I WANT TO BE AN ENCOURAGER

The year has come to an end and we are starting into a new year.  Everyone makes resolutions of change and what they want to do differently for purpose.  I thought, what do I want to do differently this year than I did last year.  I read in Acts 4:36 "Joseph, a levite from Cyrus, whom the Apostles called Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement."

We live in a world full of negative thoughts, negative sayings, negative energy, negative influence and etc.  The economy has families who have lost their jobs, addictions have taken individuals to a level of no control, religious bullying has become a way in many churches and individuals are leaving because of feelings  no self worth, depression  in lives being felt on a daily  basis, divorce, homelessness, self esteem issues, ghost of the past, sickness that has gone on for years with no answers,  etc.  Everyday I see people sad faced and no hope in their eyes.  

I have always had a heart for hurting people.  Those that are put on the shelf of life, because of past mistakes.  Individuals that most of the church world, sees no use for.  Will let them drive a church van but never allow them to do the ministry that God has called them for.  I have a heavy heart for such.  The strays of life...I search for.  I want to be a Barnabas to them.  Out in Detroit I remember one time that a manager that I made delivers to...lost his mother.  I sat down with him as he was crying, telling me , and I cried with him.  The one that just found out his wife was having an affair..I listened as he expressed his anger ...and put my arms around him and told him he was a good man and prayed with him.  

I Thess  5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.."  Encouragement is needed by all.  Synonymous words are console, help, give relief, cheer up and exhort.  

2013 I want to be a Barnabas - son of encouragement.  Give a smile to the one I meet at the store counter and thank them for their help.  Open the door at the hospital for an elderly person who can hardly walk and tell them have a great day.  Shake the hand of the depressed and tell them they are loved and wanted.  Tell someone that has no self esteem "you are the best."  Make a phone call to someone that is hurting.  I want to be a better encourager.  Hold up the hand of one that feels life is unfair.  I weep for the hurting.  Many hours at night, I spend time in prayer for those I know that are battling things in life.    All I can give is encouragement which sometimes is worth more than an dollar value.

To you that are reading this...I appreciate you.  You are loved and appreciated.  This is the reason for Restoration Ministries.  Reach for the broken and encourage all.