God Thought 8/17/22

Upper Room Devotional
AUGUST 16, 2022
Encouraging Messages
Wayne Greenawalt (Illinois, USA)

“When [Barnabas] arrived and saw evidence of God’s grace, he was overjoyed and encouraged everyone to remain fully committed to the Lord." - Acts 11:23 (CEB)

“Trust in the Lord.” “You are making a difference.” “You can count on my prayers for you today.” These notes and many more were written by Craig — one of my co-workers at a Christian ministry — and left on my desk. Other staff members and the men he mentored received similar encouraging messages.

Craig’s ardor in edifying others brings to mind Barnabas, a companion of the apostle Paul. Barnabas was renowned for his ability to encourage others. When the church at Jerusalem learned that many Gentiles had become believers in Antioch, they commissioned Barnabas to travel there and instruct them in the faith. Barnabas was excited by the vibrancy of their faith and exhorted them all “to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (NIV). His ministry among them was inspirational. Not only did they remain steadfast in the faith; their testimony resulted in many others coming to Christ.

The body of Christ needs encouragers. Living for Christ can be hard, and trials and difficulties will come our way. Every Christian needs the support of fellow believers to remain steadfast in the faith. How might God work through us to encourage others to grow in their faith?

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the encouragers in our lives. Please show us how we can encourage someone today. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What will I do to encourage someone today?

PRAYER FOCUS
My co-workers

No Comments


Recent

Archive

 2023

Categories

Tags