Saturday, April 17, 2010
“To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.”--- ENCOURAGE definition.
The reality is that when we encouraging people elevate us beyond where we are. They lift us up and urge us. To encourage another is one of life’s greatest gifts we receive and one of the greatest gifts we offer. What are the ways in which you are encouraged by others? Who are the grand encouragers in your life? Who needs you to be an encouraging presence?
Barnabas is lifted up in today’s story as “the son of encouragement”. In a nutshell, that will be his lasting legacy for he accompanies Paul on the early Chrsitian missionary journeys. Barnabas likely was the one when Paul got down saying “keep at it. the Lord needs us”. In the lesson today, our first mention of Barnabas is lifting him up as an example of financial generosity- a reminder to us (and a continual theme in scripture) that the sharing of resources is a profoundly encouraging witness!
Give thanks this day for those who encourage you personally and for those who are the grand encouragers for the Christian community in our day. Blessings for a great Saturday. Looks to be a nice day here in Maryland. .
Today’s Text- Acts 4: 32-37
32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
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