by Michele Connell

Created on: March 05, 2009

Visions and dreams are defined as avenues of communication from the Lord. In the book of Numbers, chapter 12, we are given five distinct ways the Lord will speak to His servants. "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the Lord."

1. We are told that the Lord speaks through visions

2. The Lord will speak through dreams

3. The Lord will speak face to face

4. The Lord will speak in dark sayings (parables)

5. The Lord will speak plainly - audibly, clear and direct

It is important for us to get this down in our spirit man. God will speak in many ways, but we must be willing to listen. Job 33:14-15, "For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds."

Visions and dreams are defined this way. A dream usually occurs while we are sleeping (whether day or night) and will come in parabolic form. A vision is more literal. Most of the time a vision is clear and precise, giving exact directions and views into our innermost man - major revelations. In the book of Ezekiel, he is among the captives by the River Chebar when he sees the heavens opened and sees "visions of God." Then it explains that Ezekiel - when he saw the vision - fell on his face, and began to hear a voice of One speaking. From there, he receives his instruction over that vision - and it is a hard one! One thing I've learned about visions is that the clearer the picture and instructions; the greater the cost. Dreams are given with the intent and purpose of causing our hearts to ponder, search, seek His face and His interpretations - all of this to open our hearts and minds and bring greater revelation. When a vision comes forth it is often because we will need something strong and concrete to hold on to when situations arise and things get hard. Isaiah 42: 9 tells us that the Lord is declaring new things, and even before they come forth He will tell them.

Another example is Isaiah. It says that in the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up and the train of His robe filled the temple. Why did he see this glorious vision? Was it just so he could claim to have had one? No, but God had greater purpose in allowing Isaiah to see into

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