The Golf Game

The Golf Game
About the Moral Decline of Our Society
Dream that the Lord Gave - 2002
by Tawny Phillips

It was a New Season - and time for me to go on my morning walk. I took my key out of my pocket and I unlocked the Iron Gate that led to the path that went along the edge of the Golf Course, which eventually led to the Lakes.

There were two large Beautiful Lakes, one at each end of the Golf Course. There were large fountains in each lake that kept the water circulating. There were large beautiful trees and flowering shrubs with all sorts of wildlife. As I walked through the Iron Gate and down the path along the edge of the Golf Course that led towards the Lakes, I heard cheering and excitement filled the air.

I looked over toward the 13th hole and saw a large crowd wearing brightly colored clothes had gathered around the 13th hole. I kept walking wondering why there were so many people - and why they were wearing such bright colors - most of those people didn't even look like golfers - then I thought to myself, "Oh, they are probably just having a tournament."

As I walked toward the 13th hole, I saw several people going down into the ground of the Golf Course - I had never seen this before - I kept wondering, "What are they doing?" As I watched the ground, different people seemed to be climbing down into some sort of pit with their Golf Clubs.

I decided to go take a closer look at what they were doing. As I got closer, I could tell that the people who had gathered there to play this game of Golf (the Golfers) were extremely serious about what they were doing and I could also sense an excitement and "thrill" coming from the players.

The Players were very focused, very serious, and very zealous with a strong inner excitement. There was no cheering coming from the actual players in this game - just a strong determination to get through the game and finish.

When I looked into the Pit I was surprised at what I was seeing - the ground of the Golf Green had been all torn up and a very large pit had been dug with different compartments that had been created by using lumber that was damaged, splintered and cracked. All of the lumber seemed to have knotholes in it.

I was standing on the edge of what used to be a beautiful Golf Green, now I was looking down into a large ugly pit. Standing on the edge of the pit, looking down into the Pit, made the Pit appear as though it were a maze except you could tell that everyone that was an actual player in the game could see over the walls of the different compartments and walk or step over most of the walls.

The walls were made of dirt shored up with lumber. Different kinds of poisonous snakes had been placed in all of the compartments. Many of the compartments had more than one snake. All of the snakes seemed to be similar to me in the dream, they all seemed to be the same type of snake.

Some of the snakes were completely white. Some of the snakes were white and black with more white, some were black and white, some were gray and black, some were black, and some were white with gray and black. They were all large.

All of the players had Golf Clubs that they were using on the snakes as they the players continued on their way through the maze. In this weird game of Golf, none of the players tried to kill any of the snakes, they just seemed to move them around with their Golf Clubs. A number of players were bitten but they kept on playing the game anyway.

I was greatly alarmed in my spirit because I knew how poisonous the snakes were. However, the people playing the game didn't really seem to care. The Players clothes were all in conservative colors. The Rules to this weird game of golf were to start at one end of the maze pit and make it to the other with out getting killed and/or as few poisonous snake bites as possible.

Concerning the Dream

Golf Course = What people do in their recreational time on Life's Journey.

Golf Game = what we choose to do on Life's Journey and what we choose to do with our leisure time or recreational time. (For example: watching soap operas, perverted sitcoms, movies that are violent or perverted in any way, video games that are perverted or violent, internet sites you shouldn't go to - pornographic, magazines that are violent or pornographic). The main thing is that people are not guarding their hearts and minds with the things they are putting in them. These are just a small list of things that can be a problem - each person must make a decision for themselves and God will judge each person regarding the choices they have made.

Key to Gate = The Key to the Gate represents authority. In the Body of Christ we all have authority to choose how we live our lives.

Iron Gate = The Iron often times represents bondage in the Bible.

Lakes = the Lakes in the dream were easily accessible. They represented the Word of God, the place where we can go to receive the Word of God, the Life of the Holy Spirit of God, and the Church - where anyone can go to receive deliverance.

Luke 5:1-2, "And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets."

Luke 8:33, "Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked."

Pit =

A. Man-Made, works of the flesh and sin.

Psalm 7:15, "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made."

B. Pits also represent bondage.

Genesis 37:24, "And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it."

Genesis 37:28, "Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt."

C. Pits also represent death, hell and the grave.

Ezekiel 32:24, "There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit."

Ezekiel 32:29-30, "There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit. There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit."

Jeremiah 48:42-44, "And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD. Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD. He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD."

Poisonous Snakes = Represent powers from the dark kingdom.

Deuteronomy 32:15-18, "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; ten he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee."

Deuteronomy 32:24, "They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust."

Colors of the Snakes =

A. White - Represents Authority and deception.

B. Gray - things hidden and obscure.

C. Black - Destruction and death.

Lamentations 4:8, "Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick."

Wood =

A. The works of mans hands.

Deuteronomy 4:28 , "And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell."

B. Wood is not eternal, it will burn up.

1 Corinthians 3:11-13, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

Walls = The players could see over the walls of the different compartments and walk over most of the walls. The players were free to make choices, they could even climb in and out of the pit if they wanted to, but nobody was making the choice to climb out of the pit.

The Number 13 = means to destroy, to kill, to perish, judgment.

Esther 3:12-13, "Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey."

Words to live by -

Psalm 5, "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."

Jeremiah 17:5-10, "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."

Psalm 6, "O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly."

Ephesians 5:1-20, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

The 13th Hole of this Golf Course = The 13th Hole of this Golf Course was located between two beautiful lakes. Each lake was within walking distance and easily accessible. There are many things I could say about this 13th Hole and the Lakes, but I will leave it at this - This was and is a dream about the Church, the Body of Christ and we need to wake up and shake off the deception and realize that the garbage that is coming through the different forms of media that we allow in our lives could cost us our eternal salvation. If we deceive ourselves and if we clothe our human spirit in violence, perversion, and uncleanness then how will we rise at the sound of the trumpet?

The Bridegroom (Jesus) = Jesus is coming for a Bride (The Church) who is without spot or wrinkle or blemish.

This Dream

I discussed this dream with a friend of mine because it did not completely make sense to me. (I do not watch T.V. programs and have not for many years - for this reason, I did not immediately see the relevance to the Church and our Nation of what the Lord was saying through this dream).

My friend stated to me:

1) She attended a luncheon that was for over one thousand Public and Private High School and College Presidents, Vice Presidents and Counselors in 2002. All of the counselors had at least a Masters Degree, some had Doctorates and all of them are entrusted to care for the youth of the City when they have problems.

As she was sitting at a table, these professionals began to talk about T.V shows they were watching. One was a show where people try to answer questions, when they gone one wrong, they would have to remove an article of clothing while on T.V. Their families, (including their kids), would cheer them on to continue and make lewd comments encouraging them to continue to remove clothing.

Another show involved people eating or placing things on themselves that could cause them great harm, for example, scorpions or tarantulas. (She indicated how surprised she was that these professionals were spending their time looking at such things and how terrible it was that the kids who would need help or direction would be looking to these people for guidance and direction or answers to problems they were facing.)

2) While driving to work in the morning, my friend also stated she was listening to Chuck Colson and his Break Point Program. Mr. Colson went on during this particular program to describe torture and when we should allow/or not allow it to happen. Mr. Colson asked the question, "Is it okay to torture people in Quantanamo Bay who may know when the next Sept 11 will happen?"

Then he went on to describe a scene where a lady was being tortured by someone putting large needles through her arms. Could she handle just one more or would she break down?

Mr. Colson when on to state that what he was describing was not something to do with the prisoners in Quantanomo Bay, but rather a popular T.V. show that people are watching at night for entertainment. It was called the Fear Factor.

Mr. Colson went on to relate a historical fact that happened during the time of St. Augustine, which was during the time of many martyrs and horrible gladiators who would kill the Christians in Stadiums for the public's entertainment.

During this time, St. Augustine's friend had made a vow during the time of the gladiators to never go to another stadium and watch the gladiators. His so called friends came and got him one night and drug him to the stadium without his permission.

He determined would not open his eyes but when the crowd let out a large yell, he opened his eyes and saw a bloody gory mess. From that moment on, he was hooked. He said his soul became pierced with a wound he could not overcome. Chuck Colson went on to say that these strange TV programs are leading us is into another time when the public will only be entertained by blood, which can eventually lead to martyrdom again.

Mr. Colson stated that we needed to guard our hearts and minds and that we need to lobby Congress to get these programs off the air.

Scriptures Concerning the Dream (KJV)

Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Proverbs 23:7 (A), "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:�"

John 17:14-16, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

Matthew 5:21-22, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."

Matthew 5:27-28, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery, But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

2 Corinthians 10:5, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

1 Corinthians 10:6-8, "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand."

Luke 6:45, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man our of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

1 John 2:16-17, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Romans 13:14, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

John 12:25, "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

John 12:26, "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: If any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

1 Peter 1:16, "Because it is written, Be ye Holy for I am Holy"

2 Peter 1:2-8, "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."