How Does He Know?
As I was showering earlier, The LORD brought me back to a testimony from a number of years ago and asked that I share it here now.
Several years ago I was invited to minister in Kampala, Uganda at the Church of friends.
At the last meeting there, the senior Pastor told me that once the Service was finished, I was to minister to those in the congregation who wished to come forward for a Word from The LORD.
As I had not done such a thing before, I asked the Pastor what was expected, and he told me to simply prophesy a few Words over all those who came forward, and if nothing came to mind at the time, to just bless them.
At the end of the Service, the senior Pastor duly invited the congregation to come forward and receive a Word from The LORD, and the whole congregation, as well as the musicians and worship time lined up before me, about one hundred or so.
As the first lady stepped forward before me and bowed her head, I heard The LORD give me one sentence to speak. After I spoke it, I received another, and then another. For each person, The LORD gave me three or four sentences to speak.
Then, after several people had received a Word from The LORD, there was silence from The LORD, and I did as instructed and blessed them, and moved on to the next person in line.
After about a ten or twelve Words from The LORD and blessings had been passed out, my mind started to question if I was doing the right thing.
At that moment, while ministering to a lady, I saw a Worship Team lady to whom I had already given a Word from The LORD, walk up to the senior Pastor, who stood just before me and to my right.
“Pastor! Pastor, how does he know?” she asked him in English, in a clear loud voice.
Now I don’t recall or even remember if I heard what the Pastor replied to her, but The LORD had answered my question of “LORD, am I doing the right thing?” — just seconds after I had asked it!
Yes, it seemed that whatever Word I had given her from The LORD, was something that I could not have known and it touched her and encouraged her, to the point of stirring her to approach the Pastor for understanding.
For those who minister full time before gatherings of any size, this testimony is, as they say, “small potatoes.” But it encouraged me!
Last night, as Jill and I were fellowshiping with a home-bound Christian couple, the lady expressed her thanks for our visit, as it had greatly encouraged her.
She went on to add how, now being house-bound, she greatly missed Christian fellowship groups, and the encouragement which these meeting always brought her.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray that this little testimony will encourage you, as it did me, to step out in Faith and in the Authority we all have been give, and in that simple step, give The LORD the opportunity to turn up and encourage us all by His Word and His Presence.
Scriptures Encouraging One Another
“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
“That is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:12.
“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13.
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32.
“Each one helps his neighbor and says to his brother, “Be strong!” Isaiah 41:6.
“Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of Love and Peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11.
“Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4.
“…. and let us consider how to stimulate one another to Love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24.
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,” Romans 15:5.
“Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” Romans 12:16.
“…. and may The LORD cause you to increase and abound in Love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you,” 1 Thessalonians 3:12.
“…. not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25.
“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in The LORD Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
“…. for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;” Ephesians 4:12.
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly Love; give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10.
“So the craftsman encourages the smelter, ad he who smooths metal with the hammer encourages him who beats the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good” — and he fastens it with nails, so that it will not totter.” Isaiah 41:7.
“Peace be to the brethren, and love with Faith, from God the Father and The LORD Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 6:23.
“…. and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:21.
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to The LORD;” Ephesians 5:19.
“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
~ Angus MacKillop
Wonderful testimony, Angus and what an encouragement to us all you and Jill are! Thank you for sharing and for all you do! God bless you.
Dear Joyce,
All the work of The LORD, as He often gives me instructions when I shower. Though like in this case, the encouragement aspect did not come to mind till it was actually written.
It’s always that first step onto the path that is the hardest….
Blessings!
Ahhh Yes. A little encouragement in a willing servant of the Lord can go a long way.
May we be your ready vessels Lord…
Come fill us…
and pour us out…on a dry and thirsty ground.
Dear Shelley,
Yes indeed, and encouragement is a two-way street, as I have found that we immediately get encouraged ourself when we step out and encourage others!
Blessings!
Angus, what an Awesome Testimony. I always admire the gift of prophecy.
Blessings.
Dear Jennifer,
Yes, Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:5 addresses this and from my little experience, all believers who are willing to step out in Faith will prophesy as The LORD fills them with Words to speak.
Blessings!
I love this testimony! When we open our mouth in faith, God will speak through us. I have been blessed so many times by receiving a genuine prophetic word and love all these Scriptures. There was a time when I walked up to someone in Walmart and the Lord gave me a word for them. Am sharing this testimony of what the Lord has done through the both of you! Hallelujah,
Dear Patricia,
Yes agreed. The LORD so loves when we open a door and give Him the opportunity to enter and just amaze us – and others – in truly personal and unexpected ways.
Blessings!
I’m with you Angus. Everyone looks for the BIG testimonies, but these so-called ‘small potatoes’ carry much more encouragement! I hope everyone is encouraged by this – worth its weight in gold, as they say!
Thank you Angus
Dear Chris,
I have always found that it’s the Testimonials that I remember, long after the teachings are forgotten, and there is no testimony to small to use for The LORD!
Blessings!
Angus, I love the simplicity you always minister in. You just give the WORD so timely that fits so personally. Thank you for your heart of encouragement and also for your heart that brings suggestions and examples that confirm what the Lord is saying. Great testimony! Love, blessings and gratitude! Sandi
Dear Sandi,
Thank you. The LORD asked, so I wrote as taught and as He led.
You’re one of our role models, so I know you recognize the path :)
Blessings to all!
These kind of testimonies still encourage me! It’s been a long road and a dry season. I pray that the is glorified in this now season we are entering. Thanks for sharing♥️
Dear Valerie,
I pray that The LORD will use you tomorrow amd the next day and continually thereafter to be His Hands, His Feet and His Voice to His own who need encouragement.
Blessings!
Amen
Amen indeed!
Blessings to thee and thine.