I was asked if I believe in dreams and visions; if I believe near death experiences are real; if I truly believed in heaven; if heaven is for everyone regardless what they believe; if there simply is no heaven or hell. I was asked if I believe in supernatural things or events.
My Dad died several years ago. I got word they were going to take him off the breathing tube before I could get home to see him one last time. The night he was taken off life support, I had a dream, a dream which I dreamed for many, many months. I dreamed the exact dream, sometimes more than once a week; it was a dream about Dad. On numerous occasions, I felt a presence, a presence which felt physical and Dad always came to mind during that specific time. It was the same physical presence I felt when he was taken off life support. I told my immediate family about the dream and a couple other people. Someone told me they thought perhaps Dad was coming to me; that is was a special connection. I didn’t think I was hallucinating; I didn’t seek counseling; nor did I write a book.
Last summer I had a dream, it was so real it woke me up; it was so real, it scared me a bit; it was so real, I couldn’t go back to sleep. I told my family about the dream. I dreamed I was standing in my kitchen talking with Jesus. While it was significant to me, and fearful in a respectful way, I didn’t look at it as anything prophetic, nor did I call the media to report the event.
God spoke to Jacob (Gen. 28:10-17), and Joseph (Gen. 37:1-11, Gen. 40) in dreams, of which Joseph is noted for interpreting dreams. God used dreams in the Old and New Testament. One of the most famous dreams, rather a nightmare, was that of Pilate’s wife. Matthew 27:19 says: While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
God often used visions as well, but visions aren’t to be confused with dreams. That said, I believe God’s Word is complete, and don’t believe dreams and visions are used like they once were; although, I would never say God can not or does not communicate with individuals as He sees fit. In decision making, the first step we should always seek is what His Word says, rather than relying on the dream of the day.
I believe our hearts and minds are intertwined, which can easily result in dreams. I believe our hearts ache, and in turn, can result in dreams. Some dreams are more vivid than others, while others seem to happen for no reason at all-there doesn’t seem to be a connection. I do believe in miracles and I have faith. I believe some things happen which I can’t explain. I also believe our minds can play tricks on us. I trust, but also try to use discernment; I don’t believe everything I read and see, nor do I read into some events.
I do believe in Heaven. I do believe those who have followed Christ will spend eternity with Him. John 14:3
I do believe there’s a hell or final separation from Christ for those who don’t belong to Him. Luke 16:19-31
Here is an excellent review on the book, “Heaven Is For Real.” This book is based on a life event of a young boy who claims he died and saw heaven. The author, Tim Challies, encourages caution on this topic.
Earnestly,
Yours
Earnest Hearts 