Croley’s Corner @ Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

In our years of being involved in Ministry, we pursued after God and His direction for our family! Grab your favorite beverage and journal as we take a look at a word of encouragement and edifying during a time of great need! My husband wanted to go into the mission field; this was his heart’s desire for as long as I can remember. One of our first experiences in our travels was to Mexico, a town called Tent City, which had been flooded, and these precious people lived in tents. The entire town had been wiped out. The extent of our Spanish was what we caught in High School, so, naturally, going into this we would experience a language barrier.  Thank the Lord we had an interpreter. 

Upon our arrival you could sense the eagerness of the people who were in need of rebuilding not only their homes but also their lives, emotionally and spiritually.  Our desire was to make sure that everything that was said or sung was understood appropriately. And it certainly was, even at the most poignant time the Holy Spirit bridged the gap.  Although there was a language barrier the gift of prophecy overcame all language barriers for the Holy Spirit operated as the interpreter declaring the preeminence of God’s love through the entire team. And as the church began to rebuild, they were edified by the fact that their work was not in vain. They were exhorted to know they were in the perfect will of God and comforted by the assurance that He would continue to build His Kingdom through them, regardless of their great tragedy.

Love, edification and encouragement were our primary pursuit.  Many times we can find ourselves not speaking to one another because of fear which can certainly qualify as a “language barrier amongst each other as believers.”

1) Edification is “building up.”  It is a construction term, and speaks of our being “built up” in the Lord.  A word of prophecy will build someone up, not tear him or her down. Ephesians 4:29

2) Exhortation is encouragement.  It is like the speech from the coach in the locker room, rallying the team to go out and perform as they have been trained to perform.  A word of prophecy will encourage someone, not discourage him or her.

3) Comfort has the idea of not only consoling, but also strengthening.  It doesn’t just cry with someone hurting; it puts its arms around them and strengthens them to carry the load.  A word of comfort will strengthen, not weaken someone.

Today the church is prospering and evangelizing in the very depths of Mexico pursuing passionately, and desiring eagerly to grow His Kingdom. I challenge you to ask the Lord in the next seven days to show you who’s in need of encouragement, edifying or comfort. It just may mean the matter of life or death, spiritually and there’s no need to worry about a “language barrier” He will fill your mouth; He just needs a willing heart! “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 ….”But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” 1 Corinthians 14:3 

Until next week, be encouraged and keep Him close to your heart

Deb