From the Philokalia (Vol. II) on Judgment

[GOCPriestMark]

1. Inexpressible is the soul's delight when in full assurance of salvation it leaves the body, stripping it off as though it were a garment. Because it is now attaining what it hopes for, it puts off the body painlessly, going in peace to meet the radiant and joyful angel that comes down for it, and travelling with him unimpeded through the air, totally unharmed by the evil spirits. Rising with joy, courage and thanksgiving, it comes in adoration before the Creator, and is allotted its place among those akin to it and equal to it in virtue, until the universal resurrection.

2. I shall tell you something strange, but do not be surprised by it. Should you fail to attain dispassion because of the predispositions dominating you, but at the time of your death be in the depths of humility, you will be exalted above the clouds no less than the man who is dispassionate. For even if the treasure of those who are dispassionate consists of every virtue, the precious stone of humility is more valuable than them all: it brings about not only propitiation with the Creator, but also entry with the elect into the bridal chamber of His kingdom.

St. Theognostos - On the Practice of the Virtues

[Evfimy]

Sometimes at the moment just before I awake from sleep, I receive revelations regarding spiritual truths. I had one today. I was told that sometimes in order to overcome things in our lives, we need to go through them. I later had the image of Noah's Ark. God did not remove him from the flood and storm. He only preserved him while he went through it.

I thought I would share this. Maybe it will help someone.

Also, I noticed there is no "Spiritual Life," forum on this site. Is there a reason?

[Helen]

Sometimes at the moment just before I awake from sleep, I receive revelations regarding spiritual truths. I had one today. I was told that sometimes in order to overcome things in our lives, we need to go through them. I later had the image of Noah's Ark.

Tread very carefully Evfimy. Sometimes we are play things in the devils hand. Orthodox tradition teaches that we shouldn't rely or accept feelings such as the ones you speak of, even if they appear to be true. Talk to your spiritual Father. It's one thing to have an enlightened thought after prayer for example (but even then, to be on the safe side it's best to consult with a spiritual father), but it's an entirely different thing to receive revelations in your sleep. It sounds like a deception. Sometimes the devil can present something true but the catch is you can fall into pride by thinking you're better than others because you receive revelations.

Don't take this as an attack - it isn't at all. I'm just trying to warn you. Take extreme care - after all it's your eternal soul your dealing with. You don't want to be caught in the nets of demonic deception.

[Evfimy]

I am very familiar with the Churches teaching regarding prelest. But thank you for your very wise advise.

[Evfimy]

Joel 2:28:

"It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions."

I agree it is the norm we should not pay attention to dreams. But God can and does speak to man through dreams. There are always exceptions. But in my particular case, being very spiritually immature, I should not pay attention to any kind of dream or vision.

I think however that we can trust dreams that warn us about judgement and hell.