Dream interpretation

[Sharky and George]

Dream interpretation

My opinion is that as Christian's we should not dismiss trying to find meaning in the dreams that we have as some are from God.

BUT also

We should be very careful to use proper discernment in our interpretation when we do:

• Is it biblically sound e.g. the dream may have felt good but was it sin - wrong interpretations may make your heart justify sin when you wake up.*
• How did it feel? Most likely if it made you feel rough then the dream was of the enemy, a nightmare. Sometimes a warning from God too though.
• Maybe it is just your brain processing the day if you dream about potatoes if you had a jacket potato for dinner lol.






Christian dream interpretation? Are our dreams from God? this IMO is a good bible based website, and this is some useful advice from it:
If it is, prayerfully consider what God would have you do in response to your dream (James 1:5).

In Scripture, whenever anyone experienced a dream from God, God always made the meaning of the dream clear, whether directly to the person, through an angel, or through another messenger (Genesis 40:5–11; Daniel 2:45; 4:19). When God speaks to us, He makes sure His message is clearly understood.






*I don't think I have been led into sin by a dream but I have been led astray by them before e.g. in a time when I was desperate for a breakthrough, the enemy gave a dream of doing a job that I was not ready for. I tried this job and found I had to leave as it was a massive stress. I have been led into big seasons of struggle and confusion as I had put my hope in a dream that was not of God.

Sometimes we should do this:

Psalm 73:20 English Standard Version (ESV)
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.

Hope I have not been too serious, watch out for Nephilim size potatoes running after you with a peeler.






Shalom

 

[Curtis]

Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

I have had several prophetic dreams in my 40+ years of being a Christian, and many more non prophetic dreams. When I do have a prophetic dream, I can always remember every detail of that dream.
My last Godly dream was about 8 years ago.

In my dream I was driving in the mountains on a very windy road. I was being chased by another car. I kept driving faster, and faster trying to get away from who ever was chasing me. I went around a very sharp turn, and went over a cliff, and so did the other car chasing me, and then I woke up. Later that day the told me the interpretation of the dream. The Lord said "I was the one chasing you in the car behind you, and that I have been chasing you for years. Now that you have crashed, and I have your attention, from now on you are going to follow me where I lead you to."

I have learned since then that I no longer go where I want to go, and that most of the time the Lord leads me into places I would not normally want to go.

 

[Gigiloveslife]

I have had one very prophetic dream and several that I feel have been clearly spiritual in meaning. The one that was prophetic was a very short dream where I was urging my dad (who had in reality been diagnosed with lung cancer and was to undergo a very invasive surgery in the next few days ) to get another CT scan before he had surgery. The morning after, I was watching the 700 Club and during their prayer time, they said something about a man being healed of lung cancer. I immediately thought, "God, is that for my Dad?" I ended up telling my dad about the dream and the 700 club and he then informed me that at his pre-op, they had done a routine chest x-ray and he didn't see the spot on his lungs that was there before. Because of these events, my dad spoke up to his friend, an anesthesiologist and I believe told the dr. who was to be performing the surgery. Long story short....my dad went into the hospital to get his surgery done early in the morning several days later, but the dr. ordered another CT scan (which my dad and I both knew was unusual to be doing at that stage). The nurse came running down the hall a couple of hours later, burst into the room and excitedly told us that he did not have to have surgery. I will never forget the feeling that washed over me in that moment. It was the most humbling, grateful feeling and I immediately started weeping as I knew God had truly intervened on behalf of my dad. The dr. ended up coming in the room a little later and dryly told us that the tumor had shrunk by such and such percent and they would just keep an eye on it now, etc. I asked how normal this was and his reply was, "I've never seen anything like this." We were not timid in glorifying God (how could we be?) to the dr, nurses and another patient who was sharing the room with my dad, not to mention all the other friends and family that we got to tell on the phone and in person as the days went on. Pretty cool story, huh?

My other dreams have not been so clearly prophetic, but I knew instantly when I woke that they were spiritual and from God. One of them was really about praying for the world, the state of the world (it was a very vivid dream where at the end I was sitting on a porch with some sort of spiritual person (a woman) who took my hand and bowed her head in prayer -- in the dark right in front of us was a huge brilliantly-colored and glowing world globe. I have always understood that dream to mean that God wants me to be active in praying for the state of the world and there was a feeling of urgency in my dream that we do not have much time left.

My last dream is very personal in nature. Without going into detail, I knew instantly that the dream was spiritual when I woke up and I believe the meaning of the dream is that God revealed to me that He was going to bring a spiritual man into my life and that my old marriage is not going to be revived. (I am going through a divorce and have been separated for two years after being in an emotionally abusive marriage for 25 years to an unbeliever).

 

[Tristan W]

I thought I would just add this to this thread instead of starting anew.

I had a very different dream last night than I ever have had. It was of my Uncle Chris, who was my dad's executor and conservator during his last 5 years of life. He is of Catholic religion, and in some letters that he wrote to my dad, I would say has strong moral character. Here it is in a nutshell, as if I were to send this to my Uncle Chris:

Uncle Chris, I had a dream about you, your wife, and your kids last night. In my dream, I came to share with you the good news that I had been reborn into a life with Jesus. I cited Acts 2:38, which was the execution of my baptism, the basis of my belief and how I was reborn, on March 25, 2018. I am filled with the Holy Spirit and am developing a real personal relationship with God thru my Savior Jesus Christ.​

We went down into a dungeon full of evil spirits and demons. A vampire like creature with super human power and demonic possession attacked and hurt you, severely. They attacked me also, they were unable to hurt me and they trembled and shook, and knew that Jesus dwelt in me. I could see that I was protected by him as if I was surrounded by a clear box made of spiritual armor and I felt safe. The demons knew this after their attacks were unsuccessful After that, they let us through untouched and you followed me.​

We came up out of the dungeon - to the Earth's surface. I remember your daughter Christy came out and told me that Lutheran religion was the way to to heaven and since she didn't want to believe me. So then, I called out for Nicole, who seemed to be more interested in what I had to share.​

That is all that I can remember, coherently. I don't know what this means. I think that it reiterates that Jesus indeed has saved me and the Holy Spirit is indeed dwelling in me - though I am always leery of confidence turning into over-confidence. I am also close to telling my Uncle about it, because maybe it is telling me to tell him and my cousins about my experience in hopes that they will to do the same. Is this something I should pray about to gain clarity?

Any dreams that I have had before now, weren't of this nature and I would never want to seek clarity in them, but this one is having this effect on me. I wouldn't say this is prophetic, would you?

 

[Quantrill]

I do believe God can speak to us through dreams and visions. But I don't believe any believer has any gift of interpretation of dreams; to interpret another's dreams. It is between God and the one who had the dream. As a believer grows he may have a dream and not realize it was from God though it stood out to him. Then later in his experience, he sees this dream come to pass, he understands God was speaking to him, and this causes him to be more attentive to those dreams that stand out to him. Not all dreams are from God. Some are just late night pizza. When God gives one, it will be remembered, and will be exceptionally real.

Quantrill

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Any dreams that I have had before now, weren't of this nature and I would never want to seek clarity in them, but this one is having this effect on me. I wouldn't say this is prophetic, would you?

Greetings @Tristan W

Perhaps see this dream as a prompt to pray for your Uncle Chris's salvation.
Each time it comes into your heart and mind, thank the Lord and raise a prayer.

Blessings grace and peace to you

 

[Bill]

I do believe God can speak to us through dreams and visions. But I don't believe any believer has any gift of interpretation of dreams; to interpret another's dreams. It is between God and the one who had the dream. As a believer grows he may have a dream and not realize it was from God though it stood out to him. Then later in his experience, he sees this dream come to pass, he understands God was speaking to him, and this causes him to be more attentive to those dreams that stand out to him. Not all dreams are from God. Some are just late night pizza. When God gives one, it will be remembered, and will be exceptionally real.

Quantrill

There is a Gift. What about Daniel

 

[Quantrill]

There is a Gift. What about Daniel

God certainly did interpret dreams for Daniel, who was a prophet. As He did with Joseph also. And if one did have a dream that was from God, then it would take such a one as Daniel or Joseph, whom the Spirit of God was using. But now, since the Holy Spirit has come and indwells every believer, such an interpretation by another is not necessary. See (Joel 2:28-29).

And, in all the lists of spiritual gifts given in (1 Cor.), (Rom.) and (Eph.), there is no spiritual gift of interpretation of dreams.

Quantrill

 

[Bill]

God certainly did interpret dreams for Daniel, who was a prophet. As He did with Joseph also. And if one did have a dream that was from God, then it would take such a one as Daniel or Joseph, whom the Spirit of God was using. But now, since the Holy Spirit has come and indwells every believer, such an interpretation by another is not necessary. See (Joel 2:28-29).

And, in all the lists of spiritual gifts given in (1 Cor.), (Rom.) and (Eph.), there is no spiritual gift of interpretation of dreams.

Quantrill

It would be right to say that Jesus indwells the hearts of the believers.

In the Baptism of Water we take into ourselves the inheritance of the Children of God.

But in the Baptism of Water, it would be wrong to say we have had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

As the Apostles experienced. They knew Jesus rose from the dead. The first believers. But being a believer didnt awaken the Fire of God. It wasnt until they were Baptized in the Holy Spirit that Gods Fire burn in them

 

[Brad Huber]

God certainly did interpret dreams for Daniel, who was a prophet. As He did with Joseph also. And if one did have a dream that was from God, then it would take such a one as Daniel or Joseph, whom the Spirit of God was using. But now, since the Holy Spirit has come and indwells every believer, such an interpretation by another is not necessary. See (Joel 2:28-29).

And, in all the lists of spiritual gifts given in (1 Cor.), (Rom.) and (Eph.), there is no spiritual gift of interpretation of dreams.

Quantrill

God always finds a way. In this age where most christians refuse to use the gifts of the Spirit and squelch the Spirit, sometimes an interpreter is needed. God always finds a way.

 

[Rockerduck]

Most of my dreams are just plain weird, but when God talks to me in my sleep, I need no interpretation. Its very specific. I don't try to interpret dreams. I do dream in color though.

 

[Quantrill]

God always finds a way. In this age where most christians refuse to use the gifts of the Spirit and squelch the Spirit, sometimes an interpreter is needed. God always finds a way.

I agree there is neglect of the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But if they neglect the gifts they will hardly accept an interpretation of a dream. Again, I am not saying God does not give and use dreams and visions today. I am saying that no one has a 'gift of interpreting dreams'.

Quantrill

 

[Quantrill]

It would be right to say that Jesus indwells the hearts of the believers.

In the Baptism of Water we take into ourselves the inheritance of the Children of God.

But in the Baptism of Water, it would be wrong to say we have had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

As the Apostles experienced. They knew Jesus rose from the dead. The first believers. But being a believer didnt awaken the Fire of God. It wasnt until they were Baptized in the Holy Spirit that Gods Fire burn in them

I know you are making a point here. But I don't see it.

Quantrill

 

[Bill]

Most of my dreams are just plain weird, but when God talks to me in my sleep, I need no interpretation. Its very specific. I don't try to interpret dreams. I do dream in color though.

That i totally understand.

I dont dream as much as i used to. But i talk with God during the night while sleeping. My mother, wife and children have all experienced this. I guess nearly nightly. My wife only hears me, but she knows who im talking to

 

[Bill]

I know you are making a point here. But I don't see it.

Quantrill

What im saying, is just because a person believes in Jesus, or is baptiszed in Jesus, doesnt mean they are automatically Baptized in the Holy Spirit.

There is a difference between baptism of Water and Fire

 

[Brad Huber]

I agree there is neglect of the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But if they neglect the gifts they will hardly accept an interpretation of a dream. Again, I am not saying God does not give and use dreams and visions today. I am saying that no one has a 'gift of interpreting dreams'.

Quantrill

I dont believe anyone has ever had the gift of interpreting any dream anytime on a whim. In each case they had to ask God for the interpretation and if God so chose, He would give the interpretation to the person to give to the dreamer.

 

[Bill]

God certainly did interpret dreams for Daniel, who was a prophet. As He did with Joseph also. And if one did have a dream that was from God, then it would take such a one as Daniel or Joseph, whom the Spirit of God was using. But now, since the Holy Spirit has come and indwells every believer, such an interpretation by another is not necessary. See (Joel 2:28-29).

And, in all the lists of spiritual gifts given in (1 Cor.), (Rom.) and (Eph.), there is no spiritual gift of interpretation of dreams.

Quantrill

Please forgive me , i was just looking for a way to comment without quoting someones message.

Many years ago, the Lord told me the only limit to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit were my own imagination.

I will admit, im not shy in talking of my own relationship with God.

There are many "Gifts of the Spirit" that are written in the scriptures that have no names. In the New Testiment you will hear of things like The Two Witnesses not allowing it to rain. What gift do we call that. The scripture plainly states that the Two Witnesses can do whatever suites them as often as they wished. Rev 11: 6.

Or what gift was it that Elizabeth used when "being filled with the Holy Spirit" spoke before Mary. It wasnt tongues (the unknown language gift)

So you see there are many examples of Gifts right before our eyes.

Now the problem with many of todays teachers / preachers are they too keep God in a little box. And the vastness of the Holy Spirit is beyond the scope of all. So when you here there are only seven gifts. You need to remember little things. God uses numbers as a referance. 7 is an eternal number.

Do you (im talking to everyone here) remember how we used to call new Christians, baby Christians? Now that we may be at a ripe old age (not you Sue, i know you are a youngster , teasing)
But even as mature Christians, there is a lot more about God than we have ever dreamt.

So please dont limit Gods Gifts, or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Ok i will get off my soapbox now

 

[Quantrill]

What im saying, is just because a person believes in Jesus, or is baptiszed in Jesus, doesnt mean they are automatically Baptized in the Holy Spirit.

There is a difference between baptism of Water and Fire

And the connection to dream interpretation?

Quantrill

 

[Quantrill]

Please forgive me , i was just looking for a way to comment without quoting someones message.

Many years ago, the Lord told me the only limit to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit were my own imagination.

I will admit, im not shy in talking of my own relationship with God.

There are many "Gifts of the Spirit" that are written in the scriptures that have no names. In the New Testiment you will hear of things like The Two Witnesses not allowing it to rain. What gift do we call that. The scripture plainly states that the Two Witnesses can do whatever suites them as often as they wished. Rev 11: 6.

Or what gift was it that Elizabeth used when "being filled with the Holy Spirit" spoke before Mary. It wasnt tongues (the unknown language gift)

So you see there are many examples of Gifts right before our eyes.

Now the problem with many of todays teachers / preachers are they too keep God in a little box. And the vastness of the Holy Spirit is beyond the scope of all. So when you here there are only seven gifts. You need to remember little things. God uses numbers as a referance. 7 is an eternal number.

Do you (im talking to everyone here) remember how we used to call new Christians, baby Christians? Now that we may be at a ripe old age (not you Sue, i know you are a youngster , teasing)
But even as mature Christians, there is a lot more about God than we have ever dreamt.

So please dont limit Gods Gifts, or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Ok i will get off my soapbox now

No one is limiting God or putting Him in a box. God gives us the gifts and lists them in Scripture. Dream interpretation is not one of them. If God gives you a dream, He will give you the understanding of it someway somehow. But we do not seek out some supposed one who is a dream interpreter. If you don't understand it, and no understanding comes, then it probably wasn't from God. Immediate understanding is not always necessary.

Quantrill

 

[Bill]

And the connection to dream interpretation?

Quantrill

Answering your question further. But showing , just because someone is a believer, doesnt mean they have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.