Prophecy
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy. 1 Corinthians 12:10
The Holy Spirit’s gift of prophecy is a message of encouragement through one person to another person. The purpose of this gift is to minister and encourage others. Many people think that the gift of prophecy is for being a prophet. That you receive revelation about coming events or future occurrences and proclaim warnings to people whom the message affects like the Old Testament prophets did.
1 Corinthians 14:3 says that he who prophesies speaks edification, exhortation and comfort to people. Also, in 1 Corinthians 14:31 it says that everyone can prophesy so that all can learn and be encouraged. This gift is for encouraging people. We all have those moments when someone randomly comes to our thoughts, but what do we do when that happens. In the past I have taken those opportunities to pray for that individual, but now I recognize that the Holy Spirit is “tapping me on the shoulder” so to speak, to not only pray for them, but to also encourage them. In the times we live in, it is easier than ever to get a message to inspire and build up a friend. We have email, text, phone calls, social media and various methods of reaching out. Begin to recognize those times and pause for a minute to connect with someone that needs to hear some good news. This is a gift that you don’t need to worry about getting wrong. If you message someone some words of encouragement and it wasn’t the Holy Spirits direction? All you did was speak good words over someone and that will not cause much damage, right?
Lastly, I want to talk about encouraging vs. discouraging. Encouraging words are simply words that put courage into another person. When you edify and build others up, you are actually putting courage into them. They begin to believe their life has purpose and they can start to have faith to take steps in a direction that leads them into all God has planned for their lives. In contrast, when you speak words of discouragement, you are taking courage out of someone. Your words to others are so important that you can actually be paralyzing others from taking action to change their circumstances. Consider this when you want to motivate people to grow in their walk with God.
Today I want to encourage you to prophesy over others. Be a voice of encouragement to all those around you. When you see others who are struggling to get things right in life, take some time to pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit for a word of encouragement to give that will propel them forward in life. It can be easy to see other people’s problems and then criticize and complain that they brought the problems on themselves. The most helpful thing to do is to pray and prophecy over them. Ask God to show you that person as He sees them and then tell the person with the issue that there is greatness inside of them just waiting to get out!
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 27:13-26
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.
14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.
15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.
16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty.
17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.
18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship.
19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.
20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.
22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,
24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
The Daily Dose 