J:  I agree again, the proof is in the pudding, so to speak.  When we work in the light, there is never a doubt we can trust our source(s).  But to make sure it is our own source we must also do the exercises of attunement that keep us in tune with the best sources.  Being a slacker or not being consistent has been found to be a detriment to the development and continuing work of many a medium.  Again, just from my experiences.

No worries Spiritalk, this a great discussion. I just wanted to ask, is it so obvious I "have not received from the light to KNOW when the spirit is of the light?" Look into my heart and into my soul and I will accept what you see.

Take it easy.

This topic requires discernment. We don't have to be in out of our bodies to contact demoniac forces. Look what is done in our world. We are not just dealing with flesh and blood but powers unseen by many. Fear and doubt are not always our enemy but maybe it's that little voice that so often gets ignored, until it's to late and then we say, I should have listened! If in doubt-stop! You don't see the full picture and because you don't actually know what awaits you on the other side how can any intelligent individual go against his own warnings? Because we surround ourselves with others of like mind, will that give you assurance? Hey, I'm okay-there are other nuts just like me. Or, am I? But this voice is real and indeed it probably is. Do you honestly believe that you are more cunning than those in the spirit realm? If you think so, you had better think again. It was told more than two thousand years ago that in the future, what is right then will be wrong and what is wrong will be right. Here we are!

Hi, Lightning,

OK--this is not a challenge to what you're saying--just a question to try to clarify.  How do we know whom to trust, and whom to fear?  Which texts, which leaders, which guides, and which teachers can we believe?  Do we just go on our instincts--the "little voice"--or are there other criteria?

There are SO many voices, so many opinions, so many people who believe with every inch of their hearts, minds, and souls that their "little voices," or their beliefs, are the right ones, and that those who don't go along with the resulting opinions will suffer grave consequences (or they use the fear of that to control others who have become afraid to think for themselves--look at how those who objected to the Iraq war were treated at first, and now--"traitors", non-patriots, second-hand killers of the troops).

My instincts tell me to back away from those who believe they "know" the answers, and condemn those who question.  Beyond that, I can only trust myself, and my own little voice, and those who have proven time and again that they can be trusted (and when and if they prove otherwise, then you're right--if in doubt, stop!)  But I can't live my life as a victim to suspicion and fear.  I know that there are things that I will never know for certain, or that I will find out only after this life is over.  That's OK.  If I make mistakes, so be it; so far I've been strong enough to live with the consequences, and try to learn from them.  I have faith that I will learn what I need to know when I need to know it, and in a manner that works for me personally.  If others agree with me, that's great.  If not, I need to respect that (not always easy, of course).

Yes, I just rambled (again!).  I'm just heavily involved in sorting these things out for myself these days.  In my own personal opinion, the fact that I feel the need to do that is a sign that I am, at the very least, not COMPLETELY on the wrong road!

It's wonderful to have a place to discuss these things without too much fear of ridicule.

Doe

I know this was a question for Lighting, but I wanted to answer it from my point of view.

I used to ask this a lot of myself. I came to the conclusion that I could only trust God (or whatever name you want to give), and not even myself. Our minds play great tricks on us depending on the outside influences we allow in and depending on the expectations we give on this life and the next. A lot of people question this train of thought because it is not concrete, but the fact is, nothing is. I believe God speaks to us through our hearts, and it is this voice, the quite stillness, that we must listen to. Now, I understand there are those who do not believe in God, or who value the mind over the heart, or who have problems with my terminology, but deep down, I believe most understand what it is I am conveying with this message.

I wanted to add, I agree with you in that we should perhaps be cautious of those who think they know it all, but why condemn those who question? Questioning leads us to introspection, or one would hope. It is in this introspection that perhaps we may see another side.