Anything Goes : The covenant ring by Maxwell K. Acquah

THE REALITY OF DREAMS AND VISIONS I am a member of a prayer team at the COP Ebobonku Assembly of Cape Coast Area. We have been praying for others with various kinds of problems. At one meeting (I was absent) a lady came with a problem of dream she had. By then this lady was having a stomach problem and by the grace of GOD she got her deliverance. The Dream: The Lady: I had a dream that I am in a car and someone gave me a ring to put on my finger and asked me not to tell anyone. When I waked up from my sleep, I saw the ring on my bed. Prayer Team: The ring was brought to the prayer team at the prayer meeting. The prayer warriors prayed to deliver the lady. During the deliverance, there was a manifestation of the demon or spirit behind the dream. It was confirmed that the one of the lady’s grandparents is the one demonised to destroy the granddaughter. The prayer team destroyed the ring by burning and an intensive prayer was prayed for the lady. Post Prayers: The lady at another prayer meeting time told the gathering that after she has been delivered of the demon, she dreamt again that the grandparent is accusing her. The grandparent accused her of disgracing him/her to the gathering or people. NOTE: I do not want to be specific of the sex that is why I used he or her. Because the grandparent need to be delivered of the demon. What is dream and vision? To the Christian believer, dreams and visions are GOD’s intimate (close personal) secrets and mysteries He reveals to His children. The Holy Ghost or Spirit is the source of revelation, and to understand dreams and visions, one needs to depend on the Holy Spirit. Generally dreams can be defined as the series of thoughts, images, and feelings that a person experience when at sleep. Vision can also be defined as sight that is the ability to see. It is a waking dream. Biblical Dream In the Bible, Almighty God used dreams and visions (visions are “waking dreams” as stated in Numbers 24:4 ‘He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:’ several times to communicate with/to people. Visions became common to the people of Old Covenant (Testament) and some were lacking knowledge of it. 1Samuel 3:1; 28:6 ‘And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.’ ‘And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams nor by Urim, nor by prophets.’ The absence of vision may be lack of something or disobedient of the prophets or GOD’s people. Biblically, GOD uses dreams and visions to speak to His children. GOD speak to believers or His followers in dream of what would happen, when it will happen, and how it will happen. GOD’s plan and purposes for His children are communicated through dreams. The Kingdom of Heaven notifies believers of what would happen through dreams and visions. Dreams reveal hidden issues, to inspire us to greatness, to keep us out of harm, and provide believers insight into the mysteries of the world. GOD led us through a revelatory cycle of dreaming to build a translational bridge. Believers’ connection to GOD links the infinite wisdom of GOD and the finite thinking of man. Answers to life questions are finding in dreams. OLD COVENANT In the Old Testament, GOD communicated to His people in Dreams and Visions. Below are some of the examples: ABRAHAM – (Genesis 15, 20) Abraham in Genesis 15:1, was reminded of his covenant of becoming father of many nations. ‘After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’ Abimelech was warned in a dream not to touch Sarah because Sarah was Abraham’s wife. Genesis 20:1 – 10, And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? JACOB – (Genesis 28) Jacob after stolen his Brother Esau’s firstborn inheritance with the help of his mother, and on his journey had a famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven on which angels ascended and descended. He received GOD’s promise of blessings as being descendant of Abraham. Genesis 28:10 – 17, And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. JOSEPH – (Genesis 37, 41) Joseph had a dream at his younger age. Because he did not have knowledge of interpreting dreams, it ended him in foreign land. His brothers understood the meaning of his dreams and wanted to kill him but they sold him. Genesis 37:1 – 11, And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying. Joseph after his first dreams that led to the hatred of his brothers and sold him into slavery and eventually ended him up in prison in Egypt, he became a famous dream interpreter. In the prison he interpreted the inmates dreams (Genesis 40). He also interpreted Pharaoh’s dream through that he was set free to become prime minister of the land of Egypt, (Genesis 41). PHARAOH’S CUPBEARER AND BAKER – (Genesis 40) The cupbearer and baker while in prison had a dream and Joseph interpreted the dream to them. Joseph explained to them that the cupbearer would be spared and returned to his normal service to Pharaoh but the baker would be killed. (Genesis 40) verse 8 – 14, And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: PHARAOH - (Genesis 41) Joseph by the glory of GOD upon him was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Pharaoh had a dream of famine. GOD’s purpose was to raise Joseph to second-in-command over Egyptians and the Israelites. So it can be conclude that the first dreams Joseph had have been fulfilled – Praise The LORD. Genesis 41, Verses 1 – 8, And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh………. … … Verses 25 – 41, And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt….. … …. SAMUEL - (1Samuel 3) Samuel as a young boy had his first visions whilst he was under the mentorship of Eli. GOD called Samuel but Samuel did not recognise His voice because he has not had such an encounter with GOD before, he rather went to his mentor Eli, but Eli said he has not called him and should go to bed. GOD called Samuel again, and Samuel did not again recognise GOD voice, so he again went to his mentor Eli, then Eli realised Samuel is been called by JEHOVAH almighty GOD. Eli asked Samuel to go to bed again and when the voice comes, he should respond yes my LORD speak for your servant is listening. This is not a dream but a vision, a voice speaking to Samuel. The vision was a judgement about to come upon the sons of Eli his mentor. 1Samuel 3, … Verse 2 – 13, That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not……. … … MIDIANITE AND AMALEKITE ARMIES – (Judges 7) Gideon was told by GOD to sneak into the camp of the enemy at night, when he got there, he heard one of the enemy (Pagan) soldiers telling a dream he just had. The interpretation from another soldier from the enemy camp mentioned Gideon by name and predicted that Israel would win the battle. When Gideon heard this he was greatly encouraged by this revelation. This enemy were the Pagan enemy of Israel. Judges 7:12 – 15, And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude. And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host. And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian. SOLOMON (1Kings 3) Solomon was giving a famous offer to ask what he wish GOD would do for him. 1Kings 3, In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. Solomon chose wisdom. DANIEL – (Daniel 2, 4) Daniel was placed in a position of power and influence by GOD’s glory of dream interpreter. As GOD had done for Joseph, He gave Daniel the gift or power to interpret dreams, and he did interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Daniel had many dreams and visions, mostly related to future kingdoms of the world and the nation of Israel. NEW COVENANT In the Old Testament, where GOD mostly communicated to His people or children in dreams, nothing was changed in the New Testament era. The GOD of the Old Testament is the same GOD of the New Testament. Genesis 1, 2; John 1:1-5, 14:6 Christians still receive messages from GOD through dreams and visions. JOSEPH THE HUSBAND OF MARY - (Matthew 2) When King Herod had wanted to kill the baby JESUS, an angel of GOD appeared to Joseph in dream asking him to take the baby JESUS and his mother away to Egypt. … verses 12 – 22, And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: PENTECOST DAY – (Acts 2) In Acts 2:17, it is stated that when GOD’s Spirit come upon His children they shall see visions and have dreams. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: CORNELIUS AND PETER – (Acts 10) Cornelius had a vision from almighty JEHOVAH GOD instructing him to send Peter; meanwhile Peter too had received a vision to go with the men Cornelius sent. Peter got to Cornelius house, shared the gospel, and Cornelius and his entire family received JESUS CHRIST as their Lord and personal saviour. This is wonderful, a marvellous miracle. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,: A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. THE CONVENTION OF SAUL TO PAUL – (Acts 9) Paul who was called also known as Saul on his Journey to persecute the disciples encountered JESUS CHRIST. Verses .. 3-6, And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Paul after he had been converted had many visions in his missionary career. Acts 16: 9 – 10; 18: 9-11; 2 Corinthians 12:1-6. ZACHARIAH – (Luke 1) Zachariah was told in a vision that he will have a son, he doubted because he was old and weak. But GOD being Alpha and Omega, and the source of life, and faithful to his children He fulfilled His promise. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. (Luke 1:5 – 23) JOSEPH - MARY HUSBAND TO BE – (Matthew 1, 2) Joseph engaged Mary to marry her, but as they were courting, Joseph found out that Mary is pregnant whiles he has not slept with her. He decided to divorce her, but GOD sent an angel to him in a dream, convincing him that the pregnancy was of GOD. He got convinced and went ahead to marry Mary, and when JESUS was born, he had other dreams. PILATE’S WIFE – (Matthew 27) When JESUS was under a trial, Pilate’s wife asked the government to free Him because JESUS was innocent. Because a dream she has had prompted her to ask the government to free JESUS. Matthew 27:19, When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. ANANIAS - (Acts 9:10 - 17) Ananias was shown a vision to visit Paul (Saul, the persecutor of Christians) and help him to regain his sight and also mentor him. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. JOHN, THE REVELATORY Apostle John had many dreams and visions in his ministry. DREAMS AND VISIONS TODAY Today Christians still do encounter GOD in dreams and visions. GOD still communicates to His children in dreams and visions through the Holy Ghost or Spirit. Some people teach that, GOD does not speak to His children in dreams and visions, and I do not agree to that, because the GOD of the Old Testament and the New Testament has not change. As stated in Acts 2:17, which states that when the Holy Spirit come upon us we shall prophesy, see visions, and shall dream dreams. ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:’ Also in John 20:22, it is stated that when JESUS breathed unto the apostles they received power to do the work of GOD. ‘And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:’ Many people (Christians) do not believe in visions and dreams in our day because of what I called the WWH factors. These factors key words are WHEN, WHERE, and HOW (the WWH factors). WHEN refers to the time that something is created or established, happened, destroyed, occur and even analysed. Dictionary definitions of when: at what time or period? how long ago? how soon? Or under what circumstances? upon what occasion? WHERE refers to the place at which something is created or established or made. Dictionary definitions of where: in or to what place or position; OR at, in, or to which (used after reference to a place or situation); OR the place or situation in which. HOW refers to the way or method or manner in which something is created or established, and happens. Dictionary definitions of how: in what way or manner; by what means; OR used to ask about the condition or quality of something. Man always makes mistakes due to wrong choice, and wrong questions asked by self about nature. These three philosophical words are mostly considered in religious studies, Christian teachings, scientific research, political analysis, spiritualties and other things concerning life. Its effects may lead man to limit the works of the ALMIGHTY CREATOR and hence fall into the trap of suffering. The economic hardship in the world, the conflict and outbreak of civil wars and uncured sicknesses and diseases are due to the WHEN, WHERE and HOW factors that leaches in the mind of man. In religion and Christianity people suffer because man always wants to know when GOD does His work, where He does it and how He does it. If man begins asking these key question words, it may lead to losing faith in GOD. For example some people still do not believe in the works of GOD and prophecies by current men of GOD because they have limited GOD in when, where, and how syndromes. WHEN, WHERE AND HOW: GOD does His work and even how mere things happens can be traced in the Bible and understanding it is by whole heartedly Bible fasting and prayers and continually studying of the Bible. GOD cannot be understood with our limited human thinking and interpretations. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit and yield to JESUS teachings only. The testimony of dreaming of ring stated in the beginning of this revealing book of testimonies should make you believe in dreams and visions. Do not joke with your dreams and visions. Note that whatever happens have a spiritual basis and GOD reveals to redeem. Whenever you have a dream pray to GOD for understanding, and pray in the power and authority of JESUS death and resurrection to cancel any bad thing. May GOD breath into you the Holy Ghost to understand His ways. You are invited to join us for your deliverance, healing, financial breakthrough, etc. and most importantly your salvation. JOIN US EVERY SATURDAY AT 6:30PM, The Church of Petecost, Ebobonko Assebly. NOTE: All bible references were taking from the KING JAMES VERSION Yours in CHRIST, Maxwell Kobina Acquah (PhD) www.mkacquah.webs.com www.facebook.com/mkacquah www.facebook.com/kobina.max Email: infoyefulkay@gmail.com Also available on many social networks, and sometimes with the name YEFULKAY as the user name. Acknowledgement Elder Clossley Khamah