Dreams

Thus Says the Lord

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”  Hebrews 1:2

“Thus says the Lord” is a phrase you will come across many times throughout the Old Testament. The prophets and judges of the nation of Israel spoke to the people as God instructed them. They were careful to speak only what God instructed them. For a prophet was recognized by their words coming true. When Moses spoke, people listen. When Samual spoke, people listen. But when prophets spoke without fulfillment, they were to kill such false leaders. This is the seriousness God places on people representing HIM.

So, when Jesus came along, the religious zealots at times wanted to kill him for blaspheming God. Yet they failed. His life and teachings were constantly being tested. But the Holy Spirit always produced results for Jesus to highlight HIS ministry. Father God was always with HIM and HE supported HIS Father in heaven with the work given for HIM to fulfill.

There are ministers today who prophesize falsely in HIS name. What they say are their personal dreams, not God’s word. They are exploiting their hearers. They are using God’s name in vain. What they say and preach fails to come about. Their charismatic ministry is built on a lie for self-aggrandizement. In the Old Law they were to be stoned. Today, their seems to be an acceptance of false rhetoric among their congregants. But God is not fooled. HIS name is being abused. How much longer they survive and continue down this path only God knows.

HE has the last word. HE gives us all a rope to either hang ourselves or lasso HIM in repentance. The Bible states that those of us who teach are held in a higher standard by God. What standard does God give those who prophesize in HIS name? I would not want to stand before Jesus and give an account of leading HIS siblings a strayed. So be careful and wise. If a so-called prophet gives a prediction that fails to come about, put them in the ignore pile. If what they say comes about, proceed with caution. Pray, verify, and confirm with our Lord that they are the real McCoy. Let the fruit in their lives confirm they are who they say they are as 2 Peter instructs us.

Yes, God speaks through people. But we need to confirm what they say agrees with HIS Word and Spirit with concrete results.     

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Dreams & Visions

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

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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