Hi all:
I thought I'd share my testimony and 4 dreams, I have stupid dreams like everyone else, and usually remember none of them, these 4 (Actually I have had 6); were as if I were really there...
MY STORY:
I came from a violent home, (drugs, alcohol, gun shots, being chased with knives, people thrown through picture pane windows), in fact I was born three months early because my father kicked my mother in the stomach, I was born weighing two pounds nine ounces, this was DEC of 1956.
As early as 7yrs old, I was out on the streets till 3-4am, I was put in three orphanages... One night I remember, my father snuck into our house, he put a loaded pistol in my hand and told me too shoot my sisters and my mother, it was crazy. Through all of this, (which I wouldn't change), I came out a fairly normal kid, I was involved in sports and didn't do drugs, or drink. I thought I was a survivor, wanting only too make it through another day.
At age 16 (in 1974) I started too sense a need in my life, an emptiness that I couldn't explain. I knew I had too find God/Jesus, but who was HE? I had no idea where too find HIM, so I went to the local library to find books concerning world religions, God, and the occult. At the library I met an ex hippie (Gary Osborn) he saw my books and decided too share the message with me. Gary invited me to pray in the back of his V.W. so I did, I remember saying "God forgive me for my sins, and whatever you have for me I want it all".
Well at first nothing happened I expected, lightening or something. Gary said, "Just go home and praise God" I said, "What's that, mean" Gary said, "Just thank him" So I did just that.
The remaining is sacred to me, before I asked Jesus into my heart, I never heard voices, I never drank, and I never did drugs, but one week after meeting Jesus while in the middle of my last class (during high school) A voice, just as clear, as someone standing next too you, spoke, and as the voice spoke it said to me, "rod tell them about Jesus" I was surprised, but unafraid, I put my hand over my mouth, since I didn't want anyone too think I was talking too myself, I said (to whoever spoke too me) "I don't know what to say" the voice said "don't be afraid, I'll give you the words to say" To this day I don't remember my words, but I spoke too those kids about Jesus and salvation, their mouths just dropped open and then, class was over, I walked out of that room, feeling like I had never felt before.
The next day was Saturday; I slept in the living room on an old couch. When I woke it was early and I decided too turn on the TV, to watch my favorite cartoon, the roadrunner.
As I sat there watching the TV, I got up and looked outside, everything was so beautiful, (I never appreciated nature, I just wanted too make it thru another day). BUT now it was so pretty, I sat back down on the couch, and as I did I was somewhere else.
I was sitting at a long rough hewn table, to my right was God, the father, I couldn't see him, to my left was Satan, him I could see (he looked like a man only very big) then in front of me was Jesus, three bowls appear, filled with what looked like porridge. Now the father spoke and said Satan dismiss yourself, Satan stood and screamed, then vanished. Three bites were taken out of the bowl. Then all at once I was watching myself from a distance, walking with Jesus up a grassy pathway. Jesus was speaking to me but from a distance I couldn't hear him, I could see myself shaking my head (like I understand) then thru my eyes I saw the house where I had been sleeping.
I didn't know what had happened; I'd never experienced anything like that, but I knew two things, I had too find a pastor to talk too, and I KNEW GOD loved me and wanted something from me...my total surrender, my life totally under his control, every second, moment by moment, and I was consumed with this one desire, to live too PLEASE HIM. Let me give you an example: When a friend from school would come over and say, "Hey rod." "Let's go to a show" I'd say, "hold on." Then Id go in the bathroom and pray, "Lord should I go?" Sometimes the Lord would say "go", sometimes "no" At times He was silent, when this happened I would look inside, to my heart, (Spirit), (see Colossians 3:15) if I had peace I would go, If not, Id stay home.
As I practiced this new desire, (surrender), I noticed the voice of the Lord became more frequent and clearer, (John 10:27). It always had to agree with scripture. The word of the Lord will always agree with the true meaning and / or the true interpretation of scripture).
I new I needed to get a bible, I went to a bookstore and I got the largest family bible Id ever seen, with pictures and everything. I was so happy. That night the voice of the lord said, "Read Matthew 5." I had to look in the contents; I didn't know where Matthew was. When I found it and started too read, the words became a ("Word of the Lord to me") they just jumped off the page, they seemed to come alive, and they filled me, with hope, love and peace. Now I knew God loved me, and my sins were gone, I was forgiven...
As time passed I grew, sometimes Id walk into a busy office or building (like a D.O.L) and the Lord would say go sit by that guy, I would strike up a conversation, then say "you don't know me but I'm a Christian and God is going too share with me about your life" I don't mean simple things like "you have the flu" or "Headaches", but deep, personal things that others couldn't know or even guess. People would usually start to cry and ask "how did you know?" I'd say "I didn't but God knew".
One of the best lessons from the Lord concerning trusting Him happened like this; I was traveling from Philly to Atlantic city, I got on the road, and started to hitch a ride, (it wasn't illegal at that time) within one hour and twenty minuets I was in Atlantic city (which was a one hour drive!) I got 4 different rides, as I stepped into each vehicle I boldly proclaimed "Hi I'm a child of the King, and God's going to bless you for picking me up!" God gave me very personal details about each of those people and all but one came to Christ.
When I got to Atlantic City, God said "Rod, when you get to the prayer meeting tonight I want you to give all your money, to Johnnie Diaz". I said "Lord that's all I've got?" (About 300.00) God replied; "you take care of your brothers and sisters in the Lord and I'll take care of you." So upon arriving in Atlantic City, I secretly gave all my money to Johnnie, (this was to cover something for Johnnie that was very personal, so I know he didn't share this with anyone).
That night I asked myself "how am I going to get back to work, tomorrow? I didn't have a penny, not even enough for bus fare, and in my spirit I knew I wasn't to hitch hike, but instead the Lord wanted me on the bus. After sleeping that night and leaving the brothers house the next day, (where the meeting had been held), I started walking to the bus station. As I got closer and closer, I was imagining, "is the drivers going to just "know" he's suppose to let me ride for free?" But as I approached the depot, a brother named "Chicky" came out of his house and said "rod I think the Lord wants me to give this to you." It was exactly what I needed for bus fare!
This has been a short summary of my life, oh one more thing. Life didn't continue this way for me, I ruined that. I don't live surrendered moment by moment now, or my heart is hidden from me, I'm just not sure. Where does man find the will and desire to live such a life, or is it a gift as is repentance?
Should I confess the most difficult thing in my life with you? After all we are strangers! After living this way for sometime and seeing my life change, and having peace beyond comprehension, I disobeyed the lord after he spoke too me. I lived to obey him, it was my passion...I knew a man, he was a believer, and his name was Bob Chorney. Bob was like the father I never had. Bob is dead now, I loved him very much, and we forgave one another.
One day I went to visit Bob, we talked and prayed for a while then Bob said, "rod", "Paula is gone (Bob's wife). "Why don't you go to dinner with me"? Immediately the Lord spoke and said "rod don't go" I said Bobby I can't go. He said "oh rod go with me ". I said Bob I can't. I prayed back too the lord, in my mind saying "Lord it will be alright, you know I don't drink, I'll just eat something with Bob" The Lord didn't reply. So we went. All was well until a brother named Aggie Rodriguez, started to argue with Bob, I couldn't watch, so I started to leave, as I went outside Bob said "Rod if your going to walk you might as well walk all the way back too Washington, and don't come back" OH the pain. Well the next morning, Bob and Paula showed up, Bob said "rod forgive me I'm so sorry", the Lord spoke instantly and said "rod forgive him, go too him tell him it's ok and that you love him". I said "Lord I can't. I won't, it hurts too bad".
Soon I left for Washington. My life, outside of God's will, was torture. No peace, no answers, sin in total control.
Jean Nicholas Grou says, "God delights in two things, for a man too know God and too know himself." I now know what I'm capable of without him, living life for myself, Sinning, being rebellious. I want to recommend a couple books that I discovered a few years ago, the book is "Practicing the presence" BY Lawrence and Labach, there are two versions this one is best and includes Labach's testimony. "Hinds feet on High places" and "The breaking of the outer man for the release of the spirit" By Watchman Nee are very good also.
Now let me share some dreams/ thoughts/and opinions:
1).How do you describe this LIFE? As a Christian it's hard to do. As I recall moments in my own life, I think of times of stillness, in the midst of activity or in the quiet of night. The presence of His Spirit was there, sometimes speaking other times He was silent, yet the undeniable presence of His Spirit was so real. You couldn't describe it too anyone else, sometimes he was so near, almost physical, at other times He was, just felt, deep in your heart.
I could at times think, and He would answer. Sometimes the answer was spoken, and at other times it was a still small voice in my heart.
Sometimes I would see a person, and while looking at them, I knew about them.
I recall the passion to tell others about him at any given moment, looking for such an occasion never caring where I was, or who was near by.
Constantly His Love moved over me in waves and yet it abode, never departing. I would wake up in the middle of the night and He was there, like a mother hen.
I remember the love for others that was not my own. I remember feeling, and being, separate from the world yet still in its midst.
I recall not worrying about the kind of car I drove, or the condition of my clothes, knowing that He was fully aware of all these things.
I recall being invited out for dinner with brothers, and thinking (silently between myself and God), "Lord I don't have any money, but I'm hungry" and then someone would say "hey rod I'll buy ok?" Do you have days like this?
Do you remember days like this from your past? I believe this is something no one can take from us. This is why WE MUST EXPERIENCE GOD! Experiencing God is more important than the scriptures! You see if you experience HIM then, Bible revelation can be added to you. But if you don't experience HIM first then Bible knowledge is just a compilation of facts, they are true, but they don't have any place of reference, without HIM.
2).Most of my life, at least as far back as I can remember I've had a desire and love for God/Jesus. As I've grown older, I've seen many things in "Christendom", I've seen communes (come and go in failure). I've seen myself and other brothers walk in their own ways (you might call it backsliding), I've been hurt by supposed brothers in Christ, I've seen TV preachers act cocky, and ridiculous, I've seen people chase tithes and money, I've seen people in big churches (faithful tithers) go without help while in need, I've seen people chase their own kingdom and building programs. I've seen people pretend to prophecy, knowing they were not HEARING from HIM, (and in failure, excuse themselves by saying they were practicing), I've seen names in lights (but not Jesus name). I've seen people destroyed by the shepherding movement. I've seen men of god after devoting their lives to "the ministry" destroyed after a single mistake, instead of forgiven. On and on I could go... So does any of the above remind you of the book of acts or the first group of believers?
3).The first century church in the New Testament turned the world upside down in a short time NOT because of their words alone but because of the LIFE residing IN them. This was a spirit thing...NOT a mental thing, it wasn't an agreement with certain doctrines or creeds, it wasn't from arguing the scriptures, it wasn't from forming a new church or denomination, they had and were living LIFE like Jesus 24/7 every moment of each day, a life of submission, pleasing the father, a life defined by others as "seeing they had been with Jesus".
4). In the 1860's 1900's 1940's 1960's we saw the beginning of several moves of God upon people who were desperate to know HIM.
Then shortly after in each time period, (even in the new testament) we see charlatans, hirelings move in among the sheep of God, these men who really don't know the master teach doctrines not from revelation via an intimate relationship. But from the minds of others who were also like themselves, who teach only from the tree of knowledge: From the mind of one man to the mind of another, thereby polluting the little sheep and convincing others, because the so-called doctrines of men are believed by the masses also. This is such a subtle thing that it can inhibit your walk, because you're not discipled but instead taught by men who have never had an intimate walk with God. So as believers we must know Him and find revelation that agrees with the scriptures, and or that changes our understanding of the scriptures.
5). A Christian historian tells a true story about a peasant in the 1600's living under the rule of the Catholic Church. The peasant is working the field and a cardinal and his procession go by, as they approach the cardinal speaks to the peasant, about a new edict from Rome. The cardinal quotes a verse of scripture; the peasant replies that the cardinal quoted the verse incorrectly. The cardinal says to the peasant "How would you know, being you are unlearned and illiterate?" The peasant replies: "because the spirit IN ME said you quoted it wrong"!
How true this is, if we only have the book and don't hear that still small voice on the inside, from the throne of our heart the center of HIS kingdom! Then I fear we miss the most important piece of intimacy, yet HIS Word and HIS scriptures work together, one a current guide for us THE NOW and the other, which can still speak but was spoken to another hundreds of years ago, serves as a foundation. But We live by breath, and the words that proceed from the mouth of God, "My sheep know my voice" "for those who are sons of God are led of the spirit of God"
Here is Dream #1:
I was on the head of a beast, in a large body of water (Like the ocean). It was night and the darkness was so real it could be felt. The clouds above were very thick and black. The beast was thrashing as if it wanted to throw me off. I was so afraid!
I was holding on as tight as I could. Then I looked up, and when I did, the clouds opened and rays of light came through the clouds, with the light came that voice that I had heard before and knew so well.
He said "Rod; if I'm ever to use you, I must break you"!
I woke, wet with sweat, shaking...Saying as I woke, "thank you, Lord you haven't forgotten me"
Here is Dream #2:
I am in a church; it is a large church, one that in reality I have never seen. This was a dream that was so real; it was as if I were really there.
In the dream I am cleaning the bathroom floor, on my hands and knees, with a small brush. I stand as a priest comes into the room. I start to speak to him, about spiritual things, he listens, and then I leave the restroom and enter the foyer.
I notice the large room is built in a round fashion and that the windows are also large. People are leaving to go outside. As I exit the building, an earthquake hits, I look up and the sky is doing this "warp 9 star trek" kind of thing. I look to my left and I notice a man is in his car, his head is bleeding, he is dead.
Everyone starts to rejoice, saying "yes that is the big one"! I yell "No". "There is another one coming, and it is much larger"
I start to run for my home, and as I cross a large open area, I reach what looks like a ditch. I jump, but instead of a ditch it a huge open area, a chasm, the ground thousands of feet below! I start to fall so fast, picking up speed as I fall. I yell out "Jesus save me" Something grabs me and lowers me to the ground gently...I start running again.
Here is Dream # 3.
I see a street sign, the name on the sign is Jordan Road. I am walking and then I get picked up by someone in a van. He asks were I'm going and I tell him a few miles ahead.
Then as we reach the destination, I thank him, and look to my right, there is a house in a field. The house is glowing and the light is emanating from the inside of the house, and is visible to me even from a distance.
I know the people within the house are waiting for me, and that I have been somewhere, doing HIS will / work, and that I traveled in a spiritual way, but arrived back in the van.
The love and light from the house are supernatural, the love I feel for them, and the love I perceive from them is not normal love.
Here is Dream # 4:
I am in a large room, with many people, I recognize one or two people, the room is full of people from many different places.
I am standing on a raised platform, that is approx 6-8 inches higher than the floor.
Then I know I am suppose to speak the following words; "Holy Spirit come"...
When I speak the words, God's presence comes very heavy, most fall down, some start to weep and convulse, others are crying for joy.
QuoteDo you remember days like this from your past? I believe this is something no one can take from us. This is why WE MUST EXPERIENCE GOD!
yes, yes, and yes. I really enjoyed your testimony. I wish more would speak about their experience with God. I am going to reread it when I have some time, but one thing stood out for me--where you said you would consult with him before you took any action, even going out to dinner with a friend. I thought that was really interesting, almost as if you could train yourself to hear his voice in all things.
I think I might try that. It just never occurred to me.
Thank you!
PS I'm not very good at dreams but dream number 4 made me think that you will do that some day. Soon I hope. :happygrin:
I am not very good at dreams either, and my personal experience has been that I'm shown the meaning of mine as I write them down. It's quite amazing how it is in the actual writing that understanding comes.
That's one powerful testimony you have. :cloud9:
Thanks for sharing that. The Lord has been putting on my heart to return to the tree of life. The fruit from the tree of knowledge is so darn attractive. I love getting confirming posts like this thanks.
Dreams seem to be a sign of things to come ,where you have been brought through various circumstances,and the faith and trust that are required for your journey coming.a lot of the things going on the periphery of your dreams seem to be the"church" going through it's deaththrows.blessings as you wait upon the spirit to lead you
Dream 1.
Your grip upon the beast is what the Lord desires to break.
Beast = actions, Ocean = thoughts.
Dream 2.
That was a remembrance of your physical birth.
Now, you are running the race, stay strong!
Dream 3.
The van is you in Christ.
The people in the house are those that have gone before us cheering us on to completeness (Hebrews 12:1). They wait, as we do, for Romans 8:19
Dream 4.
God meets us at whatever measure of faith we have.
This may not be too far off from what beloved Servant just shared, but let's see where it goes . .
Here is Dream #1:
I was on the head of a beast, Head refers to our mind, beast refers to our carnal nature, the fact that you were "on" the head would tell me that you are identifying yourself with your beastly nature.
in a large body of water (Like the ocean). Scripture refers to the many seas as humanity . .carnal humanity. It also states that the time will come when there will be no more seas . . .carnality comes to an end. But as we're seeing this dream as you, individually, the seas would then be the endless noise within your mind, the next line you shared also affirms this.
It was night and the darkness was so real it could be felt. Night/darkness refers to absense of truth/spiritual knowledge. This is how we know that what you're dreaming is connected to the carnal nature within. Darkness could be felt . . .how many times have you "felt" dumb or stupid? Our minds project false images of who we really are because our minds are without truth. I've often shared that my mind is created to be in full OPERATION in the natural realm, but not when I enter into the spiritual . . .I need to shift from OPERATION to OBSERVATION as my spirit is what leads me in spiritual matters. My mind is to merely observe what's being revealed.
The clouds above were very thick and black. The beast was thrashing as if it wanted to throw me off. I was so afraid!
Clouds are often connected to climactical changes. High (spiritual) pressures colliding with low (natural/carnal) preassures. Much like what Paul talked about that was constantly fighting inside him as well. "I know what I should do but don't . . .know what I shouldn't do but do anyway . . ." That's the thrashing of the beast within you. God is changing the atmosphere of your nature and your mind does what all minds do, like a skunk on the defense sprays a rancid odor when it senses danger, our minds do the same thing only with fear. It's a defense mechanism that each individual has within them. I believe that's why fear was directly addressed in that it's clearly not a characteristic that originates from the Father, but from within us.
I was holding on as tight as I could. Then I looked up, and when I did, the clouds opened and rays of light came through the clouds, with the light came that voice that I had heard before and knew so well.
I'm out of time to do much more here, but there is a key here that is all through Scripture. Before the Holy Spirit could be poured out upon all flesh, the 120 that represented all flesh first had to enter into an ascended place (upper room). Every place in Scripture where someone lifts their eyes, it's a picture of every person being resurrected to an ascended place where truth, life and light is then released and revealed. This is the crux of the whole dream, that you would experience an "eye-lift". So many people in our culture beleive that a face lift will extend their youthfulness. Only to find that it also causes them to lose their ability to show expression . .their face is too tight. My face is my identity. The face lift is merealy an outward manifestation of an inward desire that all of us have a desire to have our identities resurrect to an ascended place, but our minds can't comprehend that, so we lean toward the only things our minds can understand . . .the things that are tangible.
He said "Rod; if I'm ever to use you, I must break you"!
I woke, wet with sweat, shaking...Saying as I woke, "thank you, Lord you haven't forgotten me"
I believe God is calling you to lose your mind. Or to let you know the only way to walk in spiritual sanity is to let go of your natural abilities.
Gotta go.