Daily Devotional
Are You an Encourager?
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:36-37
June 1, 2021
Ponder This
The Book of Acts tells the story of a man called Barnabas, which translates to, “son of encouragement.” Five characteristics of Barnabas’ “gift of encouragement” show us how to be encouragers for others.
- First, encouragers see needs that they can meet and meet them. (See Acts 4:36.)
- Second, encouragers find lonely people and include them. (See Acts 9:26-30.)
- Third, encouragers find a misunderstood person and affirm him or her. (See Acts 11:19-26.)
- Fourth, encouragers develop disciples. Barnabas found buried gifts in new disciples and helped them develop their talents.
- Fifth, encouragers help failures find second chances. (See Acts 15:26-41.)
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost; it was God in Him. We can all be encouragers like Barnabas. Ask God to fan the Holy Spirit in you to meet needs, befriend lonely people, affirm the misunderstood, develop disciples, and offer second chances.
Practice This
Take time to encourage one person in a specific way this week, whether through a kind word, a written note, or a phone call.
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FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
