DCLM Sincere Milk 21 May 2023 — Be A Barnabas
DCLM Sincere Milk 21 May 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Be A Barnabas
Topic: Be A Barnabas
Text — Acts 4:34-37
35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Key Verse: “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,” Acts 4:36
Message
People in different cultures believe in the power of the name they bear. Ask your parents, they will definitely tell you the reason they gave you your name. Every name has a meaning and it is tied to a particular situation or circumstance. Our names are an important part of our identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, family, religious and historical connections. They also give us a sense of whom we are, the communities in which we belong, and our place in the world.
The name ‘Barnabas’ means the Son of Consolation. Yes, this Barnabas was truly a child of consolation. He was an encouragement to the early Church in Jerusalem. He was a source of comfort to other brethren. He was selfless and unselfish; he sold his property and gave the whole money for the upkeep of other believers.
Like Barnabas, you must show love, concern and care for others in the church and everywhere you find yourself. Provide a shoulder for people to lean on, support anyone facing challenges and always be a source of encouragement to others. As a Christian child, you must be a source of consolation to your parents, ministers of God in the church, teachers in school and everybody that relates with you. Be a Barnabas!
Further Reading: Acts 9:25-30
Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, please make me a source of encouragement and consolation to others.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
