About Dr. Jay Forrest Expertise I can answer any question dealing with mysticism, such as questions concerning the awakening call, the purgative way, the illuminative way, the unitive way, spiritual experiences, spiritual direction, spiritual disciplines, prayer, ecstasy, the rule of life, internal monasticism, asceticism, mystical theology, devotional helps, chanting, meditation, contemplation, hesychasm, kabbalah, sufi, tao, zen, theosophy, and more.
Experience
Dr. Jay Forrest is an ardent student of mysticism in all the major religions of the world (Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam). Jay was a Pentecostal/Charismatic minister for over 20 years, pastoring churches in Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Arizona, and New Mexico. He is the author over over 150 articles and poems and several books. He holds a doctorate in ministry from Trinity Institute.
I have been a christian for a while and discovered that when , I started to spend more time in the word ( the bible), prayer and waiting on the Lord, I got answers (sometimes straight away or over a period of time and in some cases I'm still waiting).
When I share some of my dreams and revelations with people that are close to me, I get told that everthing is too logical or straight forward.
( I believe that we are supposed to encourage each other and share testimonies).
My question is how can I know that I am growing spiritualy (in my dreams or when I pray I see eyes or a face which seems like it is superimposed on my face) and what should i share with my close friends.
I thank God for your life, cos' I have read some questions (and your answers)and pray more people will be blessed by the Q & A.
Tinu.
Answer Hi Tinu,
The more time we spend with God the more likely we are to hear His voice. God does still speak to us in dreams and visions (Acts 2:17).
There are, however, many that serve a mute God. To them God has spoken, but no longer speaks. They believe that the Bible is all that is needed.
Many people look down upon people who have dreams and visions. There have been far too many false revelations that they throw the baby out with the bath water.
So what should you do? First, they are not being encouraged by your relelations because they are too critical. So don't share your revelations with them, unless God tells you to.
Secondly, just because you have a revelation does not mean you are suppose to share it (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Be discerning on when and to whom you share it. A good rule is don't share it unless you are led to share it.
Thirdly, if you find that you can't keep silent about your revelations, then perhaps a little humility is needed. Revelations can make us proud and we can become "exalted above measure" (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Dreams and visions have nothing to do with spiritual gowth, they deal with snsitivity. Judge your spiritual gowth by whether you are walking in love. Are you kind in your words, considerate in your actions, and pure in your thoughts towards others? Are you doing what Jesus would do in your place, saying and thinking as He would?
The gifts of the Spirit are a signs of spiritual power; the fruit of the Spirit are signs of spiritual growth. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).
