Does Religion Play a Part in Ghost Research?

By Stephen Piersall

The answer is a resounding Yes! We want to point out some things that may not be obvious without pushing a certain faith at you.

Religion plays a roll in the actions and reactions of the witness, the investigator and the spirits themselves. We all have our own belief system that we subscribe to and that is the same for the residents of a haunted home too. Each case is different and combinations are endless.

We always take history of the property and occupants, as well as a means to debunk the circumstances first. There are no cookie cutter solutions to helping people in haunted homes. There is no standard profile that ghosts fit into. Each is unique in behavior and energy.

Daily Disciples - No Favorites With God

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 4-6; John 10:24-42

For there is no partiality with God. Romans 2:11

As school is coming to an end, my second grade daughter is very aware that she hasn’t received the student of the month award all year. She is troubled by this. I hear her saying to me over and over, “I just want to be the teacher’s pet. My teacher has two pets and I am not one of them.” When I asked her to explain, she said, “Mom, you know that you are the teacher’s pet when the teacher says, ‘this student has worked very hard this year’ and gives them an award. They haven’t worked any harder than a lot of us.” She continued, “The teacher makes up that excuse because the teacher just likes them more than everyone else.”

Memorial Weekend Open Topic Show

Join me on The Paranormal Christian at 7 PM EST Tonight, May 26. http://bit.ly/KgKG6u

Since my guests that I have tried scheduling have ended up cancelling on me this past week, I have decided to simply do an open topic show, discussing various issues throughout the paranormal field in regards to New Age and Occult, taking questions from the chat, and so on.

Next week June 2nd, we begin our author series for the month, beginning with Lisa Grace, author of the Angels Trilogy (Angel in the Shadows, Angel in the Storm, and Angel in the Ice).

We will have John Zelenski (Walker's Vale) on June 9th, Bill Scott (The Day Satan Called) June 16, and Bill Bean (Dark Force, Delivered) on June 30. We are trying to solidify June 23, and will announce that author once we have the date booked.

Daily Disciples - One Thing Will Remain

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 28-29; John 9:24-41

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Matthew 24:35

Time passes and life goes on, but there will come a day when the world as we know it will cease and pass away. Heaven and earth will be gone. In Noah's day, even as he built the ark and told the people of what was to come, they continued on as usual. They ate, drank, married and did all the things in life just as they always had done. Then the rains came, and within 40 days every living thing was under water, except for Noah and his family. Noah's family was safe in the ark. They listened to God's words and were saved.

Daily Disciples - Inquire of Him First

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 25-27; John 9:1-23

Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. - 2 Chronicles 20:2-4

Think about one difficulty you are facing right now. It might have to do with your family, your finances, conflicts at work or even an accident you recently had. All these things can be considered as armies coming against you. I know from personal experience that any circumstance that has overpowered me is an army coming against me. I might come up with my own schemes and plans, but nothing I do is going to fix it. In desperation and anxiety, I cry out to the Lord.

Daily Disciples - To Please Him

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 22-24; John 8:28-59

"And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." John 8:29

Jesus is a man who came from His Father to do those things that always please Him. And because of Jesus' obedience to His Father, His Father became our Father. It has bothered me to think that it pleased the Father to send Jesus to the cross. When I think of love, I do not want to equate it with suffering. But my perspective remains earthbound. God did not equate the cross with suffering as much as the cross was equated to glorification. The cross glorified the Son in restoring and bringing everything back under the authority of Christ. The cross brought salvation to us. As a result, we too suffer on earth for the greater call of glorification for eternity.

Daily Disciples - Lift Up Your Eyes

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 19-21; John 8:1-27

Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalm 121:1-8

Today's psalm is one of my favorites. I read it and meditate on the words when I need encouragement from the Lord. Are you in need of encouragement today? Do you feel as if trouble surrounds you? Maybe you feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Let's be encouraged together as we look at what these verses are saying. First of all, we need to look up and "lift up" our eyes to the hills. We need to look up at the Lord and believe that He is coming to help us. Acknowledge that our Lord is the One who made heaven and earth with amazing power and majesty. He is strong enough to help us. I love the verse that says He "shall neither slumber nor sleep." Our Lord is watching over us constantly. He is our keeper.

Daily Disciples - Too Hard for the Lord?

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 16-18; John 7:28-53

And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." Genesis 18:13-14

Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old when Isaac was born. Both Abraham and Sarah were well past child bearing age. Most likely, they could not imagine having a baby at such an old age, but God had a different plan. The Lord knew the exact time in which Sarah would have Isaac and it would clearly be a miraculous blessing to her life. Throughout the years, as the Lord kept telling Abraham of this promise, Abraham kept believing and waiting on the promise to be fulfilled. 

Daily Disciples - The Power of Praying Scripture

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-15; John 7:1-27

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

It is an amazing blessing to learn to take Scriptures and make them our personal prayers. The third chapter of Ephesians gives us a great example of doing this because it is a real prayer that Paul prayed for the recipients of this letter. Let's make it our prayer today.

Residential Investigations: Christian vs Secular

Residential Investigations: Christian vs Secular

05.19.2012 - 7 PM EST

Last week, I had a short visit on the topic of doing a Christian investigation.

This week I will expound upon the various aspects of a Christian investigation of a residential home, from the first call, to the post investigation follow up.

Through the discussion, I will contrast this to the current secular style investigations done in the paranormal.

Not only will procedure and content be discussed, but the justifications for doing an investigation.

I'll also be taking questions from the chat room. If you want to send in your questions early, send to:

radioshow 'AT' theparanormalchristians.com

Watch the show HERE

Daily Disciples - Doing the Works of God

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-9; John 6:22-44

Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." John 6:28-29

The other day I had the pleasure of speaking with a new Christian. It was a pleasure because of her enthusiasm and zeal for the Lord. Her eyes were bright and her smile was wide as she talked about Jesus. I found myself smiling back at her as she began sharing her testimony. She is reading, studying and working hard at knowing the Lord more deeply. Why? Because she loves Him and wants to serve Him with her life. But as she sincerely poured out her heart, I realized how hard she was working at trying to do all the right things. I thought about how easy it is for us to get focused on the work: trying to please God, trying to do deeds for Him and trying to know Him more.

Daily Disciples - The Spiritual Fight Against Fear

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 4-6; John 6:1-21

Now the Lord said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.” Joshua 8:1

The Lord told Joshua to go up to Ai. Actually, He was telling Joshua to go back to Ai. Since their earlier defeat at Ai, the men of Israel have been through a tragic experience because of the disobedience of one of their men, Achan. The punishment for Achan's sin no doubt left a fearful impression upon all these men, who must now be prepared for war. So the Lord tells Joshua to "not be afraid, nor dismayed."In other words, He is saying, "Get back up and let's take care of the business at hand. Let's complete the job we have started." The Lord promises to be with Joshua and his men, even going so far as to tell Joshua that He has already given the king, the people and the land into their hands.

Daily Disciples - God Never Forgets You

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-3; John 5:25-47

"Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:21-22

Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) was chosen by God, but not because he was sinless or above reproach from man's perspective. His descendants were just like us- real people with real problems making real mistakes. But God used this group of people to bring Jesus into the world and to give us a relationship back to God. Even though we have been dealing with the same sin issues since creation, God does not separate Himself from us because of our sin. Jesus made a way for us to be united with God forever. We do not have the ability to become perfect while on earth but we can be perfected (or conformed) into God's image because of Christ.

Daily Disciples - Your Sabbath

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 24-25; John 5:1-24

Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” John 5: 8-9

God established the last day of the week—sundown Friday to sundown Saturday—as a day of rest. God said in Exodus 31:13-17 that in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth. On the seventh day, he rested and was refreshed. The Israelites were to observe the Sabbath as a covenant with God. They were to put aside their normal business of sowing, reaping, treading the wine press, carrying burdens and unnecessary travel. They were to call the Sabbath a delight, a holy day of the Lord (Isaiah 58:13). The Sabbath was created so that the people could rest from the busyness of life and find refreshment and restoration in the worship of God. He did not restrict the deeds of necessity (like eating), service to God (the priests’ roles) or acts of mercy (kindness to others including helping animals).

Daily Disciples - Father and Son

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 22-23; John 4:31-54

Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me.” John 10:25

A friend of ours called the other day. He travels extensively and works with incredibly gifted people. He has been blessed beyond measure with gifts and talents that help others get the message of the Gospel out through media. His phone call, however, was not about any of those things. This time he shared with me the greatest blessing that surpassed everything that he does at work. While home from traveling, his little boy asked him many questions about God, Jesus and eternal life. Everything else competing for Randal's attention did not compare to the joy of this kind of conversation between him, as a father with his son.

Daily Disciples - True Worship

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 19-21; John 4:1-30

The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:19-24

The Samaritan woman was really asking Jesus, "Where is the appropriate place to worship God?” Her people, the Samaritans, worshiped on Mount Gerizim while the Jewish people worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus was very clear that the Jews had the appropriate place of worship at that time because all of the laws of God and prophets of God came through the Jewish race. However, Jesus was quick to explain to her that the "where" would soon change. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, His death restored us to be able to have a personal relationship with God. We do not need to go to a certain mountain or a specific church to worship Him. Because of Christ, God goes with us—everywhere. So wherever you are, you worship.

Today is Mother's Day. Please take a moment to honor and thank your mother today.

Daily Disciples: God Makes Things Right

NOTE: I get this great daily email from Daily Disciples. We should all spend time in the Word of God. This is a great way for us to do that - so in addition to articles by Rev. Mark, myself, and the guest contributors, I will be posting these Daily Disciples readings for us to spend time in the Word of God, to be edified by their teachings.

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 17-18; John 3:19-36

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Have you ever wished you could take back something you just said? Or, have you ever thought “If only I had known then what I know now, I would have done things differently?” More than once in my life, I have wished I could go back and do something over to make it right. Even with our best intentions and motives, there are times when our words come out the wrong way and we find ourselves feeling badly. We usually know it immediately.

Why Jesus Never Used A Classroom

By Pastor Bob Hamp

NOTE: This came to me through a Christian newsletter I receive (one of many). The message is an important one, especially for those feeling called to a ministry, yet feel overwhelmed by the requirements of various denominations to become "ordained". It's also a good message for the everyday Christian that has gotten caught up in "religious legalism". Please enjoy and be inspired. Even more so - be LIBERATED in your witnessing.

Jesus' mission was not education. He was not here to bring motivation or inspiration. His mission was always unwaveringly liberation. To His core, He knew exactly what this meant. As a result, He was calculating and relentless in His pursuit. Every word, every move, every step was an intentional move to free men from the prison of their minds and untangle the knots of the knowledge of good and evil.

Name Above All Names - Jesus is stronger than the occult

By Pastor Peter Loughman

NOTE: This sermon was given by Pastor Loughman back in 2010. I found it in my preparation for this Saturday's show. I thought it was enlightening and wanted to share it with you. Pastor Frisbee

What if you came upon something that was so powerful, it could alter your own personal destiny or alter the destiny of others at your will?

Would you desire that power?

What if this power could make you the most important person in the state, perhaps the nation?

How much would something like that be worth?

With this power you could be a person known instantly by name, held in high esteem, given great honor, in fact, people would seek you out above many others. This power could give you exactly what you most desire…

Would this power be something worth discovering?

What if this power could make you unbelievably wealthy, absolutely popular, and provide you with more than you could ever imagine?

What would you be willing to do for a power such as this?

A Christian Response To EVP, ITC, Channeling And Ghosts

By Pastor Jeremy Eagan

NOTE: This sermon was given by Pastor Eagan back in 2005. I found it in my preparation for this Saturday's show. I thought it was enlightening and wanted to share it with you. Pastor Frisbee

As the paranormal becomes more and more popular the church is left to answer tough questions about the dead. Through EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) and ITC (Instrumental TransCommunication), where the supposed voices and video of the dead have been collected, the world is demanding answers.

Hundreds of men and women who have lost loved ones are hoping to contact their dead through these devices. Claimed by the AA-EVP (American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomenon) as a safe and harmless portal between the living and the dead, it is actually a new way to get ourselves in trouble like the Oujia board before it.

THIS WEEK ON THE PARANORMAL CHRISTIAN

Tune in this Saturday, May 5 at 7 PM EST.

http://www.TheParanormalChristian.com

Protection From Witchcraft

By Kristine McGuire

Click Here For The Original Article

"How do I protect myself from witchcraft?"

Believe it or not, I have been asked that question by Christians a lot. Whether it's a parent concerned for their child or an individual seeking the information for themselves, there is one thing this question makes very clear to me.

Many Christians are operating from a place of fear.