“Do not listen or consent” (1 Kings 20:8 NKJ).
King Ahab of Israel was being intimidated by a bully. Ben-hadad was putting fear in his heart by threatening to move into Israel, take over Ahab’s kingdom, and carry off all his possessions. Fearfully Ahab offered no resistance, but instead caved in to Ben-hadad’s outrageous demands. Ahab’s spineless reply was: “Just as you say, all that I have is yours.”
The elders of the land responded differently. “Do not listen or consent,” they advised Ahab. “You’re listening to the wrong voice. You’re accepting what you should be refusing.”
We receive mail from people who have recurring nightmares. Usually their dreams are about accidents, injuries, or personal harm coming to loved ones. My response is always to send them this verse, urging them to take a stance of refusal and denial. I remind them that as believers related to the Lord, we are told to yield no topography or ground to the enemy.
One time, our family was scheduled to take a trip over a treacherous mountain road. Three times I dreamed that we had an accident at a certain bad curve on that road.
After the third time, I quoted this verse, declaring: “This could happen, but it doesn’t have to. I don’t believe an accident would glorify God or serve any purpose. Since it has no utility, I refuse that dream in Jesus’ name!”
We made the trip both ways with no problem. You can do the same thing with negative dreams, visions, or apprehensions. Refuse to receive them!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.