Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Grace”
Our Bible verse for today: “But encourage each other daily …” Hebrews 3:13 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “We must encourage each other.”
I’ve mentioned to you before that one of my favorite people in the New Testament is Barnabas, “The Son of Encouragement”. His real name was Joseph but the Apostles in the early church gave him that nickname because he was such a kind and gracious man. Every time we see Barnabas on the pages of the Bible he is blessing someone, giving a gift, reaching out to an outcast, or helping to mediate a conflict.
I love it. Over the years I’ve been so captivated by Barnabas’ winsome personality that once Linda and I even owned a book company which we called “The Barnabas Book Company.” We sold encouraging books designed to lift you up and improve your life.
On the pages of the New Testament we’re only given little snapshots of Barnabas in action but the fact that he was given such a nickname, “Son of Encouragement”, provides us with the fuller picture. He was a dispenser of God’s Grace. He was the guy whose presence brightened every scene, who raised people’s spirits, who brought joy into their days.
I believe that should describe the rest of us too. We are not to be harsh and critical of each other. That’s the work of Satan. He’s the one who tears down; he’s the one who is the source of gossip and slander; he’s the one who accuses and blames. When Christians do that to each other, they’re effectively doing Satan’s work for him.
No, we are to be dispensers of God’s grace. We are to build each other up, encourage one another, and as Hebrews 10:24 reminds us, we must spur one another on to love and good deeds.
I encourage you to consider who needs to hear a word of encouragement from you today. I encourage you to be Barnabas for someone today.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 