In 32 years of walking with Jesus, I have seen fads come and go many times. One of the fads that is currently making it’s rounds across the church is Christian dream interpretation. As with most fads, Christian dream interpretation takes a biblical principle or teaching and runs with it and stretches it way beyond what the Bible or God intended. Because it is my job as a pastor to lead people to a place of maturity in their Christian walk, I feel I must address this issue.
Joel 2:28 28 “ And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.
A balanced approach to Christian Dream Interpretation
Let me first off state, that I am the type of person that does his best to be balanced and only speak where the Bible speaks and be silent or at least be honest enough to tell people it is an opinion, when the Bible is silent or not clear on a subject. That being said, the Bible is clear that God has and does use dreams to communicate with people. From the Patriarchs to the Prophets, to the Apostles and early church God has used dreams to communicate to His people. As the scripture clearly states in the scripture from Joel, dreams will be given in the last days, and we are definitely in the last days.
Is Christian Dream Interpretation from God?
So the question is not if dreams are a valid way that God communicates with people, but the method used to interpret dreams. Is there such a thing as Christian dream interpreters or a “ministry” of interpreting dreams for people? Honestly I have grave concerns about this. The thought that people have a specialized ability to interpret dreams is a common practice in the New Age movement. Anytime something comes from this movement, I screen it heavily before I will allow it even close to me or those God has entrusted me with. It is a movement that masquerades as spirituality, but is filled with deception and darkness.
Is there a biblical mandate for a ministry of dream interpretation?
There is unfortunately no mandate. There are a couple of instances where God gave the interpretation to someone but there is no ministry of dream interpretation. Joseph, when he was in prison was given the interpretation to some peoples dreams, but there is no record he became the official dream interpreter. Instead he became the Pharaoh’s second in command. Daniel was given the interpretation to a dream but he never was considered a dream interpreter, but instead he was a prophet, and Paul was given a dream to go to Macedonia but he was never an official dream interpreter. In fact he went to his ministry team and shared with them the dream, and together they interpreted the dream as God telling them to go to Macedonia.
Is your Dream from God?
So before you go run off and follow another Christian fad, that distracts you from the real purposes of God in your life, consider these things concerning dream interpretation.
- Not all dreams are from God. Just because you had a dream does not mean it is from God or that it even needs interpreted. I call this discerning the difference between late night pizza dreams and God dreams. I have found that when God gives a dream, it is accompanied by a strong sense of His presence.
- Some dreams come from your subconscious. When there is something that is bothering you emotionally or in your thinking, many times it manifests as a dream to help you work through it. An example of this is when I went through divorce and was separated for a short time from my kids. I kept having dreams that my daughter was dying or had died. I would weep in my dreams. This was my hearts way of expressing the feelings I was having about missing them and mourning the loss of the relationship at the time. Never was it a warning from God about her impending doom.
- Many times God will speak to you personally about the dream. You do not need an interpreter. God is more than capable of letting you know what a dream means. If He was big enough to send you the dream then He is big enough to reveal to you its meaning. You have the Holy Spirit, you have His word. Many times He will confirm the dream directly to you.
- Instead of chasing after some person who claims to have a gift of dream interpretation (which is not listed as a spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians). Go to the elders and leaders of your church. They are the ones that are entrusted with the care and well being of your soul. Get wise counsel from them, not some person who is claiming to have a gift. If you will look hard, those claiming to have a gift, are also looking to advance financially by this so called gift. Never do you see in the Bible a person truly gifted by God, charging for the use of that gift. Even under the guise of donations. Hear me very well here. If you chase after someone claiming to have a gift, to interpret a dream, you are walking very close to seeking after divination. The Bible clearly and explicitly forbids us to use divination. We are not to try to seek after those that would predict the future or unexplained mysteries. We are to seek after Jesus. All the dream interpretation talked about in the Bible, was given by God in a natural way, not because the believer sought after the explanation. God revealed it, they did not seek it.
How to Intepret your own dream from God.
So, if you have had a dream that you believe that comes from God, first and foremost go to Him for the interpretation. After you have gotten it from Him, then confirm it with mature and stable people in the Lord to see if your dream interpretation is correct and ALWAYS make sure it lines up with the word of God. Just because you had a dream about having a new wife, does not mean you are to divorce your current one! Kapish?
Pastor Duke
P.S. Please don’t write me asking me to interpret your dream. I am not a dream interpreter and if you do it just shows you did not read or take to heart what I have written.
Find more resources on Christian Dream Interpretation at Amazon
About the Author:
Pastor Duke Taber has been a believer in Jesus for 33 years. He has been a pastor for over 20 years currently serving at the Vineyard church in Pine Haven Wyoming and was formerly the secretary treasurer of White Pine County Ministerial Association. He is an alumnus of LIFE Bible College and Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He is a syndicated blogger at The Christian Post and Believe.com You can connect with Pastor Duke on Google+, Twitter, or on Facebook
PastorDuke – who has written 728 posts on Taber's Truths Christian Living Magazine.
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Amazing and complicated dream I had this morning. I believe God will use you or anyone’s wisdom as some guidance to what it might mean. On the dream I was walking, then I saw native people who looked like apaches, but this ones were following a bull with whips driving it to where I was for it to attack me, then I managed to escape to another part of the fence.
On the other part I was standing with some other people then I saw a python moving on a plowed land then followed by three recently hatched ones. They were going to the other direction apart from where I was. Then these small ones moved towards my direction. Then I just said “where are they goin? Don’t they see where their mother is going” Then immediately the dog came from nowhere and picked one baby pythong and swallowed it without even chewing it. I couldn’t wait to see what was happening, and went away to avoid the attack of the big snake.
The one for the bull seems to be attacks from the enemy and being free from attacks, but the one for the snakes is confusing because a dog cannot eat a snake unless it a parable.
Just wanted to drop a quick note to say ‘thank you’. I Googled the topic and you article came up. Exactly what I was looking for in order to help another who struggles with this topic. Again … thank you!
Thanks Rose, I am glad it was a blessing to you!
I would like to share a vision I had about Jesus. Before I share my experience, I want to make it clear that I am not asking for interpretation of my vision. Nor am I implying you must believe my vision actually came from God. I am saying that I believe my vision came from God. I am not a prophet, and I do not advocate anyone trying to interpret my vision. I am simply sharing my vision as a means of catharsis.
10 years ago I was attending military school. I was in my living quarters, and it was nearly bed time. I was waiting for my instructor to call lights out. As soon as I heard the call, “Lights out”, I jumped into my bunk. I closed my eyes, and immediately saw a flash of lightning. Suddenly, I was in a barren desert, and there were no inhabitants. I looked up at the sky and noticed the sun was black. Its light was jotted out by the immense darkness covering the earth. Additionally, there were great rumblings and flashes of lightning. It was as if the earth was completely desolate. The feeling I had was indescribable; I was terrified. I saw a figure in the sky coming toward me. As the figure drew near, I realized it was Jesus. He looked at me with sorrowful eyes. He did not say anything to me in an audible voice. However, I felt His sorrow overcome my spirit. I saw another flash of lightning, and suddenly, I was back in my room. I looked at my watch, and only one minute had elapsed from the time I had jumped into my bunk.
I have been called to the ministry, and am currently in a Bachelor of Science in Religion program. I am aspiring to enter the mission field, and I know God is going to use me to spread the Gospels. Perhaps He may even use me for another area of ministry. Regardless of whether or not the meaning of the vision is ever revealed to me, I will continue to have faith in God, and I will trust in His will.
I pray that everyone who has had a dream of Jesus will receive revelation of what that dream means. Just remember to put your trust in God and not soothsayers. Satan is extremely deceptive, and he wants to take your focus away from God. Do not get so wrapped in the meaning of dreams that you fail to live out the mind of Christ. I pray that God will bless and guide all of you.
Grace and Peace,
R.V.
I would like to share a vision I had about Jesus. Before I share my experience, I want to make it clear that I am not asking for interpretation of my vision. Nor am I implying you must believe my vision actually came from God. I am saying that I believe my vision came from God. I am not a prophet, and I do not advocate anyone trying to interpret my vision. I am simply sharing my vision as a means of catharsis.
10 years ago I was attending military school. I was in my living quarters, and it was nearly bed time. I was waiting for my instructor to call lights out. As soon as I heard the call, “Lights out”, I jumped into my bunk. I closed my eyes, and immediately saw a flash of lightning. Suddenly, I was in a barren desert, and there were no inhabitants. I looked up at the sky and noticed the sun was black. Its light was jotted out by the immense darkness covering the earth. Additionally, there were great rumblings and flashes of lightning. It was as if the earth was completely desolate. The feeling I had was indescribable; I was terrified. I saw a figure in the sky coming toward me. As the figure drew near, I realized it was Jesus. He looked at me with sorrowful eyes. He did not say anything to me in an audible voice. However, I felt His sorrow overcome my spirit. I saw another flash of lightning, and suddenly, I was back in my room. I looked at my watch, and only one minute had elapsed from the time I had jumped into my bunk.
I have been called to the ministry, and am currently in a Bachelor of Science in Religion program. I am aspiring to enter the mission field, and I know God is going to use me to spread the Gospels. Perhaps He may even use me for another area of ministry. Regardless of whether or not the meaning of the vision is ever revealed to me, I will continue to have faith in God, and I will trust in His will.
I pray that everyone who has had a dream of Jesus will receive revelation of what that dream means. Just remember to put your trust in God and not soothsayers. Satan is extremely deceptive, and he wants to take your focus away from God. Do not get so wrapped in the meaning of dreams that you fail to live out the mind of Christ. I pray that God will bless and guide all of you.
Grace and Peace,
R.V.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond… I am going to a church near my house on Sunday
That is awesome Karen!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond… I am going to a church near my house on Sunday
That is awesome Karen!
I understand you do not interpret dreams and that Is not really what I’m searching for I really just would like to know your opinion, if my interpertation of the dream seems correct to you or if you think I missed something… I do not currently attend a church so I don’t really have a spiritual leader to discus this with.
Here is the back story
before I went to bed I prayed to god.. I usually pray not as often as I should but generally when I do I do not ask for anything except for forgiveness and to thank him. but this night I asked for gods help, I am very passionate about children I feel there are far too many children suffering from abuse,neglect,abortion etc in the world and what I asked god for was a way to help the children of the world to relieve their suffering. I asked for him to show me the way…
My dream
It started out with me and my friend in a small room attached to a large building the room was filled with children including my son. and a then there was a fire, I never saw a fire just smoke, one by one we carried the children outside to a small gated area to safety. Then we went back in to the large part of the building to help everyone else get out it appeared to be a mall of some sort. when we got in I noticed the shoe store and told my friend I was going to take some shoes since they were going to burn anyways… she warned me not to but I didn’t listen. I ended up not being able to find a matching pair and gave up. Then I went to help people to get out. There were people everywhere no one was panicked they were just standing around, and there was someone on stage with a saying something I couldn’t understand… and the smoke was much thicker at this point. I started to choke and I realized I had to get out right then. I barley made it to the small room with the door and my friend was there collapsed I helped her and we got out. My son was there trying to get back in to find me, I clearly remember being terrified that he almost went back in. But I turned and opened the door to see if I could help anyone… Through the door way of the small room I could see people just wondering around like they had given up and knew they were going to die… They didn’t know the exit was there, I yelled to them but my voice was weak and they couldn’t hear me and I couldn’t go back in at that point to help them.
I have never had a dream like this in my life it woke me up from a dead sleep in the middle of the night. I couldn’t go back to sleep and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Then a few days later I remembered my prayer before I had gone to sleep that night.
This is what I took the dream to mean.
It felt like god was telling me you can save the children but they aren’t the only ones who need your help.You have to help everyone, But you cannot help them if you are distracted by sin.
The reason I don’t go to church now is because even though I believe in god I just never felt his presence before, as hard as I tried I just never felt the connection. But ever since this dream I cannot say that anymore, it felt very real. Maybe I’m completely off the mark here but I just really felt like he was speaking to me and in all my 27years I have never had that feeling before in any aspect.
Personally I would say you are on the right track. I suggest you get connected with a church that believes in the presence of God being real and not just going through religious motions. They are out there. It sounds like God is placing in you a heart to help people. Follow that leading and I am confident that He will lead you to the right place and the right people to start reaching out to.
Blessings
Pastor Duke
I understand you do not interpret dreams and that Is not really what I’m searching for I really just would like to know your opinion, if my interpertation of the dream seems correct to you or if you think I missed something… I do not currently attend a church so I don’t really have a spiritual leader to discus this with.
Here is the back story
before I went to bed I prayed to god.. I usually pray not as often as I should but generally when I do I do not ask for anything except for forgiveness and to thank him. but this night I asked for gods help, I am very passionate about children I feel there are far too many children suffering from abuse,neglect,abortion etc in the world and what I asked god for was a way to help the children of the world to relieve their suffering. I asked for him to show me the way…
My dream
It started out with me and my friend in a small room attached to a large building the room was filled with children including my son. and a then there was a fire, I never saw a fire just smoke, one by one we carried the children outside to a small gated area to safety. Then we went back in to the large part of the building to help everyone else get out it appeared to be a mall of some sort. when we got in I noticed the shoe store and told my friend I was going to take some shoes since they were going to burn anyways… she warned me not to but I didn’t listen. I ended up not being able to find a matching pair and gave up. Then I went to help people to get out. There were people everywhere no one was panicked they were just standing around, and there was someone on stage with a saying something I couldn’t understand… and the smoke was much thicker at this point. I started to choke and I realized I had to get out right then. I barley made it to the small room with the door and my friend was there collapsed I helped her and we got out. My son was there trying to get back in to find me, I clearly remember being terrified that he almost went back in. But I turned and opened the door to see if I could help anyone… Through the door way of the small room I could see people just wondering around like they had given up and knew they were going to die… They didn’t know the exit was there, I yelled to them but my voice was weak and they couldn’t hear me and I couldn’t go back in at that point to help them.
I have never had a dream like this in my life it woke me up from a dead sleep in the middle of the night. I couldn’t go back to sleep and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Then a few days later I remembered my prayer before I had gone to sleep that night.
This is what I took the dream to mean.
It felt like god was telling me you can save the children but they aren’t the only ones who need your help.You have to help everyone, But you cannot help them if you are distracted by sin.
The reason I don’t go to church now is because even though I believe in god I just never felt his presence before, as hard as I tried I just never felt the connection. But ever since this dream I cannot say that anymore, it felt very real. Maybe I’m completely off the mark here but I just really felt like he was speaking to me and in all my 27years I have never had that feeling before in any aspect.
Personally I would say you are on the right track. I suggest you get connected with a church that believes in the presence of God being real and not just going through religious motions. They are out there. It sounds like God is placing in you a heart to help people. Follow that leading and I am confident that He will lead you to the right place and the right people to start reaching out to.
Blessings
Pastor Duke
Dream 10/15/2012
I was walking and seen a double headed brown snake about 2 ft in front of me, I stood in one spot, and immediately felt fear as I seen the snake.
The dream switched…
Somehow the snake ended up in my left pocket of my red jeans, there must have been a whole in my pocket cause the snake started to go down my jeans, I could feel my leg shaking so bad, and I kept thinking to myself “God please don’t let the snake bite me” I seen the head of the snake come out at the bottom of my jean, as I felt fear in my body. I woke up, and immediately started praying and played worship music.
Dream 10/15/2012
I was walking and seen a double headed brown snake about 2 ft in front of me, I stood in one spot, and immediately felt fear as I seen the snake.
The dream switched…
Somehow the snake ended up in my left pocket of my red jeans, there must have been a whole in my pocket cause the snake started to go down my jeans, I could feel my leg shaking so bad, and I kept thinking to myself “God please don’t let the snake bite me” I seen the head of the snake come out at the bottom of my jean, as I felt fear in my body. I woke up, and immediately started praying and played worship music.
Pastor Duke,
Thank you for this article!
Be encouraged.
*God Bless*
Pastor Duke,
Thank you for this article!
Be encouraged.
*God Bless*
Hello, my name is Lisa. I was wondering if you could help me under a dream that I had 12 yrs ago. It was about a week after my daughter was born. I dreamed that Jesus was standing right in front of me. He said, take my hand my child, I saam your Lord and savior. It scared me so bad, I woke up. To this day, I don’t understand what it could have really meant. Thanks
I am not a dream interpreter but in my opinion He is calling you to give your life to Him and accept Him into your life. If you don’t know how. Read this. http://taberstruths.com/meet-jesus/
Hello, my name is Lisa. I was wondering if you could help me under a dream that I had 12 yrs ago. It was about a week after my daughter was born. I dreamed that Jesus was standing right in front of me. He said, take my hand my child, I saam your Lord and savior. It scared me so bad, I woke up. To this day, I don’t understand what it could have really meant. Thanks
I am not a dream interpreter but in my opinion He is calling you to give your life to Him and accept Him into your life. If you don’t know how. Read this. http://taberstruths.com/meet-jesus/
Pastor Duke,
Rhetorical question: Are you familiar with the concept that ‘rightly dividing the Word of Truth’ means distinguishing Scripture that refers to Law from that which refers to Gospel–and that such goes to the heart of proper interpretation of Scripture?
God bless you in your ministry.
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Pastor Duke,
Rhetorical question: Are you familiar with the concept that ‘rightly dividing the Word of Truth’ means distinguishing Scripture that refers to Law from that which refers to Gospel–and that such goes to the heart of proper interpretation of Scripture?
God bless you in your ministry.
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This morning I woke up to a strange dream that I was trying find a way to get it interpreted. But after reading your article, I believe that I already have the answer. I am not a religious person, only because I dont know where to start. I dont know the differences between religious churches. I do believe in God and know I am being watched by him. Anyways the dream I had….. I went into a room and my husband was panicking and trying to get dressed to leave. He was in a dressing room and I asked where he was going and he said he was going to meet someone to help him get rid of his nightmares. I couldnt understand him but he was trying to describe his nightmare that was actually happening at a distance right behind the dressing room. He was really scared and I looked back there and all I could see were black and gray movements in a field or something like that. But as he was trying to describe his nightmare I looked up and seen 2 angels(white and golden in color) flying very fast and holding something that looked like spears going toward his nightmare. The angels didnt look at us but they were in an attack mode toward the black& grayish movements. And then I woke up! The angels were so vivid that I could draw them.
I believe I am being told that my husband is being protected. Last week my husband left for a deployment that will last 8-10 months (Navy)and he was scared because this aint a normal deployment. They just got back from one in February and now they are leaving again. But I think my dream is telling me that he will be okay because he has angels protecting him.
Again i am happy that I ran across this website because I do feel better. Thanks.
This morning I woke up to a strange dream that I was trying find a way to get it interpreted. But after reading your article, I believe that I already have the answer. I am not a religious person, only because I dont know where to start. I dont know the differences between religious churches. I do believe in God and know I am being watched by him. Anyways the dream I had….. I went into a room and my husband was panicking and trying to get dressed to leave. He was in a dressing room and I asked where he was going and he said he was going to meet someone to help him get rid of his nightmares. I couldnt understand him but he was trying to describe his nightmare that was actually happening at a distance right behind the dressing room. He was really scared and I looked back there and all I could see were black and gray movements in a field or something like that. But as he was trying to describe his nightmare I looked up and seen 2 angels(white and golden in color) flying very fast and holding something that looked like spears going toward his nightmare. The angels didnt look at us but they were in an attack mode toward the black& grayish movements. And then I woke up! The angels were so vivid that I could draw them.
I believe I am being told that my husband is being protected. Last week my husband left for a deployment that will last 8-10 months (Navy)and he was scared because this aint a normal deployment. They just got back from one in February and now they are leaving again. But I think my dream is telling me that he will be okay because he has angels protecting him.
Again i am happy that I ran across this website because I do feel better. Thanks.
Last night I had a dream that I looked into a mirror and saw an image looking back at me with black around the eyes. It felt evil. I’m not sure if the image was me or not…kinda fuzzy on those details. But I felt fear and I saw my mother and she had glowing white around her eyes. A voice spoke to the figure in the mirror saying, “Leave her alone!” The mirror image disappeared. I woke up with such a feeling of love and protection. I’ve never been a truly religious person. I believe in God, but I never really felt like he was there for me. But after my dream last night I feel him with me. For the first time in my life I feel as though God is walking with me….and it’s all because of a dream! It seems kinda silly that a dream would make me feel God’s presence but I’m glad I had the dream.
Last night I had a dream that I looked into a mirror and saw an image looking back at me with black around the eyes. It felt evil. I’m not sure if the image was me or not…kinda fuzzy on those details. But I felt fear and I saw my mother and she had glowing white around her eyes. A voice spoke to the figure in the mirror saying, “Leave her alone!” The mirror image disappeared. I woke up with such a feeling of love and protection. I’ve never been a truly religious person. I believe in God, but I never really felt like he was there for me. But after my dream last night I feel him with me. For the first time in my life I feel as though God is walking with me….and it’s all because of a dream! It seems kinda silly that a dream would make me feel God’s presence but I’m glad I had the dream.
Two nights ago, I dreamed i was sharing a meal with a close friend, that night I went to offer my condolences to her for the loss of her mother. The night that followed I had another dream of cats, i black one brown and I was with friends in a queue and the black cat wanted to come in front of me and I sat on it and woke up. Please tell me what these dreams mean. Ruth
Ruth, I am not a dream interpreter. Get quiet, spend some time in God’s word, pray and ask God to give you the meaning.
Two nights ago, I dreamed i was sharing a meal with a close friend, that night I went to offer my condolences to her for the loss of her mother. The night that followed I had another dream of cats, i black one brown and I was with friends in a queue and the black cat wanted to come in front of me and I sat on it and woke up. Please tell me what these dreams mean. Ruth
Ruth, I am not a dream interpreter. Get quiet, spend some time in God’s word, pray and ask God to give you the meaning.
well pastor duke thank you for this article so many people need your wisdom, i have been studying my bible in great detail lately about prophets and trying to find a church home but that is a hard task for many proclaim that god is good,great alpha omega ect…but hardly ever Jesus is lord. my problem with dream interpretation is it is not needed it’s also creepy lol! a lady came to me the other day and prophecy somethings to me only god could have told her she knew things about me and things i dream and so much more! she came in Jesus name and professed it and i didn’t seek it. it was a word from the lord telling me to keep my baby. i am so early i do not look pregnant. she said look u don’t look pregnant, so how would i know? she said im having a little boy who is on fire for the lord as well!…im only 8 weeks so i’ll blog again if this is accurate! i told her nothing about me. and when i saw her i knew she had a message for me i don’t know how i just felt it. i wasn’t at church i was just out and about! when god wants you to know something he will make it known there are so many false prophets of today that we must be cautious and make sure this is god’s will before venturing into this. we aren’t supposed to seek dream books or psychics so why would a pastor make a ministry of interpreting dreams? it’s a trick of the enemy and i recognize it.Matthew 4:4 MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD. if god has any additional word he will send a servant or give u a personal word. thanks pastor duke for your insight. im sharing this because im so on fire for Jesus after this woman spoke to me… I’ve never received a prophecy like that it was amazing and i felt the holy spirit all over me! it just goes to show we don’t need interpretation he will come to you! you may not even believe the things she told me even if i told you! but she was adamant to say she was no psychic and she did not read my palm none of that! i was hurting about somethings and begin to (pray earlier that day) complaining god don’t talk to me. lol boy did he fix me! he spoke to me then and every since thur his word! god bless all of you! and pastor duke if you know a good church in the kansas city area please let me know im praying and seeking a bible teaching and believing church!
Thanks Erikka,
I am glad the article was a blessing to you. As far as a church, I do not have any direct knowledge of the churches in the Kansas City area.
well pastor duke thank you for this article so many people need your wisdom, i have been studying my bible in great detail lately about prophets and trying to find a church home but that is a hard task for many proclaim that god is good,great alpha omega ect…but hardly ever Jesus is lord. my problem with dream interpretation is it is not needed it’s also creepy lol! a lady came to me the other day and prophecy somethings to me only god could have told her she knew things about me and things i dream and so much more! she came in Jesus name and professed it and i didn’t seek it. it was a word from the lord telling me to keep my baby. i am so early i do not look pregnant. she said look u don’t look pregnant, so how would i know? she said im having a little boy who is on fire for the lord as well!…im only 8 weeks so i’ll blog again if this is accurate! i told her nothing about me. and when i saw her i knew she had a message for me i don’t know how i just felt it. i wasn’t at church i was just out and about! when god wants you to know something he will make it known there are so many false prophets of today that we must be cautious and make sure this is god’s will before venturing into this. we aren’t supposed to seek dream books or psychics so why would a pastor make a ministry of interpreting dreams? it’s a trick of the enemy and i recognize it.Matthew 4:4 MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD. if god has any additional word he will send a servant or give u a personal word. thanks pastor duke for your insight. im sharing this because im so on fire for Jesus after this woman spoke to me… I’ve never received a prophecy like that it was amazing and i felt the holy spirit all over me! it just goes to show we don’t need interpretation he will come to you! you may not even believe the things she told me even if i told you! but she was adamant to say she was no psychic and she did not read my palm none of that! i was hurting about somethings and begin to (pray earlier that day) complaining god don’t talk to me. lol boy did he fix me! he spoke to me then and every since thur his word! god bless all of you! and pastor duke if you know a good church in the kansas city area please let me know im praying and seeking a bible teaching and believing church!
Thanks Erikka,
I am glad the article was a blessing to you. As far as a church, I do not have any direct knowledge of the churches in the Kansas City area.
Be easy on yourself.
Jacob
Be easy on yourself.
Jacob
I think Pastors need not comment or blog on things they do not understand themselves. Pastors are substitute teachers at best when it comes to spiritual things. Amen
I think your comment Jacob goes right to the heart of the issue. Any person with discernment can see what I mean.
This is a time in the earth where we need to give the people correct information, and I rebuke you in love. Openly because so many were misinformed with this blog.
This not a FAD, its happened in scripture, continuing today. And there is a mandate-especially when it helps a fulfill the a mandate in a persons purpose and destiny.
Yet in western Christianity, many do not even take their dreams seriously, much less know how to interpret the symbolism in them. Its, sad but 97% pastors and elders combined can’t give insight on dreams and not graced in that area. The answer mostly given is “just pray”. or they make the dream feel guilty for missing a discipline- not fasting, not praying, not tithing, not trusting God, eating bad food before bed. And the list goes on.
I would rather a person to treat all dreams as if they are from God. Then to dismiss them and they are hidden treasures of answers or a cure. Paul, says do not treat prophecies with contempt.
“I have grave concerns about this. The thought that people have a specialized ability to interpret dreams is a common practice in the New Age movement. Anytime something comes from this movement, I screen it heavily before I will allow it even close to me or those God has entrusted me with. It is a movement that masquerades as spirituality, but is filled with deception and darkness.”
Satan only steals something that is of value. This revelation was the Church’s first, Not Satan. And Saints should not stop doing the things of God because satan is doing it.
In Ex.7:10, this is exactly what happened:
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff (snake) swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.
This is what the Amplified says, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
Amplified Bible (AMP)
20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.
Throughout the Bible, from Abraham in Genesis to John in the book of Revelation, God spoke through dreams and visions.
Acts 2:17, 17 “‘In the last days, God says,I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,your young men will see visions,your old men will dream dreams.
Joel 2:28,And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
Lastly, you mention in the list of gift in 1 Cor 12.
The first thing Paul says to the Coriths, in 1 Cor 12:12, I DON NOT WANT YOU TO BE MISINFORMED.
vs,1. Now about the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed.
vs4 talks about the varieties. He said not one variety BUT VARIETIES
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
You are very off on the Paul’s going to Macedonia and consulting with the team; Acts 16:10-11
9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
People were with him, but the scripture did not say He consulting with his ministry team they were all on one accord in the first place, Paul being the leader of the apostolic and prophetic company. 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Read the passage, It says “we sought” rather than Paul said to go. It implies a team mentality and accountability.
I find it very interesting that ever since I have been encouraging people to get their interpretations from God, that those of the “dream interpreting movement” are crying foul. Any leader worth his or her weight in salt will encourage people to go to God to develop their relationship with God rather than come to them to get the “special insight”. Christianity is all about teaching people to do the works of Jesus, that it is about “everyone getting to do the works” not special anointed ones gathering a following.
Dreams are not prophecies. Dreams are never equated with prophecy in scripture.
1 Corinthians 14 does not list dreams as a spiritual gift. So your point is? You see you do not rightly discern the Word of God when you equate dreams with prophecy. Even the passage in Joel makes a distinction between prophesy and dreams. You have taken what is talked about concerning dreams and ran with it beyond what the scripture says. This is a huge sign of a fad and something turning into bad teaching.
Some dreams are from God, Some are from things bothering us in our sub-conscience, and some are just stomach problems. Discernment needs to be used. So, I lovingly rebuke you my friend for not rightly dividing the Word of God and raising up something beyond what it was meant to be. I also rebuke you for wanting to use dreams to gather up for yourself followers. Your calling, if you have one, is to teach others to grow in their relationship with Jesus, not follow you.
Jacob, you really need to deal with your spiritual pride problem in this area.
I am not here to argue. I said what needed to said to inform others that are Amening ingnorance and agreeing because of they love you a nice person. In there heart, they want to know what their dreams mean. You want to know what your dreams mean also. And you wrote your blog out of a seared heart and theological education. What I have is not spiritual pride- the two words itself is an oxymoryn. It like saying spirit-flesh. Christ-devil pride. You so hung on what you been tought that you have quinched everything. The blog is out of frustation of recieving dreams and you are clueless to the answer. My response is to bring people, who don’t belong to you-by the way, into answers. My the people that you serve find real answers to the dreams they are having under your care. You deserve to have interpretations because they will never stop having dreams. Now, this is a prophecy, Your sheep will have more more and more dreams and vision, until their pastor search them out answers. He will send more until you get uncomfortable and learn for your people. Amen
Jacob, you made your pride available for all to see with your comment. “I think Pastors need not comment or blog on things they do not understand themselves. Pastors are substitute teachers at best when it comes to spiritual things. Amen”
I wish you well my friend.
I think Pastors need not comment or blog on things they do not understand themselves. Pastors are substitute teachers at best when it comes to spiritual things. Amen
I think your comment Jacob goes right to the heart of the issue. Any person with discernment can see what I mean.
This is a time in the earth where we need to give the people correct information, and I rebuke you in love. Openly because so many were misinformed with this blog.
This not a FAD, its happened in scripture, continuing today. And there is a mandate-especially when it helps a fulfill the a mandate in a persons purpose and destiny.
Yet in western Christianity, many do not even take their dreams seriously, much less know how to interpret the symbolism in them. Its, sad but 97% pastors and elders combined can’t give insight on dreams and not graced in that area. The answer mostly given is “just pray”. or they make the dream feel guilty for missing a discipline- not fasting, not praying, not tithing, not trusting God, eating bad food before bed. And the list goes on.
I would rather a person to treat all dreams as if they are from God. Then to dismiss them and they are hidden treasures of answers or a cure. Paul, says do not treat prophecies with contempt.
“I have grave concerns about this. The thought that people have a specialized ability to interpret dreams is a common practice in the New Age movement. Anytime something comes from this movement, I screen it heavily before I will allow it even close to me or those God has entrusted me with. It is a movement that masquerades as spirituality, but is filled with deception and darkness.”
Satan only steals something that is of value. This revelation was the Church’s first, Not Satan. And Saints should not stop doing the things of God because satan is doing it.
In Ex.7:10, this is exactly what happened:
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff (snake) swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.
This is what the Amplified says, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
Amplified Bible (AMP)
20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.
Throughout the Bible, from Abraham in Genesis to John in the book of Revelation, God spoke through dreams and visions.
Acts 2:17, 17 “‘In the last days, God says,I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,your young men will see visions,your old men will dream dreams.
Joel 2:28,And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
Lastly, you mention in the list of gift in 1 Cor 12.
The first thing Paul says to the Coriths, in 1 Cor 12:12, I DON NOT WANT YOU TO BE MISINFORMED.
vs,1. Now about the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed.
vs4 talks about the varieties. He said not one variety BUT VARIETIES
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
You are very off on the Paul’s going to Macedonia and consulting with the team; Acts 16:10-11
9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
People were with him, but the scripture did not say He consulting with his ministry team they were all on one accord in the first place, Paul being the leader of the apostolic and prophetic company. 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Read the passage, It says “we sought” rather than Paul said to go. It implies a team mentality and accountability.
I find it very interesting that ever since I have been encouraging people to get their interpretations from God, that those of the “dream interpreting movement” are crying foul. Any leader worth his or her weight in salt will encourage people to go to God to develop their relationship with God rather than come to them to get the “special insight”. Christianity is all about teaching people to do the works of Jesus, that it is about “everyone getting to do the works” not special anointed ones gathering a following.
Dreams are not prophecies. Dreams are never equated with prophecy in scripture.
1 Corinthians 14 does not list dreams as a spiritual gift. So your point is? You see you do not rightly discern the Word of God when you equate dreams with prophecy. Even the passage in Joel makes a distinction between prophesy and dreams. You have taken what is talked about concerning dreams and ran with it beyond what the scripture says. This is a huge sign of a fad and something turning into bad teaching.
Some dreams are from God, Some are from things bothering us in our sub-conscience, and some are just stomach problems. Discernment needs to be used. So, I lovingly rebuke you my friend for not rightly dividing the Word of God and raising up something beyond what it was meant to be. I also rebuke you for wanting to use dreams to gather up for yourself followers. Your calling, if you have one, is to teach others to grow in their relationship with Jesus, not follow you.
Jacob, you really need to deal with your spiritual pride problem in this area.
I am not here to argue. I said what needed to said to inform others that are Amening ingnorance and agreeing because of they love you a nice person. In there heart, they want to know what their dreams mean. You want to know what your dreams mean also. And you wrote your blog out of a seared heart and theological education. What I have is not spiritual pride- the two words itself is an oxymoryn. It like saying spirit-flesh. Christ-devil pride. You so hung on what you been tought that you have quinched everything. The blog is out of frustation of recieving dreams and you are clueless to the answer. My response is to bring people, who don’t belong to you-by the way, into answers. My the people that you serve find real answers to the dreams they are having under your care. You deserve to have interpretations because they will never stop having dreams. Now, this is a prophecy, Your sheep will have more more and more dreams and vision, until their pastor search them out answers. He will send more until you get uncomfortable and learn for your people. Amen
Jacob, you made your pride available for all to see with your comment. “I think Pastors need not comment or blog on things they do not understand themselves. Pastors are substitute teachers at best when it comes to spiritual things. Amen”
I wish you well my friend.
I have been blessed by this article. Thank you.
I am glad it was a blessing Dionne
I have been blessed by this article. Thank you.
I am glad it was a blessing Dionne
Thanks alot Pastor for that light about Dream interpretation, i’ve learned not think that i can’t interpret my own dreams. Joseph and Daniel said God gives the interpretation of dreams and not human beings. It high time christians turn to God and not depend on man.. Thanks
Thanks alot Pastor for that light about Dream interpretation, i’ve learned not think that i can’t interpret my own dreams. Joseph and Daniel said God gives the interpretation of dreams and not human beings. It high time christians turn to God and not depend on man.. Thanks
I find it ironic that Pastor Duke would state that the Holy Spirit will help you interpret all your dreams if they are from God. The Holy Spirit always requires us to have relationship with others as well when it comes to His gifts, so that the church might be strengthened through supportive relationships.
Dream interpretation is a function of the gift of prophecy, as Paul stated in the New Testament. It is part of a greater scope of the ability to hear God. There are those who need some assistance in understanding their dreams. The sheer amount of dreams shared on this comment thread is proof enough of that.
Divination is more of a problem if the person is attempting to interpret immediately. If the Holy Spirit gives an immediate answer, that’s great, but even Daniel in his wisdom first required that he pray and sleep on it (proving that He had the gift of being able to interpret his own dreams and hear from God in them.) Assumption is usually a pretty clear indication of inaccuracy or divination.
Dream interpretation would not be such a mystery to people if they realized that reality, the Word of God, and dreams are all symbolically interconnected. They are not separate from one another, but a system of interconnected language from God. Understanding the linkages of that is something, however, that takes much prayer, time in the Word, and searching/seeking.
I have had the gift of prophetic interpretation for some time now in my life. It is still a growing and evolving gift – but it is hardly divination. It’s uses are vast, life changing, and always, when employed properly, focus on giving glory to God, and not to man. I would never charge money for it. Money implies ownership, and we do not own the gifts. We are stewards only. Christ said that freely we are given, so freely give. I believe strongly in that.
To paint a spiritual gift as demonic is something I would be highly careful about. Christ said that we are never to blaspheme the work of the Holy Spirit. So throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not just foolish, but spiritually dangerous. This is why one must be educated on a topic before making blanket statements. There are positive spiritual gifts, and gifts from God that have been counterfeited for the Devil’s uses. There is always a fine line between that, as that balance lies in the heart.
We are to observe all, judge nothing, but consider the fruits of the supernatural in order to determine if hey have worth and are from God. Anything that does not glorify the worth of knowing God, is in vain. It need not be any more complicated than that.
You will notice, that I did establish the relational aspect of our Christian life. I told people to get confirmation from their leadership. I also find it interesting that you would assume that I am calling having dreams demonic. I support having dreams. What I do not support is people saying dream interpretation is a spiritual gift. It is not. Nor do I see that the Bible lists dream interpretation as a ministry. That is the balance point.
What is the most interesting is that you would object to anyone encouraging people to go to God for the interpretation rather than someone else.
Thanks for your thoughtful words about dream interpretation it has helped me to understand and to know how to depend on God alone . Its an end time gift as it wàs prophesied by joel 2:28 so we need to be careful of the deceptive spirit which makes us not to rely on God ,and tha holy spirit for revelations. GOD bless
Thanks for your thoughtful words about dream interpretation it has helped me to understand and to know how to depend on God alone . Its an end time gift as it wàs prophesied by joel 2:28 so we need to be careful of the deceptive spirit which makes us not to rely on God ,and tha holy spirit for revelations. GOD bless
i dont know where to start ive had dreams all my life,not everyday but it started at 13,however this was not a dream this was something else at 13 for inknown reasons i started to cry one night in bed with my mom,i told her that someone was going to die and that in the morning a knock on the door would be a messenger of that death,,it came true i dont know how i knew that?but anyways after that i started to have dreams,that ment something,sometimes i have this feeling from dreams something is coming and it does….its not good things but bad.and i have allso had dreams of people dying and they do,do i have a gift?ive allways wondered about this some dreams are not clear but i just know something will happen that it means something and some dreams ,i have had of a person in the dream i went to their funeral and two weeks later i did.i just have a feeling this has been going on for years…………does god give some people this gift?
Not knowing you personally, not knowing your personal relationship with Jesus, and not knowing the circumstances. I can’t answer your question, so please do what I suggested in the article. Go and talk to the leadership of your church.
Thanks
Pastor Duke
i dont know where to start ive had dreams all my life,not everyday but it started at 13,however this was not a dream this was something else at 13 for inknown reasons i started to cry one night in bed with my mom,i told her that someone was going to die and that in the morning a knock on the door would be a messenger of that death,,it came true i dont know how i knew that?but anyways after that i started to have dreams,that ment something,sometimes i have this feeling from dreams something is coming and it does….its not good things but bad.and i have allso had dreams of people dying and they do,do i have a gift?ive allways wondered about this some dreams are not clear but i just know something will happen that it means something and some dreams ,i have had of a person in the dream i went to their funeral and two weeks later i did.i just have a feeling this has been going on for years…………does god give some people this gift?
Not knowing you personally, not knowing your personal relationship with Jesus, and not knowing the circumstances. I can’t answer your question, so please do what I suggested in the article. Go and talk to the leadership of your church.
Thanks
Pastor Duke
Hello, My name is Riana from Auckland, New Zealand, I had a dream about the end times, about two weeks ago. In my dream all born-again christians had combined together, lived together & became part of a community. Not too far was a type of lake, i found myself, and a few people standing in it, the water was merky, as i was standing in it, there were dead bodies, alot of them, there was one particular body a man was interested in getting rid of, and wanted to hide it, as he was searching for place to hide it, we came to a big tree, this tree looked scary, it spoke and said, ” I will hide the body for you if you want”, so the man agreed, grabbed the body, rising to the top of the merky water was the roots from the tree, with mud in between, the roots separated allowing the body to sink into the mud, and hidden very well, then the tree spoke again, ” No-one will never find it now”, after the tree saying this, i got an un-easy feeling, looked up, for the most part of the tree was lifeless & dead, & one branch of the tree had life with very green leaves…I thought i would share this with you, i had asked a wise man who has helped me through my short time walking with christ (5mths) and he asked god to show him what this dream had meant, so he picked the bible up and turned to Revelations 3: 1-6, The Church of Sardis, explains my dream…I thought whoa, awesome…Praise god, he rules over all the earth…May god bless you & your family Pastor, in Jesus name…Amen!
Hello, My name is Riana from Auckland, New Zealand, I had a dream about the end times, about two weeks ago. In my dream all born-again christians had combined together, lived together & became part of a community. Not too far was a type of lake, i found myself, and a few people standing in it, the water was merky, as i was standing in it, there were dead bodies, alot of them, there was one particular body a man was interested in getting rid of, and wanted to hide it, as he was searching for place to hide it, we came to a big tree, this tree looked scary, it spoke and said, ” I will hide the body for you if you want”, so the man agreed, grabbed the body, rising to the top of the merky water was the roots from the tree, with mud in between, the roots separated allowing the body to sink into the mud, and hidden very well, then the tree spoke again, ” No-one will never find it now”, after the tree saying this, i got an un-easy feeling, looked up, for the most part of the tree was lifeless & dead, & one branch of the tree had life with very green leaves…I thought i would share this with you, i had asked a wise man who has helped me through my short time walking with christ (5mths) and he asked god to show him what this dream had meant, so he picked the bible up and turned to Revelations 3: 1-6, The Church of Sardis, explains my dream…I thought whoa, awesome…Praise god, he rules over all the earth…May god bless you & your family Pastor, in Jesus name…Amen!
I’m pregnant (8 months) and had a dream with Jesus that hit me on a strong way. I saw Jesus passing by lying in a stretcher with a baby and He had an infusion on his hand. He was happy and only looked at the baby. He had shoulder-length dark hair, beard and mustache and I couldn’t take my eyes off from Him and only said over and over ‘He’s beautiful! Jesus is beautiful!’ I woke up feeling guilty for dreaming with Jesus in such a fragile position and trying to catch the meaning of it.
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Thank you so much for the passage! It brought me great comfort.
I’m pregnant (8 months) and had a dream with Jesus that hit me on a strong way. I saw Jesus passing by lying in a stretcher with a baby and He had an infusion on his hand. He was happy and only looked at the baby. He had shoulder-length dark hair, beard and mustache and I couldn’t take my eyes off from Him and only said over and over ‘He’s beautiful! Jesus is beautiful!’ I woke up feeling guilty for dreaming with Jesus in such a fragile position and trying to catch the meaning of it.
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Thank you so much for the passage! It brought me great comfort.
Helloy bma is mimi and i am 16 years and there is this yotuth conference that us held every year in july and its a really good church conference for teens because you learn a lot and you get delivered. I always go there every year but this year was not the best for me and my mim just bad luck has been upon us and so therebis no money to go to the conference and i was soo sad but i started praying and fasting so God would provide everything needed for this conference and i had a dream that u was at a family friends house and this lady came and gave us a huge some amount if money and i was happy we all were and i got 13,000 dollars and i remember in my dream that i was saying i was going to use that money for new clothes which was not the nain reason and then i remembered that i could use that money to pay for the conference then i woke up and prayed and i claimed that money and asked God to make it reality but i do believe that God knows what i am going through but maybe i sound nuts idk i told my nim but she just ignored me and i told my best friend and she believed me and was so positive about it … But do you think this is a sign
It could be, you never know. I wouldn’t rule it out but put your faith in Him and not in what others say.
Blessings
Pastor Duke
Helloy bma is mimi and i am 16 years and there is this yotuth conference that us held every year in july and its a really good church conference for teens because you learn a lot and you get delivered. I always go there every year but this year was not the best for me and my mim just bad luck has been upon us and so therebis no money to go to the conference and i was soo sad but i started praying and fasting so God would provide everything needed for this conference and i had a dream that u was at a family friends house and this lady came and gave us a huge some amount if money and i was happy we all were and i got 13,000 dollars and i remember in my dream that i was saying i was going to use that money for new clothes which was not the nain reason and then i remembered that i could use that money to pay for the conference then i woke up and prayed and i claimed that money and asked God to make it reality but i do believe that God knows what i am going through but maybe i sound nuts idk i told my nim but she just ignored me and i told my best friend and she believed me and was so positive about it … But do you think this is a sign
It could be, you never know. I wouldn’t rule it out but put your faith in Him and not in what others say.
Blessings
Pastor Duke
I had a dream yesterday where I see a dog bit me on my right index finger. Also two week ago I dreamed of a black vicious dog was chasing me.
A dog is usually a symbol for an unclean spirit or attitude of strife or contention. But dreaming of yr own pet dog, which u love, would normally symbolize something good or something close to you, n not something bad.
So, I leave u to know yr current life experience at the moment. Pastor is right about no one being called to be dream interpreter. Talk to someone that knows u more intimately about yr life.
U have a repetition dream like Pharoah in Genesis. Quite high probable the same msg.
Eddie
I had a dream yesterday where I see a dog bit me on my right index finger. Also two week ago I dreamed of a black vicious dog was chasing me.
A dog is usually a symbol for an unclean spirit or attitude of strife or contention. But dreaming of yr own pet dog, which u love, would normally symbolize something good or something close to you, n not something bad.
So, I leave u to know yr current life experience at the moment. Pastor is right about no one being called to be dream interpreter. Talk to someone that knows u more intimately about yr life.
U have a repetition dream like Pharoah in Genesis. Quite high probable the same msg.
Eddie
I just wanted to know that if you prayed and had a unsuddenly dream after that. is it or could be a dream from God? want to state what the dream is about,but i have them all of the time,not day after day months after months.like i said,this dream came after i prayed to god asking him for some direction and to guide me and my kids path the right of way of life to follow him and to stay on his path.thank you for this blog!
I am not sure what you mean by unsuddenly.
Thank you for your sharings. I also want to ask about my dreams. First day we were at a river and my husband decided to take a bath whilist dressed in his clothes. The following day i dreamt when i and my husband were coming from a very nice high place and the road was very narrow i was infront of my husband and he was holding a loaf of bread that he gave to our daughter. on the 3rd day I dreamt seeing the sun coming to our house as if it was sent to us and it was tooo too bright that i was surprised to see it coming on our wall and i woke up. I still dont understand what it means
I don’t know either my friend, but God does.
I get alot of those sleep paralysis dreams, and I know they are spiritual warfares;spiritual battles.Sometimes they are so powerful that I forget to call on God because I’m so scared and I cn’t breath when i see these dark entites in front of me or next to me, but when i call on jesus name they never let me say it, i struggle. I remember i use to have them way more when i was younger but i was on good terms with God so when i would say his name they immediately would go away and i’d wake up and never have them again, however , im getting them again but not everyday like they use to be. Just every month sometimes every week. I could almost say im use to them but not really. My question here is , this morning i had another episode and i had seen a bird fly in from my front door and it landed on my chest , i couldnt move or talk as always , it looked like a crow (smaller than a raven) but im not sure it was a bit blurry. but all i know it was a dark bird. and i was struggling to get it off me, it seamed so real. Then i felt this liquid on my chest and i assumed it was urinating on me and it would move its beak. until finally i woke up and caught my breath. I ask God that though i may not be so perfect in following his word, i still and will always believe in him, and i ask him never to leave me and that he may help me out and help me understand the meaning of these dreams especially this one because its so recent and distinct. Thankyou for your time and help.
Anon,
I can’t interpret your dream but it seems to me that you are under spiritual attack. I would go to your pastor and your elders and ask them to pray for you for protection and peace.
You need to getcloser to God. Read your blbleand pray more. There is power in the name Jesus that is why they dissappear when you say the name. In the nameof Jesus everykneelmust bow, every tongue confess that Jesus is the lord. The spiritual attacks are hinderances to your blessings and the evilone trying to subdue you. Start prayingmore than you are and read the word, you will be amazed at the power of God and testimonies you will have. Don’t let the devil use fear to subdue you.
To Anonymous,
I will have to agree with Brother Duke on this one. It is spiritual attack. This time last year I was being torn between the devil and the Lord. I now have been called to minister and help people with deliverance. The Lord has revealed to me that most spiritual attack is due to unrepented sin, unforgiveness or holding bitterness in your heart. Basically you have allowed rights to the enemy. Turn to God and ask him to show you where the enemy is getting grounds. Everytime the enemy attacks or uses his flaming arrows, epehsians 6 use the name of Jesus Christ and command him to leave. Yes sometimes you will need to use one of Gods embassadors to cast the enemy out but with removing the enemies rights you will find peace. Seek help from your church and most importantly seek the Lord. He is the one and only true deliverer. He will deliver you but first you have to give yourself to him.
I get alot of those sleep paralysis dreams, and I know they are spiritual warfares;spiritual battles.Sometimes they are so powerful that I forget to call on God because I’m so scared and I cn’t breath when i see these dark entites in front of me or next to me, but when i call on jesus name they never let me say it, i struggle. I remember i use to have them way more when i was younger but i was on good terms with God so when i would say his name they immediately would go away and i’d wake up and never have them again, however , im getting them again but not everyday like they use to be. Just every month sometimes every week. I could almost say im use to them but not really. My question here is , this morning i had another episode and i had seen a bird fly in from my front door and it landed on my chest , i couldnt move or talk as always , it looked like a crow (smaller than a raven) but im not sure it was a bit blurry. but all i know it was a dark bird. and i was struggling to get it off me, it seamed so real. Then i felt this liquid on my chest and i assumed it was urinating on me and it would move its beak. until finally i woke up and caught my breath. I ask God that though i may not be so perfect in following his word, i still and will always believe in him, and i ask him never to leave me and that he may help me out and help me understand the meaning of these dreams especially this one because its so recent and distinct. Thankyou for your time and help.
Anon,
I can’t interpret your dream but it seems to me that you are under spiritual attack. I would go to your pastor and your elders and ask them to pray for you for protection and peace.
You need to getcloser to God. Read your blbleand pray more. There is power in the name Jesus that is why they dissappear when you say the name. In the nameof Jesus everykneelmust bow, every tongue confess that Jesus is the lord. The spiritual attacks are hinderances to your blessings and the evilone trying to subdue you. Start prayingmore than you are and read the word, you will be amazed at the power of God and testimonies you will have. Don’t let the devil use fear to subdue you.
To Anonymous,
I will have to agree with Brother Duke on this one. It is spiritual attack. This time last year I was being torn between the devil and the Lord. I now have been called to minister and help people with deliverance. The Lord has revealed to me that most spiritual attack is due to unrepented sin, unforgiveness or holding bitterness in your heart. Basically you have allowed rights to the enemy. Turn to God and ask him to show you where the enemy is getting grounds. Everytime the enemy attacks or uses his flaming arrows, epehsians 6 use the name of Jesus Christ and command him to leave. Yes sometimes you will need to use one of Gods embassadors to cast the enemy out but with removing the enemies rights you will find peace. Seek help from your church and most importantly seek the Lord. He is the one and only true deliverer. He will deliver you but first you have to give yourself to him.
I has a dream about 2 weeks ago. I was visiting somone wether it was a relative a friend I’m not sure. It was at the sea side but it looked like somewhere on the Med the sea was very blue the rocks were sandy looking in colour, any a warm place.
Then I ended up being in a room in an apartment, no furniture or anything at all in the room. I remeber another room as I was standing facing the window to the left of me.
The window that was in front of me faced the sea. I was standing at the back of the room facing this window and noticed the sky had gone dark and stormy and a huge wave of water coming towards the window. I went into the other room and remember asking the other person in the room of who’m I new was there but didn’t see them, how high abve sea level we were and I heard them say 13 meters. The wave smashed the window but no water enetered the room. The wave came again this time I felt it lift me up, and I remeber being outside the room quite high above the water being carried inland. I was expecting drowning or being smashed against some object, but it carried me gently towards some trees and placed me on the ground in like a foreset or woodland. As I stood on the ground I looked behind and saw a figure who had been with me in that room fall behind me some distace away. Then I woke up. I think I’ll ask the Lord what this dream meant
I has a dream about 2 weeks ago. I was visiting somone wether it was a relative a friend I’m not sure. It was at the sea side but it looked like somewhere on the Med the sea was very blue the rocks were sandy looking in colour, any a warm place.
Then I ended up being in a room in an apartment, no furniture or anything at all in the room. I remeber another room as I was standing facing the window to the left of me.
The window that was in front of me faced the sea. I was standing at the back of the room facing this window and noticed the sky had gone dark and stormy and a huge wave of water coming towards the window. I went into the other room and remember asking the other person in the room of who’m I new was there but didn’t see them, how high abve sea level we were and I heard them say 13 meters. The wave smashed the window but no water enetered the room. The wave came again this time I felt it lift me up, and I remeber being outside the room quite high above the water being carried inland. I was expecting drowning or being smashed against some object, but it carried me gently towards some trees and placed me on the ground in like a foreset or woodland. As I stood on the ground I looked behind and saw a figure who had been with me in that room fall behind me some distace away. Then I woke up. I think I’ll ask the Lord what this dream meant
What a powerful message! I am a dreamer too, sometimes I dream rubbish (including demons)and other times it is inspired by strictly God. I like reading about other persons who have this similar gift and I can tell you confidently that nonsense exists all over the Internet. It’s amazing. I read a blog on a family of dream interpreters and as I read more and more, I felt the Holy Spirit moving away. Then when I read this article, and the Holy Spirit came back full force.
I agree with you, if the dream is inspired by God then there is no need to run to an interpreter. I believe that God must reveal this and still my life must be guided by His Spirit even after. Blessings always pastor.
What a powerful message! I am a dreamer too, sometimes I dream rubbish (including demons)and other times it is inspired by strictly God. I like reading about other persons who have this similar gift and I can tell you confidently that nonsense exists all over the Internet. It’s amazing. I read a blog on a family of dream interpreters and as I read more and more, I felt the Holy Spirit moving away. Then when I read this article, and the Holy Spirit came back full force.
I agree with you, if the dream is inspired by God then there is no need to run to an interpreter. I believe that God must reveal this and still my life must be guided by His Spirit even after. Blessings always pastor.
ooops, meant to say…”AS THE MAN”…sorry for the typo error
ooops, meant to say…”AS THE MAN”…sorry for the typo error
I want to ask about the meaning of my dreams, 2010 i dream about yea 2015, i dont know what will happen on that day, then on the following day one of my friend told me that something will happen on that year… I searched on the cof daomputer about the meaning of it and its stated there that year 2015 the prophecy of daniel will be reveal… I pray to God to give me guidance and meaning about my dream, after several months i dream again that i was in a middle of dessert then there is war, i was running and suddenly i noticed that I was pregnant, the baby came out and suddenly the war was finished… Again I pray to God to guide me, in 2011 i dream that the sun was very near to and it was very hot… my next dream was 2 white doves in our kitchen, the other one was wounded and took care of it until he gets better then they fly away… I’am also dreaming about clear waters and sometimes dark water… Again last week i dream that i was in the road then suddenly i saw a cross on my right side and on my left side is a colored green bible, suddenly i heard voices like demons, i grabbed the bible and started to read but on the upper side of the bible was empty, i tried to search and i saw a word AS THE MAN and i was written by mathew, the voices of demons are getting closer to me and i started to pray that He will protect me from evil, after that i found out that i was inside the plantation of sugar cane and i was saved by God… Pastor what do you think about my dream? Pls help me? Thank you ang God Bless
Read my article again. I am not a dream interpreter and don’t advocate going to dream interpreters. If it was a God dream and not a dream due to eating before bed or any number of other things, then God will give you the interpretation of it. Seek Him!
I want to ask about the meaning of my dreams, 2010 i dream about yea 2015, i dont know what will happen on that day, then on the following day one of my friend told me that something will happen on that year… I searched on the cof daomputer about the meaning of it and its stated there that year 2015 the prophecy of daniel will be reveal… I pray to God to give me guidance and meaning about my dream, after several months i dream again that i was in a middle of dessert then there is war, i was running and suddenly i noticed that I was pregnant, the baby came out and suddenly the war was finished… Again I pray to God to guide me, in 2011 i dream that the sun was very near to and it was very hot… my next dream was 2 white doves in our kitchen, the other one was wounded and took care of it until he gets better then they fly away… I’am also dreaming about clear waters and sometimes dark water… Again last week i dream that i was in the road then suddenly i saw a cross on my right side and on my left side is a colored green bible, suddenly i heard voices like demons, i grabbed the bible and started to read but on the upper side of the bible was empty, i tried to search and i saw a word AS THE MAN and i was written by mathew, the voices of demons are getting closer to me and i started to pray that He will protect me from evil, after that i found out that i was inside the plantation of sugar cane and i was saved by God… Pastor what do you think about my dream? Pls help me? Thank you ang God Bless
Read my article again. I am not a dream interpreter and don’t advocate going to dream interpreters. If it was a God dream and not a dream due to eating before bed or any number of other things, then God will give you the interpretation of it. Seek Him!
Proverbs 23:7…King James Thompson Chain Reference Bible:
“For As he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”……On the side of the verse, the words “evil thoughts” and “hypocracy” were said in reference to the above verse. Your dream had “AS A MAN”…This led me to think this verse may have something to do with your dream.
My name is Dalila , just needed some help wit a dream I had like 4years ago,the dream was about a tree in da backyard of my home in belize, and that tree had 4 different kinds of fruits and the 5th one was a bee hive and it was ful of honey and it was leaking honey but when I gave it a close look it was crystal clear…….so just wanted to know if u can help me interpret da dreams…… Thanks god bless
Dalia, If it is a God dream, then God is more than able to speak to you on what it means. Seek Him! Once you get a revelation, then go to your local church leaders and ask them for any added insight.
Blessings to you!
Pastor Duke
Thank you for this common sense, bible-based article Duke. I have had a recurring dream for the last 10 years and it is really starting to bother me as I feel God is not giving me any direction on whether it is of him or just a random dream. I very reluctantly googled “Biblical dream interpretation” and immediately identified sites that sat wrong with me. I was hoping I would find a piece of gold such as your article that is writen in a solid biblical foundation with no alterior motives. I shall continue to press into God about this dream and patiently wait for it to either cease or for God to give me relvelation on the matter. Thanks.
Thank you for this common sense, bible-based article Duke. I have had a recurring dream for the last 10 years and it is really starting to bother me as I feel God is not giving me any direction on whether it is of him or just a random dream. I very reluctantly googled “Biblical dream interpretation” and immediately identified sites that sat wrong with me. I was hoping I would find a piece of gold such as your article that is writen in a solid biblical foundation with no alterior motives. I shall continue to press into God about this dream and patiently wait for it to either cease or for God to give me relvelation on the matter. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this confirmation! Yesterday I was encouraged to go to a dream interpretation seminar! I’m jus going to pray!
Thank you so much for this confirmation! Yesterday I was encouraged to go to a dream interpretation seminar! I’m jus going to pray!
Wonderful article! I had a dream before I woke up this morning and in it I was reading a book. And throughout the page was the word CHARISM in capital letters. I have been praying for the gifts of the Holy Spirit lately. I woke up refreshed knowing I’m on the right path. God is great.
I am glad that you liked the article Chris and that you found some direction with it. He will lead and guide you. His sheep hear His voice.
Blessings to you!
I could not agree more. Everyone’s dream is specific to that individual and situation. When God speaks in a dream to anyone he will not leave one without the interpretation. In fact, I think this is just another opportunity to fellowship with Him, that is, seeking Him for interpretation.
I remember a dream that I had and could not understand. I told it to my pastor and he interpreted it the way he understood. But I kept praying to God for the meaning and one day while on my bed communing about it with the Holy Spirit He gave me the meaning which was vastly different than what the pastor said – I mean quite the opposite. I believe unless God directs one to another person for interpretation we should always go to Him first. It is the Holy Spirit of God who leads one into all truth!
I am, therefore, in agreement with this article.
Thanks for directing people to God.
I could not agree more. Everyone’s dream is specific to that individual and situation. When God speaks in a dream to anyone he will not leave one without the interpretation. In fact, I think this is just another opportunity to fellowship with Him, that is, seeking Him for interpretation.
I remember a dream that I had and could not understand. I told it to my pastor and he interpreted it the way he understood. But I kept praying to God for the meaning and one day while on my bed communing about it with the Holy Spirit He gave me the meaning which was vastly different than what the pastor said – I mean quite the opposite. I believe unless God directs one to another person for interpretation we should always go to Him first. It is the Holy Spirit of God who leads one into all truth!
I am, therefore, in agreement with this article.
Thanks for directing people to God.
Hi! Thanks for the article! I had a dream last night that I know was not from my thoughts, so
You are welcome Elizabeth. I am sure God will reveal the meaning of the dream.
Hello: Thanks for the article. I have been having a recurring dream and woke up this morning asking myself what is God trying to tell me? I thought first to call a pastor friend of my who believes he has a dream ministry, but the check in my spirit said no, To seek God and let God tell me. I hesitated and did a Google search on christian dream interpretation and your article came up. I read it and doing what I felt God wanted me to do, to seek him for the answer. Thanks again for the article.
You are more than welcome Paul. I am glad you are taking the time and initiative to grow and learn how to let God speak to you personally rather than through someone else.
I would also like to ask a question about “DREAM BOOKS.” I see more and more Christians using these so call dream books to help them interpret their dreams. I may be wrong but this is insane to me. Why would GOD give you a dream that you have to now go seek the meaning of symbols in a dream book? Also how in the world would one person (the author of the dream book) accurately be able to say that something in a dream always equals this particular meaning for everyone. We have Christians that I know personally saying that they use the dream book as a guide. I’m shaking my head because it seems even more ridiculous as I type this. If I’m wrong then I am ok with that, but everything in me just says a dream book, people that interpret your dreams, or even someone who always claims to have a “Word” of the Lord for it is not what God intended for us as Christians. Its taking the cheaper way out versus spending the time necessary to develop a relationship with God for yourself to know what HE is trying to convey to you. Please share your insight. Thank you
You are absolutely right. A dream book that has the meaning of symbols is no better than astrology or palm reading. It is not the way to interpret a dream from God. It might help if it is a dream from your sub-conscience but not from God. Tell me, what dream symbol was in the dream of the guy from Macedonia? God is more than able to give a person the interpretation if they will spend more time talking to him than they do reading the latest and greatest Christian fad.
Blessings to you for bringing this up and for having enough maturity to see the fallacy of it all.
Pastor Duke
Julie: United States:Dreams and Visions I had just had closed my eyes to rest because I was very sick. When I asked what are you doing,, I must have sensed a presence and an answer standing before the mercy seat of GOD, waiting to send or receive, send or bring. So I got up and wrote this down trying to figure out what this meant. Then I laid down again and shut my eyes, and I received a thumbs up sign that read, “Love Jesus.”
See He is more than capable of giving you the meaning of your dream!
Wow reading this really freed me. I had been having quite a few distrubing dreams and I didn’t know what to think about them. But this has helped me ALOT! Thank you for your wisdom…..
You are welcome Malea. I am glad that you found the answers you were looking for about dream interpretation. I know at times nightmares and bad dreams can be really unnerving. Normally nightmares and bad dreams are not from God but are the result of something we are upset with emotionally.
Great word about dream interpreting. when i decided to see what people were saying about the subject. Of course i was looking for a spirit filled persons response. I had remembered that when God gave my interpretation its because i asked. Your biblically right on..
Thanks Carol. I tried to take a balanced approach. Dream interpretation is the latest fad, but interpreting dreams has been around for century. God is more than able to give the interpretation to the person He gave the dream to. I mean really! If He is big enough to give a dream, He is big enough to give the interpretation!
Hi there,
I appreciated a number of points in your article Ps Duke and I like the reminder of how big God is and well able to interpret our dreams for us. My only concerns are
- your comment to Carol that appears contradictory ‘Dream interpretation is the latest fad, but interpreting dreams has been around for centuries’ On one hand you are debunking a ‘fad’ but saying dream interpretation is biblically and historally established over the centuries?
- Your point that God is well able to give us the interpretation is very true,and most often he probably does, but it doesn’t leave room biblically for the people in the bible who didn’t know what their dreams meant and God provided the interpretation through someone else. Genesis 40:6-18 clearly shows that neither the cupbearer or the baker understood their dreams and God gave the interpretation to Joseph, this process is repeated in Genesis 41:15-25 with Pharoah not understanding his dream and Joseph interpreting. In the book of Daniel we see this scenario repeated with Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2:24. Furthermore in the book of Daniel, when Daniel has a dream or vision he doesn’t undersstand one who ‘looked like a man’ (angel) interpretated for him, and in Dan 8;15 it was actually Gabriel who interpreted for him! God is very big and we should not try to fit him into your or my ‘theology’. As the examples of Josesph and Daniel remind us God uses people to interpret dreams and even angels. We should not limit God.
- Your point about people who make money off interpretating is very wise, again with Joeseph and Daniel they are looking to use the interpretation of the dreams to glorify God and bless others, not recieve payment. However as a caution I don’t think if someone bought a book or got some training/knowledge on Dream interpretation that it is wasted money just as I wouldn’t think buying a book on growing in the Holy Spirit, understanding scripture or learning about prophecy (going to Conference’s/Seminars) would be wasted money. If someone specifically wanted money off me for a particular ‘gift’ they have in God, then I would be dubious, but if someone has years of experience and wisdom in an area, then I may buy a book or go to a conference – it is possibly money well spent.
-The bible does clearly deplore divination, but the way you link this to people who have the Holy Spirit in them who may be given a dream interpretation by God (like Joseph, Daniel interpretatiog dreams) is a big jump and you are possibly shutting down a God given gift under the teaching/assumption that dream interpretation is ‘new age’ or ‘occult’ The first dream from God given in the bible was to a ‘non-believer’ (Abimelech, Gen 20)and God gave him the clear understanding of that dream, whereas Joseph and Daniel (particularly Daniel) were known for an ability/gift in this area, so while we don’t chase it, a gift can become known to others if God so desires it. If a gift is used for our own drive to know,or be seen to have ‘something special’ then we can walk in error but if we glorify God and bless others with something that is obviously biblical (dreams and visioned mentioned something like 120 times)then we shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
Blessings! Nikki
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for your comments. I in no way meant to discourage people from seeking God to see their dreams interpreted. What I was trying to do is bring balance to something that has obviously become a fad. With people running around calling themselves dream interpreters, multiple books on the shelves, and many using methods from psychology or the new age movement and just adding “Christian-nese” to it, caused me to speak out. Just because dream interpreting has been around, it has never been an emphasis. You don’t see them setting up dream interpreting conferences, calling special speakers, and selling the ability to interpret dreams in the NT. In fact, when one man wanted to buy the gift of tongues from the apostles, they rebuked him.
If a person has a dream that they just can’t get an interpretation for, then instead of going to a so-called specialist, they need to go to the leadership in their local body. If God is big enough to give them a dream, then He is big enough to bring someone along their path that will help them with the right motives.
You see, most of the so called dream interpreters, use a “dream dictionary” and other things that try to make one size fit all. I am sorry but this totally goes against the principle of a person’s “personal” relationship with Jesus. They are not giving an interpretation, they are using a method. This is the definition of divination. Using a method to divine the intent of God.
Blessings to you Nikki
Pastor Duke
Thanks for this! I have crazy dreams about every night and it's nice to know they don't all come from God and that I don't have to dig for their meaning!
You are welcome Valerie, I am glad that my article shed some light on the subject. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Blessings to you!
I like your advice – From South Africa…
Thanks Phillip, I appreciate that. Dreams are from God, but people who capitalize on people's superstition and fear, and make money from it. That isn't from God.
Pastor Duke, I wish to humbly thank you for your common sense and biblical directions regarding dream interpretations, it seems sound advice to me, and being I wish to do no more than honor my precious father and his Golden son, your advice resonates with me on this subject as being of absolute value, thank you for taking the time to share such discerned wisdom.
Thank you for your kind words Luke. I am glad that this ministered to you. Blessings to you!
Pastor Duke,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your Biblical knowledge as well as Biblical balance on this subject of Christian Dream Interpretation. I just went to a community event where there was a church group doing dream interpretation for anyone who wanted it. This totally reminds me of people who would go to a palm reader to find out what their future is or their past means. I find absolutely no place in the New Testament where someone needed to go to someone else to find out the meaning of their dreams. Each instance clearly shows the Lord giving the interpretation to the individual via the Holy Spirit. Even in Paul's instance where he has a vision in the night in Acts 16:9 "…of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us.(NIV)" It says they got ready at once to leave for Macedonia. There was no question what God was speaking. Our God is not a God of confusion. He doesn't leave his children baffled and confused about what He wants to say. He speaks simply and makes it clear so there is no need for the help of another. Sometimes indeed the dream does need to be prayed through, but I strongly believe the Lord will give the individual the interpretation.
I had a dream, from the Lord, but before I knew the exact meaning of what the Lord was showing me, I shared it with my Pastor. He completely interpreted it in his own way and not only was it wrong, he used it as if it was a dream for him and the church. Soon after the Lord lead me to leave the church, but heard later that he was sharing my dream from the pulpit and using it as actual direction for what was taking place in the church. That is completely out-of-hand. Now this church is going full force into dream interpretation. How off balance and sad is that?
I do agree with everything you shared and feel it is so important to focus a relationship Jesus and making him known vs. figuring out what a dream means.
I am so thankful to hear someone discuss this subject, I feel exactly as you do. I know someone who believes strongly in dream interpretation and she went to her church for help. They lines of christians lined up to have the meanings of their dreams revealed. The persons interpretating were baby christians who had "learned it from a class / course". She went through two lines, each one gave her a different meaning to her dream. I cannot for the life of me believe that so many christians are so ignorant of the bible.
Hi Pastor,
I enjoyed this latest article. http://bit.ly/qrtPdQ Is it possible for you to add your photo to your profile and be more active as a religion curator on the site.
Very thoughtful post. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts on Christian dream interpretation and discerning the truth in this matter. Thank you!
Yeah, I saw a guy doing dream interpretation a while back in a church in Bakersfield California. I went Pfft! then and I still do today. I think sometimes we are so caught up in trying to manufacture a move of God, rather than getting to know God intimately enough to have a real outpouring, that people chase all kinds of craziness.
Duke,
Great Post. Early in my Christian walk, I went to a dream conference to see what all the hype was about. The interpretation part didn't sound any different to things that my mother as a Wiccan was doing–this color means that, that animal means this, etc.
I have my undergraduate, Master's degree, and most of my PhD in English with several classes in literary criticism, and the truth is if we rely on our own understanding with dreams or even the Bible, we can interpret it to mean anything we want, which is why Peter writes: "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:20-21)
I think this same principle applies to any dream given by God. Just like scripture given by God, it needs the Holy Spirit for a correct interpretation. It's called "author's intent" in the literary criticism world, but much like that world, we rarely care what the author meant, just what it means to us.
But I wouldn't say that we should avoid seeking dreams from God. We spend a third of our life asleep, do we really want to spend that time not hearing from Him?
Manifest Blog
I am glad that you liked the article Chris and that you found some direction with it. He will lead and guide you. His sheep hear His voice.
Blessings to you!
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for your comments. I in no way meant to discourage people from seeking God to see their dreams interpreted. What I was trying to do is bring balance to something that has obviously become a fad. With people running around calling themselves dream interpreters, multiple books on the shelves, and many using methods from psychology or the new age movement and just adding “Christian-nese” to it, caused me to speak out. Just because dream interpreting has been around, it has never been an emphasis. You don’t see them setting up dream interpreting conferences, calling special speakers, and selling the ability to interpret dreams in the NT. In fact, when one man wanted to buy the gift of tongues from the apostles, they rebuked him.
If a person has a dream that they just can’t get an interpretation for, then instead of going to a so-called specialist, they need to go to the leadership in their local body. If God is big enough to give them a dream, then He is big enough to bring someone along their path that will help them with the right motives.
You see, most of the so called dream interpreters, use a “dream dictionary” and other things that try to make one size fit all. I am sorry but this totally goes against the principle of a person’s “personal” relationship with Jesus. They are not giving an interpretation, they are using a method. This is the definition of divination. Using a method to divine the intent of God.
Blessings to you Nikki
Pastor Duke
You will notice, that I did establish the relational aspect of our Christian life. I told people to get confirmation from their leadership. I also find it interesting that you would assume that I am calling having dreams demonic. I support having dreams. What I do not support is people saying dream interpretation is a spiritual gift. It is not. Nor do I see that the Bible lists dream interpretation as a ministry. That is the balance point.
What is the most interesting is that you would object to anyone encouraging people to go to God for the interpretation rather than someone else.