From city to wilderness

[*Charis*]

I had a dream this morning I'm not sure of the symbols
represented... it also feels like it represents more than
my life.

The dream:
I was walking down a city residential street, from west
to east. At the beginning, houses were distinct and
stood on their own. As I ventured east, the houses
were built connected, and the terrain became mountainous.

As I walked, I noticed a huge stone house and I stopped
to investigate the outside of it. I noticed it was made of
the same rock found in the mountains it faced (south). I walked
to the end of this house, and it was the last one on the
street. At the end of this house was mountainous wilderness.
I turned to see where I'd come from, & wilderness replaced
the city residential street. I turned to face the east again,
and the stone house remained and became partially surrounded
by deep blue water that was living, and danced as the wind
blew over it's surface. There were people here, though not
closely related to me.

My general feeling in the dream was curiosity and wonder
at the endless discoveries. Also, the feeling of being in
the wilderness many times before, but not remembering any
of what I saw in the dream.

I'd love to hear thoughts...

 

[Bobinator]

The houses are churches. In Isaiah 5:8, it says, “Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!”

The verses that follow essentially describe how man has built large churches and established their own thing while getting drunk on the wealth they’v created for themselves.

When Jesus was on Earth, he sent his disciples out two by two and instructed them to make disciples of all men, not to build cathedrals and spend tens of millions on super domes and expensive buildings. I'm not saying that all large churches are in error, but that Christians ought to be ministering everywhere and teaching others to do likewise, like the Apostle Paul did, and not expand the borders of our own kingdoms on Earth. God wills that we all be Kings and Priests unto Him (Rev. 1:6).

God’s true church is at the lonely end of the road. It is made of solid rock and is at the edge of the wilderness where very few dare to venture. The life of a true Christian is not a bed of roses. It is filled with trials and tribulations, challenges and testings from God, like purifying gold in the fire. Many who abide in the house of God often feel like they’re in the wilderness- all alone and dealing with miseries. But God is not interested in giving you a comfy life, but to purge and purify us, so we reap the benefits for all eternity, not laying up treasures on Earth.

Rev.3:18- "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see."

During these last days, God’s true church will be heavily persecuted and will have to flee into the wilderness (Rev. 12:14). Jesus himself said to flee into the mountains when the abomination of desolation takes place (Matt. 24:15). The wilderness can be either a physical and/or spiritual place in our lives.

Unfortunately, there are relatively few that abide in God’s true church, because the flesh always seeks luxuries and comfort. This explains why you don’t recognize anyone. But Christians all around the world are in it. One day soon, we may all find ourselves having to choose between the wilderness or denying Christ.

Matt.16:25- "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

 

[*Charis*]

God’s true church is at the lonely end of the road. It is made of solid rock and is at the edge of the wilderness where very few dare to venture. The life of a true Christian is not a bed of roses. It is filled with trials and tribulations, challenges and testings from God, like purifying gold in the fire. Many who abide in the house of God often feel like they’re in the wilderness- all alone and dealing with miseries...

I think you captured the essence of the dream well in this quote.
The wilderness shown in my dream was a well-vegitated one, but
uninhabited for the most part. Those who are in this place of
solitude will find the Lord's sustaining provision.

I have questions about the importance of directions in this dream,
and what they mean. The houses faced south, toward the mountain,
and not toward the street as would normally be the proper setting
for the homes. Also not sure what it means to be walking from west
to east.

 

[jehoiakim]

Seems to me to be a dream about a journey into holiness and finding fulfillment in the call of God. Not wrapped up in worldliness and earthy distraction.

 

[Christsfreeservant]

I had a dream this morning I'm not sure of the symbols
represented... it also feels like it represents more than
my life.

The dream:
I was walking down a city residential street, from west
to east. At the beginning, houses were distinct and
stood on their own. As I ventured east, the houses
were built connected, and the terrain became mountainous.

As I walked, I noticed a huge stone house and I stopped
to investigate the outside of it. I noticed it was made of
the same rock found in the mountains it faced (south). I walked
to the end of this house, and it was the last one on the
street. At the end of this house was mountainous wilderness.
I turned to see where I'd come from, & wilderness replaced
the city residential street. I turned to face the east again,
and the stone house remained and became partially surrounded
by deep blue water that was living, and danced as the wind
blew over it's surface. There were people here, though not
closely related to me.

My general feeling in the dream was curiosity and wonder
at the endless discoveries. Also, the feeling of being in
the wilderness many times before, but not remembering any
of what I saw in the dream.

I'd love to hear thoughts...

Your title grabbed my attention because of a dream that I had yesterday, which now that I read your dream, sounds like it possibly might be related: http://www.christianforums.com/t7737921/#post62820185

 

[*Charis*]

Seems to me to be a dream about a journey into holiness and finding fulfillment in the call of God. Not wrapped up in worldliness and earthy distraction.

Thank you jehoiakim. As I pray and listen, I'm getting a
sense of the same idea. 'Holiness' (as the Holy Spirit is
teaching me) is a clear understanding (in practical terms)
of being 'the righteousness of God, in Christ'. The religious
world has replaced the true gospel with a lie that ensnares
many.

 

[*Charis*]

Your title grabbed my attention because of a dream that I had yesterday, which now that I read your dream, sounds like it possibly might be related: http://www.christianforums.com/t7737921/#post62820185

I'll have a look, Sue...

 

[*Charis*]

I appreciate the responses... and apologize for the delay in
getting back with you. Had a Spring ice storm go through
my area (followed by snow) that took out power and computer
access. But, I'm up and running again... PTL!

 

[*Charis*]

As I've prayerfully listened for the Lord's mind on this dream,
I've come to a conclusion on it's meaning.

Babylon is represented by the city in my dream. The meaning
of 'Babylon' is confusion (by mixture). The houses becoming
conjoined represent this idea. God is issuing a call to a pure,
unmixed faith. Every high minded notion that exalts itself
against the knowledge of God must be dealt a death blow. I
speak specifically of grace mixed with works as the means of
salvation. Paul spoke a curse against any who would pervert the
true gospel, and we must not be any less serious about this truth.

The solid rock house, at the end of the street I walked on, is
symbolic of Jesus and His finished work. He is both the foundation,
and strong, defensive abode. Living water danced at the foundation
of this house as gentle breezes stirred the water. He calls the
thirsty to drink of Him.

The city disappeared when I began exploring the wonder of the
stone house, and lush nurturing wilderness replaced it. Confusion
gone, I knew only the Lord of my salvation. So will all, who look
to Him (His finished work), find they live, move and have their
being... in Him.

No one who is truly 'in grace' will live a life of sin. Titus wrote this...

Titus 2:11-12~ 11) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

... teaching that it is grace (not law(s) ) that teaches holy living.

In the dream, the mountain wilderness is symbolic of the
life of grace. A 'high life', that one will fall from if they
mix it with law. But those placing 100% faith in the
obedience of Jesus, will find this 'high wilderness' flows with
living wonder. They will know the fellowship of His suffering.

 

[*Charis*]

those placing 100% faith in the
obedience of Jesus, will find this 'high wilderness' flows with
living wonder. They will know the fellowship of His suffering.

Living water danced at the foundation
of this house as gentle breezes stirred the water. He calls the
thirsty to drink of Him.

Reading in Isaiah this morning, chp. 55 gives a clear
picture of abundance of grace~

55 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
3 Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.
4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
5 Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the Lord your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.”

6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

10 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

12 “For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the Lord for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
(NKJV, Bible Gateway.com)

 

[*Charis*]

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags;...

Something to consider, here. Note that it's not our sin that is as
'filthy rags'. It is self righteousness. Many commentators interpret
'filthy rags' to be a woman's soiled cloth, the picture of unfruitfuless.
A picture that perfectly portrays works initiated and performed by
human strength (apart from the power of God). I think of this scripture
as well:

And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered
strange fire before the LORD.

As priests before the LORD, these men were to use only the fire
the LORD gave when the sacrificial system was initially instituted.
This fire was never to be extinguished, nor allowed to go out. The
fire these men offered was not taken from the supply God gave,
but one they started. Their death is a clear picture of self-righteous
works (done in human understanding and effort).

The good news is that GOD has supplied the righteousness He
requires in His Son. He offers it as a gift... free to all who are
weary from their labor.

 

[*Charis*]

The good news is that GOD has supplied the righteousness He
requires in His Son. He offers it as a gift... free to all who are
weary from their labor.

Romans 5:19
For as through the one man's disobedience the many were
made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One
the many will be made righteous.

Adam's disobedient act caused the nature of sin to be
found in all of humanity for all of time. However, Jesus'
obedience (even to suffer death on a cross) makes those
righteous ...that trust HIM. Jesus fulfilled the law
and offered a sinless sacrifice. In this, HE did what
could not be done by the 'sin nature' in man.

Jesus said in Mat 5:17 that He came to fulfill the law, not
abolish it. It's our faith in this obedience of His that is
the obedience required of us. These verses support this
view~ Acts 6:7, Ro. 10:16, 2 Thess.1:8, John 3:36,
6:28-29, 1 Pe.1:2, 22, 2:7-8, and Acts 5:32.

 

[Glorify]

Charis, God just keeps amazing me! I was reading your dream and the interpretation and your scripture! Wow! What's so great is last week god poured into my brain scripture! The words looked like a river! When the words got close to my eyes, I started speaking them out loud in my sleep! It woke me up! I was listening to the words coming out of my mouth so I could go look them up in the bible. This is what I found:

Isaiah 42

5-9 God’s Message,
the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies,
laid out the earth and all that grows from it,
Who breathes life into earth’s people,
makes them alive with his own life:
“I am God. I have called you to live right and well.
I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me,
and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light:
opening blind eyes,
releasing prisoners from dungeons,
emptying the dark prisons.
I am God. That’s my name.
I don’t franchise my glory,
don’t endorse the no-god idols.
Take note: The earlier predictions of judgment have been fulfilled.
I’m announcing the new salvation work.
Before it bursts on the scene,
I’m telling you all about it.”
10-16 Sing to God a brand-new song,
sing his praises all over the world!
Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
with all the far-flung islands joining in.
Let the desert and its camps raise a tune,
calling the Kedar nomads to join in.
Let the villagers in Sela round up a choir
and perform from the tops of the mountains.
Make God’s glory resound;
echo his praises from coast to coast.
God steps out like he means business.
You can see he’s primed for action.
He shouts, announcing his arrival;
he takes charge and his enemies fall into line:
“I’ve been quiet long enough.
I’ve held back, biting my tongue.
But now I’m letting loose, letting go,
like a woman who’s having a baby—
Stripping the hills bare,
withering the wildflowers,
Drying up the rivers,
turning lakes into mudflats.
But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way,
who can’t see where they’re going.
I’ll be a personal guide to them,
directing them through unknown country.
I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take,
make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.
These are the things I’ll be doing for them—
sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.”
17 But those who invested in the no-gods
are bankrupt—dead broke.
You’ve Seen a Lot, but Looked at Nothing

Isaiah 48

20 Get out of Babylon! Run from the Babylonians!
Shout the news. Broadcast it.
Let the world know, the whole world.
Tell them, “God redeemed his dear servant Jacob!”
21 They weren’t thirsty when he led them through the deserts.
He made water pour out of the rock;
he split the rock and the water gushed.
22 “There is no peace,” says God, “for the wicked.”

 

[Glorify]

The one thing God made me focus on was the rock! I remember talking about a rock! God is awesome how verifies what he is saying to us be giving his message to others!

 

[*Charis*]

Thank you for your comments, Glorify, and sharing the
scripture that poured like water... awesome! I'm awed
too at God's speaking His truth to the body simultaneously.

The verses you shared from Isa. 48 is God's call for the
present time... to come out of Babylon... the state of
confusion, of mixing grace and law.

God bless!

 

[*Charis*]

An added aspect of this dream is surfacing as I continue
to listen. . . an invitation to explore the beauties of our
Lord Jesus. Shifting awareness of law to focus on Jesus
is life giving.

 

[parsley]

Ice storms in April, that's ungodly.

Such a beautiful, quiet dream.

At the end of this house was mountainous wilderness.
I turned to see where I'd come from, & wilderness replaced
the city residential street. I turned to face the east again,
and the stone house remained and became partially surrounded
by deep blue water that was living, and danced as the wind
blew over it's surface.

What stands out to me here, is the past closing over itself and sealing to form a new surface. When you let go of the distractions, they stop beckoning you. You get off the email lists that you don't need to read, and there is silence.

On the other hand, in many dreams, the sea represents masses of people or commerce...public activity. The scenario reminds me of someone who went from living normally, to being more involved and networked with fellowship, to deciding to write a book and needing solitude, to being distantly connected to the public through their own work (house).

I'm not implying you have a calling to something, but am describing what the dream looks like.

 

[*Charis*]

Ice storms in April, that's ungodly.

Such a beautiful, quiet dream.

At the end of this house was mountainous wilderness.
I turned to see where I'd come from, & wilderness replaced
the city residential street. I turned to face the east again,
and the stone house remained and became partially surrounded
by deep blue water that was living, and danced as the wind
blew over it's surface.

What stands out to me here, is the past closing over itself and sealing to form a new surface. When you let go of the distractions, they stop beckoning you. You get off the email lists that you don't need to read, and there is silence.

On the other hand, in many dreams, the sea represents masses of people or commerce...public activity. The scenario reminds me of someone who went from living normally, to being more involved and networked with fellowship, to deciding to write a book and needing solitude, to being distantly connected to the public through their own work (house).

I'm not implying you have a calling to something, but am describing what the dream looks like.

Thank you for the thoughts, Parsley... the 'quietness' of the dream
is still an encouragement to me.

Thinking of the bolded section, I have a few responses. The water
that partially surrounded the stone house wasn't quite a sea, more
like a lake. When I saw it 'dance' and move at the touch of the wind,
I thought of the living water Jesus said He is to those who thirst. The
house, being made of hard stone was one that was already built in the
dream, not one I built. Jesus promises life to those who abide in Him...
the solid strength of the stone house represents perfectly the life we
have in the Lord.

Reading in the Song of Solomon this morning a portion of scripture
that fits well:

Song of Solomon 2:8-10 (ESV)
8) The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping
over the mountains, bounding over the hills.
9) My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold,
there he stands behind our wall, gazing through the
windows, looking through the lattice.
10) My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love,
my beautiful one, and come away..."

The sense of wonderment in my dream, of the beauty of
this mountain 'wilderness', of wanting to explore it all and
find it's deepest 'secrets' is the invitation to all who thirst.

Psalm 48 also 'invites' anyone who will, to wander around
Zion and take note of it's greatness:

Psalm 48, (Biblegateway, NKJV)
The Glory of God in Zion

48 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.
2 Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.
3 God is in her palaces;
He is known as her refuge.

4 For behold, the kings assembled,
They passed by together.
5 They saw it, and so they marveled;
They were troubled, they hastened away.
6 Fear took hold of them there,
And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs,
7 As when You break the ships of Tarshish
With an east wind.

8 As we have heard,
So we have seen
In the city of the Lord of hosts,
In the city of our God:
God will establish it forever. Selah

9 We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness,
In the midst of Your temple.
10 According to Your name, O God,
So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let Mount Zion rejoice,
Let the daughters of Judah be glad,
Because of Your judgments.

12 Walk about Zion,
And go all around her.
Count her towers;
13 Mark well her bulwarks;
Consider her palaces;
That you may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide
Even to death.

 

[x141]

It is this sense I now live in, what you are describing, there is no part of the day or night where his love is never towards me, he ever satisfies. He is not mine, I no longer try to keep him. I am his, and his desire is towards me.

I feel I have only scratched the surface of true knowledge, that brings the understanding of self, what overwhemling bouties are in store of this feast within ... all things will be everlasting, an everlasting joy upon our heads.

I understand now what Jesus meant by where he was, when he said, Even the son of man who is in heaven.

 

[x141]

I have seen clearer this moment, why there is this out ward picture of gender, that premeates all things, without two, one is not complete.