Be An Encourager
The name of Barnabas means, “son of encouragement” or “son of consolation”. Derived from Aramaic origins, it is most famous from the New Testament as the name of an early Christian disciple and missionary who traveled along with apostle Paul. His original name was, Joseph meaning “God will increase”. He was given the nickname, Barnabas by the apostles due to his uplifting and generous nature.
In the book of Acts 9:27, Barnabas befriends Saul and defends him before the apostles at Jerusalem. The apostles were afraid of him due to his reputation of persecuting Christians. Barnabas stood up for Saul and became the bridge between Saul and the apostles. He was an encouragement to young Saul as he begins his Christian journey. Just as much as Barnabas was an encouragement to Saul, soon to be renamed Paul (Acts 13:9), we can encourage someone else, who may have just started their Christian journey. As we run along side those whom we are mentoring we can share with them the benefits of our experience. We can encourage them not to make the same mistakes we have made and help guide them as they navigate the treacherous waters of their journey.
As Christians we are encouraged to read the Holy Scriptures daily to strengthen our faith. Some years ago, I read a book written by John C. Maxwell entitled, “Running with the Giants”. In his book he looked at many of the men and women of the Old Testament. He focused on their inspiring and encouraging impact of their generation. Men and Women from Noah to Esther to David and Jonathan as well as many others. He sought to understand their impact on those closest to them.
In John Maxwell’s book he uses the analogy of running a race. He used the scripture in Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. His aim was to be encouraged by those who would come along side as we run our race and offer inspiration and support.
We can all look around us and see those who are struggling with their faith, health, relationships or other issues. They may not ask for help or even want our help but we can offer it. Prayer is our most powerful weapon against doubt, unbelief and discouragement. Let us continue to run this race along side them with prayer and support.
Paul needed a Barnabas, David needed a Jonathan, you and I need one another to encourage us when times get hard.
There is a quote from John Maxwells book I would like to share: “Together, you and I can run with the giants for a while to receive their inspiration, wisdom, and empowerment”. We need that, because encouragement is the oxygen of the soul”.
“Running with the Giants”
Senior Citizens Pastor,
Thomas Johnson
In the book of Acts 9:27, Barnabas befriends Saul and defends him before the apostles at Jerusalem. The apostles were afraid of him due to his reputation of persecuting Christians. Barnabas stood up for Saul and became the bridge between Saul and the apostles. He was an encouragement to young Saul as he begins his Christian journey. Just as much as Barnabas was an encouragement to Saul, soon to be renamed Paul (Acts 13:9), we can encourage someone else, who may have just started their Christian journey. As we run along side those whom we are mentoring we can share with them the benefits of our experience. We can encourage them not to make the same mistakes we have made and help guide them as they navigate the treacherous waters of their journey.
As Christians we are encouraged to read the Holy Scriptures daily to strengthen our faith. Some years ago, I read a book written by John C. Maxwell entitled, “Running with the Giants”. In his book he looked at many of the men and women of the Old Testament. He focused on their inspiring and encouraging impact of their generation. Men and Women from Noah to Esther to David and Jonathan as well as many others. He sought to understand their impact on those closest to them.
In John Maxwell’s book he uses the analogy of running a race. He used the scripture in Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. His aim was to be encouraged by those who would come along side as we run our race and offer inspiration and support.
We can all look around us and see those who are struggling with their faith, health, relationships or other issues. They may not ask for help or even want our help but we can offer it. Prayer is our most powerful weapon against doubt, unbelief and discouragement. Let us continue to run this race along side them with prayer and support.
Paul needed a Barnabas, David needed a Jonathan, you and I need one another to encourage us when times get hard.
There is a quote from John Maxwells book I would like to share: “Together, you and I can run with the giants for a while to receive their inspiration, wisdom, and empowerment”. We need that, because encouragement is the oxygen of the soul”.
“Running with the Giants”
Senior Citizens Pastor,
Thomas Johnson
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