across a room even without seeing them directly. This intuitive sense can also be likened to the way our prayers are deposited into the spirit realm, as seen in Revelation 5:8 and 8:4, where the prayers of the saints are described as rising like incense before God.

A personal experience I had involved perceiving a woman’s prayer for a specific house while at a restaurant. This highlighted how we can pick up on spiritual projections from others, which can be used for spirit-led evangelism.

God: The Ultimate Source

The ideal source of spiritual information is God Himself. He can communicate through internal voices, visions, and even dreams, as we see throughout Scripture. When God reveals information, it’s often a significant event that demands action, like in Acts 13 or Acts 16.

I recall attending a prophetic conference where God’s voice was so loud internally that it drowned out everything else. These experiences have taught me that God’s voice can be as powerful as many waters (Revelation 14:2) or as gentle as a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

Developing Discernment

To better navigate these sources, we must:

Read the Bible Daily: Familiarize yourself with God's word, which is a discerner of thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12).

Develop a Consistent Prayer Life: Engage fully in prayer, listening for God’s voice.

Keep a Spiritual Journal: Document your spiritual experiences to track your growth in discernment.

Seek Godly Mentorship: Find a mature believer to guide you and provide accountability.

Discerning the source of spiritual information enriches our prayer life and spirit-led evangelism. By understanding these four sources, we align ourselves more closely with God’s truth. Practice patience, seek counsel, and may your journey be marked by wisdom and a deeper connection with God.

Thank you for being a part of my life and supporting what we are doing with the "Coffee with Conrad" Podcast.  My passion is for you to develop a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus. 

Let me know what you think!  

Unlocking Spiritual Prayer: The Power of Praying with Closed Eyes

How Closing Your Eyes Can Transform Your Prayer Life

Hey there, fellow seekers of the spirit! It's Conrad here, coming at you with some rock-solid revelation about prayer that's going to transform your spiritual life. Today, we're diving deep into a practice that's so common, yet so misunderstood: praying with our eyes closed. 

Introduction: Seeing Beyond the Physical

You know, it's funny how something as simple as closing our eyes during prayer can be such a game-changer in our spiritual walk. But let me tell you, there's more to this practice than meets the eye (pun intended!). 

As someone who's passionate about helping others develop a deeper relationship with the biblical Jesus, I've discovered that closing our eyes in prayer isn't just about blocking out distractions. It's about opening up a whole new realm of spiritual vision.

 The Spiritual Significance of Closed-Eye Prayer

Now, you might be wondering, "Conrad, what's the big deal about closing my eyes when I pray?" Well, let me share something that might blow your mind: I believe that when we close our eyes, we're actually attempting to enter the spirit realm. 

Think about it this way: our physical eyes are incredible tools for navigating the natural world, but they can also limit our perception of the spiritual. When we shut them during prayer, we're symbolically closing the door to the physical world and opening ourselves up to see what God has for us in the spirit.

 My Personal Practice: Hands Over Eyes

Here's a little insider tip from my own prayer life: I often pray with my hands covering my eyes. In fact, if you've seen the cover of my book "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey," you'll notice a guy doing just that. This practice helps me block out even more of the physical world, making it easier to perceive what's bleeding in from the spirit realm.

Biblical Foundations for Watchful Prayer

Now, you might be thinking, "But Conrad, does the Bible actually support this idea of 'seeing' in prayer?" Great question! While the Bible doesn't explicitly command us to close our eyes when we pray, there are several passages that talk about being "watchful" in prayer. 

Let's look at a few key verses:

1. Colossians 4:2 (KJV): "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."

2. Ephesians 6:18 (KJV): "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

3. Mark 13:33 (KJV): "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."

I believe these verses are telling us to watch in the spirit realm while we pray. It's like we're closing our physical eyes to open our spiritual eyes. This is why I often see faces or symbols pop up during prayer – it's a manifestation of that spiritual watching!

The Historical and Theological Context

Now, let's take a quick journey through history to see how this practice developed. Early Christians, coming out of Judaism, adopted various prayer postures like bowing, kneeling, or standing with raised hands. Over time, Christians began to develop more introspective approaches to prayer, which likely included closing their eyes to focus inwardly on God.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, monastic traditions emphasized internal contemplation and mental stillness during prayer. Practices like lectio divina (meditative scripture reading) often involved closing one's eyes for deeper concentration on God's Word.

Theologians like Richard Foster suggest that physical postures, including closing our eyes, can prime our spirits for worship and communication with God. It's like creating an inner sanctuary where our thoughts and emotions can be fully directed towards the Divine.

The Science Behind Closed-Eye Prayer

Now, I know some of you might be more analytically minded, so let's talk a bit about the science behind this practice. Studies have shown that when we close our eyes, there's increased activation in the areas of our brain associated with introspection and self-awareness. 

Neuroscientists at Duke University found that closing our eyes during prayer or meditation can actually decrease activity in the part of our brain that processes fear and anxiety. This leads to more balanced emotions and a greater sense of well-being. Pretty cool, right?

Practical Tips for Enhancing Your Prayer Life

Alright, now that we've covered the why, let's talk about the how. Here are some practical tips to help you deepen your prayer life and enhance your spiritual vision:

1. Create a prayer sanctuary: Set aside a specific area in your home or find a quiet spot in nature where you can pray without distractions.

2. Experiment with different postures: Try kneeling, standing with raised hands, or sitting quietly with your eyes closed. See which position helps you connect best with God.

3. Practice being watchful: When you close your eyes to pray, remain spiritually alert. Pay attention to any impressions, symbols, or faces that come to mind.

4. Incorporate moments of solitude: Throughout your day, find quiet moments for spiritual reflection and prayer, just as Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.

5. Develop a consistent prayer routine: Establish regular times for prayer to deepen your spiritual connection over time.

6. Reflect on your spiritual vision: If God shows you something during prayer, consider how you might act on it, just as we see examples of in Acts 13 and 16.

7. Study further: Dive deeper into prayer practices by reading books like "The Interior Castle" by Saint Teresa of Avila or "Before Amen: The Power of Simple Prayer" by Max Lucado.

Conclusion: Opening Your Spiritual Eyes

As we wrap up, I want to challenge you to think about this: Are there aspects of your life where your spiritual eyes might be closed? How could opening your spiritual vision transform your experiences and interactions with God and others?

Remember, just as Adam and Eve operated fully in the spiritual realm before their physical eyes were opened, we too can tap into a deeper level of spiritual awareness through closed-eye prayer. It's about seeing beyond what's visible and connecting with the unseen reality of God's presence.

So, the next time you close your eyes to pray, don't just think of it as shutting out the world. Instead, see it as opening a window to the spirit realm, where God is waiting to show you incredible things.

Keep seeking, keep watching, and keep praying with those spiritual eyes wide open!

Follow me for more insights on deepening your spiritual walk and experiencing the supernatural power of God in your life.

Here are some books mentioned in the podcast for further study:

Theologian Richard Foster Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home

Thomas Merton Contemplative Prayer
St. Teresa of Avila The Interior Castle
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Max Lucado Before Amen: The Power of Simple Prayer
Andrew Murray The Believer's Prayer Life

Demonic Levitation: Let's talk BIBLE! (and some history)

Supernatural Levitation - bible & history

Today, I’m diving into an extraordinary event from my life—a moment when I woke up on the ceiling. Yes, you read that right! This surreal experience is one of many that I discuss in my book, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey." As a firm believer in having a spiritual relationship with the Biblical Jesus, I aim to help you understand the spiritual forces at play in our lives. Together, let's explore this mysterious realm through biblical teachings, historical accounts, and personal reflections.

Understanding Spiritual Forces

The supernatural encounter of waking up on the ceiling was undoubtedly a demonic event, one that God allowed for a greater purpose. Much like how the Lord allowed the devil to torment Job and sift Peter like wheat, nothing happens without His knowledge. This experience pushed me to seek biblical context and understanding of spiritual forces that can move physical bodies.

Biblical References: Spiritual Movement in Scripture

In the rich tapestry of biblical narratives, we find instances where spiritual forces have moved physical bodies, acting as divine or demonic interventions. These events, recorded in Scripture, offer profound insights into the mysterious workings of the spiritual realm.

Jesus on the Pinnacle

One of the most striking examples of spiritual movement is found in the temptation of Jesus, as written in Matthew 4. In this account, the devil takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple. This isn't merely a symbolic journey; the devil physically transported Jesus to a high place to tempt Him. This act serves as a reminder of the devil's power and the tests that Jesus underwent to fulfill His mission.

Matthew 4:5-8 (KJV) states: "Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple..." This passage underscores the reality of spiritual forces interacting with the physical world. While the devil's intentions were to lead Jesus into temptation, the narrative reveals Jesus’ steadfast faith and adherence to God’s word, refusing to be swayed by the devil’s manipulations.

Philip Being Transported

Another remarkable instance is the transportation of Philip, one of the early church's deacons, as described in Acts 8. After baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip is suddenly caught away by the Spirit of the Lord and found in Azotus. This divine transportation serves as a powerful testament to the Spirit's ability to move believers according to God's purpose.

Acts 8:39-40 (KJV) captures this moment: "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more..." This passage illustrates God's miraculous power and His control over His creation, guiding His servants to fulfill divine missions.

Elijah in the Whirlwind

The story of Elijah's ascent into heaven is another compelling example of spiritual movement. In 2 Kings 2, Elijah is taken up by a whirlwind, a divine act witnessed by his disciple Elisha. This event marks Elijah's departure from the earthly realm, signifying God's power over life and death.

2 Kings 2:11 (KJV) narrates: "And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." This passage highlights the divine nature of Elijah's journey, underlining the significance of God's intervention and the fulfillment of His prophetic promises.

Jesus Walks on Water

Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring examples of spiritual power is Jesus walking on water. Recorded in Matthew 14, this miracle displays Jesus' authority over the natural elements, affirming His divine identity. Unlike the other examples, It appears that Jesus initiates this miracle Himself, showcasing His mastery over creation. 

Matthew 14:25 (KJV) states: "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." This passage invites believers to reflect on their faith and the possibilities of divine intervention in their own lives. It challenges us to consider the depth of our belief and the potential for miracles through faith in Jesus.

These biblical accounts offer a glimpse into the dynamic interplay between the physical and spiritual realms. They encourage us to explore the depths of our faith and the transformative power of God’s Spirit.

Historical Accounts of Levitation

Beyond the biblical narratives, history is replete with accounts of levitation attributed to spiritual forces. While these events remain largely anecdotal and elusive in scientific terms, they provide fascinating insights into the supernatural experiences reported throughout the ages.

Daniel Dunglas Home

Daniel Dunglas Home, a 19th-century medium, was renowned for his alleged ability to levitate. His séances attracted notable figures, who claimed to witness his levitations firsthand. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1868, when Home was said to have floated out of a third-story window and re-entered through another. This event, witnessed by three people, highlights the enigmatic nature of spiritual phenomena and the potential influence of demonic forces.

Saint Teresa of Ávila

Saint Teresa of Ávila, a revered figure in Catholicism, experienced levitation during mystical raptures. Her autobiography details these occurrences, which were witnessed by fellow nuns. Teresa's levitations, often occurring during deep states of prayer, raise intriguing questions about the interplay between intense spiritual devotion and supernatural experiences.

The Smurl Haunting

The Smurl Haunting, a case of paranormal activity in Pennsylvania, involved the levitation of family members. Investigated by renowned paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren, the case gained widespread media attention. The events, including physical assaults and levitations, underscore the potential influence of malevolent spiritual forces in the physical world.

The Case of Clara Germana Cele

Clara Germana Cele, a young South African girl, exhibited extraordinary phenomena during a period of alleged demonic possession. Witnesses reported her levitation, alongside other supernatural abilities, during her exorcism. This case highlights the intense spiritual warfare that can manifest in physical ways, challenging our understanding of the spiritual realm.

Robbie Mannheim

The story of Robbie Mannheim, the inspiration for "The Exorcist," provides a chilling account of levitation during exorcism. Witnesses, including priests, reported seeing Robbie levitate and objects move around him. This dramatic case illustrates the severity of spiritual battles and the power of faith in overcoming such trials.

These historical accounts, while varied, offer a window into the complex and often mysterious interactions between the spiritual and physical worlds. They invite us to consider the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for discernment and faith in navigating these experiences.

Conclusion and Call to Action

By exploring these biblical and historical accounts, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual forces that influence our world. As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded of the importance of faith, discernment, and reliance on God’s power. I encourage you to delve into these topics further, share your thoughts in the comments, and engage with our community. Subscribe to my newsletter for more insights, and follow me on social media to stay connected. Together, let's continue to explore the wonders of God’s kingdom and grow in our spiritual journey.