Daily Encouragement

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Thursday, April 21, 2005

"But Barnabas"

"When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles" (Acts 9:26, 27).

Today I want to consider the personal power of encouragers. Many of us can look back in our lives and recall those who have encouraged us along the way, giving us those most needed spiritual nudges. Yesterday Brooksyne attended a funeral and witnessed an underscoring of this point. Although she often shares a note at the conclusion I have asked her to share in the body of this encouragement today.

Yesterday I attended the funeral of an 80 year old woman who had a dynamic testimony for Christ. She was greatly loved by her family and the large number of friends who attended. She was known for her tremendous gift of hospitality. (This family, although well-known here in Lancaster County, would not likely be recognized out of this area.)

At the end of the service the pastor announced that a friend of the family would like to say some words in conclusion. Imagine my surprise when Ravi Zacharias, an international author and apologist, took the platform and shared from his heart.

He said that this dear woman and her husband were a remarkable blessing to him in his early years of ministry. They shared with him in an unpretentious and simple way words that he recalls profoundly encouraged him. It spurred him on in his calling to ministry.

He smiled as he told us of her very honest assessment of his ministry. She candidly told him, "Ravi, I really don't understand a lot of what you say, but you're very good at it so just keep on doing it." Obviously he listened and God has poured out His blessings and used Ravi throughout the world. I am sure many readers have heard of him.

Barnabas is one of my favorite Bible characters. His very name means "Son of Encouragement." Consider his influence. No book in the Bible was written by him. We don't have the text of any sermon he preached. In fact I am unable to find even a single quote attributed exclusively to Barnabas. All the information we have about him is brief and biographical.

But the daily verse is so typical of his ministry as an encourager. I sure can understand the apprehension of the disciples concerning Saul, who had a vicious reputation. His claimed conversion might have been a mere ruse to get in with the disciples. Consider just the phrase, "But Barnabas." Do you have some people like that in your life?

His action is so indicative of an encourager. Barnabas believed in the power of Jesus Christ to perform the miracle of transformation. And Saul (who became Paul) was genuinely transformed. Consider the tremendous contribution he made to the church in his apostolic ministry and letters. I am sure thankful for Barnabas who chose to stand up for him!

Isn't it great that this call of encouragement is something we can all share in? Surely as we all have benefited from encouragers we are now all called to pass it on. I encourage you to do so today!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

I will share one personal memory of very specific encouragement. About 5 years into our first pastorate in the early 80's we ran across some real opposition. Letters were circulating attacking our ministry. I still recall receiving a call from a Christian brother at that time who merely shared with a broken voice "We're praying for you." We got through that and sure learned some hard lessons in life and ministry. That brother and his wife remain great friends to this day, although we now live far apart. Mike, you may read this and I again want you to know that was a most needed blessing of encouragement.

One of the prettiest blooming trees is the dogwood. Here's my view this morning from my home office window!

Here's the website for Ravi Zacharias. I guess I must admit that there is much that Ravi shares that I really don't understand either but I am so glad he is able to speak with and connect to a segment of the population. I have benefited from his writings and radio program and also heard him speak "live" several times as well.

As I prepared this a song came on that really speaks to function of the encourager. It's just a sample but I am sure many readers have hard it. "I will be there for you."

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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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