Be the Encourager

Baptist Daily Devotional
11 minutes ago
2 min read

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 26 2025 | Acts 11:22-24

KEY VERSE: “²³When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." Acts 11:23-24 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

A fresh move of God had begun in Antioch. When the church in Jerusalem heard about it, they responded with wisdom. They sent Barnabas, a trusted leader known for building others up in the faith (Acts 4:36). His name means “son of encouragement,” and he had a reputation for helping believers grow stronger in their walk with Christ.

Barnabas arrived with a heart to support the work of God. His presence brought strength to what was already happening and helped it grow even further. Revival grows best when mature, Spirit-filled leaders show up with discernment and humility. Barnabas recognised the evidence of God’s grace among the Gentile believers. He didn’t measure them by performance or perfection; he saw grace and responded with joy.

His message to them was simple and powerful: Remain true to the Lord with all your heart. He reminded them of what mattered most: faithfulness to Jesus. The Bible says Barnabas was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24). Encouragers like him make a lasting impact because they combine spiritual integrity with genuine care for people. And what was the outcome? A great number of people were brought to the Lord. Encouragement multiplies what God is doing. When it flows from a Spirit-filled life, it strengthens believers and draws many more into faith.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Who in your church or community is leading something new for God? Instead of watching or doubting, could you be the Barnabas who cheers them on? Your voice might be the very spark that fuels a greater work.

PRAYER:

Father, thank You for Barnabas - a man who saw grace and stirred faith. Make me like him. Teach me to encourage, support, and uplift the work You are doing in others. Let my words be life-giving, my presence Spirit-filled, and my heart joyful in every evidence of Your grace. Use me to strengthen the fire, not stifle it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 177: 2 Samuel 11 — David and Bathsheba

DAILY word study: ENCOURAGED The Greek word for "encouraged" is parakaleó (παρακαλέω). It means to call near, to comfort, to urge, or to strengthen.

The word parakaleó is often used in the New Testament to describe urging someone toward what is right or strengthening them in their walk with God. Barnabas wasn’t just giving a pep talk—he was actively helping the believers stay anchored in Christ. True encouragement draws others closer to the Lord.

Reflection:

Your words can lift, comfort, or realign someone’s heart. Choose them well. Let them reflect God's heart.