The Bridal Chamber

[*Charis*]

Earlier this week I dreamed a dream that is still on my mind. I dreamed I was
in a bridal chamber with a team of people preparing for a wedding. We were
to be preparing as a team, but many were easily distracted. I grew more
anxious with every passing moment because the 'wedding hour' was fast
approaching, and much still needed to be done.

I decided to take the lead (hoping to motivate everyone). But their hearts
were not in it, and they made sport of the preparations. It's hard to explain
this, but the 'sporting' of the team changed the appearance of the bridal
chamber. What was a beautiful, serene sanctuary became a thoroughfare
of marketing and various forms of entertainment. I found myself sourrounded
by this and was feeling stunned by how rapidly this happened. The time of
the wedding was even closer, and more needed to be done than when we
first began the preparations. At this point, the 'team' was so blended with
everyone else, they couldn't be identified as a team.

I turned to my left, and noticed it was now dark outside. I reached into my
left pocket and found three keys that were foreign to me. I pulled them
out, noticed the peculiar shapes, and prayed God would lead me in the
way I should go... as I walked toward the door to enter the darkness.

I have my thoughts as to what the dream is showing, but I'd like others
thoughts as well.

 

[GaryP]

I am sorry that you entered into the darkness. You were handed decoy keys to heaven.

They were foreign, as you mind knew that the Key to Heaven is the Act of Jesus.

Did you happen to catch the names of the images of your team and whose wedding

you were preparing for?

So, I hope you do not think the Father in Heaven would lead you to darkness.

Next time pick the right door.

Keyword, darkness.

 

[Firewater]

Phil 2:15 "..you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life"
The universe is very dark without stars/light. But we have the light of Christ in us.

John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Jesus has given us a message for people in darkness & we are to take that message into the darkness.

Your dream is a very sobering reminder that we are not just here to party or do as we see fit in our own eyes. In God's kingdom there is joy & peace, but there is also work to do - share the gospel & help prepare for the coming of the bride-groom (Jesus).

Christians should not be indistinguisable from the world. When people look at our lives they should see a difference. For example if the divorce rate amongst Christians is the same as non-Christians, the team in indistinguisable & the message is diluted. All men will know you are My disciples if you love one another.

the wedding was even closer, and more needed to be done than when we
first began the preparations.
The world population has grown significantly since Jesus death & resurrection.

A key is a small thing that opens something big & provides access to restricted areas. I'd recommend continuing to ask the Lord what the keys are for & what you/we should do with them. You may also want to meditate on:
Matthew 16:19
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."

Your dream is a good prompt for us to take a look at our lives & ask the questions like:
- In the last year, who have I shared the gospel with?
- In the last year, for someone looking at my life externally, what differences would they see between how I live & how non-Christians live?

 

[*Charis*]

I am sorry that you entered into the darkness. You were handed decoy keys to heaven.

I didn't enter the darkness outside... I was walking toward the door as
if it were the only alternative I had... as though on a mission.

I view the 'foreign' keys as being foreign to my flesh... genuine keys to
God's kingdom, not 'decoys'.

Did you happen to catch the names of the images of your team...?

No... too many. We all had the feeling we were to work together to
be ready for the wedding.

So, I hope you do not think the Father in Heaven would lead you to darkness.

I don't Gary... I'm a believer and know God's love for me.

Next time pick the right door.

The door wasn't mine to pick...

Keyword, darkness.

I agree Gary. Jesus left Heaven to enter a dark, lost world. While here
He spent alot of time with 'children of darkness'. He came for those who
needed Him and exposed darkness with His light.

Thanks for responding...

 

[*Charis*]

John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Jesus has given us a message for people in darkness & we are to take that message into the darkness.

Your dream is a very sobering reminder that we are not just here to party or do as we see fit in our own eyes. In God's kingdom there is joy & peace, but there is also work to do - share the gospel & help prepare for the coming of the bride-groom (Jesus).

I appreciate your response, Firewater... a hearty 'amen' to the above quote. It is
a discipline to be sober minded, operating in the unction of the Spirit of God. I've
been seeking Him about the deep, deep stirring I sense in my spirit. 'Status quo'
is changing for many, I believe.

 

[BobW188]

I also think Firewater is on point; and that your dream reflects an increasingly common social attitude not only of not getting the work done; and of trivializing such sacred things as marriage and the ceremony that celebrates it.

As for darkness, for about three years back in the '70s I was a security patrolman working 10:00PM-6:00AM, on the road checking businesses, some residences. The beauty of the night skies is incredible, the heavens do indeed declare the glory of God.

I have a hunch this bears on some situation in your waking life; but it may be your dreaming mind giving you a report on the world as she sees it. I would not rule out the possibility that it is from God, mediated through your dreaming mind. Whatever the source and however unpleasant, it's a message well worth getting.

 

[C8-@]

Hi Charis

Seems to me that the Bride in your dream is the church in its various forms and denominations (represented by the individual team members) preparing for the marriage feast of the Bride and Groom (Christ) which is at hand. Perhaps a lot sooner than we think.

But the bride (churches) aren't ready, can't work together and so are making 'sport' a mockery of the preparations. As they do so they blend into the secular world because materialism, entertainment and celebrity have become far more important to them than their first love, Christ.

They have commited spiritual adultery with the world around them and so can no longer be distinguished from it, hence the transformation of that peaceful 'bridal chamber' into a busy thoroughfare.

Perhaps the gathering gloom (darkness) outside symbolises a time of coming judgement by the Lord of his churches due to their apathy towards him and their unpreparedness. The 3 strange keys are perhaps to unlock the judgements that will soon befall them/us.

I am thinking at this point the keys are symbolic of Sword (War), Famine, Plague and would refer you to Christsfreeservants thread 'The Pale Horse' where she makes reference to these things in Revelation 6. Also to Heron's recent post 'Mexican Solutions Presented' where she speaks of 3 white plates which may be the same symbolism.

God is speaking to his children. The question is are we all listening?

 

[*Charis*]

The beauty of the night skies is incredible, the heavens do indeed declare the glory of God.

Thank you for your encouraging words, Bob. The quote above ties nicely with a verse
and comment Firewater provided:

Phil 2:15 "..you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life"

The universe is very dark without stars/light. But we have the light of Christ in us.

 

[*Charis*]

You've given me new perspectives to ponder, C8... thank you.

But the bride (churches) aren't ready, can't work together and so are making 'sport' a mockery of the preparations. As they do so they blend into the secular world because materialism, entertainment and celebrity have become far more important to them than their first love, Christ.

You have a good grasp on the attitude that seemed to distract the team members.
It was heartbreaking to watch this in the dream. Every form of 'sport' had a direct
effect on other team members, changing them and the bridal chamber. The 'sporting'
actually had the effect of undoing previous work. It was like one step forward, two
steps backward... until more was left to be done than what had already been done.

Perhaps the gathering gloom (darkness) outside symbolises a time of coming judgement by the Lord of his churches due to their apathy towards him and their unpreparedness. The 3 strange keys are perhaps to unlock the judgements that will soon befall them/us.

I hadn't considered this perspective. It seems to explain a part of the
dream I was unclear on... my turning 'left', and finding the keys in my
'left' pocket. In other studying I've done in the past, I remember learning
that 'left' is symbolic of judgment and/or difficult times.

I'm staying in prayer... I want to hear. (I'll also check out the threads you
suggest, C8.)

Does anyone else have any thoughts on the 'left turn' and 'left pocket'
in my dream? (I'm right handed, and don't use my left pockets much
in real life... so this seems significant.)

 

[kisstheson]

awesome dream!

 

[*Charis*]

I'm staying in prayer... I want to hear.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on the 'left turn' and 'left pocket'
in my dream?

In prayer, I feel the Holy Spirit has given this understanding regarding
the significance of the 'left' symbolisms:

1. Left in general- human weakness, God's strength shown through
human weakness.
2. Left turn- change; renouncing strength / influence of the flesh
3. Left pocket- storage / supply of divine resources

Out of the throng that calls itself 'Christian' a remnant will be faithful
to the task before them. They refuse to be 'entertained' or 'coddled'
by fleshly comforts. They run, with patience, the race that is set
before them. They display their Lord's likeness, because His Spirit
leads them with an endless supply. Though they have forsaken human
comfort, they are not alone. A cloud of witnesses has gone on before
them to encourage them in their faith. By God's GRACE... we put
aside the weights and sin that easily beset us... we endure as our
Lord endured. All the while we shine as stars reflecting God's love,
lighting the night for others who would follow.

 

[*Charis*]

These songs have been in my thoughts.

I Am Determined
(sung by the Nelons)

Darkness around me, sorrow surrounds me;
Though there be trials, still I can sing.
For I have this treasure- my God reigns within me,
And I am determined to live for the King.

Chorus
I am determined to be invincible
'Til He has finished His purpose in me.
And nothing shall shake me
For He'll never forsake me.
And I am determined to live for the King.

Hell's gates are trembling from saints' prayers ascending.
Darkness is crumbling from praises we sing.
Our Sovereign, victorious, is marching before us.
And we are determined to live for the King.

Chorus

Bridge
When I am weary, I'll look to His face;
When I am tempted, I'll trust in His grace...
Yes, I'll trust in His grace...

Chorus


*We can be determined, not because of our own strength, but
because of the victory of our Sovereign... working His will through
our lives, in His strength.
__________

Oh Lord, You're Beautiful
Keith Green

Oh Lord, you're beautiful
Your face is all I seek.
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

(repeat)

I want to take Your word and shine it all around.
But first, help me to just live it, Lord.
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to You.

Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned
Bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.

(repeat 1st verse)

Oh Lord, You're beautiful,
You're face is all I seek.
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

 

[*Charis*]

Offered for encouragement, because it aligns with the message
of my dream:

YouTube - The Vine and the Branches - Paul Washer

 

[razeontherock]

It was heartbreaking to watch this in the dream. Every form of 'sport' had a direct effect on other team members, changing them and the bridal chamber. The 'sporting'
actually had the effect of undoing previous work.

Such a clear portrayal of G-d's perspective!

"Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? Luk 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children."

 

[*Charis*]

Such a clear portrayal of G-d's perspective!

"Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? Luk 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children."

Thank you for this scripture, Razeontherock... I'm going to study it
further.

 

[*Charis*]

As I've continued prayerfully listening for further understanding of this dream,
I took the time to listen to the series of Youtube videos Christsfreeservant
offered in her thread ( [thread=7494382]'The High Road's a Graveyard'[/thread] ).

One video imparticular has my attention. The first minute is the focus I'm presenting. YouTube - Doc Marquis---Arrival of the Antichrist part 22 final .

I can't substantiate all that this speaker says, but he gives compelling information
explaining the predicament of 'entertained people' in our time.

As believers, we need to be sober and purposely on guard against the numbing
effect of preoccupation.

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Earlier this week I dreamed a dream that is still on my mind. I dreamed I was
in a bridal chamber with a team of people preparing for a wedding. We were
to be preparing as a team, but many were easily distracted. I grew more
anxious with every passing moment because the 'wedding hour' was fast
approaching, and much still needed to be done.

I decided to take the lead (hoping to motivate everyone). But their hearts
were not in it, and they made sport of the preparations. It's hard to explain
this, but the 'sporting' of the team changed the appearance of the bridal
chamber. What was a beautiful, serene sanctuary became a thoroughfare
of marketing and various forms of entertainment. I found myself sourrounded
by this and was feeling stunned by how rapidly this happened. The time of
the wedding was even closer, and more needed to be done than when we
first began the preparations. At this point, the 'team' was so blended with
everyone else, they couldn't be identified as a team.

I turned to my left, and noticed it was now dark outside. I reached into my
left pocket and found three keys that were foreign to me. I pulled them
out, noticed the peculiar shapes, and prayed God would lead me in the
way I should go... as I walked toward the door to enter the darkness.

I have my thoughts as to what the dream is showing, but I'd like others
thoughts as well.

The bride, scripturally speaking, is the church. I believe the Lord is showing you the condition of today's church and how the world has crept in among the people to where now you can hardly distinguish between the church and the world. The Lord is saying that it is nearly time for his return and he is concerned about the condition of his bride and that she is not ready to meet him. Compare this to a vision the Lord gave me last evening, that I believe has a similar message. http://www.christianforums.com/t7495113/

Three keys that were foreign to you could represent false religions or they could represent the unholy trinity of the beast, the dragon and the false prophet. I definitely see the darkness you are getting ready to enter as the time of tribulation in which the beast will reign.

 

[Christsfreeservant]

As I've continued prayerfully listening for further understanding of this dream,
I took the time to listen to the series of Youtube videos Christsfreeservant
offered in her thread ( [thread=7494382]'The High Road's a Graveyard'[/thread] ).

One video imparticular has my attention. The first minute is the focus I'm presenting. YouTube - Doc Marquis---Arrival of the Antichrist part 22 final .

I can't substantiate all that this speaker says, but he gives compelling information
explaining the predicament of 'entertained people' in our time.

As believers, we need to be sober and purposely on guard against the numbing
effect of preoccupation.

Amen!!

 

[Hiroyuki]

Deep stuff, OP...

People do that. The dark spirits, the Devil misleads them and gets them off track by whispering to them and setting up events and whispering to others which confuses them.

These schemes get complex and are always targeted against what is good and right. It misleads even the best of people, but everything for a reason.

God lets people get tested and everyone has to get tested.

I view it like people are vessels of light that are growing and as the light expands outward into the darkness it struggles with it, overcoming it inch by inch. Like the light in people literally has to chip away at the darkness as someone digging a tunnel through a mountain.

What it may be better like is that they are as if in some kind of shells and as they chip away at the darkness in these cocoons the light from outside gets brighter and brighter. But it is still dark in there and they can only do so much at a time. When they get tired it seems like the darkness gets deeper and will never go away.