Dreams

Acts 2:17

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

We are definitely more closer today to the last days of this age then when Peter quoted this Scripture at the start of the Church that Pentecost day. Then over three thousand men were saved in the city of Jerusalem. In a sense, us old men are now prophesied to enjoy more dreams influenced by HIS Spirit (Acts 2:17).

But does God still communicate with his people through dreams/visions today?

When you do a quick study of the Bible into the lives of specific people having a direct relationship with God, the list is quite impressive. From the Old and New Testaments, you have:

Joseph – Gen. 37:5

Abraham – Gen 15:1

Jacob (Israel) – Gen 46.2

Isaiah – 2 Chronicles 32:32

Job – Job 7:14

David – Psalm 89:19

Solomon – 1 Kings 3:5

Jeremiah – Jeremiah 24:1

Ezekiel – Ezekiel 1:1

Daniel – Daniel 2:19

Joseph – Matt. 1:20

Magi – Matt 2:12

Peter/James/John – Matt. 17:9

Ananias – Acts 9:10

Peter – Acts 10:17

Paul – Acts 18:9

John – Rev. 9:17

Each of these people either received a dream or seen a vision from God. HE communicated something of importance which eventually assured them HE was with them in their life’s journey.

But how do you know if a dream is from God or not? The Book of Ecclesiastes also states that dreams come with much business (5:3). And, when dreams are many, there is vanity (5:7). Yet Solomon reminded us that the best solution is to focus on God throughout the entire ordeal (5:7).

In the Book of Jeremiah, we have a direct quote from the Lord. HE warn to be aware that certain people prophesy lies speaking their own agenda and not from His mouth (Jeremiah 23:16). How did these people know the dream they received was from HIM and not the result from being super active or eating too much?

Could we be safe to say these men had a strong belief in God or possibly even a personal relationship with HIM?

For example, we see God appearing in a dream to Solomon and informs him HE wants to grant him something, but Solomon needs to ask HIM (1 Kings 3:5). So, Solomon asks God for wisdom to govern the people and HE grants Solomon his request and in addition, blesses him with wealth and riches.

Each of the men listed likewise had some type of knowledge or relationship with God that the experience confirmed they knew the dream was from God.

But what about us who are unsure, how do we proceed?

We rely on Scriptures to reassure us. For example, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

And “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me (Jesus) will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14).  

Also, “Now to HIM (God) who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Again, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)

Do not these Scriptures encourage us to pursue our dreams knowing HE is rooting for us? As we lean on HIM and walk with HIM in pursuit of HIS Kingdom in our everyday work, doesn’t HE want us to be successful for HIS Father’s glory?

One Scripture that has help me navigate throughout my walk with HIM, is Romans 12:2. The words remind us to renew our mind with the things of God. And then test our efforts against HIS will. The more our mind is transformed, we start to view life through God’s eyes. When we allow HIS Spirit to bloom in our hearts and minds, the more we will emulate HIS character. The end result, God is glorified for the work HE is conducting in our lives.

Yes, as we experience the with-God life, a byproduct of the entire process is the fulfillment of our dreams. Whether in this age, or the new age to come, if the dream is God sent, we can be assured only time will separate us from its fulfillment.

So, what dream is waiting to bloom through you now?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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Afraid to Pray?

1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

pray2

Why should anyone be afraid to pray? To ask the God of creation to intervene. For help in solving a problem larger than us. Or maybe a blessing on our love ones. Yet I occasionally come across people who admit they are afraid to pray. When we dig deeper, we generally find the challenge lies in several spheres.

One, which is the general challenge for many pertains to change. We are so focus on our goals and priorities that we don’t want to change what we are doing but add a blessing on top of everything we are already in pursuit. If we surrender to God, we believe there goes our dreams.

Or, we don’t because falsely believe only weaklings pray. Us self-reliant and intelligent beings live the delusion everything is under control. We don’t need any assistance. We can handle everything ourselves.

Or, there are those who feel unworthy to pray and come to the throne room of God. Who am I to petition God? We blindly disbelieve God has no time for us or what we request is not important in the scheme of world events.

Whatever the obstacle, Paul writes to Timothy and encourages him to remind us all to pray. Why? Because prayer is the means of communicating with the living God. Unless we pray, we will never know God as He wants to be known. You cannot have a personal relationship with anyone unless there are two-way communications.

Prayer allows us to see God in action. When we pray and make our requests to Him, removing any personal expectations on how and when, we witness God’s reply. Sometimes the reply comes in a word, sometimes in a thought, sometimes from others speaking to us directly or indirectly. The Bible showcases people being responding by God through a vision, dream, and yes even through a donkey.

For those who are afraid to pray, I ask “how is it working for you?” For those who have surrendered themselves to King Jesus, I likewise ask “how is it working for you?”

When one repeatedly experiences answers to prayer, one learns to pray constantly and everywhere. How one looks or sounds or trips over their words in the process, doesn’t bother them any longer. The reason? Because they know Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercedes for them. Jesus knows what being human is like. He gladly takes our requests and intervenes to the Father on our behalf. When we come to realize this, we learn not to emphasize prayer, but the power of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we long to pray and be in communion with the living God: every day and everywhere.

Fear has to do with punishment. Prayer is the loving means to a loving God who wants what is best for us. Sometimes it requires change; other times it requires sacrifice, and other times it requires self-denial. But the Christ follower says Amen for they know the process of discipleship leads to Kingdom fulfillment and real satisfaction in this life and the next.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
Great Business Emulates a Good God
Be Radical…Follow Christ!
Simply The Messenger
Unequally Married

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