What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Be a Barnabus!

It seems as though I'm running around in circles in my head...not focusing on any one thing, but bouncing from one to another and not accomplishing much in the process.
(These little bunnies were running around and around in circles this morning, chasing each other and going from one blade of grass to another...)

I've wanted to write something fresh and meaningful and deep...but it seems as thought I've run out of the fresh, meaningful, deep stuff, and seem to be majoring in the stale, frivolous, and shallow...
These Sandhill Cranes seem to be stuck in the sand and are trying to figure out where to go...

Perhaps we all go through such stages in our daily lives and in our spiritual journey as well.  I'm not sure how or when I got off track...but it feels like I have been floundering and am bogged down in the soft sand, unable to get any traction to get going again.


But this morning in my devotions I read about Barnabus, whose name is also translated "Son of Encouragement" according to Acts 4:36...and what I read this morning was actually in Acts 11:21-26, particularly verses 23 and 24:

"When he (Barnabus) came and had seen the grace of God, 
he was glad, 
and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.
And a great many people were added to the Lord."

And I felt encouraged just by reading about Barnabus, "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith," and how he was remembered in the establishment of the early church, primarily at the city of Antioch...and how "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."  (Acts 11:26)

Wow! What a powerful testimony!!! Barnabus doesn't have a lot of information written about him in the Bible, but what is written is so powerful...to be known as a "Son of Encouragement"...and to be one of the early church "missionaries" that actually helped set us apart to be known as "Christians" tells me that his witness and faithfulness encouraged many many new believers in their walk with Christ...and that is a worthy and holy calling from God.


We may not think that what we do here in our little blog-land has all that much impact or value...and probably Barnabus, being a humble but devout and committed man of God, didn't think at the time that his role of encouragement would have that much of an impact on the future of all Christendom...but this story tells me that every word we say...every thought we share...has an impact.  If we are believers in Christ, our impact should be that of encouraging our sisters and brothers in their faith-walk...sharing what the Lord has taught us and shown us in our personal devotions and activities that has brought hope and encouragement to our own lives.


We may feel down and out and frustrated and burned out and be struggling with our own fears and heartaches...and yet, somehow, when we share here what God is doing in the midst of our struggles...and how He has blessed us with such joy and beauty all around us even when we may be hurting or grieving or wishing we could change things beyond our control...we do not realize how God may take our story and use it to lift up someone who is falling...someone who may be on the brink of giving up...someone who is lonely or frightened and feel they have no where to go or no one to turn to...and they can see that God is here with us in our struggles...and that gives them hope! That brings encouragement to their hearts...and the spirit of Barnabus is alive and well in us whether we realize it or not...just by being faithful to say what's on our hearts....

We never know...but what I DO know is that this lesson has encouraged ME today!  It has turned my focus outward instead of inward.  I want to be a Barnabus...I want to encourage my fellow sisters and brothers "that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord..."  Don't give up!  Keep moving forward in your walk with Christ.  Rest when you need to rest...refresh your hearts by spending time with the Lord...alone if necessary...don't try to do it all...lean on the Lord...and He will give you what you need to keep going....



I would like to take a moment to thank a fellow blogger, Mary at http://visitswithmary.blogspot.com/, for her wonderful post today from her Praise Journal.  Just when I was feeling down and frustrated about what to write, what to say, what to do...I read her post from her Praise Journal, and even though she didn't say a lot herself...it was the impact of what was quoted and shared that just seemed to be what I needed today to get back up and get moving! So Mary Jane, you get the award today for being a "Barnabus" to me...a "daughter" of encouragement...and I'm sure you didn't even realize that what you posted would have that effect.   That's what I'm talking about!  Just be faithful to say and do what ever the Lord lays on your heart...and it is going to speak to someone out there!

So, friends...just be faithful to the Lord and He will work through you...even when you are feeling down and out...He's always there...ready to encourage you and those around you when you least expect it!! You just might be a Barnabus to someone today!

17 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding me about Barnabus! I needed that reminder. And thank you for the shout out, sometimes God uses us to speak to others. All glory is His. AND...He put a great post in your heart to share with us today. As our friend Deb says, "Ain't God Good?!"

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    1. I'm excited that God has lifted us all up today. I love to see the Holy Spirit weave His message into our hearts and writing even across the miles...He puts similar thoughts into each of us to get His point across. I love this. Thank you for your words today. It has inspired us all.

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    1. Thank you Regine! Thank you for your visit here today. Have a blessed day.

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  3. Thnak you, Pamela! This was wonderful.

    You are a Barnabus today too.

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    1. Oh thank you Sandi...You always inspire me and encourage me.

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  4. This is one of my favorite posts that you've ever written... and they're all great. We truly never know the impact the words God speaks to us and we share will touch others. Thank you for being so faithful! 💜

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    1. Wow...this is a blessing to me, Deb. I truly had no idea what I was going to write until the Lord showed me Mary's post, and then I saw your post as well on Facebook, and then saw after I wrote this what you wrote yesterday...and isn't it great to be serving our God? He puts His words in our hearts and encourages us as we are blessed and bless others. What a wonderful gift today.

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  5. Mary's post was wonderful and inspiring, but Pam - you ARE a Barnabas!! Your bared your heart and led us through a wonderful lesson today. Thank you!!

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    1. Thank you Terri. That was totally, totally from GOD. I sat down here empty and with nothing to say...and the Lord said, "Let ME say it for you!" And Mary's post just gave me the little push I needed to keep going. You are all an inspiration to me. I love our circle of friends here and look forward to a happy gathering of us all someday...Thank you for being YOU!

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  6. Dear Pam,

    Thank you so much for reminding us of Barnabas and how just sharing our own walk with the Lord or what He's doing in our lives can be an encouragement to others. We just never know what God is working in someone else's life and what they need to hear. May He find us always willing to share with others...to be an encourager as was Barnabas. xx

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  7. A wonderful encouraging post, Pam! I have so often been encouraged by your post and those of others. Often they say just what I needed to hear right then. Have a blessed day.

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  8. I think we all have our 'down' times, but knowing we can go to God and claim His promises, can lift our spirits again. Being an encouragement to someone only encourages the encourager! Sweet post.

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  9. Your posts are always encouraging and a joy to read dear Pamela. Not to mention your wonderful photos too. Have a day of blessings my friend.

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  10. With all that has transpired lately for Danny and me, I have found myself floundering for words and putting off getting back to my blog. Did I happen to mention, too, that I'm having to shoulder so many more chores at the house while Danny recuperates? Now, Pamela, don't think I'm complaining! I'm over the moon as I watch Danny improve every day, but I did need these words of yours today, my friend. You are definitely my much-needed Barnabas!
    Blessings!

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    1. So glad to hear that you are seeing improvement in Danny...I've been praying and wondering...and will continue to pray. I know this is an added stress for you...as it is when anyone in the family is sick or injured or in need of extra help. So thankful that the Lord knows our needs and sends the help we need, even if it is just in the form of some words of encouragement! That can take a load off of our hearts and minds...just being reminded of God's grace and goodness and love. Praying for you right now!!!

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  11. Pam, your words resounded deeply for me--I could have easily shared very similar words. Thank you for this encouragement--even if I'm a day or so late in reading it. :) I trust that eventually spiritual rain will fall--rain to refresh more than just my spirit.

    Blessings!

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Thank you for visiting here today. I would love for you to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy reading your comments and words of encouragement! May you be blessed as you go on your way. Please come back and visit again soon.