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Acts Devotionals 2

A good man in a twisted world

for [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. (Acts 11:24)

I was thinking today about how I would like to leave behind the same kind of legacy that Barnabas did.

A good man. What did the author Luke mean when he called Barnabas a good man?

Luke says he was full of the Spirit. I’m sure Barnabas was full of the wisdom and power of the Spirit in his life.

But I can’t help but think Luke also means that Barnabas was a man full of the fruit of the Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

I think that’s a pretty good definition of a good man.

But how could he live that way in such twisted world? How could he not turn cynical or become jaded by all he saw around him?

Because he was also full of faith. Faith that God is good and that he is still in control no matter the circumstances.

How differently would this world see Christianity if they saw more Christians full of the Spirit and that kind of faith.

Categories
Acts Devotionals

Inspiring people’s faith

When (Barnabas) arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. (Acts 11:23-24)

I was just reflecting on those words today and thinking of a couple of people I know who do what Barnabas did: inspire people’s faith.

They’re always encouraging others to stay true to the Lord and to devote their hearts to God.

They believe in others when no one else does, as Barnabas did with Saul (Acts 9:26-27, 11:25-26)

And it just made me think, “I want to be like that. For however long I am here on earth, I want to inspire people’s faith. To make a difference in their lives so that they can then go out in turn and inspire others in their faith.

So right now, I’m praying, “Lord, who do you want me to touch? Whose faith can I inspire? And what can I do to help them grow in their faith in you?”

Who is God putting on your heart right now? Who is God asking you to be a Barnabas to?