THE CHURCH - THE BARNABAS MINISTRY: ENCOURAGEMENT
Barnabas is known as the great encourager in the Bible.
Barnabas' encouragement of John Mark helped him to become a great leader in the
church (Acts 11:23). Those who are doing well and those who are struggling both
need the strength that comes from compassion and encouragement. Jonathan went
to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God (1 Samuel
23 v16). Encouragement is more than hollow praise but it is urging others to
hold fast to the principles of faith. "Encourage those that are timid,
take tender care of those who are weak, be patient with everyone" (1
Thessalonians 5:14).
Encouragement usually inspires people not only to do their
best, but also to be gracious, loving and encouraging to others as well
(Hebrews 10:24).
How to encourage others:
You communicate how you value others through open
affirmation and encouragement. The most vivid example is God's affirmation of
Jesus at his baptism and transfiguration. Matthew 17:5
"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you
say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those
who hear them". Ephesians 4:29. Words can foster or hinder encouragement.
They can be more painful and powerful than physical force. Words are sharper
than a two edged sword. Words can also heal more effectively than the strongest
drug ever. You provide an atmosphere of encouragement by setting a verbal tone
that communicates harmony and peace.
You can encourage others based on the encouragement you find
in God's word. (Titus 1:9)
You can build others up by acknowledging their quality
service to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 30:22
You can encourage others simply with a joyful spirit.
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, good news makes for good
health."
You can encourage others by reminding them what God can do
and wants to do for them and through them. 2 Chronicles 32:8
Prayerful thought: Bless me O Lord with the gift of
encouragement, and deliver me from the curse of discouragement which is a gift
from the devil not from you .
Day 28
THE CHURCH - A CRACK IN A HEART NEEDS JESUS
Reading: Proverbs 14 v 10, Psalm 55 v 21 -22, 2 Samuel 9
A ceaseless praying church has a lot of challenges that are
experienced in the heart, No matter what we do, no matter how much education we
have or have not received, there are challenges that we face as believers that
break and leave scars in our hearts that only JESUS can heal.
We walk this walk in life with heavy hearts, bitterness,
anger, strife, violence, un-forgiveness and negative attitudes towards other
people. It is like we drink poison and then expect our enemies to die, is it
practicable? We become fruitless in these circumstances yet the Bible commands
us to be fruitful.
Indeed as human beings we are good at pretending as if all
is "WELL", yet inside we are finished. Our inside is full of maggots
and animosity. We need to get real with our feelings, to get in touch with one
self, and admit that I have a problem. Lord I am hurting and unable to forgive,
"let go" whosoever. Some of us have people that we run to, but most
of the time, we are required to talk to the LORD one on one, and pour our
hearts out to him so that we can receive our inner healing and get over with
our plastic smiles. The LORD and SAVIOUR hears our cries as we pour our hearts
to HIM. As HIS children, we have the right to sit our Father down and talk to
HIM, cry to HIM, declare our intentions to HIM and claim whatsoever we need
from Him because He loves us so dearly.
In the book of 2 Samuel Chapter 9, is a story of a crippled
young man Mephibosheth, who was dropped by his nanny from her back during the
time of war between Saul and David. The young man was dropped when the nanny
was running away from the soldiers, and if he were to be asked today about what
had happened to him, obviously he would say; "I was DROPPED." A lot
of us were dropped in our lives by so many situations and people, including our
husbands, wives, children, parents, in-laws, siblings, workmates and friends,
the list is endless. The LORD is saying, "Come and dine with me at my
table." When we are seated at the table, what do we see, people's legs or
chests? No one looks under the table to check if our legs are crippled or not,
but when we see each other seated on the table eating, we all look the same.
This is what happens when the LORD is with us. He heals our
inner wounds and then we will not behave like those whose speech is smooth as
butter, yet war is in their hearts; the words are more smoothing than oil, yet
they are drawn swords. Above all, the Lord wants a willing heart. We need
therefore to be willing and to fully admit that I have a problem. God
wants a child who is obedient and trusting, one who goes everywhere when told
to and talk to your "enemy". That voice that talks softly quietly is
HIM, who instructs and commands you to say phone that person. When you are
ready to make peace with those that have wronged you please DO NOT DISCUSS IT
WITH ANYONE, JUST GO BECAUSE IT IS BETWEEN YOU AND GOD. People, friends and
relatives may discourage you because they will be hurting with you.
My situation with in-laws, I really thank God, because I now
go there as and whenever I feel like, why, because the Lord commands us to. It
may not be easy at first, but when that voice speaks, you cannot tell anyone,
cannot consult anyone because it calls you to be obedient. The Lord had
commanded me to forgive, not only to forgive, but to also visit them. You have
to obey even if the devil wants to discourage you, ignore it and GO!!! Tell you
what, your heart will be FREE - your LOAD will be off your shoulders.
Prayerful thought: Heavenly Father please mend the cracks in
our hearts. Pick up our spirits which were dropped and thanks for the willing
heart that you have given unto us.