The theme for today’s Turning Point daily devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah is ”New Testament Missionaries: Barnabas” and it is a message designed for today’s spiritual growth and enhancement.
SCRIPTURE: And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite from the country of Cyprus.-Acts 4:36
Did you know you can encourage someone by asking them to do something for you? Sometimes people want to be needed, and by asking a simple favor you can lift their spirits. You can do the same with a sincere compliment. Our world needs more of those! Taking time to listen, being genuinely concerned, looking someone in the eyes and offering to help, sending a thank you note, or surprising someone with a simple gift—all these are ways of being an apostle of encouragement.
Barnabas was the first apostle of encouragement. While he certainly led others to Christ and shared the Gospel, he really excelled at encouraging others who were doing the same. He gave Paul his start, pulled Mark out of his failures, provided funds for the Early Church, and was a cheerleader for everyone who was busy with the Lord’s work.
Don’t let the day pass without intentionally encouraging someone. Become an apostle of encouragement.
I know of no one more needed, more valuable, more Christlike, than the person who is committed to encouragement.
Chuck Swindoll
Source : Turning Point Ministries