His Encouraging Spirit

Scripture: 27 Only one person accepted Saul as a genuine disciple, and he was Barnabas, who you remember, received his nickname because of his encouraging spirit. Barnabas became Saul’s advocate to the apostles. He told the whole story of what happened in Damascus, from Saul’s vision and message from the Lord to his transformation into a confident proclaimer of the name of Jesus. 28 Finally they accepted Saul and gave him access to their community, and he continued to speak confidently in the name of the Lord. 29 He dialogued—and argued—with a group of Greek-speaking Jews. That didn’t go well either, because soon they were plotting to kill him also. 30 His fellow believers helped him escape by bringing him to Caesarea and sending him to his hometown, Tarsus. (Acts 9:27-30 The Voice) What might the early church, or even the church today, have been without the encouraging spirit that was Barnabas. He became Saul’s advocate to the apostles, and encouraged Saul. It was difficult job that Saul had to convince the apostles and others because of what he had been, and what he had been doing. Without Barnabas there to stand with Saul and encourage everyone to listen to him and watch his life, who knows? But the encourager was there! Thank You, Father, for Barnabas. He definitely is one of my heroes. Thank You that You do send those to come along side and encourage us as we need it. Help me to be an encourager as well. AMEN I will sing a new song to the Lord for His wonderful deeds. He has always remembered His promise to love and be faithful to me. Psalm 98
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