Everybody needs a Barnabas

Everybody needs a Barnabas

by | Sep 9, 2022 | Blessing, Determination, Obedience

Everybody needs a Barnabas in their life.

Paul (formerly Saul) had led the great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, dedicating himself to destroying Christians. Newly converted, he offered to help those he had recently persecuted. Those leaders, in turn, refused to accept him as a brother in the Lord. In fact, they were still hiding from him.

Except for one.

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:26-27

Barnabas vouched for Paul. He bravely brought Paul in and introduced him to the brothers.

How did Barnabas know he could trust Paul? No doubt he had heard from believers who had suffered under Paul’s persecution.

Focusing on the future

While the other disciples focused on Paul’s past, Barnabas looked beyond to Paul’s future. He saw God’s work in him and how he could be used to accomplish God’s purpose.

Barnabas had a godly reputation, being described as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” (Acts 11:24) He had compassion for the poor, was a man of faith, and was obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. His character displayed a grateful, compassionate and loving heart.

Recently, I have been working day and night getting ready to launch a book. I have learned so much but at the same time, I still know so little regarding this process. Fortunately, I have people in my corner — my Barnabas band — that I can call on. Although they probably want to run and hide when they see me coming, they stick around. I am thankful for their presence in my life.

Transformed by brotherly love

Sometimes opening up to someone new is risky. If we get too close, we run the risk of being hurt or rejected. Barnabas didn’t think like this. He saw the best in the situation and welcomed Paul in. Paul may have been transformed spiritually on the road to Damascus, but he was also transformed by brotherly love. Barnabas played a role in starting Paul’s ministry.

Strong in his faith, Barnabas practiced what he believed. He was a respected leader and engaged in the ministry of the church. Barnabas’ ministry gave Paul an “in” into the disciple circle. Paul’s ministry changed the ancient world.

We need people like Barnabas in our lives. Not only that, but we also need to be a Barnabas to someone else. God has a plan to use us too, I’m sure of it. Let’s be a Barnabas and reach out to someone in need today.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Philemon 1:7

Finish what you start

Finish what you start

by | Jun 30, 2022 | Determination, God

Unfinished Business

Completion. How many times have I started something only to leave it unfinished? Baby books, photo albums, workout programs, diets (I usually bail around week 2 of a diet), etc.

One day, I’m going to finish them.

I can work cleaning one room of the house, leave it to take something to another room, just to get distracted and never make it back to complete the task I had originally started.

Not so for Solomon. The Lord gave Solomon the task to build a temple for Him. David wanted to build it, but God said he wasn’t the person to do it. God appointed Solomon.

“All this,” David said, “I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and he gave me the understanding in all the details of the plan.”

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord, my God is with you. I Chronicles 28:19

These words ring true today as in the days of Solomon. I need to hear them because I don’t feel strong and courageous most of the time. But these verses remind us to stay strong, to have courage and to finish what we start.

They remind us that the Lord is with us. We can put our fear aside, along with the discouragement, and live with purpose. We can live with a determination to complete the work.

Complete the task

It took 20 years, but Solomon built the temple of the Lord and his own palace, as well as rebuilt many villages and cities in his kingdom. I’m sure there were difficult days, setbacks and maybe a few distractions, but Solomon completed the work.

All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day the foundation of the temple of the Lord and was laid until its completion. So the temple of the Lord was finished. 2 Chronicles 8:16.

Others completed their work as well.

  • Noah finished the ark.
  • Moses got the Israelites to the promised land.
  • Jonah delivered his message to the Ninevites (although he learned a lesson along the way).
  • Ruth stayed with Naomi.
  • Paul finished his race.
  • John completed the task of writing the last chapters in the Bible.

Would you pray with me?

For months, I have written and re-written thoughts to include in a book I believe God has called me to write and share with others.

I hope that I am close to doing just that. At times, I have listened to my own negativity, tempted to quit. But I am committed to finishing the task, hoping to help someone else along their journey.

Would you pray with me in that? I would be grateful if you would walk alongside me until the work is complete.

Is there something you need to complete today? I pray that today is your day of completion too.

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Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man. Colossians 4:23

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