I need some spiritual guidance

[Ptristan88]

I have a young female friend that I love dearly as a sister in Christ. She's been a Christian for about 6 months and she tells me and many others that God speaks to her in her dreams and that we, as Christians, should pray to God to speak to us in our dreams so we can get a "confirmation" of what He wants for us.

I, personally, do not believe that we are in the age of dreams and visions anymore. I believe that time was in place in order to complete the bible. I also think that in the end times (post rapture) we will be in a time of dreams, visions, prophesying, signs, wonders, and more.

She was into witchcraft before she got saved. From what I understand it was just the whole underage Wicken crap, but nonetheless; witchcraft. As most people who deal in such things they open themselves up to a demonic realm and I think it's effecting her view on how God communicates to us.

What biblical references can I show to her to better address her desire to test God?

 

[Brighthouse]

My brother in Christ,I understand your views,many hold the the time of miracles, and dreams and visions are over. If I were to hold true to this,what do you suppose is the greatest miracle of all that still happens today?? In my humble opinion it is that of a lost soul coming to Jesus. Since we all know this happenes I believe that the Lord can still talk to us in both dreams and visions. Acts 2:17 says in the last days,I personally believe we are in them,as do most here,God says,That I will pour forth my Spirit on ALL mankind;And you Sons and daughters shall prophesy,and your young man shall see visions,and your old Men shall dream dreams. To me brother,the promise made in Acts 2:4 comes to us in Acts 2:39 some may disagree.That is ok. But I want you to understand where I am coming from first,so I can better encourge you in my answer. 1 John 4:1-6 says to not believe every spirit! So how do we know whether this spirit,or dream, yes or even vision comes from our Lord? How best can we test these spirits? Any spirit that does NOT line up with the Word of God expressly!! Is a false spirit.also if this Spirit which usally will say fear not,or Jesus Christ has come in the Flesh,this spirit one may consider as long as what this Spirit or dream or vision says come clearly from God's Word.For the Lord will watch over his Word to always perform it!( jeremiah 1:12) coming out of occult bondage myself,I can tell you this for sure.The Spirit world is far more real then ours.I hope this has helped you.I fully understand some may disagree with me,that is fine,but I wanted you to know,my truth from the Lord in this.Blessing to you!

 

[Ptristan88]

Brighthouse,
Thank you for your reply. I could be wrong about the time of miracles. What really got me was the fact that her dreams have nothing to do with anything in scripture. What does it mean, exactly, your quote:

"Any spirit that does NOT line up with the Word of God expressly!!"

I told her today that if she's really having dreams from God then it should be backed up with scripture, but she disagrees. I don't want to cause her to stumble over this issue and she's kind of sensitive to these issues.

 

[allforihs]

King Ahaz refused to ask for a sign because he considered it to be testing God. God rewarded him with one of the most famous prophecies in the Bible, the virgin birth of Christ.

Jesus said a wicked generation demands a sign. Asking for signs is also a major part of pagan religions. I think there is something inherently wrong with trying to divine signs from dreams or chicken bones.

If your female friend is in a Pentecostal church, then she being taught something like this. She's perusing an emotional experience instead of righteousness.

 

[Ptristan88]

allforihs,
That's pretty much what I believe. The problem is this girl has a female mentor that is encouraging this. I just need to pray for a way to get through to her and do it with the Love of God.

 

[Ptristan88]

I've been doing my own bible study here for the last two hours. I've found several biblical references to false signs and wonders. If anyone can add some bible verses that would be great for when I confront her. and please pray for my sister.

 

[allforihs]

9/10ths of most people's beliefs have nothing to do with evidence.

 

[Ptristan88]

I know! It's got everything to do with FAITH!!!
Even in the dry season! How are we to have faith when we request dreams before we go to bed?

 

[LordsLily]

If she prays to GOD, as I do before sleep, it could be that she is confusing dreams and associated hallucinations, and it she is wanting to "hear" from GOD, she could be dreaming it. The same when we dream about a test when we have one the next day.
Trust in GOD that you do not need to hear from him! That is what the Bible is for.

 

[RJ]

1 John 4:1

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Though maybe not common, it certainly isn't outside the realm od God's power to communicate through dreams. His primary method of communication is through his written word.

Testing the Spirits is indeed wise. If your friends dreams are real to her, you have to go with that for the time being. And a good test is that, if the messages are good and positive have peace with them and if you can use the information in a good and positive way, then go with it. Anything outside of good and positive should be rejected and ignored! And if you can support the messages Biblically, even the better.

 

[bansheefast]

I think good speaks to individuals in many different ways. I often feel his presence during hikes and walks. It is hard to explain. I don't hear a voice but I hear him. Best way to describe it is maybe telepathic. My point is that most of the time it is not scripture based. Sometimes it leads me or provides encouragement. Sometimes it warns me and protects me. I think he knows that when I am hiking my mind is at its clearest and that he can reach me without distractions getting in the way. Maybe when your friend is sleeping is the best time for her. I also feel a presence around and inside me. I think this is how I know he is speaking too me. I think if we pray for your friend it would benefit her. I hope this helps I do not know anymore than the next person, but God knows and that is very comforting.

 

[Ptristan88]

If she prays to GOD, as I do before sleep, it could be that she is confusing dreams and associated hallucinations, and it she is wanting to "hear" from GOD, she could be dreaming it. The same when we dream about a test when we have one the next day.
Trust in GOD that you do not need to hear from him! That is what the Bible is for.

Thank you Lily,
Knowing the truth and being able to communicate that to a young girl isn't easy. I just have to show her by example and ultimately she'll hear from someone in the church that will set her straight. I've come to the conclusion that she's not someone I can reach because of social reasons.

 

[Snowrose]

Dear Ptristan88,

I will not presume to be knowledgable in the areas of dreams and visions. But I know in my heart of heart that the Lord speaks to all men. Whether it be through His Word, visions, dreams, or just sitting quietly in your room.

There is a book written by wonderful teacher, Jane Hamon and has been endorsed by Dutch Sheets. The title of the book is called "Dreams & Visions". The book will:

-- Explains what the Bible says about dreams and visions
-- How to discern the voice of the Lord as He communicates His heart and purposes for our lives through our dreams
-- Cuts through the psychological jargon and cultural mumbo-jumbo to provide a clear, biblical understanding of the language of dreams

Maybe if she gets a chance to read this book, it will help clarify the unanswered questions and help her to grow in the Lord and be able to hear her LORD's voice for her life.

Blessings,
Snowrose

 

[Ptristan88]

There is a book written by wonderful teacher.....

Maybe if she gets a chance to read this book, it will help clarify the unanswered questions and help her to grow in the Lord and be able to hear her LORD's voice for her life.

Blessings,
Snowrose

I already gave her a short book to read on false visions and she refuses to crack it. I think the desire to be able to tell others that you have visions is a plea for attention. All I can do is pray for her.

 

[Snowrose]

Well just tell her of the book anyway.... it wouldn't hurt. And just tell her that I will be praying for her. That she will be rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

I will also be praying for you too. The Lord is faithful to those who love Him and in your concern for your friend, it shows that love you have for Him and for her and that is totally awesome.

Blessings,
Snowrose

 

[Maureen]

I already gave her a short book to read on false visions and she refuses to crack it. I think the desire to be able to tell others that you have visions is a plea for attention. All I can do is pray for her.

All I can do is pray for her.[/QUOTE]

my, thats EVERYTHING you can do for her, keep praying then...

 

[Brighthouse]

2 Cor 11:14 says No wonder,for even satan disguises himself as an angel of light,verse 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servents also disguise themselves as servents of righteousness,WHOSE END will be!! according to there deeds. another words we know these people by there fruit.be it good fruit or bad. I say this not in any judgment of any person who has dreams and visions,I have had one vision in my life,and many dreams,like R.J.metioned we do always want to test them!! If one has a dream or a vision, and the angel says go and steal from your friends for you know it is better to give then to recieve, we know the enemy can also twist scripture( please look at matt 4 for an example) we know by hearing this, that this was not the Lord.In my humble opinion,if the person who is having dreams or visions, is doing great in the Lord,and helping others as well,I would not be concerned,however if this person is fearful or confused,we know the Lord is not the author or either.if this is the case,then I would need more information in order to give you a more prayerful answer. blessing to you in Jesus!

 

[april showers]

Your friend needs to seek the Lord, not to seek dreams and visions. I have seen that people who seek supernatural experiences often get them, but the spirits behind them are wrong. I knew one girl who was praying and praying for God to give her an "open vision". Finally it happened. Many more open visions followed, but eventually she was instructed in one of the visions to follow a certain deceived spiritual leader. She began to follow him, not realizing that he or she was deceived, and to this day she and her family are following him and encouraging others to follow him. It seems that if dreams and visions are from God, they should point us to God and Jesus, and not to any human leader. I would exercise great caution in seeking dreams for confirmation. Circumstances should confirm direction, in general. That is my 2 cents, for whatever it is worth. Please be very patient with your friend. I was once as mixed up as she is, and it just takes time to get all the crazy ideas sorted out. God bless you for your concern for her.