The search builds relationship! God often communicates with man in symbols and parallels. As Jesus spoke in parables, on one level, the natural mind could simply remember an interesting story; but the spirit of man could discern real-life truths within the story and act on them. Being stirred in spirit enough to search out and lay hold of the truth builds relationship with Truth, just as His disciples built relationship with Him as they sought Him out wanting to understand the truth. God still speaks through symbols and parallels whether in dreams or visions or parables, to lead to understanding - the intimate understanding and conversation of friends. Godly dreams display strategies, confirm plans and direction, and reveal overcoming truths. As we realize this, we realize how intricate and awesome our God is, and our understanding and love for Him grow in the search.

Dreams are a vivid example of how we communicate in sounds and pictures and senses. Just like reading words on a page, seeing the look on someone’s face or having a conversation, dreams can speak to us. Most people dream, just like most people have ears and the ability to hear sounds. But sometimes we do not pay attention to our dreams, just like we do not really hear the meaning of words that pass through our ears. For example, it is possible to have several people in the same room with a television on. Even though they have ears to hear, there is no guarantee that everyone will hear what is said. If they pay attention and understand the meaning of the words and the images on the screen, then they are hearing. So it is with dreams. I believe that in dreams we have an ear to hear; and if we will hear, God can and will speak to us. If we expect to hear from God in dreams, our faith ushers Him in.

Dreams can be rehearsals or telegrams . . . There is always a reason for dreaming, but not all dreams are to be researched or acted upon. Some dreams are mixed messages and only parts are of particular significance; but some are significant rehearsals or timely telegrams. Dreams are usually significant if they are: recurring or unforgettable or intensely detailed.

Dreams can deal with your concerns . . . My dad often dreams the solution to mechanical problems that his awake mind could not solve. Possibly the answer came in dreams because his awake mind was distracted by pressures and frustrations. Possibly his awake mind’s library of known facts had incomplete or wrong conclusions. Conclusions establish a boundary that says: "NO MORE THINKING BEYOND THIS LINE." This mental fence around an issue tells "awake logic" to explore no further, but dreams are not limited to "awake logic." Sometimes his dreams are gifts from the Lord, a Word of Knowledge or Word of Wisdom.

Dreams can deal with your feelings or stresses . . . I dreamed I was with a group of women on a trip to Hawaii. When we got to the hotel, I scurried to my room, which was away from where the others were staying. Then at supper, one of the ladies was introducing a friend she had run into. I felt insignificant remembering this to be the "awesomely anointed" friend she had mentioned so often. I woke up feeling gloomy in a sense of failure. The dream was a video of the insecure feelings that were in me and a warning that insecurities would isolate and hinder relationship and ministry if I left them unresolved. This dream came from a need in my own soul; but it was a revealing telegram letting me know God had made an appointment for confrontation. He allowed me to see so I would take it to Him for resolve and release.

Our feelings will try to convince us to ignore uncomfortable dreams, but truth does not bring condemnation. To see strongholds or failures or weakness in ourselves or others in dreams absolutely should not be a source of condemnation! They are not a source of blame but a battle strategy to bring victory. We must respond with our will to Truth and not allow emotions to undermine an appointed confrontation that leads to freedom!

Dreams can be assignments or telegrams from Hell . . . Dreams that torment, taunt, threaten, condemn, intimidate and blame without recourse reflect the character of their source. Turn the tables and view such dreams as spying out the enemy’s plans so that you can stand in the dominion God gave you and break hell’s assignments! Realize that the adversary’s aim is for you to consider every threat as a sure thing that’s coming. Remember he is a liar, always has been, always will be. He has no authority to complete such assignments, but he intends to use your authority. He intends to scare you so badly that your fear becomes his authority and legal access to his target. (Remember, fear is faith in reverse and allows the adversary in the back door.) Or, if he cannot scare you, then he will try to condemn you. If you believe you deserve his plans and you can do nothing to stop them, he gains access through that deception. Take authority over such to bring it down.

We have authority through the Anointed One that lives in us. We take authority through the Word. Proclaim the Truth and defeat the liar: No weapon formed against me shall prosper, (Isa 54:17). "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer 29:11-NIV) When hell’s assignments stir up Godly obedience instead of fear, and when hell’s graphic telegrams stir up authoritative intercession and proclamation rather than intimidation, we will rest confidently in the night hours!

Dreams can be rehearsals or telegrams from Heaven . . . to reveal or confirm direction, to impart wisdom, to stir creativity, to call to intercession, to call to repentance, to call to deliverance, to call to purpose and destiny, to reveal Truth and liberty.

Interpreting dreams . . . I write down significant dreams and date them (sometimes the date proves to be a confirmation.) Then I ask God to open up the meaning of a dream when I sit down with it. I wait before the Lord and I write down my thoughts as I read through a dream. Sometimes the thoughts seem piecemeal before they begin to fitly join in theme and purpose. Sometimes, the Lord opens things up as I search the scriptures or a dictionary or other reference works as He directs. Sometimes He drops a completely new thought or realization in my thinking. I keep a log of the various meanings of symbols as they open up to me. After working with a dream, I submit it to the dreamer. Interpretation is an act of faith, as is a prophetic word, as is praying for the sick, as is a Word of Knowledge, as is everything that is done in His name, (for whatsoever is not of faith is sin, Rom 14:23). If all or part of the interpretation brings a release of truth into the dreamer’s life, an ear to hear is being developed in us both!