Shattering the Yoga Deception: Jessica Smith's Testimony | LED Live • EP40

 

Introduction to Spiritualism and Yoga

"Can it actually bring you closer to God, or could it potentially lead you away?"

• The video opens with a discussion about the relationship between yoga, spiritualism, and their effect on one's faith in God. The hosts ponder whether engaging in yoga can enhance a person's connection with God or if it may have adverse spiritual repercussions.

Welcome and Audience Engagement

"If you're new to our channel and you like what you see, then go ahead and hit that subscribe button!"

• The hosts express gratitude to their audience for tuning in, encouraging newcomers to subscribe for more content. They note their enthusiasm for sharing insights on the significant and somewhat controversial topic of spiritualism as it pertains to yoga and other eastern practices.

Documentary Background

"Today's topic is going to be taken from a documentary that we produced on the spiritualism behind martial arts and it deals with a little bit of yoga."

• The program is based on a documentary that explores the spiritual elements behind martial arts and touches upon yoga and eastern mysticism. This background provides context for the discussion, which promises to delve deeper into the complexities of these practices.

Introduction of the Guest and Personal Testimony

"I want to introduce to you guys Jessica Smith...when I heard your testimony, I was blown away."

• Jessica Smith is introduced as the guest speaker, and the presenters express their anticipation of her testimony regarding her experiences with spiritualism and its effects on her relationship with God. The hosts emphasize the significance of her story, which they find compelling and eye-opening.

The Effect of Popularity on Spiritual Journey

"For me, what it really was was in high school time...I just wanted to feel cool."

• Jessica shares her journey from an early relationship with Jesus to being influenced by peer pressure during high school, which led her to compromise her faith. She describes how the desire for acceptance fostered a gradual rebellion against her childhood beliefs, illustrating the vulnerability of teens in the face of social pressures.

Encounter with Spiritualism

"My good friend was killed in a drunk driving accident...it just threw my world upside down."

• The emotional turmoil following the tragic loss of a friend catalyzes a significant shift in Jessica's spiritual path. Faced with questions about life after death, she sought answers through prayer, leading her to connect with a relative who practiced spiritualism.

The Allure of Spiritual Experiences

"The moment that happened felt like love and peace and euphoria...this has to be God, right?"

• During the conversation with her relative, who was channeling her deceased friend, Jessica describes an overwhelming feeling of love and peace that she interpreted as a sign of the presence of God. This experience highlights a crucial moment in her spiritual journey, as she chose to rely on her emotional experiences rather than biblical teachings.

Wrestling with Truth vs. Feelings

"It’s emotional experiences where all of a sudden you have this choice to make: emotions versus the truth."

• The discussion reflects on the common dilemma of choosing between one's feelings and biblical truth, particularly in emotionally charged situations involving loved ones. Jessica emphasizes how many people might ignore logical reasoning for the sake of emotional comfort, leading them to embrace deceptive spiritual experiences.

The Emotional Impact of Television Shows

"It gave me a physical feeling just watching the trailer to it."

• The emotional connection that viewers develop with television shows, particularly those involving themes of loss and resurrection, can evoke strong sensations. For example, trailers showcasing reunions between deceased loved ones and their families can elicit profound responses, highlighting how media can effectively tug at heartstrings despite the viewer's belief in its authenticity.

The Conflict Between Science and Religion in Media

"It's like your science has the answers, religion doesn't have the answers."

• Media often portrays a struggle between science and religion, especially in narratives that involve resurrection or afterlife themes. The tension arises when characters presented with scientific evidence must reconcile these facts with their religious beliefs. This layer of complexity raises questions about truth and perception, particularly in how viewers interpret these narratives within their personal belief systems.

The Deceptive Nature of Spirituality in the Modern World

"Satan is a master deceiver; he uses the same tricks he's been using since the garden."

• The conversation highlights the dangers of engaging with modern spirituality, particularly in the context of New Age practices. It emphasizes the necessity of discerning truth from deception, warning that even seemingly positive experiences might lead individuals astray if they do not align with Biblical teachings. The speaker urges viewers to protect themselves from misleading spiritual teachings that can feel appealing yet are rooted in deception.

The Importance of Biblical Guidance in Decision Making

"You can take all of these questions that we have and run it through the Bible to look for answers."

• In decision-making processes regarding emotional and spiritual experiences, individuals are encouraged to consult the Bible for guidance. This principle emphasizes that not all experiences or advice offered by modern practices—like yoga or meditation—are harmless. It's crucial to filter every aspect of life through the lens of scripture, as this delineates true paths from those that lead to confusion and potential harm.

Recognizing True and False Spiritual Guidance

"If it doesn't line up completely with the Word of God, that's why that filter is always... the main point."

• It is essential to discern true spiritual guidance from misleading teachings. The emphasis lies on ensuring that any purported spiritual experience or advice must align with Biblical scripture. If something appears to contradict the scripture, it should be regarded with skepticism. This understanding reinforces the importance of directly seeking God's truth and maintaining focus on foundational religious teachings.

Integrating Mindfulness in Education

"Nonprofits and foundations are bringing meditation into public schools."

• Nonprofit organizations and educational foundations are increasingly focused on incorporating meditation into public school curricula.
• Programs like "Calm Classroom" utilize evidence-based techniques like two-minute breathing, stretching, and relaxation exercises as part of social-emotional learning.
• At Robert Coleman Elementary, mindful moments blend yoga and meditation for a 15-minute practice at the start of the day, fostering a focused learning environment.

Practical Mindfulness Techniques

"Students learn how to incorporate mindfulness tools and practices into their everyday lives."

• Mindfulness meditation educator Luisa Alva introduced mindfulness practices to Allison Bowers' third-grade class to help students integrate these tools into daily life.
• In Salt Elementary, students engage in brain breaks as part of the Mind Up program, which emphasizes mindfulness in the classroom.
• There's also a notable trend where products, such as a meditating Barbie doll, are used to teach children about mindful meditation through play.

Concerns Surrounding Mindfulness Practices in Schools

"Mindfulness meditation is being pushed in classrooms, but parents often don't know about it."

• Many parents may be unaware that mindfulness programs are being integrated into school curriculums, often presented under various fun and engaging brands.
• Programs, such as GoNoodle, promote movement and activities that may seem harmless but often incorporate mindfulness exercises.
• This raises concerns about the underlying practices and whether they align with parents' beliefs and understanding of mindfulness.

The Spiritual Implications of Meditation

"Meditation opens you up to spirits, unlike prayer which connects you with God."

• The speaker argues that meditation lacks a divine connection and instead may expose practitioners to maleficent entities, contrasting it with prayer's direct line to God.
• There is a caution against various forms of meditation and mindfulness, suggesting that they might lead individuals down a path of spiritual deception and manipulation.
• The distinction between biblical meditation, which focuses on God's Word, and contemporary mindfulness practices is highlighted as a key concern.

Research and Academic Perspectives on Mindfulness

"There's a conscious movement to present mindfulness as non-spiritual and scientific."

• Academic work by scholars, such as Candy Gunther Brown, seeks to shed light on how mindfulness and yoga are framed within educational contexts and presents evidence of their spiritual origins.
• The promotion of mindfulness in schools is marked by a desire to strip it of spiritual significance and package it as a scientifically-backed tool for better student engagement.
• This brings into question the true nature of these programs, sparking debate on their appropriateness for a secular education system while excluding traditional religious practices like prayer.

The Duality of Practice and Faith

"What does God want us to do? He wants us to run to Him...that relationship is where we run to Him when we have a problem."

• The speaker discusses the tendency for individuals to adopt practices that bring them temporary peace, such as meditation or yoga, and how these practices can sometimes serve as a substitute for a deeper relationship with God.
• The speaker emphasizes that when faced with challenges in life, such as anxiety or marital issues, people often turn to these practices instead of seeking divine help, which can hinder their spiritual growth.
• It is suggested that true spiritual fulfillment comes from a relationship with God and seeking guidance from scripture rather than relying solely on meditative techniques.

Personal Journey and Exploration

"The deeper I went, the more esoteric experiences I had...I wanted to get to the root of what yoga really was."

• The narrative transitions to a personal account of the speaker's journey exploring spiritual practices, particularly through yoga and meditation, and their belief that these could serve as bridges for others to find peace and spiritual truth.
• The speaker shares experiences living in a Buddhist center and an ashram in India, aiming to uncover the essence of yoga and its potential to help people connect with their spirituality.
• There is a recognition of a past mindset where the speaker thought they could help others find peace through practices that they believed were outside of traditional religious frameworks.

The Misconception of Spiritual Practices

"You cannot separate the spiritual out...it's like saying Christian séance."

• The video discusses the common misconception that practices like yoga can be purely physical and devoid of spiritual connotations. It argues that participating in these practices inevitably engages an individual with spiritual dimensions, regardless of their intent.
• Experts are quoted, emphasizing that the very act of practicing yoga serves as an invocation to the spiritual realm, meaning that one cannot simply disregard the inherent spirituality in yoga poses.
• A comparison is made to the use of a Ouija board, highlighting how seemingly harmless actions can open doors to spiritual experiences that participants may not fully control or understand.

The Intent and Outcomes of Spiritual Engagement

"If you put your fingers there, that opened you up to the spiritual realm and activated it."

• The speaker illustrates how both yoga and practices like a Ouija board can act as conduits to spiritual realms, demonstrating the power of intention and invocation in spiritual practices.
• It is pointed out that regardless of personal beliefs about the nature of these practices, the very act of engaging in them can invoke spiritual responses that might be beyond an individual's control.
• This section warns that the context in which these practices occur influences their spiritual significance, emphasizing a need for discernment and awareness of the spiritual implications tied to actions like yoga.

The Spirituality of Popular Practices and Celebrity Influence

"There’s Biblical truth and then there’s this other spiritual world."

• The discussion highlights concerns about spiritual teachings prevalent in mainstream culture, emphasizing the need to align practices with Biblical scripture to avoid confusion between genuine spirituality and secular ideas.
• Major celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, promote spiritual concepts that often lack direct adherence to Biblical teachings, which blurs the line between faith and alternative spirituality.
• The reference to breathing exercises and meditation practices popularized by figures like Eckhart Tolle illustrates how these ideas have entered the public consciousness, sometimes without acknowledging their spiritual origins.

Yoga and Its Spiritual Implications

"Each different pose is an invocation and worship of specific deities."

• There's a strong assertion that many yoga poses are not merely physical exercises but are rooted in specific worship stances for Hindu deities, which calls into question the appropriateness of participating in yoga without recognizing these connections.
• Engaging in yoga is likened to participating in practices that may open doors to spiritual realms, with implications that this could lead individuals away from their faith.
• A secular study reveals that while many initially take up yoga for exercise, over time, a significant percentage shift to practicing it for spiritual reasons, indicating a deeper spiritual engagement.

The Yoga Sutras and Dangers of Uninformed Practice

"This lays the groundwork for communicating with spirits."

• The Yoga Sutras, an ancient text, outline the spiritual framework of yoga and explicitly mention practices that facilitate communication with spirits, which poses a risk to practitioners unfamiliar with these teachings.
• Despite having a pleasant facade, the Sutras contain elements that can ensnare individuals into spiritual traps, misleading them amidst seemingly innocuous advice.
• Biblical references underscore a warning against dabbling in pagan practices, advocating for a clear separation from unaligned spiritual traditions as emphasized in Deuteronomy.

Personal Testimonies and Spiritual Awakening

"Instead of getting out of it, I kept getting deeper in our relationship."

• A personal account illustrates how involvement in spiritually ambiguous practices can coincide with challenging life experiences, leading to emotional struggles such as depression.
• The individual reveals a journey from skepticism of faith to experiencing a transformative moment that leads back to a Christian perspective, highlighting the importance of recognizing spiritual influences in life choices.

Transformation Through Faith

"I was the most hardened person and if the work didn't get a hold of me and opened my eyes, I wouldn’t have changed."

• The speaker reflects on their hard-heartedness and attributes their eventual change to the unwavering prayers of their mother, who prayed diligently for years.
• They emphasize the power of prayer and encourage others to maintain their faith and continue praying for loved ones who seem lost or hardened by life.
• A pivotal moment occurs during a conversation over dinner where the speaker recognizes the difference between their previous spiritual practices and the teachings of Jesus, leading to a newfound desire to pursue a relationship with Him.

Rejecting Misguided Energies

"I just thought, why am I not working with Jesus?"

• The speaker describes a realization during their time at a ranch, where they began to see the contrast between working with alternative energies and the foundational relationship they had with Jesus in their childhood.
• This awakening prompted the speaker to reconsider their past beliefs and practices, leading to a heartfelt apology to Jesus for not fully embracing Him in their healing journey.
• They express a strong wish to realign their spiritual focus solely on Jesus, caught in the transition from various spiritual energies to a dedicated relationship with Him.

Embracing a New Path

"If you're serious about this, don't do any of your other stuff, just pursue Jesus."

• After deciding to follow Jesus, the speaker sought guidance and was advised to read scripture daily, specifically a chapter from Luke and Proverbs, promoting consistency in their new faith.
• The speaker shares their initial struggles with emotional hardness in prayer and the challenge of embracing Jesus’s name, feeling apprehensive about their past.
• A turning point occurs when the speaker experiences deep emotional confrontations with spiritual forces and realizes the potent power of invoking Jesus’s name in prayer.

Spiritual Confrontation and Healing

"It felt like I was being consumed, but the prayer of Jesus was the only thing keeping me afloat."

• The speaker recounts an intense spiritual experience following an argument, describing feelings of darkness and dread rising within them unexpectedly.
• They emphasize the importance of declaring their faith through prayer, specifically invoking the name of Jesus, as they confront overwhelming feelings.
• The use of Jesus’s name is portrayed as a lifeline in the speaker’s emotional turmoil, leading to a sense of relief and healing from spiritual forces that sought to consume them.

Encountering Demonic Energies

"It felt like it was consuming me... I thought that all the light and love I was working with was actually demonic."

• The speaker experienced a terrifying moment of clarity when they felt an involuntary release of what they recognized as demonic energies. This shock led to an overwhelming realization that everything they had believed about light and love in their spiritual practices was distorted.
• The experience was likened to a violent physical reaction reminiscent of food poisoning, but it was entirely on an energetic level without any physical manifestation.
• Despite the fear and terror, the individual mentally prepared to confront the feelings emerging from within. They noted that the struggle involved both a recognition of what they had accepted as positive energies and a realization of their true nature as dark forces.

The Realization of Deception

"The Lord just ripped that veil off and let me experience the reality of what they are: demons."

• As they grappled with their terror and confusion, the speaker conceptualized the moment as a dramatic unmasking. The understanding that all they had engaged with in the spiritual realm was dark consumed their thoughts, creating a sense of desperation.
• They wished to return to a safe, supportive environment, a ranch with Christians who were knowledgeable in the Bible, and who could provide guidance. This hope stemmed from a deep conviction about the power of Scripture in navigating the spiritual realm.

Overcoming Fear and Seeking Help

"Jesus is the one who has the power. Don't let Satan have one more ounce of satisfaction."

• The speaker resolved to take actionable steps to combat the terror that had invaded their life. This included distancing themselves from any items related to their previous spiritual practices that could invite the unwanted energy back.
• As they reached out for help, they prepared themselves mentally for the possibility of confronting these energies again. They recognized that fear was a tactic of the enemy, and they made a commitment to worship and pray as methods of maintaining control and faith.

The Release of Energy and the Role of Angels

"There was another energy left, and angels came to mind, assuring me they would all leave in the name of Jesus."

• The speaker describes an intense experience where they felt various energies leaving their body, which they likened to a form of energy cleansing. They specifically mention sensations radiating through their arms and a notable release of energy associated with visualizations of angels.
• This process included acknowledging the presence of dark energies, which they understood as needing to be expelled. The speaker felt a sense of control during this release, indicating an ability to manage the experience rather than feeling entirely overwhelmed by it.

The Importance of Faith and Prayer

"They assured me they would all leave in the name of Jesus; light and dark both exist."

• The speaker emphasizes the reassurance they received from others during this process, highlighting the significance of faith in expelling negative energies. They mention feeling the power of prayer and scripture during this time, underscoring how their belief played a vital role in their healing journey.
• The speaker encourages others to approach their concerns about spiritual experiences with simplicity, urging them to express their desire for connection with Jesus and a rejection of negative influences.

Finding Alternatives to Yoga

"God cares about your soul and knows what's taking you further away from Him."

• The discussion shifts towards alternatives for those seeking spiritual or physical improvement without engaging in yoga. The speaker suggests exploring other forms of physical activity such as stretching, swimming, or simply moving one’s body.
• The key takeaway is the acknowledgment that while yoga might provide physical benefits, it's crucial to prioritize spiritual health and connection to God over physical practices that might not align with one's beliefs.

The Path to Peace and Clarity in Faith

"It will bring true peace, true healing, and true clarity to all sorts of things in your life."

• Engaging deeply with faith can lead to profound transformations in an individual's life by fostering inner peace and healing.
• This journey is not only about personal growth but also about enhancing one's relationship with God through Jesus.
• Those seeking truth and a deeper connection with the divine are encouraged to take their inquiries directly to God, laying their concerns before Him and asking for revelation.
• It's important to seek wisdom through scripture and actively listen for divine guidance, as this can lead to significant spiritual clarity.

Caution Regarding Pilates and Yoga

"Anything that has a connection with yoga, I'm just not comfortable."

• There are concerns related to practices associated with yoga, and it’s suggested that individuals consider avoiding them if they are striving for spiritual purity.
• The discussion highlights that even derivatives of yoga, such as Pilates, raise questions for those who prioritize their spiritual journey over physical aspects alone.
• While Pilates may seem like just an exercise regimen, its roots and connections to yoga necessitate caution, and individuals are encouraged to reflect on their practices in light of their beliefs.

Audience Engagement and Resources

"If you want to reach Jessica, we’ll put a link to her website."

• The closing segment emphasizes community engagement, encouraging viewers to leave comments and suggestions to foster an interactive space for discussion.
• For those interested in deeper exploration, a link to Jessica’s website will be provided, facilitating direct communication.
• Additionally, there will be a book giveaway related to Jessica's work, inviting viewers to participate for a chance to gain further insights from her expertise.