Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha
The very many and very dry bones in the valley
speaks of despair and hopelessness experienced by the children of Israel. But
when God instructed the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy and breathe His life, power
and strength into the very many dry bones in the valley- valley representing
the nadir of hopelessness and dry bones representing in the valley representing
utter despair and hopelessness; yet these same bones became a mighty army that
rose out of the valley.
You also can become a mighty army if only you take
on the strength of the Lord offered freely to you today by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible records that Judas and Silas (prophets in
the early Church who were sent to the Church in Antioch) exhorted and
strengthened the brethren with many words. This implies that they spoke words
which kindled hope and life and comfort and divine direction to the brethren.
Like the prophet Isaiah, these New Testament also had the tongue of the learned
(Isaiah Chapter 50 verses 4 to 5) and therefore spoke to the people in words
and possibly tones taught by the Holy Spirit. Please read Malachi Chapter 2
verse 7. That probably explains why the brethren were strengthened. Their words, definitely prophetic brought edification, exhortation and comfort
to the brethren as instructed by Scriptures in 1st Corinthians
Chapter 14 verses 3 to 5, 12, 19, 26; 2nd Corinthians Chapter 13
verse 10, Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 11 to 16, 1st Timothy 1 verse 3
and 1st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 11. Words which inspire faith
and also strengthen faith in keeping with the injunction of Scriptures to edify
rather than condemn are words which bring strength to people. Please read
Romans Chapter 10 verse 15, 14 verse 19, 15 verses 1 to 2, Isaiah Chapters 52 verses 7 to 9, 61 verses 1
to 4, Luke Chapter 4 verses 17 to 19, Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 29 to 32,
Colossians Chapter 4 verse 6.
The Bible records that the Preacher made the effort
to find acceptable words in penning down instructions. This was in spite of the
fact that the Preacher was a wise man who taught people. He was careful in his
choice of words, arrangement of the words and thought processes for clarity,
instruction, understanding, wisdom, politeness and correctness. He was careful
to use the right words so that humanity could be blessed and drawn closer to
God. The Preacher also gave options for right living and emphasized the
blessings of right living. He further instructed on the blessings and benefits
of right living. He also stated the consequences of riotous living without necessarily
using words that would dampen people’s enthusiasm.
Beloved, you can also strengthen other people after
you have received strength. How, you may ask? By speaking what encourages and
strengthens people in every situation, for example, the Apostle Paul’s speech
and actions to the sailors and his shipmates in Acts Chapter 27 is classic
encouragement and strengthening speech. The people were encouraged and many
lives were spared. You can also speak what builds people up as instructed in
the Scriptures in Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 29, 31 to 32, Acts Chapter 28
verses 30 to 31. This implies that your tongue can be a healing stream which
flows from God (Proverbs Chapters 12 verse 18, 15 verses 30, 2 and 7 and 1st
Corinthians Chapter 12 verse 9); a fountain of life which flows from God, a
well spring of righteousness which flows from God; a conduit of hope, power and
inspiration. Please read Revelation Chapter 22 verses 1 to 2, and Ezekiel
Chapter 47 verses 1 to 2.
Therefore, tame your tongue and speak only what God
would have you speak. Also, gird the loins of your heart as instructed in
Proverbs Chapter 4 verses 23 so that what comes out of your heart is pure
(Matthew Chapters 15 verses 17 to 20, 12 verses 33 to 37 and Ephesians Chapter
5 verses 16 to 20).
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