|
        |
|
|
Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
||||
Used for God
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the
believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly
become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how
Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to
Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in
Damascus.1 If a well-known persecutor of Christians came to your
church, it is likely everyone would run without thinking twice! You would want
to be nowhere near such a dangerous person, nor would it be easy to believe
that this person was there with good intentions. However, this is exactly what
happened with Saul soon after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
God had completely transformed his life overnight, and everyone was shocked to
hear that he had gone from arresting Christians to preaching boldly in the name
of the Lord. It was too good to be true! When Saul tried to meet with other
believers, everyone was afraid of him, that is until Barnabas, who was a good
and trusted man, stood by Saul and explained all that had happened. The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement”, and this was
the first part he played in Saul (Paul’s) life. He was known and respected,
therefore he was able to build a bridge between Saul and other believers,
speaking up in defense of the validity of Saul’s faith and ministry. Without
Barnabas, it would have been difficult for Saul to build connection with his
fellow believers. Barnabas and Saul, now known as Paul, started their ministry together, but later
went separate ways due to a disagreement. They were godly men, filled with the
Spirit, and they enjoyed ministering together. However, even this disagreement
was used by God to further His work. They each continued their ministry which
doubled the missionary teams! Like Barnabas, we are also called to encourage fellow
Christians, especially those who are new to the faith or struggling. Acts 11:23
describes Barnabas as a man who was glad to see the grace of God in the lives
of others. He exhorted and encouraged them to remain faithful to the Lord. We
should always be looking for ways to appreciate, encourage, and support those
who are living and serving in ways that bring honor and glory to God. Whether
we minister together for a long while, or are simply together for a season, let
us allow God to use us for His purpose. Suggested prayer: Lord, show me the ways in which I can
encourage someone today. Help me show appreciation for the hard work of those
who are faithfully serving you. Use my life for your glory and to further Your
work. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. 1. Acts 9:26-27 (NLT). Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B. |
||||
| |
||||
2. To Know God and be sure you're a real |
 |
|||
3. Donate: To help send Daily Encounter |
 |
|||
4. To send today's Daily Encounter to a friend |
|
|||
5. To share your faith in a simple, attractive |
 |
|||
6. For today's featured article click on: |
 |
|||
7. This week's chuckle as seen "On the Lighter |
 |
|||
8. Change Address of your subscription to |
 |
|||
Previous Page Site Map |
 Top |
