Lighthouse...Christian Dream and Vision Interpretation

[HumbleBee]

xsynerinc,

TY JESUS! Glad my interp ministered to you. Sent via pm, as did seem personal.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

 

[HumbleBee]

From Jane Larsen

I had a vision of the Lord standing before me with His arms open wide. A feeling of intense peace pulled me forward. He was surrounded by a white light and love poured from Him. As love and peace saturated me, He gave me this message:

Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. I will take the burdens from your shoulders and I will give you peace, I will give you a straight path to walk on. A path that leads to the light.

Turn away from the darkness and do not listen to the call of the world. The world offers many things. Temptation. Lies. Deceit. False joy. Everything that it offers brings you sadness and misery. I am your hope in a dark place. I am your truth in the wilderness. I am by your side, no matter where you run, no matter where you hide. I am forever looking upon you, you, the apple of My eye. Stay away from the wolves who wear sheeps clothing and know My voice for it is soft and gentle and will not cause you confusion.

In the time of distress, listen to My voice of peace and go with it. I have not come to confuse or alarm you, I have come to give you life, to give you joy, to fill your days with light. Come. Come to Me. I see your need, I see how you battle the powers of darkness and I am here to strengthen you and dry your tears. Here. I am here.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

 

[alexia]

I had a dream in which I was walking down a hallway at church. I looked up when I saw a man walking towards me. I thought that he was nice looking, but I looked away because he saw me watching him. But as he came closer to me he's face lit up and he squeezed my arm. Then I reached out and squeezed his (his arm felt so real to me). I turned and watch him walk away...I felt so silly and couldn't stop blushing.

This is one of about 50 dreams I've had in the past year. This is the only "simple" one that I've had. Although the others where more symbolic they were easier to figure out.

 

[xsynerinc]

if i may, i'd like to give another:

over the years i've had a number of dreams involving symbols of running to the cellar (related to previous dream symbol?) when there was threatening storms (tornadoes).

in this particular dream there was a series of threes.

three sets of stair cases.
three sets of floor levels.
three sets of stairs, with three plates in a row on each stair steps. (9 plates in all). each plate had been eaten on and just left there. (by myself or someone else).
in the dream i managed to jump over or get my toes in an opening and step down these stairs with the rows of plates in order to get to the next floor downward and to the cellar for shelter against the storm threat.

on the level above and below this particular flight of stairs with the plates - was a tv that was turned on but it was off channel - static.

i pray that you can give some insight into these symbols.

 

[HumbleBee]

Sweet Shalom of God to you Alexia!

If you are single, surmising this dream could foretell of your future symbolized by hallway, as in long haul and that Jesus be sending you someone who will indeed 'light up' when he sees you, as will he enjoy spending quality time in close fellowship with you! Our Lord giving you a taste of kind coming kinship! Your relationship will be so blessed that you will pinch each other to confirm your love is real and that you nada dreaming!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I had a dream in which I was walking down a hallway at church. I looked up when I saw a man walking towards me. I thought that he was nice looking, but I looked away because he saw me watching him. But as he came closer to me he's face lit up and he squeezed my arm. Then I reached out and squeezed his (his arm felt so real to me). I turned and watch him walk away...I felt so silly and couldn't stop blushing.

 

[keirasmommy]

Wow, I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm ussually pretty good at interpreting my own dreams but there is one recurring dream I can't comprehend.

I am sledding or snowboarding or skiing or skidooing or just sliding around on the snow or driving up and down to the ski hill. I'm ussually having a good time, sometimes we build mazes in the snow. In these dreams, my friends from middle school are always with me and sometimes we are praying for eachother or worshipping together. I went to a Christian School. Sometimes my teachers are in my dreams. It's been almost ten years since I've seen any of these people. But because they are in my dreams so much I feel like we are very close, like they are my best friends. What is the meaning of the fun in the snow?

Last night I dreamed that I sold my skis. (I haven't been skiing in years and I don't own a pair of skis). My friends from school were in this dream too. Are they forever connected to me? Maybe from the praying we did together when we were twelve?

What's with the snow? The dream dictionaries say that snow represents cold feelings or cocaine. Is there another interpretation, neither of these seem to fit. Since I sold my skiis last night I guess it means that I won't be skiing anymore. God send me an interpretation.

 

[alexia]

Thanks Humblee and I believe that you are right.

My dad had a dream around the same time that I had my dream. In the dream, I brought a man home and said that he was my husband. When my dad told me about the dream he looked both happy and sad. And he told me that I looked happy in the dream.

 

[Promised Rainbow]

Hi Humblebee,

I have never done this before and am embarrased of this question, so please bare with me. I keep having dreams of being pregnant and in labour. That part is always the same, the out come or situation around me changes though. No, I am not pregnant so am confused by this. This last dream I had last night really confused me though and think I am losing my mind!! If you can give some help I would really appreciate it!!

Dream:

I am outside walking around and am very pregnant near the end of it. Before I know it I'm in a car with my husband and we go to visit some people. I don't remember though who they were and they weren't there but we were in the house waiting for them. I was layed down on a bed when my water breaks and I go into labour. I call out for my husband and he says that he will call for help. I tell him there is no time for help that he had to deliver the baby because it was already coming. So he freaks out, but he does deliver the baby. I sit up all happy, but the next thing I know I start vommitting up peices of brain?????? (I'm sorry about how gross and upfront it is, but that is what happened) I kept doing this over and over till I woke up from my dream.

Having dreams about pregnancy and birth are one thing, but I do not understand about this ending?? I don't watch gross movies or anything and this is so crazy to me.

Any help on this dream would be great!!

Thank you,

 

[HumbleBee]

God's peace be multiplied to you PR! Take heart your dream is one of hope! In dreams, pregnancy and giving birth tend to represent the forming and beginning of a ministry and or the revealing of a spiritual gift that will astonish your hubby! As well as could symbolize God giving you clear expectation for His bestowing some type of blessing upon you and your hubby! As for vomitting up pieces of brain, brain as in the CPU is the brain of a computer, so surmising this symbolizes Divine inspiration, an idea, a plan etc that God will give you for whatever this ministry and or blessing He about to work in and through your lives!

Dream: I am outside walking around and am very pregnant near the end of it. Before I know it I'm in a car with my husband and we go to visit some people. I don't remember though who they were and they weren't there but we were in the house waiting for them. I was layed down on a bed when my water breaks and I go into labour. I call out for my husband and he says that he will call for help. I tell him there is no time for help that he had to deliver the baby because it was already coming. So he freaks out, but he does deliver the baby. I sit up all happy, but the next thing I know I start vomitting up pieces of brain??????

 

[Promised Rainbow]

Thank you Humblebee, you might have something there. Ok, I don't feel as crazy now. Thank you for time and consideration ))))))))

May the Lord be with you

 

[HumbleBee]

This dream is definitely from Jesus that a certain Jeff received! My interpretation follows.

Jeff's Dream:

I saw an angel, massive! huge! and white, his face shown like that of a reflection of the sun off a still calm lake, almost transparent. He was very tall! I fell on my face and said Lord Lord. The angel said; "stand to your feet, I bring you a truth from our glorious Father, to speak into you". I stood and slowly looked up at the angel in awe, I was speechless, He was massive, tall! The angel stretched out his hand in which he held a white box, which appeared to be made out of new wood because it was a bright shade of white. The box was square on all 6 sides (top bottom and all 4 sides) it was beautiful. The angel then said "take this box, which is yours". I reached out and took the box into both my hands. The box was rather large, but appeared very small in the hand of the angel. It was very solid, yet not heavy at all. I pressed the box against my chest and hugged it as a father hugs his newborn daughter, very carefully and gently, as to show love but not to hurt.

As I gently hugged the box against my chest, I noticed the top of the box had a lid that flipped open. The hinge of two small rings looked to be made of new metal of some kind. I started to move the box into a position in my arms as to open the lid to see what was inside. When the angel spoke again and said in a voice like thunder; "Jeff the Spirit produces fruit which is righteous, holy and acceptable sacrifices unto your heavenly Father by His Son Jesus Christ. This Jeff, is your spiritual act of worship". I was in awe and wonder as I looked at him while he spoke. This caused me to hug the box all that much more tightly against my chest. I started to weep tears of joy, which flowed like the waves of love I felt in my heart as I hugged ever tighter the box against my chest. The tighter I hugged the box the more love I felt in my heart and the more tears of joy flowed from my eyes. I hugged the box so tightly that it actually disappeared inside my chest. I looked at the angel and He smiled and said richly blessed, of the Most High everlasting God in heaven, are you son.

I woke up and have not been the same since, I can not express in word but I do tell you the truth: LOVE is the greatest, GOD IS LOVE and to HIM be the glory forever and ever in Jesus Name amen.

My Interpretation:

Zowie Jeff! Really appreciate the privilege of your sharing this astounding Divine encounter! Theme being, only through Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit will one bear good fruit that pleases our heavenly Father! Insight as follows...

The angel's face, a reflection of the Son indeed...Jesus, the Prince of Peace symbolized by the still calm lake! Very tall, our Lord being Sovereign and Supreme over all! Notice, the very Words He spoke to you, especially..."I bring you a truth...to SPEAK INTO YOU"! Your hugging the box tightly and it subsequently disappearing into your chest would show your wholeheartedly receiving the message of our Lord, even that by His Holy Spirit, He has indelibly written His Truth in your innermost being! The knowledge of the Truth that was shared with you, is no longer just in your head, but now lives in your heart, a part of your very character, transforming your thought processes, the way you respond to people and react to circumstances!

The bright white box could symbolize the holiness of God who is light! Light also representing the wisdom of God! The # 6 could refer to the weakness of man without God. The largeness of the box would confirm the weightiness of, and the responsibility to live out in the power of the Holy Spirit, the message you have received. Could also signify that Jesus has enlarged your heart! The box not being heavy would symbolize that the commands of God are not burdensome and surely lead to love, joy, and liberty! Your loving, careful handling of the box symbolizes your reverence for and meekness toward Jesus, even displaying His character (a bruised reed He shall not break). You were certainly experiencing the great love of Christ and affirms how much you have already proven your sincere devotion to your Lord! :O)

Applicable Bible Verses:

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Psalm 16:2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You."

John 15:4-5, 7-8 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing....If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Luke 6:44-45 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good...For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.

Psalm 40:6-8 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, "Here I am, I have come- it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart."

Isaiah 42:1-4 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law."

Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Matthew 25:23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' :O)

Luke 2:10-14 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."

 

[HumbleBee]

“Wisdom Through Dream Interpretation”
Rudolf Swanepoel

God Communicates Through Dreams!
The birth and early years of Jesus' life were surrounded by five dreams and three visions. God's revelation, purposes and protection were given through these dreams and visions. To miss them would have meant missing the purposes of God in that generation.

“One night I dreamed that I was part of a highly successful baseball team. I was a well-respected member of the team and did not want to let the team down in any way. It was my turn to step up to the plate. The pitcher gave me his best ball and I hit the ball out of the park! I did not run for the home run. I waited for another pitch. He tried every ball in his repertoire. I thought that this was just too easy. Every ball he pitched at me ended up out of the park. Even the dreaded curve ball I knew I could not hit. Then the setting of the dream changed and I was the pitcher and the opposition fielded their best hitters. I pitched at the best of my ability and no one could hit any of my pitches. They all struck out!

“I was very excited about this dream. Being a native South African, I did not grow up with baseball. I have a working knowledge of the game, but I would not be comfortable playing on any competitive level. When the Lord called us to become missionaries to America we left the familiarity of ministry in South Africa and joined the 'foreign flavor' of ministry in the U.S. The people are different. The way they do things are different. I was like a cricket player (a game we play in South Africa) on a baseball court. I knew we were part of the Lord's team because He called us here. Still I was nervous about my abilities. I could hold my own in ministry in South Africa, but what would happen in America? The Lord assured me that I would be able to handle every ball! No matter what the challenge, circumstance or attack, I would hit it out of the park! Even the situations (curve balls) I normally had difficulties with. The Lord also assured me that all my efforts (pitches) would hit the mark. They would not be hit away. They will penetrate and accomplish what they were designed to do.

“This has been a tremendous confidence-building dream to me personally. I was surprised that the Lord would put me in a setting of a game that I really had no or little interest in, but it made so much sense. All apprehension is gone and I'm swinging at every ball the ministry, circumstances or the enemy throws at me. I am highly confident in the abilities the Lord has given me, purely because of the reassurance He gave me in the form of a dream.”

The above was a brief excerpt from Rev. Rudolf Swanepoel's final paper for the course, “Wisdom Through Dream Interpretation” available from Christian Leadership University. Pastor Rudolf is the senior pastor of The Cross Community Church in Elyria, Ohio.To read the entire paper, go to: http://www.cwgministries.org/the_world_of_dreams_and_visions.

 

[HumbleBee]

These come from Lady Mona, with her own insight, and then mine, and her response...

First dream:

I was in a place where people were being led by a woman who they were obedient to. I was issued a challenge of some kind that involved praying over a little container about the side of a clam shell which contained something precious inside like of like it was the remains of a male child. I took it in my hands while everyone was looking at me (because I had been led to take up the challenge). The woman who was the leader was standing in front and facing me off to the my right side and someone was on my left who was the person who had brought me the object.

I held the object up to the Lord and began to pray in earnest. Then I began to pray and sing in tongues and then began to weep before the Lord. God heard and answered and brought life back to whatever was in the container...something miraculous happened but I cannot remember what. I do remember that after that, people saw how deceived they had been and turned back to following God and not the woman. She was furious that she had lost her following.

Second Dream:

I was speaking with two men who I knew to be ministers of God. They each had some black spots on their bodies. The one had a black spot on his forehead and the other had one on his neck I think. They were very concerned about them and were frightened. I showed them my arm that had one on it just like theirs that I had been batteling for a good while but that it was in the process of healing so I told them that they were already in the healing stage and that God would certainly complete the healing process as they put their faith in Him and continued to do what He instructed them. They perked up and felt better and the fear left them.

SOME IMPRESSONS:

I don't have complete interp, but some impressions I did have were that the woman in the first dream represents the spirit of Jezebel and those who follow her. Apparently, none of them were able to have any effect on this small object, so the challenge was issued to me.

The object given to me and the challenge made I think represents that which was precious had been lost (died) and placed into some kind of container very small...almost like a spiritual relic that once had special meaning. The challenge was whether or not God would listen to me or even answer me
since I was not one of their "group", especially since He apparently had not listened to or answered them.

The two ministers represent the leaders of the church. But as they sought the prophet, they were given a word of encouragement that God would indeed complete what He started within them. Being prophetic, we seem to go through what ever is coming down the pike before it hits the church in
general. We are indeed forerunners and so experience first what is coming to the rest.....Since God seems to be cleansing the prophetic community, then that would make sense that they can indeed encourage those who are to come into the same process at the prescribed time.

My insight:

First dream:

Maybe this dream has something to do with Christmas, who for many is not at all about Jesus. For them, the only remaining truth of this season be the 'Christ' in Christmas. The celebration of the Divinely foretold Saviour of the world, goes completely unrecognized. As is His good tidings of great joy and peace displaced by their traditional festivities. Furthermore, in a nonChristian environment such as within a family or workplace, spiritual unreceptivity may force some Christians to clam up. Though set before us all, amongst a world of materialistic distractions and demonic deceptions, is indeed a challenge to keep Jesus as the true Reason for this Season and to be His shining witnesses! Compelling others to acknowledge Christ personally!

You did exactly what the Holy Scriptures exhort...to lift Jesus higher and He will draw all people to Himself...your prayers helping to bring revival and giving Jesus the glory due to Him, especially at such a time as this!

When people receive Divine enlightenment as to the emptiness of mammon compared to the fullness of Christ, they will be startled at how deceived they were.


Second Dream:

The black spots could symbolize a need for a greater revelation of Christ's perfect, unconditional love. A black spot on the forehead could represent wrestling in the mind to receive forgiveness and or be forgiving. A black spot on the neck could symbolize worrying about the repercussions of what was said or what others have said. A black spot on the arm could represent carrying a deep wound. Your encouraging words about the healing process already in progress reminded them of God's goodness and allayed their fears!

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Romans 8:1, 28, 37-39 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit...And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:18-21 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Jude 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Lady Mona's Response:

Thank you for responding ...I knew you would. (smile) Yes, I am and will ponder on these thoughts and thanks for the scriptures. That is always something very nice that you do with your interpretations and His written word is always a help in time of need....a good reminder of His thoughts and admonition to us.

Truly my heart is to help, encourage, and heal when possible, even when I have to be very truthful and stand firm and I am glad you picked up on that in the dreams. I know you sense this and it is so comforting!

 

[alexia]

“Wisdom Through Dream Interpretation”
Rudolf Swanepoel

God Communicates Through Dreams!
The birth and early years of Jesus' life were surrounded by five dreams and three visions. God's revelation, purposes and protection were given through these dreams and visions. To miss them would have meant missing the purposes of God in that generation.

“One night I dreamed that I was part of a highly successful baseball team. I was a well-respected member of the team and did not want to let the team down in any way. It was my turn to step up to the plate. The pitcher gave me his best ball and I hit the ball out of the park! I did not run for the home run. I waited for another pitch. He tried every ball in his repertoire. I thought that this was just too easy. Every ball he pitched at me ended up out of the park. Even the dreaded curve ball I knew I could not hit. Then the setting of the dream changed and I was the pitcher and the opposition fielded their best hitters. I pitched at the best of my ability and no one could hit any of my pitches. They all struck out!

“I was very excited about this dream. Being a native South African, I did not grow up with baseball. I have a working knowledge of the game, but I would not be comfortable playing on any competitive level. When the Lord called us to become missionaries to America we left the familiarity of ministry in South Africa and joined the 'foreign flavor' of ministry in the U.S. The people are different. The way they do things are different. I was like a cricket player (a game we play in South Africa) on a baseball court. I knew we were part of the Lord's team because He called us here. Still I was nervous about my abilities. I could hold my own in ministry in South Africa, but what would happen in America? The Lord assured me that I would be able to handle every ball! No matter what the challenge, circumstance or attack, I would hit it out of the park! Even the situations (curve balls) I normally had difficulties with. The Lord also assured me that all my efforts (pitches) would hit the mark. They would not be hit away. They will penetrate and accomplish what they were designed to do.

“This has been a tremendous confidence-building dream to me personally. I was surprised that the Lord would put me in a setting of a game that I really had no or little interest in, but it made so much sense. All apprehension is gone and I'm swinging at every ball the ministry, circumstances or the enemy throws at me. I am highly confident in the abilities the Lord has given me, purely because of the reassurance He gave me in the form of a dream.”

The above was a brief excerpt from Rev. Rudolf Swanepoel's final paper for the course, “Wisdom Through Dream Interpretation” available from Christian Leadership University. Pastor Rudolf is the senior pastor of The Cross Community Church in Elyria, Ohio.To read the entire paper, go to: http://www.cwgministries.org/the_world_of_dreams_and_visions.

Nice story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Forhim23]

This dream was disturbing...

I dreamt that my father was a monster (he's not - just in the dream). It seemed that one night of the month (every month) he would go up to the roof and chain himself down to go through this "transformation" or something. I snuck up there to ask him about it and he told me that he was a "son of Baal" or THE son of Baal (I'm not clear which one he said) and he pleaded with me that I would stay on the right road and not end up like him.

There was more, but I don't remember details - I just felt like he killed a lot of people. The whole son of Baal thing is disturbing, because I never read anything about such people, except that some people worshipped Baal, never a "son of"...

I remember another part where a strong demon (maybe another "son of Baal") was released and he went through this crowded building (I was outside looking at the silhouettes), just mowing down people with a scythe-like arm, as I watched in horror and couldn't do anything.

Very disturbing.

 

[HumbleBee]

Forhim23,

Would seem that post #295 in this thread could be a message for you. Tiz a dream (and interpretation) similar to yours. Jesus pleading with you to choose serving Him and stay close to Him, walk uprightly, preserve life with your actions and promote life with your words.

As well, read 1 Kings 18. God could very well be asking you to firmly, wholeheartedly commit yourself to Christ!

1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

 

[HumbleBee]

By Jane Larsen

I had a vision of a person hanging onto something with their hands. They were hanging so tight that their teeth were gritted and their eyes were closed from the strain. Even their feet were hanging on. I had a feeling they were hanging on to a piece of fishing line or something, because the face was so filled with pain and effort, but as I waited and looked, I saw that they were hanging on to a vine.


It was a thick, green vine with tiny little shoots. I was surprised, for it should not have been so hard to hold on to something so strong and wide and solid. The person was scared to fall and held on for dear life. As I waited the Lord put this in my heart:


I shall not let you fall, I shall not let you be broken. I am the way, I am the life, I have set a path before you and though distractions may come to pull at you and though they may call you and tempt you, I will ensure you walk that path and will empower you to go on your way.


Be silent a while. Be still. In the silence you will find Me, in the stillness you will touch Me. It is My breath in your ear that is urging you on, and My words are soft and loving. I have not come to cause dissension but to bring peace, to cover you in peace to overflowing. Let Me.


I know the weary road you have tread. I know your feet are sore and your arms are aching. I know that every breath from your body is laboured from the trail you have been on. I see how your back stooped and your eyes were downcast from the load that you carried. There is a place of rest along the way, a silent place where you will drink from the rivers of life and you will be restored. There is a time for the burdens to be removed and for the earth beneath your feet to spring forth with soft grass. There is a time for the heat of the sun to be replaced with a cooling breeze that will help you on your way. The desert does not stretch before you forever, it has an
end and the end is in sight. Remember that with the ending comes a new beginning.


How faithfully you have clung to Me, little one, through the season of heat and sorrow. How faithfully you have lent on Me as your strength in a time of dryness. How devotedly you have sought My will whilst the world clawed at your faith and tried to turn your eyes away. See. You have held on to the vine. You could not fall, you could not slip, for solid are you that holds on to Me.


Look ahead with joy for the fiery trail is smooth as silk and changes are upon you. New ways are opening before you, swimming with life and joy. The season is closing, a new one is opening. Prepare yourself for change. Prepare yourself for newness. Prepare yourself and stand ready to go the way that I lead. In the silence you will hear Me.

 

[HumbleBee]

By Jerry Bowers www.praycal.org


In a world where modern business teaches that good leadership teaches self-advancement at all cost, the servant leadership model of Jesus stands in sharp contrast. Much of what is done in today's church is influenced by the business world. Goals and objectives are used to measure one's effectiveness. Self-actualization is extolled as a virtue and success is measured by the size of a leaders' congregation. In contrast to the world's methods of advancement, there are the teachings of Christ that bid us to humble ourselves, take up a cross, and follow His example as a leader who sacrifices that others may be advanced. The following review of Biblical leadership outlines 10 Hallmarks of a Servant Leader:

1. Servant leaders seek to affirm the worth of others.

It is not based on position or taking authority over others, but seek to help others succeed. Jesus was about to enter the upper room for a last meal with the disciples. They had been arguing all afternoon about who would be the greatest in His kingdom. James and John wanted to sit next to Him on His throne and occupy the greatest place of authority. As they entered the upper room, there was a pitcher of water, a basin, and a towel waiting to wash their feet before sitting to eat, but no servant. Each avoided looking at the pitcher of water. They knew what this meant, "One of them must wash the feet of the others." Jesus walked over, took the towel and began to wash their feet and serve them. When He was finished, He said to them, "You call Me Lord and Master.. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example." John 13:14

When the argument first started among the disciples, Jesus had this to say about servant leadership: "You know that the ruler of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.. the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28). True servant leadership calls upon us to sacrifice ourselves that others might succeed. True biblical leadership measures a leader's usefulness on the basis of how many others they are serving rather than on how many people they control.

2. Servant Leaders encourage others to look beyond where they are and to believe in what they can be by grace.

In a world where only the strongest survive, Jesus leaves behind a model that challenges us to see the potential of others. In route to the cross, Jesus took three of His closest disciples into the garden to support Him in prayer. He was already feeling the weight of the world on His shoulders. He directed them to pray for Him and went about a stones throw away to agonize in prayer over what He was about to face at the cross. When He staggered back to where He had left the disciples for support, He found them asleep. He encouraged them to arise and pray. He needed their support. He went back again to agonize in prayer. Again He returned to find them asleep. After the third time He returned and He awakened them saying, "Arise and follow Me."

Three times the disciples as leaders had failed Jesus when He needed them most. The fate of all mankind hung in the balance, yet His most reliable leaders failed Him. He didn't write them off or berate them, "He bid them to arise and follow." You see, Jesus, through the eyes of grace, could see what they would one day become. He could look at Peter and say, "Peter, I know one day you will become one of the world's greatest preachers. I believe in you. Arise, and follow Me." He could look at James and John who were called the sons of thunder by others because of their anger and quick tempers and see what they would become. He could look at John and say, "Some day you will be known as the disciple of love. I will entrust My own mother to you." He could look at James and say, "You will one day overcome your impatience with others and become one of the world's greatest church administrators."

Can you imagine how the disciples must have felt after failing Jesus three times? Yet Jesus saw them as winners. He simply said, "Arise, follow Me. I know what you are going to become and I already see you as you will be." Matt. 26:36-46. Servant Leadership sees others not where they are but with the potential of what they one day will be. This is possible because, like Jesus, we see a person's calling and understand they are in process.

3. Servant Leaders learn to trust God for the results and give Him the credit.

Much of what the world uses to inspire leadership is based on measuring the results. We use such words as measurable goals and objectives, but God's standard for leadership is much higher. The missionary who labors twenty years and sees only one person baptized into Christ is esteemed as great as if he were Billy Graham, not because of the results but because of the sacrifices made. God is the one responsible for the results. Servant Leaders are inspired by obedience to God's will and direction and leave the results to Him.

Jesus one day had gathered 5,000 people to hear His teachings about the Kingdom of God. At the end of the day they were hungry. Jesus turned to Philip and asked, "Where shall we buy bread to feed them?" Philip looked in the purse where they kept the money and said, "We don't have enough money to feed all these people." Somewhere out in the crowd Andrew had met a little boy who brought a lunch. It contained five loaves of bread and two fish. With the lads permission, the lunch was presented to Jesus. In one account, the disciples tell Jesus to send the people away into the nearby towns and let them find their own food. Andrew presents what looks like a ridiculous solution. One small lunch! Jesus blessed it and gave a portion of the lunch to each disciple and told them, "take what you have in hand and go feed the crowd." Can you imagine what happened. Each time they gave away what they had, what was left in their hands increased. When they were finished, all 5,000 people were filled and there was 12 baskets of food left over. (John 6:5-14).

Servant leaders act by faith in obedience to what God is telling them to do knowing that God makes Himself responsible for the results. When those results come, they give credit to their Master. In this kind of leadership, success is measured more by obedience than by tangible results. On some occasions there may be 12 baskets more than we asked for. On others there may be no measurable results by man's standards. Just the same we know that God is in charge of producing results in His own way and time.

4. Servant Leaders understand that accountability and discipleship are a part of good leadership.

When Jesus sent out the 70 He fully expected them to return and report back to Him about their efforts and journey (Luke 10). Time was spent telling them about where their priorities should be in ministry on the trip and how to minister. They were to take no money. They were to bless each home they entered with peace. They were to heal the sick and announce the arrival of the kingdom of God. They were even told what to do if they were not received. When the disciples returned they reported back to Jesus the great things they had done, "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.' Jesus said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Jesus took their experiences and expanded on what had happened and what it truly meant. He affirmed their joy of success and then pointed to a greater meaning. He was glad with them that hurting people had been set free and restored, than He pointed to a higher ideal and said, "The fact that all this is happening is proof that salvation has come to the earth. Your own names are written in the book of life in heaven, but so are those who believed because of you." (Luke 10:1-24).

Good leaders are those who are willing to be accountable to otherleaders. They submit themselves to senior leadership in a city and are willing to be mentored and guided. They are open to receiving counsel and wisdom from others. Having a covering of a local pastor as a spiritual leader is often the key to maintaining a successful ministry. This kind of accountability keeps us in good order with the rest of what God may be doing in a city. Good leaders seek to be aligned with all of what God is doing in a city by submitting to one another and letting their vision be informed by senior leaders.

Please read next post...

 

[HumbleBee]

5. Servant Leaders are motivated by compassion and mercy more than the rewards of success.

In at least one case, after setting a man free, Jesus is rewarded by having the residents of the area inviting Him to leave. (Luke 826-39). Jesus left simply telling the man to go tell what the Lord had done for him. The fact that he was personally rejected was not as important as the compassion and hope that was released on that day. Jesus knew that the message of hope that this man would share was more important then His popularity.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus give us a mission statement that should motivate those who would follow in His footsteps. The religious people of His day were not thrilled to hear this mission statement. In fact, they laid hold on Him after He shared it and took Him to a cliff on the edge of the city to throw Him over it and kill Him. Here is one of the clearest statements Jesus made concerning what motivated His ministry: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor (afflicted). He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted. To preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18,19).

This mission statement motivated Jesus to respond in compassion with all He did. Prayer Leaders are not just motivated by success for their ministry, but they are primarily motivated by the salvation of the lost, and the restoration of broken people. Prayer ministry must always move out of the closet at some point and find application in the streets of the city. Throughout His ministry, the writers of the gospels report that He was moved by compassion and acted: (Matt. 9:36; Matt. 18:33; Mark 8:2). Servant leaders today are praying that God will break their hearts with what breaks His heart. They are praying that what moves Him with compassion will move them with compassion.

6. Servant Leaders seek to honor other leaders and see them as more important then themselves.

Jesus recognized the importance of the diversity of spiritual gifts among His disciples. He wanted them to see that to succeed they needed each other. They needed to come to the point in ministry where they realized they needed each others diversity of gifts in order to succeed. He demonstrated to them through His own ministry that even those men who others might be tempted to see as insignificant are indeed, significant to the advancement of His kingdom. Sometimes those who seem least significant are the most important. Jesus was invited to a special dinner by a man named Simon. Jesus had healed the man. Apparently he was a man with influence in his city. He invited Jesus and His disciples to honor Jesus. A great banquet was prepared for the guest of honor. I can imagine that finest table settings were put out upon the blanket used as a table. Suddenly, a fragrant smell filled the air. No one had noticed the prostitute that had entered and seated herself at the feet of Jesus. Apparently she was well known around town as a great sinner. She thought about how Jesus had set her free and she began to weep. She hadn't meant to and before she realized what was happening her tears were dropping on the Master's feet. She reached up and untied her hair so she could wipe the tears off of His feet. She then broke open the alabaster bottle of spikenard perfume and poured it on His feet. It was worth about 300 denarii or a years worth of wages. This angered the disciples and even Simon said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner." Jesus went on to rebuke His host by talking about how the one who is forgiven much loves much. Then he went on to say this about this seemingly insignificant women, "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." Matthew 26:6-13/ Luke 7:36-50.

A person's status in life is not what makes them useful in leadership, but the calling and gifting God places upon them and how they use it for the Master. This truth causes us to realize that without the support of the gifts of others we cannot succeed. The Lord has so designed the body of Christ that we need each other for the body to work properly. The ear can not say, "I do not need the eye." And the hand can not say, "I do not need the feet." (I Cor. 12:14-16). It is the proper operation of the gifts of the Spirit that brings about unity and stability in ministry. In Ephesians 4:11-13 Paul gives an overview of how the equipping gifts bring maturity to ministry. He names five gifts which are used to bring order, unity, and maturity to ministry. They are: apostle, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. He tells us they are "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.."

My own gifting must be seen in the context of working with others in the body of Christ. I am always concerned when I see the lone ranger who doesn't feel they need to work with other leaders or participate with what the Lord may already be doing in a city. They may be gifted but their gift is of the greatest value when it is used in the greater context of the gift mix already at work in the city. When we see our need to recognize what the Lord is already doing and then use our gift to participate with other leaders, we honor them and the Lord who is the gift giver. Some of the most successful leaders I know regularly submit what they are doing to other leaders. Especially those who are of the five equipping gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. I have a friend who the Lord sends out all over the States to pray in key areas. He used to get beat up by the enemy and receive backlash for going on these assignments. He learned about the concept of submitting to spiritual authority in a region. He began to seek out someone in spiritual authority in the area and ask for prayer and spiritual covering. He noticed that the attacks and blacklash stopped and he had much more success. Success in biblical ministry follows the implementing of biblical principles that Jesus gave to govern ministry.

7. Servant Leaders practice humility by being teachable and willing to receive counsel from others.

Look at how Jesus selected His followers. He took what society today might call rejects. He enlisted the help of tax collectors, ignorant fisherman, prostitutes, and lepers. He did not select them because they were more qualified then others, but because they were teachable and would follow. His first words to the first disciples were, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." They believed Jesus could do what He promised. If they followed, Jesus would help them become what He promised. This would be the secret of their maturity and success. Their success would be to the degree they remained teachable. Once Jesus was gone this quality of leadership had to continue and be passed on. In the arena of prayer, this can be a challenge. Intercessors who hear from the Lord can sometimes have a hard time using the knowledge they have in a way that recognizes they may need the input of others. Scripture teaches us that even the "prophets are subject unto the prophets." (I Cor. 14:32). No matter what our gifting is, we need to be willing to check what we think God is telling us with others who have the same gifting. The most successful leaders I know regularly seek counsel from others in leadership. This is part of what Paul meant when he talks of using our gifts in a way that builds up the body, "Honor one another by giving preference to one another." Romans 12:10.

8. Servant Leaders practice a lifestyle of forgiveness and grace.

Jesus tells a story in Matthew 18 of a servant who owed a king a great deal of money who couldn't pay what he owed. The king called the servant before him and demanded payment. The penalty required by the law was harsh. He would be thrown into jail and his family sold. When the servant cried out and asked for time the king had compassion on him and forgave the debt in full. On the way home the servant ran into another servant who owed him a small amount of money. He demanded payment. When his fellow servant could not pay he had him arrested and put in prison. The king heard what the servant did whom he had just forgiven. He had the man brought before him and said to him, "...I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?

There are several important principles concerning biblical forgiveness taught in this story. First of all, biblical forgiveness is more than simply saying I'm sorry. Biblical forgiveness is "releasing others from the debt they owe!" This means we give up the right to demand that they make things right. We give up the right to stand in judgment of them. If we don't, the Lord will stand in judgment of us. It means we release them from all expectations and surrender them to the Lord. When we do this, the Lord can release us from our pain and hurt. Why should we release others and forgive them when they do not deserve it? God reminds us what it cost Him to be able to forgive us. He paid our debts through a terrible death on a cross. He bore my sins on that cross. It cost Him everything to cancel my debts. He now asks me to have the same compassion upon others who need forgiveness. He asks me to release others from the debts they owe me, "even when they don't deserve it!" Please don't misunderstand. I am not saying that we say that what a person did to us was all right. What happens is that we recognize to some degree that we are all victims in this world of sin. People act out of their victimization. When we release someone to the Lord, we are trusting Him to deal with them. We are giving up the right to judge. We are choosing to extend grace.

9. Servant Leaders pursue intimacy with God and other Leaders.

There are some leaders who feel lonely at the top. They build a protective wall around themselves so others can not hurt them or hinder them and they become isolated. Jesus has a different kind of leadership in mind. One of His prayers just before going to the Garden of Gethsemane on His way to the cross was to pray for oneness between His leaders. He prayed: "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.." (John 17:20-22)

There is a lot of talk today about revival and wanting to see the glory of the Lord. If we would seek after the glory we must also seek after having oneness with other leaders. In the book of Acts we are told that the disciples were gathered together in the upper room and were in "one accord." It was then that God poured out His Spirit upon them and share His glory. They could now be trusted not to use it selfishly for their own gain. The truth is that the gospel is meant to restore intimacy with God and each other. Jesus taught that we are to "Love God with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves."

The enemy works to destroy our intimacy. He wants us to build walls and isolate ourselves from God and each other. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 talks about tearing down walls as a type of warfare: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down 'strongholds,' casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.." The word here for "strongholds" in the Greek means "Castle or Fortress." A castle normally has very high and thick walls and sometimes a moat. It is designed to keep people out. The enemy tries to get us to build walls to isolate ourselves. He wants to steal our intimacy. Jesus came to take these walls down and restore intimacy so that we can be one with Him and with each other and show us His glory! Some of the best leaders I know take time to fellowship with other leaders and get to know them. They also have regular time they spend getting to know the Lord.


Please read next post...

 

[HumbleBee]

[font=Courier New, Courier]10. Servant Leaders seek to walk in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, in the sphere of leadership God has called them to, as affirmed by the Lord and by other leaders.

[/font]Jesus told a parable to His disciples one day about a man who gave His servants a certain number of talents (coins). He gave 5 to one servant, 2 to another, and 1 to a third. The one servant who had 5 invested the talent and made five more. Like wise with the one who had 2 talents. But the one who had one talent felt resentful. He buried the coin had nothing to show for the master's investment when he returned. When the master returned he told those who had invested his talents, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:14-30). The servant who had one talent said that the reason for not using his talent was that he was afraid.

There are several important principles in this story that relate to serving the Lord with what He has given us. Sometimes we can spend too much time focusing on what we don't have and we fail to be faithful to use what we have been given. The Lord often tests us with being faithful in small things before advancing us and trusting us with larger responsibilities. Whatever place God has given us to serve Him, we need to be faithful in it. This doesn't mean we can't ask for greater gifts but we must not neglect the ones we have.

This leads me to the next point. How do I know what sphere I am called to serve the Lord in? The Lord has designed His body in such a way that we need each other in order to function. He has given certain gifts that are to be used to recognize the giftings of others, mentor, and encourage their growth. In Ephesians 4 we again see the five- fold leadership gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their function is to equip the saints for works of ministry in order to build up the body of Christ. These leaders often recognize, validate, and release the giftings of others.

In biblical times, giftings were often acknowledged and released by the laying on of hands. Here is why I believe this is important. I know the Lord may reveal to you what your calling is, but it must also be recognized by those you are called to serve with. In practice, I have found that usually others recognize a believer's calling before they do. This helps us to be interdependent. It is also important to recognize that each of us are called to a certain sphere in our gifting. Some of us are called to serve a local church body. Some of us are called to serve a city. Some of us are called to serve a region or a State. It is important we work within the sphere God has called us to. If we try to function outside of that sphere we find that our gift isn't recognized and we are not effective in that area.

Here is what Paul said concerning his sphere: "We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us--- a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not extending ourselves beyond our sphere, for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.." (2 Cor 10:13-15). Notice that the apostle is hoping that if he is faithful in the field assigned to him or his sphere that his sphere might some day be extended beyond to other areas.

How do we know when this expansion of a sphere should take place? The Lord usually validates this through the body. Even the apostles relied upon this kind of validation and commissioning in the book of Acts: "Now at the church at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, .. and Paul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Paul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away." (Acts 13:1-3). A servant leader always works in the context of relationships with others in such a way that the good of the whole is benefited by the work that is done.

In summary, I have always believed that the Life of Jesus, as recorded in Scripture, contains the solutions of all of life's problems and for successful ministry. In the school of Christ we can be prepared to face all of life's challenges. I hope this brief look into the topic of Biblical leadership, as seen through the life and teachings of Jesus, challenges all who read this to follow the examples taught and lived by Jesus who is the greatest of all leaders. Let us seek to lead like Jesus and reflect His examples of working with others.