Day 154 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 7:30-8:17; Psalm 122; Acts 4:32-37)
ENCOURAGING ACTION
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:34-37 ESV)
“Son of encouragement,” what a great title for a follower of Jesus! We will see this title lived out in the ministry of Barnabas in later chapters.
The concept of encouragement is most often evident in encouraging words, words that build up the person they are directed toward. However, in the lesson for today, we find Barnabas encouraging His fellow believers by his actions. He sold a field and donated the proceeds to the church.
How encouraging it is when Christians extend a helping hand to others in need! There are fellow believers helping out those struggling with the effects of being shut-in during the covid 19 “lock down.” On Monday, people were volunteering to help clean up damage from last night’s riots in Milwaukee. Yes, there are many examples of encouraging action.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)
The greatest encouraging action of all time took place on Mt. Calvary when Jesus died in our place and purchased heaven for sinners like you and me.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the encouraging example of Barnabas. Thank You for the many Christians who are following that example. Thank You, above all, for Your death in my place and for granting me the encouragement of my eternal home. In Your encouraging name. Amen.
Link to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
https://zoom.us/j/177003912
IN CHURCH SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion
Youtube link to all previously recorded services:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9
Link to Wednesday Online Bible Study 7 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85832224078
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2020 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
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