Words of Encouragement for Your Everyday Life

Good morning!  Today I want to give you words of encouragement for your everyday life with Words of Encouragement.

So let us take a look at what we do with words of encouragement in using Barnabas as an example.

 Acts 9:27 niv

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Son of Encouragement

Why this verse for encouragement?  Well Barnabas, whose name literally means “Son of Encouragement” took Saul to the disciples to have them put their blessings on Saul’s ministry.  Now remember, this is the Saul in whom the disciples in Jerusalem were terrified.  He had a reputation for zealotry and cruelty and like a bloodhound hunted down and persecuted followers of Jesus. 

Just think if Barnabas had never encouraged the apostles to bless Saul’s ministry?  A lot of the writings and ministry of the new testament might be missing.

Words of Encouragement

Effective leaders like Barnabas sustain hope by offering words of encouragement and support during the hardest, challenging and darkest of times in another person’s life.  When we do this, we are speaking words of life.  After all, it is the word of God that is hope, and His word is alive and active and sharper than a two edged sword (Heb. 4:12a).

God’s word is alive. It is powerful. It brings just as much life and more to us because that life is literally coming out of us, out of our mouths. The Word is coming out of our inner most being with the powerful force of God all over it. It is affecting and encouraging and bringing life to those within the sound of it.

Speak Life

You’ve no doubt heard me speak of my mentor Dr. Keith Gaddis – it isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last. There was a point in my life when the two most trusted people in my life lied to me and did the unthinkable in greatly breaking the trust. When I got the news of what had happened, I was in a deep and dark spot of my life and my spirit was crushed.

Enter my mentor. Keith began to speak life, hope and encouragement into my life at that time. Twenty years later he is still my mentor and closer than ever, and still speaking life into me – his wife Bridget too with both me and Carmen. Just like Barnabas with Saul/Paul, just think if Keith hadn’t been there for me. I can’t imagine where my life’s journey would have ended up.

Who is Your Barnabas?

One last boost of encouragement to start the day.  Take a moment to soak this in:

Challenge of the Day: Who can you be an encouragement to today?  Whose life will you speak words of life into today?  Speak it out!  So be it!