DreamsETC blog

Dream On

Dream on my child; dream on as you quietly slumber through the night. Listen closely and observe all that I show you and all revelation I impart unto you. My guidance will keep you on the straight and narrow path. I will use you to pray for others, to strengthen them and to enlighten them. They will walk through fire and not be burned. They will float through the deep waters and will not drown. There will be times when I will call on you to save people from the wide and sinful path they have chosen.

There will be times that your hand, along with others, will be used to draw men and women into discipleship. Your dreams too will reveal the horror of the sin in the world. They will bring my light into the dark regions exposing the sin in the lives of men. As you lay your head on your pillow these are the times of deep sleep that you will be down-loaded with the ways of God and the blessings of heaven.

Be aware of the false teachings that are coming…not just in the church…but the entire world. I will use you to bless, anoint and disciple many. No leader or king or wealthy man will overcome my will and my way.

Rev. Mary Ann Kotch 10-27-17

One of These Days

Dreams and visions are an occurring part of life. But a general consensus about the validity of dream and vision interpretation has been questioned…their relevance debatable. Often they’ve been the object of mild ridicule, the topic of flippant conversation around the office water cooler. Nevertheless dream and vision interpretation has been a viable part of biblical history first being recorded in the book of Genesis (Gen 15:1, 20:1-17), and continuing into the New Testament. (Mt. 2:13, Acts 2:17)

While there has been abuse of the gift of interpreting dreams, authentic revelatory interpretation anchored in biblical principles by highly anointed and gifted interpreters, far out-weigh the negative. Those who sincerely value the gift must continually strive to hear what the Spirit is speaking because there will come a time when, because of challenging circumstances, the anointed of God will be sought after to reveal that which the Creator has purposed. It will happen one of these days.

"An Impactor"

Attitude and perspective dictate what kind of day I’m going to have. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have. I can entertain several options. I can grumble about my health or I can be happy that I’m alive. I can complain because I have to do housework or I can appreciate the fact I have a place to call home. I can whine about the terrible weather or be thankful that my lawn is turning green. Or I can whine about having to go to work or be overjoyed because I have a job. I know we can agree that the choices we make are really important.

With the new season of promise barely a few weeks old I’ve reflecting on the great responsibility I have in helping advance the lives of my family, friends and whomever I come in contact with. All my actions determine, to whatever degree, the length and breadth of my impact. My husband frequently encourages those he comes in contact with to impact someone today. He says be an “impactor.” No matter your station in life you are an ‘impactor’ whether you realize it or not.

There are myriads of “impactors.” You will find them in the entertainment field, sports figures, teachers, religious, dads and moms, and on-and-on. For the most part folks can be examples of things that are good. Yet we can’t help notice that some “impactors” seek only to advance personal agendas. They’re usually here today and gone tomorrow.

One of the ways that I seek to impact people is through dream interpretation on my web site, DreamLab7.com. It’s a platform that is instrumental in changing lives. While many frown on the relevance of dream interpretation one can’t dispute the fact that we do dream. If we can agree on that point, the question that needs to be answered is “if we dream, why do we dream and what do my dreams mean? There must be a valid reason why we dream at all.

Attitude and perspective will govern as to what kind of day I’m going to have today. It can be productive or it can be mired on a canvass colored in self-pity. We’ve been given a most important gift…life. How we use that gift determines situations and outcomes that impact lives. Personally my desire is to impact people every day in any way possible. Whether it’s sharing a comforting word on the phone with a friend, or asking the checkout person at the grocery store “how’s your day going?” or just being a day-to-day example of being a person demonstrating good character and integrity. I enjoy being an “impactor.”

Pouring Out of God's Spirit

Sold-out born-again-believers know without any shadow of doubt that the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Every word, verse, red letter print, paragraph and event from “In the beginning” in Genesis 1:1 to “Christ be with you all, Amen” in Rev. 22:21 and everything in between means what it says it means.

One of the scripture passages that has been most meaningful to me is the passage in Joel 2:28-29 that speaks of God’s Spirit being poured out; “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. And also on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” All flesh means everybody not just Christians. Even though God gave dreams and visions to David and Joseph, he also gave dreams to king Nebuchadnezzar and the wife of Pontius Pilate.

Dreams and visons are important. However for some Christians (and non-Christians) dreams have become a laughable conversation piece around the water cooler at the work place. Believers simply have not paid any serious attention to the relevance of messages God downloads to dreamers during the sleeping nighttime hours. It’s a sad commentary since dreams can reveal your spiritual destiny.

While some dream interpreters say that Christians should be able to interpret their own dreams and visions. I take great exception to that position. Since not all dreams are from God the untrained person in dream interpretation will not know that and can get into questionable situations. Other types of dreams can play on our subconscious with things that may have occurred during our waking hours definitely leading to a flawed interpretation. Learning the skill, added to revelation, are the prime ingredients necessary for any authentic dream interpretation.

You can learn more about authentic, scripture-based dream interpretation on my web site, dreamlab7.com. I also conduct internet classes, private conference calls for specific dream interpretations, spiritual direction and healing. Be blessed.

Rev. Mary Ann

The Island of Empty

Life has many empty spots. In spite of our ages, we have to wrestle with the issue of emptiness. Empty marriages, ministries, careers. Life, with all its glamour, bright lights, and stuff, will still leave us empty. Advertisers say “Just do it.” And we’re still empty. Food chains say “Have it your way” yet we’re still empty. The butler, the baker and the candlestick maker all wrestle with “empty.” The question is how we deal with those empty spots in our lives. How do we deal with faulty finances, broken relationships, broken homes and families and more? All of these things quite often leave us stranded on the island known as “Empty.”

To be rescued from the island of empty we must embrace the life-saving fruit of the Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Life changers.

Gal. 5:22-23

Crazy Dreams (Bizarre Dreams)

Are you perplexed, or stymied by experiencing mixed-up unusual dreams? Do you think all your dreams have underlying psychological meanings that are too deep for you to understand? Or perhaps you may think your dream is the result of all the pizza you ate last night before heading off to bed. Dreams can be mystifying and come in all shapes and sizes.

For example...in your dream are you using the bathroom in public? Are your teeth falling out or is just one tooth that’s loose? Are you standing in front of a crowd unable to speak? Are you being sexually intimate with a faceless person? Are you falling off a cliff with nothing available to hold onto? Do you feel puzzled because your dreams are full of tornadoes and earthquakes? Are you frustrated enough to ignore them or pretend they have no important meaning? If you’ve experienced these types of dreams there’s no need to be perplexed or frustrated. Most of your dreams are hidden mysteries that have divinely inspired origins that contain valuable lessons.

There is meaning and purpose to the nighttime messages you receive. The God who created you wants to encourage, guide, warn and draw you closer to him. Historically the Creator spoke metaphorically in parables that were meant for those who understood the meanings of the symbols used in the parable. Over the many centuries that principle hasn’t changed. The Lord speaks to us in the same manner today just as he taught and spoke in ancient times.

Your dreams are important and have significant meaning that will help you reach the destiny that was planned for you. Dreams are important. Tell me your dream…I’ll tell you what it means!

“Let There be Light”

Sensing the power and presence of God that surrounds us, and lives within us, is unspeakable and almost incomprehensible. Endeavoring to put into words this reality is an action that seems impossible to verbalize. Dreams are often messages from the Creator that takes us into a realm of spiritual understanding helping us to identify who He is, who we are, and at the same time revealing the unfathomable love he has for us as He invades our lives in the silence of the night.

It is during these special times when the Holy Spirit joins with our spirit that His light is able to burst forth to conquer our personal fears bringing healing…coupled with the teaching us his truths, that opens the windows of heaven to divine intervention and communication with the one and only God, the Creator of the universe. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Oh! How true. In one message of the night we can learn more about ourselves than we could ever imagine.

As colors burst forth in our dreams with His brilliant light, they become vibrant, full of meanings that enlighten our minds and emotions resulting in an infusion of divine wisdom and guidance. These revelations catapult us into another dimension, a spiritual realm, that is unimaginable…messages that can bring us closer to God‘s spiritual purpose for our lives. In order to truly represent God we must first know Him and know that he uses our dreams to reveal who he is, who we are, and what is our spiritual destiny.

The maker of the universe, the all-powerful loving God, who has created us in his image, flows through our hearts and minds in the nighttime hours. He speaks directly through our dreams. He forms a collage of pictures, a tapestry of images, infused with divine light, offering love and intimacy that instills hope, purpose and destiny.

Pastor Mary Ann Kotch DreamLab7 © 2016

Divine Connection

When was the last time you sat quietly and contemplated who you are, where you are or where you want to be? Or do you know where God wants you to be? Have you been limiting the Creator or as some refer as “boxing Him in?” Perhaps you’ve wandered from the spiritual path God originally planned for you. How do you see yourself? How does God see you? Is there a connection between the two? What are your deep heartfelt desires? Are they on the same wave length as the Lords purpose for your life? There are many questions. It may be time to begin climbing that spiritual mountain again….a time to begin reaching for that illusive pinnacle that will bring you closer to your divine destiny.

Your dreams can be one of the keys that will help unlock the door to spiritual enlightenment, direction and answers, that you’ve been searching for. Divinely inspired guidance and direction will be manifest, step-by-step, as you flow with the Spirit and carefully journal all details of your dreams.

God will also add confirmations and enlightenment in your everyday life through nature and intuition. He will speak to you through others, through His Word. He will especially use your spiritual senses.

Our God is a big God. He has given you a life that carries with it magnificent boundless designs of uniqueness. You are special…one of a kind. Look for more, reach higher. Don’t limit yourself or the Creator whose ultimate desire is to draw you closer to discovering your divine destine especially through your dreams.

I challenge you to discover, or rediscover, your talents, abilities and giftedness. By doing so you will walk in the confidence of knowing the path you travel is one that produces only good fruit.

Life’s Carousel

Life is like a carousel that goes round and round. Sometimes it’s a peaceful ride flowing with the rhythmic music while at other times it’s a bum-pity-bump-bump ride. During those bumpy and difficult times you begin asking serious questions. Why am I feeling so overwhelmed? Why me Lord? Why is it always such a struggle? How am I going to pay the rent or how in heavens name am I going to buy food for my family or pay that over-due electric bill? How do we handle those times that cause worry and concern, sickness, heartaches, betrayals or even family problems that seem to be never ending? On the other hand when things are going “good” it’s easy to rest in the goodness and happiness of following God. Life in the spirit can be most pleasant and comfortable…the carousel music of life soothing and even exciting.

In trying times, it may be a struggle to continue to reach for the golden ring. You wonder….whatever happened to the white horse and comforting music in life’s carousel. The fact of the matter is, the golden ring, white horse and comforting music are still there. They’ve always been there…their presence obscured by clouds of doubt, lack of trust and negative attitudes. God in his graciousness and love has blessed you with many things to be grateful for. During times of uncertainty you must release those burdens and allow the Creator to carry them. His shoulders are broader and stronger and are equipped to carry any load. Cast your cares upon Him. He cares for you and he’s already paid the price.

As you overcome the slow sometimes moaning groans of the bum-pity-bump-bump moments of life’s carousel ride the promises of you’re a loving Father will once again quicken your spirit. The memories of those special moments and pleasures of life that you once discovered are still there, perhaps clouded over, but never lost. Why? Because God is so good. His love is everlasting and He is right there to help you back onto the white horse reaching for the golden ring once again.

Detailing

How important are details? I recently read an advertisement in our local newspaper that featured information about auto detailing specials. The add covered a variety of packages, their cost and what’s included. The most extreme package included everything from one end of the car to the other, top to bottom, everything one could think of or desire for improving the appearance of a car: wash, wax, buff, tires, wheels, carpets, shampooed and vacuumed, dashboards, doors, etc, etc, etc. I know without doubt that many, especially men, are very diligent in keeping their cars in showroom condition. Details are just as important to women. For example dressing for a special occasion means the purchase of a special colored dress…the necessary accessories of new shoes, jewelry, purse and a trip to the salon for that complimentary hairdo to complete the list of details.

Dreams, visions and supernatural experiences should take center stage when it comes to details if we are truly interested in our spiritual destiny and God’s perfect will for our lives. Details are a significant part of discovering who God is and what His purpose is for your life. Refocusing your attention on the question of “why” will enhance your spiritual experience and point you in the direction of discovering your spiritual destiny.

Most dreamers realize that dream elements or details in a dream message are central in reaching an accurate interpretation. Details incorporated in a vision are of great importance that can result in a deep and meaningful interpretation. Do you pay attention to the details? Do you ask questions? God is ever so willing to answer. His desire is not simply to correct us or warn us of danger but rather to teach us about his kingdom enabling us to experience part of the unseen supernatural realm.

Recently, during a special prayer time with Father God I had a great sense of angels, not just a few, but many. Their presence was unmistakable. The room was full of these awesome spiritual beings. As I sat wondering and soaking in the wonderful feelings and light the angels were emitting, I was reminded that it’s okay to ask questions. What is the color of their clothing? Why are they here? What are their names? Are they from God? What is their purpose and what is the message God has sent with them for you? Conversing with angels is a normal part of the supernatural experience. It is as simple as paying attention to the details.

Details are a significant part of a spiritual experience. It is more important than experiencing the details of everyday life. Although detailing plays a big part in the natural realm it is central to spiritual growth and will increase your spiritual experiences which will, without a doubt, bring you closer to your spiritual destiny.

Dream Interpretation vs Translation

Interpretation means to explain or give a conception of a dream. It is not re-wording the dream. Translation means to change from one language to another while retaining the original meaning.

The definitions of these two words are closely related. However, when interpreting dreams, we’re searching for God’s hidden message to the dreamer. This is totally different than translating the language of the dream by retaining the original meaning of the elements. In a sense translating could be taking the message of the dream more literally than it is intended to be rather than discovering the true spiritual message.

The interpretation of symbols in a dream should be revelatory in conjunction with the entire context of the dream. Example: If a dream contains an apple, merely changing the term apple to a fruit is translating and not interpreting. Seeking revelation as to what God is saying to a dreamer by using an “apple” as an element in a message of the night could be speaking of health, peace or perhaps beauty…all positive. Negatively an “apple” could represent sin or temptation. In comparison an “apple” in a dream that is translated an “apple” may simply be referred to as a fruit.

Other examples: “Horse” positively means spiritual power, authority, support or swiftness. Negatively a “horse” represents fleshly power or warfare. The word “horse” could also be used as a pun in a dream such as, out of the horse’s mouth or horse-sense. The translation of a “horse” would simply mean a large four legged animal used for sport, a pet or work horse. The color may be important. “House” positively speaking would represent different levels of the dreamer life or personality or a church or community organization. Negatively a “house would be the symbol of old ways or the past. The color and style may be important. Translation of a “house” would simply be a building or where someone lives…a building occupied by a family. As usual all symbols are defined by the total context of the dream. All definitions are not all inclusive.

Dream Issues

Dreamers do experience a variety of issues that are often involved in their dream life. It takes patience, and at times, persistence to overcome the temptation of discouragement. We have all experienced those crazy dreams jam-packed with so many details that we may feel like throwing in the towel. One prevalent is issue is; “I don’t remember my dreams.” Perhaps you’ve been inundated with nightmares and dark dreams or an occasional sleepless night. Whatever the situation here are some suggestions that I have practiced and believe they will help you. Keep in mind we have a good God who has a deep desire to communicate with you. Write these suggestions down and repeat them out loud each night before going to sleep.

I believe God has a purpose for my life and he will direct me in my nighttime dreams
My dreams will help me to understand my spiritual destiny
I give God complete providential control of my sleep
I will sleep in peace and remember my dreams; this is the will of my Creator for me
I value my dreams. I will wake up and journal the dreams I have

Continue this brief practice for a few weeks and you will surely experience a positive change in your dream life. Prov. 25:2 reads: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

One final note: There are on occasions dreams that we don’t remember for a reason. They’re termed “sealed dreams.” We can be reassured that because God’s timing is perfect, he will in time reveal the purpose and meaning of the dream if necessary. He is ever faithful.

Basic Dream Interpretation

Interpreting a dream is looking and sifting through the many symbols, as clues, much like piecing together a board puzzle. Every dream that is divinely inspired has a purpose. Each dream carries within it's content the dream focus. 95% of the time the focal point is usually about the dreamer. When the dreamer is the focus it is termed an intrinsic dream because the Creator is communicating the “dream” for a specific purpose. The purpose can center on teaching, guidance, correction, warning, revelation, inspiration and encouragement. There are occasions when a dream may be prophetic i.e. forecasting something yet to come.

In another situation the dreamer can be downloaded with a word of knowledge i.e. something about a person or issue in their life that, in the natural, he would have no way of knowing. One of the major types of dreams is revelation dreams. This type is indicative to begin praying for others. Any one of these types can bring about significant change encompassing spiritual growth and maturity for the dreamer.

To be sure dreams are basically symbolic. However there are occasions when a dream can be literal. When interpreting any symbol it is strongly suggested that referencing Webster’s dictionary should be a last resort in your search for the meaning of a symbol. Scriptural interpretation of any symbol, including numbers should be the priority knowing it carries great weight in any divinely inspired dream.

Cars, Dogs, Cats, Colors—Symbolism

I have often been asked questions regarding dreams. Among the most popular is: “Why do I dream about riding in a car so often?” Or “Why do I dream about dogs or cats?” There are no set-in-stone answers. Nevertheless the following explanations will hopefully help clarify these perplexing issues.

There are important points that should be observed about the dream. For example: Is the car your car or does the car belong to someone else? What color is the car? Are you driving the car? Is the road bumpy or smooth, long, winding or narrow? These are important factors to be considered in order to properly interpret the message God is communicating to the dreamer. We can fall into the trap of focusing on the object or element that is prevalent in the dream instead of addressing the fact that God is likely speaking to the dreamer with a message of importance. The dreamer, and not the car, is the real focus of the dream.

Dreams of dogs or cats can represent a variety of situations that would depend on the entire context of the dream. What color is the animal? What is the breed? Is the animal strange to the dreamer? Is it a family pet? Is the dog growling? Is the cat purring? Has the dreamer experienced loyalty and kindness or had a negative experience with the animal? A cat generally refers to an independent spirit while a dog usually refers to loyalty and friendship though this is not always the case. This is an example of where and why the gift of interpretation plays a large part.

We know that cars, dogs or cats are not specifically mentioned in the Bible and so we must depend on the actual meaning of the type of animal and what the animal means to the dreamer. However keep in mind this guideline: we interpret dreams as spiritual messages from God. Because of that we do not interpret the symbols of an animal using secular psychology. That arena of dream interpretation supposes animals are part of the dreamer’s characteristic or personality.

Another popular question is “Why do I dream about a particular color so often? Basically colors are identified according the Hebraic or biblical meaning although they can sometimes have cultural or personal meaning to the dreamer. If this is the case discernment is critical in keeping with the entire context of the dream. For example if a person experiences dreams with the color blue dominating most aspects it is possible God is using the color blue to communicate an important message to the dreamer…a message that may deal with revelatory gifting. These examples can apply to most any element or symbol that God uses in messages of the night.

One of the main purposes of dreams is to stir up the dreamer’s interest as to what God is saying. It may well be a message quite different than what the dreamer was feeling or assuming.

Proverbs 25:2 says: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; but the glory of kings is to search out the matter.” Dream interpretation then has two-fold criteria: it is a gift of God and is a learned skill that also involves experience. Therefore it would be wise for the student of dream interpretation to seek the gift, study how to advance the skill and gain experience. It takes time. Be patient.

Clutter Clearing

While I sat pondering the New Year and what lies ahead I smiled, and as a matter of fact, I laughed at myself. I have always been a ruminator. Being snowed in recently gave me a lot to think about as I watched our driveway being plowed of an 8-inch accumulation. Observing the process I could not deny the thoughts I was entertaining.

As the truck made repeated passes to remove the snow so that we could have access to our car my metaphorical thinking was identifying the snow removal as a message from God. It was simply this; a New Year is just beginning and if we choose to move forward in the life and purpose the Creator has planned for us, it seems there may be a lot of clutter we should get rid of to make way for the assignments God has for us…works and opportunities that will bring us closer to Him…and knowing His ways. In order to give the Lord free reign and access to our life we need to prepare the way.

His way is the only way that will clear a path to our spiritual destiny. When the clutter and distractions are removed the way is made clear for a smoother road and the journey will become so much easier. A smooth road makes way for many wonderful adventures. Adventures that will not only glorify the Creator but bring peace and happiness into our life, a life of love that will easily flow into the lives of others.

As we reach out to others there will be increase in our life that is unimaginable. A smooth clear path will make way for our spiritual senses to magnify how keenly we hear and see into the supernatural realm.

With the promise of more of His power and presence, it’s worth clearing away the metaphorical snow to make room for more of God and what He has planned for us.

Go for it! Prepare the way and watch what happens.

Grace

True fulfilling grace causes us to desire and hunger for more of God and his holiness. Grace is a free gift from the Father. Its purpose is to give us the strength and the ability to accomplish and fulfill our life purpose in order to reach our divine destiny. Grace isn’t a mystery but it can be presumptuously used as a wild card in conjunction with a continued life of sin. It’s receiving the gift of salvation yet one continues to walk in the ways of the world participating in the activities of the old man.

German evangelist and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer referred to it as “cheap grace.” He said “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession...Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate in our life.”

It is only through the Savior’s mercy that we receive the insight and power needed to rise above temptation. It’s God’s grace that draws us closer and closer to becoming more like him. It’s through repentance, forgiving and receiving forgiveness that brings us into a relationship that opens wide the door to our spiritual destiny.

Each individual gift of favor, grace and mercy is drawn together by the silver thread of Father God’s never-ending unconditional love for us. It is this favor that enables us to receive the marvelous free gift of grace that became available through the shed blood of Jesus.

Pastor Mary Ann Kotch DreamLab7 (C) (2015)

Symbols vs. Content

Because Dreams Matter its Important to Connect all the Dots

Our dreams are messages that need interpretation and skill. They are often-times believed to be literal when in actuality they are symbolic. Although some dreams are short and contain one or two symbols, such as an animals or numbers, other dreams can be overflowing with many people or objects that
mean something completely different than their literal meanings.

I have over the past few months been contacted by dreamers who focus solely on what may very well be an important part of the dream yet they could be missing something important by not incorporating the entire context of the message. The practice of focusing attention primarily on what elements or symbols represent can be very misleading thus preventing the dreamer from receiving significant insight, enlightenment and purpose of the communication. Focus on the entire dream and not just on one or two symbols that initially catch your eye.

Dreams matter. They are significant. They contain value. They’re not simply the process of an
over-active psyche. Your Creator is communicating with you. The basic essentials are the following: Pay close attention to the entire dream. Ask questions.

1.   Where does the dream take place?
2.   Who is in the dream?
3.   Is the dream in color?
4.   Where there any animals or numbers present?
5.   What was important to you in the dream?
6.   How did you feel during the dream?

These guidelines should give you a good start. Prioritize in seeking what is most important.
Ask questions and you will get answers. Happy dreaming and insightful interpreting.

A Challenging Purpose

Each of us is made in the image and likeness of the Creator. Yet in that likeness we are different and unique. We have been created to fulfill the spiritual destiny that has been planned from the beginning of time. One of the ways we are made aware of knowing that destiny is by recognizing God’s messages downloaded to us in our nighttime dreams. It’s one of his ways of communicating with his “kids.”

Our dreams are not magical. They are not meant to be roadmaps for the sole purpose of revealing a step-by-step guide for us to float off into the Land of Oz or to find the “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow. They are authentic messages detailing instructions to help enhance our life. Dreams quite often can seem odd, weird and even crazy. Nevertheless each dream is a message from the Creator that can encourage, correct, guide, and perhaps even warn. Whatever the purpose of a dream, DreamLab7 believes it will always have the thumb print of God’s love.

The foremost reason to pay attention to our dreams is to help us respond to God’s calling which is to develop a deeper relationship with Him which results in advancing to a higher spiritual level. In doing so we become more of what he intended us to become. It’s a process of learning his ways while conquering our own fleshly desires. That’s the challenge of dreams.

Dreams and visions help strengthen our spirits to rule over our souls. This is an essential step in beginning to understand the supernatural realm. They help us recognize the mountain we must climb to receive clear enlightenment into our destiny. Dreams therefore, have a challenging purpose. They can be prophetic which simply means the dreamer is being shown something that will soon come to pass. It’s usually an invitation to pray.

Dreams are a never-ending personal download of information needing our full attention. The door to the challenge is open. Dreamlab7 encourages you to step through that open door.

Metaphorically Speaking

Metaphor: A figure of speech where one thing is spoken as if it were another.

Symbol: An object used to represent something else by association, resemblance, and an object that represents something else such as a dove representing peace…a likeness, image or picture.

The definitions will aid in understanding the biblical background and purpose of the following message. From the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation God has spoken to us metaphorically in words and pictures. The Gospel parables alone overflow with symbolic meanings. They are short stories teaching us the importance of morality. The value of symbols such as animals, colors, numbers and others are symbols not limited or exclusive to dream interpretation yet they hold significant messages that extend beyond our dreams.

Metaphors in everyday life can hold messages of direction, encouragement, perhaps correction or warnings that can eventually lead to spiritual growth and blessing from God. In Proverbs 25:2 we read: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; it is the glory of kings to search out a matter.” This scripture teaches us a great deal about God’s ways. He conceals things because he wants us to search out the hidden meanings of treasures that lie beneath the surface. In Numbers 21:7-9 we read the metaphorical account of Moses and the fiery serpent…“ The people came to Moses and said; “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.”

In this example we’re made aware of the life-giving power of the bronze snake which anticipates the sacrificial death of Jesus who was lifted up on the cross to bring life to all who believe. This illustrates God’s ultimate power and is an example of healing in connection to the healing that is ours through the Cross. Modern medicine has adopted this serpent icon as representing healing. Other serpent references are recorded in Exodus 7:9-12 and Acts 28:5. In Gen 3:1 the serpent represents that which is evil and harmful.

God’s manner of speaking to us has not changed. His words in Numbers 12:6-8 makes very clear that He speaks in varied ways; to one person one way, to another, a different way. He said, “Listen to my words: “When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in my entire house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

My encouragement then is to begin recognizing that God speaks to us today just as he did during biblical times. His example seriously prompts us to focus our attention to the subtleties that are part of our everyday activity. I believe humility is involved in allowing God to change our way of thinking, listening and observing.

With the end-times upon us it is of paramount importance to recognize and understand the many ways God speaks to us. It may be in the form of parables, television, animals, colors, movies, books, and yes, even people. Whatever the manner, God will speak to us. Our job is to be alert and discerning. Teach us your ways, Oh Lord!

Blessings

One of the most powerful blessing prayers in the bible is found in Numbers 6:24-26. It occurred when the Lord spoke to Moses directing him in the way he was to bless the children of Israel. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and give you peace; The Lord lift up His countenance to you and give you peace.” NKJ

Some time ago the Holy Spirit revealed to me the importance of blessing others. That became obvious to me after overhearing a conversation that involved one person being blessed by another. The person being blessed didn’t see its importance. Nevertheless, with the Holy Spirit residing within us we have the authority and the duty to bless those around us and whoever we may come in contact with.

A blessing is usually much more than the saying of words. It implies divine love and peace, (nothing missing, nothing broken) spoken over you or an individual or a particular situation. It covers one with the presence, protection, favor, grace and provision of Jesus along with divine perfection.

Because I know that each person I encounter is one of God’s treasures I have made it a personal practice to bless everyone I come in contact with. The next time someone blesses you keep in mind the faith and all powerful love that is being spoken over you.

Blessings in abundance to all of my friends and DreamLab7, partners and friends.

WARNING:

This Dream Can be Hazardous to Your Health

Warnings are to be respected. Driving through a red light and getting caught usually results in consequences. Driving 65 in a 45 mile an hour zone and getting pulled over carries consequences. A warning of severe reactions to certain drugs is cause to defer to caution. Warnings are real. They protect against physical or emotional problems. Warnings aren’t only relegated to human aspects of life. Spiritual warnings carry equal, and at times, more ominous consequences if not heeded. These forewarnings usually, though not always, occur in dreams of the night. So the question remains: “Does God warn people in dreams about circumstances they’re about to face?” Absolutely! There is biblical proof.

We read in the book of Job, Chapter 33:14-18 the account of Elihu, addressing Job speaks of God using dreams to warn man from doing things that can prove harmful. “For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, (and) then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction in order to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride to preserve his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword.”

For the person who places little stock in the meanings of dreams any further explanation will not suffice. But for a person sensitive to the possibility that God is speaking dreams mean something and must be addressed.

Quite often we ignore the warnings in our dreams at our own expense. But if we’re open to the possibility that God does indeed speak to us in many ways, we can avoid calamity, mishap or better still, miss a major life blessing.

Warnings, whether of a social nature, or spiritual, it is to our advantage to remain sensitive to the voice of our Creator. The prophet Joel said there would come a day when old men would dream dreams and young men see visions. (Joel 2:28) The prophecy remains true to this day.

Up the Creek without a Paddle

I’m most likely aging myself with this one. But I am certain we have all been there. Struggling to make something work out that seems impossible or trying to balance the budget by squeezing that proverbial penny out of the stone. Maybe it’s a personal issue that leaves you feeling that in climbing that mountain you will never get to the top. Are you doing everything you can for that strong willed child while the rebellion seems to become more and more intense, growing more and more out of control? Do you at times feel like pulling your hair out and screaming? Perhaps you are struggling with health issues, wondering why me Lord. My favorite is telling myself I’m going to run away from home. I wonder if that would truly make a difference. SMILE!

Well human feelings are part and parcel of which we are even though opposing or negative circumstances or issues, especially those that are personal, bring out the worst in us. However, the love, character and integrity that fill our hearts will be displayed strongly when any opposition rears its ugly head in our life. All of these challenges or tests have the power to build us up or drag us down.

The key is taking hold or grasping the fact that we are the one who is going to have to change. Attitude, perspective and demeanor are all ingredients in the change and transformation period that we must go through if we are going to grow into who God wants us to become. (Teach me your ways Lord an while you’re doing that cause my spirit to be strengthened to rule over my soul.) Gratefulness and thankfulness will play a major part in changing anything and everything that is preventing us from becoming what we are truly called to be. This can only be understood and begun by discovering the secrets of the Kingdom and believing that the Creator has made you in His image, that you are special to Him and this wonderful God has a plan and purpose for your life that is set apart…different than any plan He has for any other person.

You are not up the creek without a paddle He is your boat and paddle. You don’t have to run away from home to find peace, He is your peace. He will give you the divine wisdom you need to love that unruly child. He will provide for all your needs. He will climb the mountain with you. Just let Him in and give Him control. With Your loving Father by your side you can overcome and be victorious over any opposition or obstacle that rears its ugly head.

DreamsETC blog

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You can learn more about authentic, scripture-based dream interpretation on my web site, dreamlab7.com. I also conduct internet classes, private conference calls for specific dream interpretations, spiritual direction and healing. Be blessed.

Rev. Mary Ann

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