Luke, the author of Acts, tells us about Barnabas the encourager. This man’s real name was Joseph, and he was from Cyprus. Yet, the apostles gave him a nickname that told what kind of man he was. It was Barnabas who encouraged Paul in the ministry. Because Paul had persecuted the church, the believers in …
Building up others is a gift to those around us. People who build us up are significant along our journey because they are interested in us when others may not be. A parent or other influential person’s words can shape and mold us in ways that are hard to quantify. Encouragers inspire us when we …
Here is some background information on Peter’s first letter. The Apostle Peter wrote it. This is the same Peter whose original name was Simon. Jesus renamed him Peter. John 1: 42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means …
Jesus comes to encourage us. This gives insight into how much He loves us and knows what is happening in our lives. Has there been a time in your life when you were discouraged, and the Lord prompted you to pray or turn to His word? Have you noticed that the spiritual atmosphere changed when …
The value of encouragement in our lives can’t be overstated. In third grade, I had one of the most significant teachers in my life. She was an excellent teacher, but she was also a fantastic encourager. That year was pivotal for me, and her encouragement significantly impacted my life. I believe we all want to …
Seeking the Lord can be a turning point and a special time in your relationship with Him. When we seek the Lord, it is a time of listening, being still, and waiting for the Lord to speak. We live in a fast-paced culture, and seeking the Lord for our questions and concerns is not always …
Timely encouragement is one of the essential experiences that we can have and sometimes can come unexpectedly. Life can have difficult seasons, and a word of encouragement can make a huge difference. I remember encouraging a young man, and when I did, he stood up straighter, and a smile came to his face. There is …
I have a friend who has a gift for building up others. Each time I see him, I know he will have words of encouragement for me—what a role model for any of us. We can follow this to make a difference in the lives of others. If you have someone like that in your …