Are Dreams From God? 

Dearly Beloved,

Are dreams from God? 

We know from the Bible that, yes, sometimes they are! On some very rare occasions, I have experienced God speaking to me through a dream. But dreams are not always like that.

Some people dream often, while others rarely ever remember one. Dreams can be a way for our mind and emotions to process things. And, I'm convinced, sometimes dreams are just random and obscure nighttime entertainment. I have dreams most nights, and often there is something absurd or hilarious that I end up chuckling about the next day.  

Last night* I had a dream, and to be honest, I'm not sure if it was 'from God' or perhaps it was just my own spirit dwelling on The Word. (*I'm writing this on Wednesday.)

While most aspects of the dream are faint and fuzzy, one thing was clear, repeated, and front of mind when I woke up. It was a scripture! In my Bible reading this morning, I gave it more thought. While this scripture speaks to me (the Bible always does!), I had the sense that this may actually be meant to encourage you (and yes, maybe very specifically some of you who may be going through something I have no idea about). I'm confident His Word is for each of us today.

You ready? 

In the dream was this scripture: 

"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful people, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." 
Hebrews 12.3

I am not sure how this verse speaks to you today, but here are a few potential applications that come to me for me: 

1. Pastor Clay's message this past Sunday. If you missed this concluding teaching from our series in Galatians, be sure to catch up here. Pastor Clay focused on Galatians 6.9 which says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Can you spot the similarities between Galatians 6.9 and Hebrews 12.3? How do they both speak to you? 
2. An encouragement to keep inviting friends to our Easter Services, even if some (or all!) are saying no or even opposing you. Laura and I have been inviting friends. It feels both a little awkward and also really exciting. I was driving around our community this morning and praying for the Comox Valley and for our Easter services. Several times today, I have been moved with the sense that 1) there will be people who decide to follow Jesus this Sunday! And, 2) there is an urgency. Time may be short for some, and we don't know it. There is an urgency for people in the Comox Valley to hear the gospel of Jesus. Let's keep inviting! 
3. Most importantly: Consider Him! As we approach this Easter weekend, it is all about Jesus. Good Friday is about remembering Him and His sacrifice, and Easter Sunday is about celebrating Him and His victory. 
   
   I find it fascinating that Hebrews 12.3 tells us to CONSIDER HIM. That means, spend time thinking about Him. Overthink about Jesus. As we give our focus to Jesus, as we recall His payment for sin, His demonstration of love, His triumph over death and the powers of darkness, we are strengthened.
   
   Could you set aside time to think about Jesus? Maybe you could journal a prayer to Him? Maybe you could spend time writing a list of His attributes or a list of 100 things He has provided to you. Or maybe you could watch "The Passion of the Christ" this weekend. Consider Him. 
   
   If you are going through any kind of difficulty, consider Him. 
   
   If you need courage to keep going, consider Him. 
   
   If you need hope, consider Him. 

I think a great way to begin considering Him is to actually read the two verses that appear before Hebrews 12.3. "Let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12.1-2

And now, verse 3: "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful people, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." 

Do you have another way Hebrews 12.3 speaks to you? Reply and let us know!

Consider Him. 

Pastor Mike