The Divinity Code To Understand Your Dreams And Visions Part 7

When Abraham was about to sacrifice his own son in obedience to G.o.d, G.o.d caught his attention by repeating his name (see Gen. 22:11). Abraham was so intent on obedience that G.o.d had to repeat his name to break that focus and prevent the sacrifice. Likewise today, G.o.d will break a wrong or intense focus and also impart urgency through a repeated dream.

G.o.d, in His grace, many times gives unbelievers repeat dreams concerning their eternal spiritual welfare. Dreams of people falling, was.h.i.+ng, toileting, flying in fear, or of dark figures around the bed are strong calls for people to get things right with G.o.d so that their spiritual person has an eternal future in G.o.d's presence.

Feelings The feelings of the dreamer are indicative of much of the meaning conveyed in the scenes of a dream. Even when the visual elements of two dreams are the same, the feelings of the dreamers may be vastly different. It is therefore important, where possible, to describe the feelings a.s.sociated with a given situation. Anger, fear, confidence, or anxiety in a particular scene conveys just as much meaning as the visual images.

For example, flying in a dream can be either an exhilarating or terrifying experience. Both scenes describe life in the Spirit. The one accompanied with exhilaration will generally convey moving in the gifts or flowing with the Spirit of G.o.d. The scene that is enjoined with fear says something is not right spiritually and carries with it a warning of danger.

Gender When we see someone in a dream as a male or female, it is no a.s.surance that they portray someone of that gender in real life. In many aspects of heavenly thinking, both male and female are related as humankind. Speaking to wives, Peter says, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of G.o.d of great price (1 Peter 3:1-4 KJV).

Peter, in addressing wives, speaks of them adorning the "hidden man of the heart. " This non-gender aspect is also evidence that both male and female are included in Scriptures that talk about the man of the flesh. Paul to the Romans states, Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin (Romans 6:6).

It should be obvious that both male and female are included in this address to live as dead to sin. For this reason, an old man in a female's dream can represent her "man of the flesh," that is, that aspect of her that is opposed to the Spirit.

Finally, it should be noted that the man of Macedonia who appeared to Paul in a vision of the night beckoning him to come to Europe (see Acts 16:9-10) turned out to be a woman (see Acts 16:13-15).

Alternatively, it is also worth noting that a woman in a dream may also be representative of the Church (see Eph. 5:25). Often she (the Church) may be portrayed as a person's mother, sister, or even a young girl, because these may represent aspects of her (the Church) spiritually.

Names The names of places and people in dreams are very significant. Sometimes the people in dreams represent themselves, and at other times, the meaning of names is a major key to dream interpretation. Or the presence of someone you know in a dream may instead point to their chief characteristic or what they represent to you. Once again, the key is to look at the dream as a whole before a.s.suming that the dream literally refers to that person or the meaning of their name. However, when it comes to name meanings, the dream with Mel Gibson, earlier in this chapter, is a fair example of how a name meaning a.s.sists in opening up a dream for interpretation.

People in dreams may represent: a Themselves a Their character a Their position, role, or what they represent to the dreamer a The organization or church they represent a The meaning of their names.

The name dictionary included in this book provides more than a 1,200 meanings for common place and people names. However, if you antic.i.p.ate doing a lot of dream interpretation, you may consider investing further by purchasing a comprehensive book of name meanings. I chose the one I use because it was relatively economical and provides more than 50,000 name meanings.

Search engines on the Internet are also a good resource for further name definitions, but be aware that many baby-name internet sites have links to gambling and p.o.r.nography. Due to variations in the agreed etymological roots of a name, it is a good idea to look at a couple of sources before accepting a name meaning as final.

Numbers Numbers always provide something of significance to a dream interpretation. The implication of numbers in a dream is best shown through an example. The following dream is particularly rich in numerical significance, In my dream I had someone whom I loved a great deal, but I hardly ever saw him. We both had a set of numbers, and the numbers were a matching set. My numbers were six, seven, eight, and his were something that went with them, but I can't remember them. So what I was going to do was to post or display my numbers so that he would see them when he went a certain way. I was going to put them up at the corner of Reservoir Road and Smart Road at the roundabout.

This dream relates to a relations.h.i.+p between husband and wife. A husband and wife are to complement one another. It appears that this couple does not spend enough time together. It also appears that G.o.d is communicating to the husband through this dream. The wife's numbers are six, seven, and eight. These particular numbers in this order are a good combination for they say that she is progressing spiritually. They say that she was in the flesh (six), is moving to Divine perfection (seven), and is ready for a new beginning (eight) spiritually. What they spell out is a code for the husband to decipher.

It is possible that the husband's numbers are four, three and two which would be the complementary numbers to complete the order or round to ten. This combination, in this context, would mean that he now has rule (four) and will experience resurrection (three) through her unity (two) in the home. The corner of Reservoir and Smart roads is also significant because it says shortly (corner) she will get to the wisdom (smart) of G.o.d (reservoir) and turn around (roundabout).

This is an absolute gem of a dream. Not only does it beautifully relate the use of numbers in a dream, but also ingeniously employs road names as well.

The metaphor dictionary also shows that a number may equate with its face value. For example, a three in a dream may mean exactly that. As you look at the interpretation of individual elements, be sensitive to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit while you consider which interpretation for a number is the correct one. When you have the right interpretation, there will be an inner knowing or confirmatory "witness," and the message of the dream as a whole will be made apparent.

Local, National, and Cultural Idiosyncrasies The dictionary of metaphors in this book is based on a generally white and Western outlook. At times this will not be able to convey local community knowledge or the cultural perspective of a given situation.

For example, I was talking to Adam (my co-author) one day when he instantly received a vision of a bunch of bananas being cut in half while they were being held in someone's hand. That may not mean much to you unless you knew that at that time the northern parts of Australia (the country in which we both live) had experienced a cyclone which decimated the banana growing regions. This meant that bananas now sold for up to $15.00 a kilogram, which is very expensive in our part of the country. Therefore, the vision said that something of value is going to be cut in a certain ministry situation relating to me.

When you find something not mentioned in the dictionary, or a listing that does not convey your understanding of a subject, look up any relevant Bible verses relating to that subject and also write down the alternatives of what that person, place, or thing means to you and see which interpretation best fits the overall message conveyed in the dream.

At times Adam and I have had to go to sleep not knowing a particular element within a dream only to have the Holy Spirit give us understanding in the night. For this reason, I keep a notepad next to my bed. If you get a deposit of gold given to you in the night, make sure you write it down straightaway because, chances are, you will not remember it in the morning.

Also realize that at times G.o.d will stretch your spiritual understanding through the dreams He gives you. You will not always get an instant interpretation. In fact, you may have to wait days, weeks, or months before you fully understand what it was He was saying, but when the fulfillment comes, you can be sure your faith will be lifted.

Practical Advice If you are going to take dreams and their interpretation seriously, then I recommend that you establish a dream log. Mine is simply an exercise book in which I write and date the dream. Depending on the size of the dream, I leave room either underneath the dream or on the opposite page for its interpretation.

I also keep a notepad (8" x 5") by my bed. I used to use a smaller one, but this larger size allows me to write in the dark and not disturb my wife by putting the light on, and at the same time gives me room to be a bit messy in my writing without continually running off the page. I usually only write a few salient points in the dark, just enough to refresh my memory for when I am fully awake. If you choose to follow this technique, make sure that you test your pen before putting the light out and laying your head on that pillow. I have learned this the hard way. There is nothing worse than waking to find that what you thought you wrote is not on the page because the pen wasn't working.

In the morning, I bullet-point the dream so that I maintain the correct order of events, and then, when I am happy I have extracted all the details, I write it up in the exercise book. In this way, I have a permanent record of what G.o.d has been speaking to me about over a period of time.

Reading through the dreams is a faith-building exercise as I am able to see the things G.o.d has completed or confirmed in the past and at the same time look to where He is directing me in the future. My dream log also provides me with things to pray about, and in praying through it, I can confidently bring Heaven to earth (see Matt. 6:10).

Summary: Chapter Nine.

a There is no formula for interpreting dreams. It is more about cultivating a relations.h.i.+p with the Holy Spirit. He is the author and interpreter of dreams.

a Understanding comes when a person is "under-standing" (or under the authority of) the Word of G.o.d. Therefore, interpretation is dependent on obedience.

a Use every opportunity to pray in tongues, particularly while traveling, as it is the vehicle for revelation, teaching, and prophecy.

a As the majority of dreams are metaphoric in nature, we should not disregard a dream because it contains "weird" or recently experienced events in our lives.

a Catastrophic dreams are most likely to convey a spiritual parallel.

a Dreams need to be interpreted in context. This refers not only to interpreting elements against other elements in the same dream; it also means knowing what is going on in the life of the dreamer.

a We need to take our time interpreting, particularly with long dreams, because: a We need to see the overall image G.o.d is conveying. Here we need to confirm our interpretation of the individual elements by ensuring the whole dream makes sense.

a Time is needed to see past the individual scenes to the overall message being conveyed.

a Wisdom is needed in knowing how to deliver the interpretation.

a Not all dreams relate a future scene. They may show past, present, future, or all three.

a Not all dreams need to be revealed to the parties concerned. At times, some dreams are just informing us how something looks spiritually or what is going on spiritually. At other times, they are a call to prayer.

a Repeat dreams are a sign of importance, confirmation, imminence, or urgency. They say we weren't listening the first time.

a Many times G.o.d, in His grace, repeats dreams to unbelievers concerning their eternal spiritual destinies. Falling, was.h.i.+ng, flying in fear, and dark figures around the bed are all calls to get right with G.o.d.

a Feelings can convey much of the meaning of a dream. Similar scenes can be vastly different in interpretation, dependent on the feelings experienced by the dreamer.

a Gender is not fixed in dreams. A woman may be representative of a man and vice versa. Very often the meaning of the names of people in a dream will a.s.sist in crossing this divide.

a Name meanings of people and places are very significant in dreams.

a People in dreams may represent: a Themselves a Their character a Their position, role, or what they represent to the dreamer a The organization or church they represent a The meaning of their names.

a Numbers always lend significant meaning to the interpretation of dreams and visions.

a There will be times when the Metaphor Dictionary does not provide a relevant local or national cultural understanding of a particular dream or vision element. If this new understanding for a particular element fits in the overall context of the dream or vision, then feel free to use it.

Chapter Ten.

Before Using the Dictionary.

By Adrian Beale and Adam F. Thompson.

Is Interpretation a Gift, or Is It Developed?

The Bible relates that some people are particularly gifted in the interpretation of dreams and visions. Daniel and Joseph are two such examples. Of Daniel, the Bible records, ". . . And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (Dan. 1:17). This is most definitely a G.o.d-given ability, but it is also a G.o.d-given ability in which a person can grow.

When Elijah was about to hand the baton over to Elisha on the last day of his earthly ministry, he told Elisha that he would receive his request for a double portion of the Spirit if he saw Elijah taken. The Bible records the incident like this, And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. " So he said, "You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so" (2 Kings 2:9-10).

The endowment of a double anointing was conditional on Elisha's ability to see in the spirit realm. Most will know the rest of the story. Elisha saw an angelic chariot come and take his master away (see 2 Kings 2:11, 6:16-17). As we read the Bible account, the whole scene seems to move so quickly that we easily miss the condition required for the fulfillment of Elisha's request. He had to be able to see in the spirit realm to be able to fulfill the call upon his life. Stop and think about that. The fact that this episode happens at the culmination of a progression that depicts the Christian path to maturitya"Gilgal>Bethel>Jericho>Jordan (see 2 Kings 2:1-6)a"is strongly suggestive that seeing in the Spirit is something in which we grow. However, Elijah also suggests that it is a divine endowment by the fact that he doesn't confirm or deny the impartation of the gift upon Elisha, but allows G.o.d to confirm its impartation by its operation.

The writer to the Hebrews confirms that we grow in spiritual sensitivity when he says, "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14). In short, this verse says that our spiritual senses are developed as they are exercised. Just as the would-be prophet, Samuel, initially did not recognize G.o.d's voice (see 1 Sam. 3:4-9), we likewise will develop our spirit senses by being attuned through frequency of practice. And just as in the case of Samuel, G.o.d initiates the call.

Is interpretation a gift, or is it developed? It is both! Having said that, our experience is that those with a prophetic calling are more spiritually inclined to see what a dream or vision is saying. However, those with a gifting in this area will only fully reach their potential if they are prepared to invest time in developing it.

How to Interpret: Joining the Dots How do you interpret dreams and visions? Well at one time, I helped my young daughter to color in a picture, but first we had to join the dots so that we could see what it was that we were actually looking at. This simple ill.u.s.tration is a powerful blueprint of how a dream is interpreted. Each metaphoric element in a dream is like a dot, like a peg, and once the Holy Spirit helps us to join them togethera"giving us the meaning behind each element of the dreama"it becomes a picture and a story that we are not likely to forget, a story that will be burned in our memory.

Start by prayerfully looking at each element of the dream. The metaphoric dictionary in this book has been designed to help you look at alternatives for each element of a dream. Remember that it is more about your relations.h.i.+p with G.o.d than a formula to be followed. It is the Holy Spirit who will witness with your heart about the suitability and correctness of each element of the dream, and it is the Holy Spirit who will piece them together.

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things. . . (1 John 2:27).

It is also the Holy Spirit who will bring to your remembrance any Scriptures that fit or depict the dream.

How do you know which interpretation for an element is the correct one? Again it is dependence on the Holy Spirit that is the key. Spirit thoughts often come "out of the blue," bypa.s.sing the natural thinking process. Often a Scripture will jump to mind. Look at the options presented in the metaphor dictionary, and as you do, consider the context of the dream. By that I mean, look at how the interpretation of one element affects other elements of the dream and the overall purpose of the dream. This method is particularly important when the metaphor dictionary presents many options for a given dream element. At other times, you will have an inner understanding of what is meant by a particular element within a dream or vision and then, when you look it up in the metaphor dictionary, you will get a confirmation as the elements paint a picture of what G.o.d is saying. At other times, thoughts will bubble up as you pray in the Spirit while looking over an outline of the dream.

The method used to interpret the "Hands on Throat Dream" (see page 27-28) spoken about earlier is also a vitally important one. This is particularly useful when the metaphor dictionary doesn't have an entry that seems to fit the context of the dream. In these situations, simply search the Bible for combinations of elements using a pocket Bible, PDA, on-line Bible, or Bible program on your computer.

At times the Bible will not contain the exact word that you may be looking for. In these situations, you will need to think laterally and conduct a search using related subjects. For example, the word steam does not appear in the Bible, but the words water and boil do. In these situations you will need to conduct your search whilst thinking beyond the confines of the key word.

Find the Subject of the Dream After you have some elements pegged, start looking for the subject of the dream. By subject I mean, what is the dream about? In our experience, at least 90 percent of dreams are about the dreamer. Dreams will address the concerns of your heart. They will also raise heart purification issues (sanctification). They will relate to questions for which you are looking for answers. They will focus on the big issues in your lifea"body health issues and family and relations.h.i.+p issuesa"as well as ministry or working environment matters. What are the issues weighing heavily on your heart? Your dreams will center on you and the people over which you have influence and also will show people and organizations that have influence over you. This means that if you are in ministry, your dreams will also address leaders.h.i.+p, congregational, denominational, and other related concerns.

The emotions felt during a dream are an excellent pointer to help identify the subject of the dream. Simply asking where you are experiencing the emotions portrayed in the dream will often pinpoint the subject. Likewise, the action symbolized in a dream is also a good indicator of a dream's subject. As you would with emotions, ask yourself where in your life you are experiencing actions similar to those symbolized in the dream. For example, if in a dream you are taking off a coat, ask yourself where you are giving up authority. If in a dream, you are in a bus queue, ask yourself in what part of your life are you waiting. And if in a dream you are pruning a tree, consider where in your life you are applying discipline.

What Is the Theme?

We must also remember that in every dream that G.o.d gives us to interpret, there will be a theme which will carry us to a purpose. All dreams and visions are a means to an end. Every dream sets forth a hope and a future produced by the interpretation, and it is moving by faith on that hope that bears fruit in people's lives. Without that, it is meaningless. G.o.d always speaks with purpose. As the interpretation comes to light, ask yourself what the purpose of the dream is. This is its theme. The purpose or theme of a dream may take the form of: a faith-building encouragement, the rea.s.surance of His love, an answer to a question, a secret revealed or a warning, His guidance or direction, a correction, a prophetic promise, or an invitation to salvation.

Dreams About Others Our experience has been that the more prophetic the calling on your life, the more likely you are to receive dreams and visions about others. It appears that for five-fold prophetic ministries (see Eph. 4:11), the greater the responsibility, the broader afield the prophet will dream. This means that as well as dreaming on a personal level, the prophet will dream on a congregational, city, national, and international level, dependent on that prophet's calling.

However, before presuming the dream is about others, be aware that many times G.o.d uses other people you know as symbols of whatever that person represents to you. Ask yourself how you see that person. What position does that person hold? What is that person's personality type and spiritual gift? Does that person represent a business or ministry? The "boss" may represent Jesus Christ. A person with a known ministry gift may represent a person in your life with a similar gifting, and a person you see as shy may speak of an area where you are not forthright enough. A dream with your brother or sister in it is just as likely to be an issue relating to a fellow believer (who is scripturally a "brother") as it is to actually relate to your family. Finally, consider the meaning of the name of the person in your dream before presuming the dream is actually about somebody else.

Having said that, dependent on your ministry role, G.o.d will give insights for counseling purposes into the spiritual well-being of others over whom you have responsibility or influence. For example, while working at a Christian rehabilitation program, I was given the following dreams about students.

In the first dream, Debra had stolen a s.h.i.+p. She had stealthily stolen away in the night to sail the s.h.i.+p solo. I was looking across the top of a line of trees expecting to see a sail. What I saw was a chimney and smoke above the tree-line. Someone said, "If she got to Boston Bay, they wouldn't be able to catch her." Talking the dream over with Debra, I found that she had been very tempted that particular week to leave the program because of family issues. The fact that the dream portrayed smoke and not a sail was indicating that she would be doing so under her "own steam" and without the unction of the Holy Spirit (see 1 John 2:20; John 3:8).

In another dream, I saw myself digging a burrow for Bobby the cat with my right arm. This dream suggests that in Bible teaching (my strength and calling) I was giving Bobby a place to hide. This insight enabled staff to address the student each time he used Scripture as a smoke screen to avoid dealing with his own heart issues. I could quite easily have missed the instruction of this dream because, two years earlier, my family had experienced the death of our cat whose name was Bobby.

Problems of Subjectivity It is often difficult to see what is being said immediately after a dream or vision because you are so close to it. It takes practice to be able to see the dream or vision objectively. You really have to see the initial imagery on another level. When you have difficulty doing this, write it down and come away from it. Seek the Lord in prayer, and as you do, He will drop fresh insights into your heart that will open up a new perspective from which to view the message. Getting someone else who is open to receive from G.o.d through dreams (and is also growing in the gift of interpretation) to view the dream or vision is also a good method of dealing with any problems of subjectivity. Your ability to hear the interpretation from G.o.d will improve with practice. Many times you will find yourself saying, "What could that possibly be about?" As you acknowledge your own inability, suddenly the Holy Spirit will drop a thought into your heart that will crack the code, and the whole thing will be revealed before your eyes.

Idols in Your Heart Here is a word of warning. It is very dangerous to come before G.o.d seeking an interpretation whilst holding a preconceived agenda in your heart. If you do this, the Bible declares that G.o.d will give you what you want to hear. G.o.d warns Israel of this very thing through Ezekiel by stating, . . .Everyone of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him who comes, according to the mult.i.tude of his idols (Ezekiel 14:4).

When coming before G.o.d for any form of guidance, we need to put our hearts into neutral before looking for an interpretation. That is not to say that we should blindly accept everything that someone puts forth as an interpretation of a dream or vision (see the section "Judge All Interpretations" later in this chapter). What it does say is that if we do hear the voice of G.o.d through an interpretation, then we need to be obedient to it. If we come prepared to hear only what we want to hear, then that is what we will hear, and that is dangerous.

Not a Forgone Conclusion!

Another vitally important point to remember is that when G.o.d gives a dream or vision, He does so with our best interests at heart. Dreams and visions often show potential outcomesa"either good or bada"but the outcome is not a fait accompli (a done deal). Without that understanding, we may become philosophical, fatalistic, or defeatist in our outlook, doing nothing to avoid a negative scenario. G.o.d may show a problem, risk, or hazard so that we may avert the danger. We can take steps to put things right before they go awry. When Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a tree cut down and someone treated as an animal, Daniel foresaw that G.o.d was warning Nebuchadnezzar to humble himself or be taken from the throne. It seems that Daniel did not believe it was an accomplished fact because he tried to prevent the dream's fulfillment by pleading with Nebuchadnezzar to change. He said, Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity (Daniel 4:27).

Daniel was giving Nebuchadnezzar the steps to avert the pending judgment of G.o.d. However, Nebuchadnezzar did not listen and was duly humbled in accordance with the dream (see Dan. 4:28-33). On the other hand, when Pharaoh dreamed of an imminent famine, he listened to Joseph's interpretation and advice, and the potential catastrophe was avoided (see Gen. 41:26-43).

We are also not to use a dream or vision interpretation as an excuse to do what we want to do contrary to the Word of G.o.d. For example, a dream about a potential h.o.m.os.e.xual relations.h.i.+p or a marriage breakdown is not justification for us to pursue these avenues of thought as our unalterable fate. No! These dreams are warnings about the state of our hearts so that we take steps to avoid these outcomes.

Judge All Interpretations The importance of judging what is said in the interpretation of a dream or vision cannot be overstated. In Chapter 1, we discovered that dreams and visions were two of the main methods used by G.o.d to speak to His prophets (see Num. 12:6-8). We have also seen that the receiving of dreams and visions and their consequent interpretation and declaration const.i.tutes prophetic ministry (in a limited sense).

In regard to prophetic ministry, Paul advised the Corinthian congregation to evaluate, or weigh up, what was said. He said, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge" (1 Cor. 14:29). When writing to the Thessalonian church, Paul also said, "Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess. 5:20-21).

Paul is saying that when someone is operating in the prophetic, there is need for evaluation or judgment of what is said. This takes into account that we deliver G.o.d's treasure through earthen vessels and also acknowledges that none of us has arrived yet. We are all in the process of growing in the things of the Spirit. As dreams, visions, and their interpretations equate to prophecy, they need to be judged and evaluated. When judging an interpretation, you might consider the following questions: a Is it in line with Scripture?

a If what is being said is corrective, is it free of condemnation?

a Does the prophecy provide a future and a hope?

a Is there an inner witness or conviction that what is being said is truth?

a Does the prophecy meet a heart need?

a Does what is being said line up with what G.o.d has been saying through other avenues of guidance?

A negative response to one of these would put what is being said in question. At the very least, it should cause us to put whatever is said "on the shelf" until confirmation is received. A negative response to two or more of these questions would seriously put the prophecy in doubt. At such times, it is best to come away from interpreting until a later date. Often, future revelation will shed light on questionable interpretations.

The Metaphor Dictionary.

The metaphor dictionary provides a comprehensive list of dream and vision metaphors. However, due to the creativity of G.o.d, the individuality of our personal makeup, and cultural differences, there will be occasions when an entry does not provide an accurate interpretation for a dream or vision element. On these occasions, you may know instinctively what is meant by an element in your dream, and if that is correct, there will be a fit with the rest of the interpretation. If you are unsure of the interpretation, you may need to research a subject, animal, or person to find what facet or characteristic of it G.o.d is communicating to you. This is very important when animals and birds are involved.

For example, if you see a particular breed of parrot in a dream and happen to know that this particular species has only one partner for life, it may be that aspect G.o.d is communicating to you rather than the metaphor dictionary listing of "gossip." Don't be afraid to research the characteristics of a particular species beyond what is listed here. If G.o.d has given you a dream, don't be lazy, He knows what resources are available to you. Also, don't overlook the simplest interpretation. A cat may simply represent curiosity, as in "curiosity killed the cat." A bull may simply portray heavy-handedness, as in "a bull in a china shop." Have fun decoding the messages G.o.d is giving you, and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

G.o.d bless, Adrian and Adam Summary: Chapter Ten a Dream and vision interpretation is a G.o.d-given gift, but it is a G.o.d-given gift in which a person can grow.

a Spiritual senses are developed as they are exercised.