Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: DREAM (01/02/20)
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TITLE: The Source Of Our Thoughts And Actions | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
01/07/20 -
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Among them was Joseph (Gen. 37: 5, 9); Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2); Abimelech (Gen. 20: 3, 6); Daniel (Daniel 7, 8); Samuel (1Samuel); Joseph (Matt. 1: 20); the Wise Men at the First Advent (Matt. 2: 12); Paul (2Cor. 12); Peter (Acts 10: 9-16) and John (Rev. 1: 12).
But are such dreams reserved only for individuals that God has called to play the more major roles in His plan for the human race?
Not according to Job 33: 15-16, and not according to my personal experience.
“In a dream, a vision of the night, when sound sleep falls on men, while they slumber in their beds, then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction…(Job 33: 15, 16).”
I frequently will wake up in the middle of the night having just the right phrase or Scripture reference come to mind that I needed to have in order to complete or edit an article I was working on or planned to compose in the immediate future.
It is also an ongoing experience of mine to have mental images of people or situations regarding the subject matter of an article on which I am writing.
Such middle of the night experiences and mental images when I am writing not only contributes to the quality of my writings, but is a good way for all advancing disciples to prepare themselves (1Pet. 3:15) to give an answer to those who will have spiritual questions when similar scenarios present themselves in real life situations.
I perceive this to be the work of God the Holy Spirit (John 14: 26).
What are some of the other sources of our dreams?
Many times it is our past experiences, unresolved issues, and/or present concerns (Matt. 27: 19), that influence the subject matter of our dreams.
Every day our soul structure is bombarded with human viewpoint and trash from the devil’s world.
When we allow such things to become a part of our soul structure (the way we think), they can greatly contribute to the subject matter of our dreams and future behaviors (Proverbs 23: 7).
Our self-centered nature can raise thoughts and dreams that are independent from the plan that God has in mind for us as an individual (1Cor. 12: 7, 11). Some of these independent dreams can consist of what would otherwise be good desires, but are not what God has in mind for us as an individual.
The devil (2 Cor. 11: 14/John 13: 2); demons (1Tim. 4: 1); fallen angels (2Cor. 11: 14) disguised as God’s messengers; and “blind” religious men (Matt. 15: 14) can lead us into evil dreams and activities.
Evil is not only sin, but includes anything that runs contrary, in principle or practice, to the Word of God.
Medical conditions impacting the liver and the brain can trigger visual and audible hallucinations.
Drugs and alcohol can trigger visual and audible hallucinations.
There are environmental elements such as noise, light, temperature, and physical comfort or discomfort that influence the content of our dreams.
There are psychological factors that can influence dreams.
With there being so many other sources that can generate dreams, it is of the utmost importance to be able to detect when dreams have, and when they have not, come from God.
There have been many false religions (Psalms 96: 5) and religious teachings established on dreams and/or visions, real or imagined that individuals have received.
When a dream, vision, and instructions have come from the God of the Bible, they will be consistent with Scripture.
When a dream, message, or vision has come from the God of the Bible, its fulfillment will bring Him the glory, not someone or something else.
Learning what the Bible actually has to say about salvation and what it actually has to say about past, present, and future events here on Earth, will prevent deception (Hosea 4: 6).
Depending on the source, dreams can be useful tools in both the hands of God and in the hands of the devil.
Dreams can lead souls towards or away from God or what God has in mind.
Fulfilled dreams can be a great sense of accomplishment here on Earth, but will prove to be worthless in eternity if God is left out of the picture (Mark 8: 36).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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You have a lot of information in a short article. God bless!
You have a lot of information in a short article. God bless!