March 4, 2015
A word of encouragement can accomplish far more than we might ever imagine. Fact is, the Bible might be missing about half of the New Testament were it not for a word of encouragement.
“Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ … When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9.22,26-27)
A formidable enemy of the church had been miraculously converted but, understandably, many followers of Christ were skeptical. Arriving in Jerusalem, no longer to persecute but to partner, he was held at arm’s length. But, enter a man named Barnabas. Taking Saul by the hand, leading him to the apostles, and explaining on his behalf the powerful evidence of his conversion, skepticism melted. Thanks to Barnabas, Paul was able to partner with Peter and the other apostles, and we are today enriched through the letters written by him that comprise over half of the New Testament.
Imagine what good our encouragement might do. Perhaps there is someone we know who is new to the faith. Others may be skeptical, but we may uniquely see the evidence of their conversion, and the great potential they have. Our encouragement could make all the difference!
We live and die by encouragement. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18.21). Someone who is foundering in the faith just might be revived and restored by a word of encouragement from us.
It is said that it is good for every person to consider at least one positive touch daily. By that it is meant that we each should administer some form of positive reinforcement and encouragement to at least one person daily. So, who is the one person today you can encourage in their life, service, and faith? You may never know how much good your encouragement will bring, but be assured it is worth the effort. May an army of Barnabas’ be unleashed today!
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ … When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9.22,26-27)
A formidable enemy of the church had been miraculously converted but, understandably, many followers of Christ were skeptical. Arriving in Jerusalem, no longer to persecute but to partner, he was held at arm’s length. But, enter a man named Barnabas. Taking Saul by the hand, leading him to the apostles, and explaining on his behalf the powerful evidence of his conversion, skepticism melted. Thanks to Barnabas, Paul was able to partner with Peter and the other apostles, and we are today enriched through the letters written by him that comprise over half of the New Testament.
Imagine what good our encouragement might do. Perhaps there is someone we know who is new to the faith. Others may be skeptical, but we may uniquely see the evidence of their conversion, and the great potential they have. Our encouragement could make all the difference!
We live and die by encouragement. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18.21). Someone who is foundering in the faith just might be revived and restored by a word of encouragement from us.
It is said that it is good for every person to consider at least one positive touch daily. By that it is meant that we each should administer some form of positive reinforcement and encouragement to at least one person daily. So, who is the one person today you can encourage in their life, service, and faith? You may never know how much good your encouragement will bring, but be assured it is worth the effort. May an army of Barnabas’ be unleashed today!
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:10 AM
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