The Powerful Gift of Encouragement!

Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture

Acts 11

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Observation

Have you ever had someone say an encouraging word just when you needed it? Isn’t it great to have people who believe in you? There are no “Pauls” without a Barnabas! Barnabas stood up for Paul when no one else would and then when Barnabas realized that the church in Antioch needed the leadership of Paul Barnabas went to Tarsus and came back with Paul. How many pastors will go out and find someone more gifted than themselves for the sake of their church and allow that person to become senior leader/pastor? Wow! There is a message in this for me today! How about you?


Application

I will look for a man that needs for me to be a Barnabas to him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, your Word is so full of examples for us to follow. You are so mighty in Power! Help me live today in that power and might. Don’t let me be afraid. I pray that you show me who I need to help. Show me who needs encouraging today. Put that person on my heart and help me be a Barnabas to them. Amen.


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