Be a son or daughter of encouragement

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “The power of words”

Our Bible verse for today: “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Be a son or daughter of encouragement”

I love and admire Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement. He’s one of my favorite people in the New Testament. He was nicknamed The Son of Encouragement by the apostles because he was evidently a kind and friendly man who was also a good and generous servant at heart. He had a supportive and uplifting nature, he made generous financial contributions for the benefit of others, he engaged in sacrificial service, and he was generally a blessing to everyone – the kind of person we all enjoy having around.

I have always found his example to be inspiring and I have always wanted to be more like him. I’ve written before of how, many years ago, my wife Linda and I owned a book company that we called “The Barnabas Book Company.” Our logo was “Encouraging books that will change your life.” We traveled around selling Christian books in churches, at book fairs, at flea markets, and at special events around the community. It was great fun but I was a terrible businessman. I was so eager for people to read our books that I probably gave away more than I sold.

In our church we have “encouragement notes” in the pew-backs. They are blank cards on which a person can write a short note of encouragement to someone, place it in the offering plate, and we will deliver that note to the person for them (I love the fact that I get to read them all before they are sent out).

Encouragement is one of the most important and helpful things we can do for each other. I think of it as the ministry of encouragement. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us that one of the responsibilities we have to each other is to encourage and lift one another up: “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Let’s resolve to use our words to lift-up and encourage others. There’s a good reason Barnabas had his nickname, and there’s a good reason God chose to include his example in the Bible. It’s to remind us of how important the ministry of encouragement is. Words of encouragement are powerful. They make a positive difference for good. Be a son or daughter of encouragement today.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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