Annie's "Barnabas was an Encourager" Page

 


Good Morning! This is God! I will be handling all
your problems today. I will not need your help...
So, have a good day! And don't worry or fret
about a thing. I can handle anything....
nothings too hard for me.
~Author Unknown~

 


Are you feeling
BLUE?

Are you down and discouraged? You just can't really put your finger on why you feel the way you do. Well you are not alone. Winter is the time when most people are depressed. After the holidays there is a kind of let down that many people feel. Then combine that with the January weather and it shouldn't really be that much of a surprise. Of course we can feel this way anytime. Remember that everyone has felt that way at least once in their life. So you are not alone.

 


"God takes us through just the right combination of waves, storms, and sunshine for each individual to learn about Him. He teaches us through our delights and deliverance's as well as through our tears and tempests."
~Carole Mayhall~

 


THE PSALMIST who wrote from a heart filled with sorrow said:
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
~Psalm 119:71~
JOB, after suffering many, many heavy trials, spoke these words:
"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee."
~Job 42:5~
PAUL often spoke of the personal value of suffering in his life. He referred to his suffering as his "thorn in his flesh". Paul's past was filled with the awareness that he was responsible for causing the persecution, that so many of the believers and their families endured. He also realized that this earth was not his home and he looked forward to seeing:
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
~2 Corinthians 1:3-4~

 

Encouragement

"But encourage (edify) one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
~Hebrews 3:13~

"Wherefore encourage (comfort) yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do" ~
1 Thessalonians 5:11~

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and encouragement (comfort) of the scriptures might have hope.
~Romans 15:4~

"Now the God of patience and encourage (consolation) grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus."
~Romans 15:5~

"If there be therefore any encouragement (consolation) in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
~Philippians 2:1-2~

 

Comfort

"This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." ~Psalm 119:50~

"I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself." ~Psalm 119:52~

"Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort,
according to thy word unto thy servant."
~Psalm 119:76~

"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden
of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein,
thanksgiving, and the voice of melody."
~Isaiah 51:3~

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for
your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." ~2 Corinthians 1:4-7~

"Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the
more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was
refreshed by you all." ~2 Corinthians 7:13~

"Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts." ~Ephesians 6:22~

"For we have great joy and comfort (consolation) in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."
~Philemon 1:7~

Nave's Topical Bible - Comfort & Affliction, Consolation In
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary -
Comfort & Consolation
There are
62 verses with the word "comfort" in them.

 


OK so are you asking, "How can I be of comfort?" Maybe you are thinking, "I am the one that needs encouragement"

Look at this verse: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
~Ephesians 5:19~

If there is no one else to comfort you, get your Bible and go to a quiet place and start to read the Psalms. There is such comfort in the Psalms.

 


David went through many, many difficult situations. But even though many parts of his life were not to be copied or imitated, he was still listed in "Faiths Hall of Fame". Read
Hebrews 11. When you cross reference the whole story on each of the people listed in the chapter, you will be surprised at how much tragedy and baggage they had in their lives. Never the less, those were the ones chosen. Comforting isn't it. If a "murderer" and a "prostitute" have been mentioned in the "Faith" chapter, then it should comfort you to know that the Lord can forgive our past too, if we have a heart after God. All we have to do is ask.

1 John 1:9 says " If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all from all unrighteousness."

Many Christians don't realize that this chapter is being written to believers, not the unsaved. Isn't that so amazing. What a loving God we serve. The Word of God is full of so many wonderful promises. Dig in and read them. They will bless you.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him."
~Hebrews 11:6~

 


God's Word really does encourage us and helps to comfort our hearts. Don't forget to "Hide" the Word in your heart. Memorize scripture and share it with others. That way when you need them the verses are always there for you. You may be the only "Bible" that some people ever see.

 


Don't despair. There is HOPE. Because:
God is the God of ALL comfort!

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;"
~
2 Corinthians 1:3~

Sometimes even when we can't see the forest for the trees or we become more introspective than is probably wise, God WILL provide a way out for us. Remember that: "When God closes a door He opens a window."

Even "Job" after loosing everything: health, wealth, children, home, friends and more, was given a NEW beginning. A second chance at happiness, if you will. Nothing could replace what he had lost. Job had three well-meaning friends who gave him sympathy and advice. But Job's friends even though they were well meaning, did not giving him wise or Godly advice.

"And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath." ~Job 42:7~

Job's turning point was when he prayed for his enemies. "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."~Job 42:10~ WOW! That must have been REALLY difficult. He actually prayed for them. I can only imagine, after his tremendous ordeal how truly difficult that must have been for him.

Sometimes it is ONLY, when we get to the end of OUR rope, that we come to God. We may say "I can't do it on my own anymore Lord". We may be angry or hurt. We may even feel sorry for ourselves. But the Lord has never left your side. He wants you to come to Him. He wants you to ask for help. But, often it is then that we want to take control of the situation back and take care of it all by ourselves.

Trusting can be hard even with people that we know and can actually see. How much harder it is to trust the Lord when we can't see Him. Let go. CRY. He wants to wipe away your tears. SCREAM. He will listen. But talk to Him. He is listening when no one else is.

If you haven't read the end of the book of "Job" let me share
with you what happened:
"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days."
~Job 42: 10 - 17~


"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
~2 Chronicles 7:14~

Let's be patient and wait expectantly for the blessings that the Lord has planned for us. He loves us with an unconditional love. Trust Him. You are not alone.


We really never know what tomorrow has in store for us. Do we? I sometimes wonder if we did know would we ever want to get out of bed in the morning or even sleep for that matter. But the Lord knows and He understands WHY things happen the way that they do. So you don't have to WORRY about it. Just TRUST in HIM and HIS WISDOM.

 

Tomorrow

If I could walk tomorrow's path
Before it had begun,
I fear that it would be a walk
Too much for anyone.
My Father knew it would not do
To run so far ahead.
"TODAY'S TROUBLES ARE SUFFICIENT,"
Wisely He has said.
So, Lord, I Live in thankfulness
For this day's good supply,
And leave tomorrow in your hands;
YOUR GRACE WILL SATISFY.
-JUNE TITUS-

 


He knows the plans He has for us. His word promises us that He will direct our steps and paths. He will guide us. He will comfort us.

Corrie ten Boom was born in Holland. She is now in Heaven. But she had such a wonderful story and testimony. In her book "The Hiding Place", Corrie and Betsy, her sister were being taken to Ravensbruck a concentration camp during World War II. Two specific incidents have been imprinted in my memory. The first one was when they were being shuffled into the camp. Betsy had a small New Testament attached to a string around her neck. Corrie had explained to Betsy that she would surely be shot or punished for trying to smuggle it into the barracks. But Betsy had a strong and childlike faith in the Lord. She trusted the Lord and knew in her heart that the Lord would provide a way. They were drawing close to the guard, when all at once a lady just passed out a few people in front of them. So the guards, to discourage anymore chaos just pushed all the rest of the ladies through without searching them. The Lord had seen fit to give them supernatural protection. That could only have come from the Hand of God.

The next example from her book is when Betsy and Corrie were having a prayer and Bible study in their barracks. The conditions were horrific. They were beyond our imagination. During the prayer Betsy prayed "Lord thank you for the FLEAS!" Corrie could not go on without stopping her sister and saying "Why did you say that?" Betsy lovingly just explained from her heart, "Corrie don't you see. The Lord provided the FLEAS. That way the guards would not bother us in our barracks, we can pray and worship freely." WOW. Betsy had "Eyes" to see and she was blessed to understand. We should strive to have such "childlike" faith. It is definitely something to strive for.

Here is the last example from her book: Betsy died at Ravensbruck. She died just shortly before the war was over. Corrie knew and understood that the numbers they were given to the prisoners and that were tattooed on their arms could mean life or death. (Did you know that there was an added insult because of the numbers tattooed on their arms? For the Jewish people, it was against what the Torah or Old Testament described. The Bible tells us not to have a tattoo. Here is the reference: Leviticus 19:28 "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." Isn't it amazing? Even that was in the Word yet so many people never knew because they hadn't read it.) Some were chosen for "Extermination" like a game of chance. Others were selected or hand picked to go to the gas chambers. Such a horrible and humiliating death that they endured. Corrie had seen the sheet with the numbers and knew that she would be going home to see the Lord soon. Well, the Lord intervened, yet again, and in a miraculous way again. Instead of calling her number the person calling the numbers transposed them and got the numbers mixed up. Corrie was spared.

Corrie ten Boom had an amazing ministry all of her life. She traveled all over the world sharing her story. Her message was the importance of these three words: "forgive your trespassers". She really forgave people for what they did to her. Isn't that amazing?

When I traveled to Amsterdam, I really wanted to see the home that Corrie and her family hide the Jews in. I was amazed that the people of Holland hardly knew who she was. They kept saying "Oh yes, the Americans always mention her". But I was not able to see her home. I would encourage you to read her book "The Hiding Place", I know that the Lord will use it to impact your own life in a mighty way.

I purchased two copies of her book in Dutch and gave them to the front desk clerk and the tour guide. All that I asked of them was that once they finished reading it, that they share it with someone else. The Lord knows how the book touched different lives, even if I don't. I just had to listen to the still small voice and obey.


While I was in
Amsterdam I did get to see "Anne Frank's" ~ home. I can't even begin to tell you what an awesome experience it was to see all the people waiting in line from all over the world. We walked through the place that they hid in for so many years. There was a hush over the people. It seemed so very quiet. Even though she was only a child, Anne's life touched millions. She never grew up to marry or have children but she is an inspiration to more people in her short life then most ever will be.

More Links: CORRIE TEN BOOM HOUSE & Corrie ten Boom. I have a search page that I typed in her name for you already right HERE.

Reading biographies of Missionaries and Great Christians of History can really encourage and uplift you. It can remind us of what the Lord has done for others and can strengthen our faith. Visit my Annie's Verse A Day Page to find "Learn about A Christian Life in History" section.

 

Here is a quote from "amazing love" by Corrie ten Boom:

"I was once a passenger aboard a ship that was being guided by radar. The fog was so dense we couldn't see even the water about us. But the radar screen showed a streak of light, indicating the presence of another ship far ahead. So, also, faith the radar that sees reality through the clouds.

The reality of the victory of Christ can be seen only by faith, which is our radar. Our faith perceives what is actual and real; our senses perceive only that which is limited to three dimensions and comprehended by our intellect. Faith sees more."

 


"Gather the riches of God's promises. Nobody can take
away from you those texts from the Bible which
you have learned by heart."
~Corrie ten Boom~

 


"My Dear Child don't worry I
have everything under control!
Love Jesus"

So "Be Encouraged", my friend. Listen to what the Word of God says:
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for
the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail
thee, nor forsake thee."
~Deuteronomy 31:6~

 


For those of you who want to be an encourager or comforter to others, please look at the life of Barnabas as an example.

Barnabas:
Barnabas: son of the prophet or of consolation
~Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary~

In the Nave's Topical Bible we learn that Barnabas accompanied Paul and other disciples. The disciples referred to him as an "Encourager".

Easton's Bible Dictionary Describes Barnabas as: a son of consolation, the surname of Joses, a Levite (Acts 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (13:1). Luke speaks of him as a "good man" (11:24). He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land (Acts 4:36, 37), which he sold. His personal appearance is supposed to have been dignified and commanding (Acts 14:11, 12). When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, Barnabas took him and introduced him to the apostles (9:27).

Acts 4:36-37 "And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation, or Son of Encouragement) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus."

If you do a search in the Bible for "Barnabas" there are 28 matches.

He's mentioned over 35 times in the New Testament, and many times in the book of Acts. Only Paul and Peter are referred to more. Most Christians don't even know who Barnabas was. He lived to serve and encourage others. His actual name was Joseph, but to his friends he was known as "Barnabas" because it meant "son of encouragement". Barnabas came to people in their times of need and helped them. Acts 9:10-28, Acts 15:36-39

You can find many more Bible Study Helps at my
Annie's Bible Study Reference Page & Annie's Christian Search Page

 


Now if you have come to this point and are still down I have added a section on
Email Encouragers. These Lovely Christians have volunteered to be email encouragers. Please send them an email and let them minister to you with their "Gift of Encouragement".

 


If you need some encouragement PLEASE visit my:
Annie's Email Encourager Page
Don't be afraid to reach out to others. God has often used Email Encouragers who I have never met to BLESS me in many ways and comfort me too. Sometimes I think "Who but the Lord?" could have known that I needed to read a scripture or word of encouragement right at that moment.

 

Are you looking for other pages to help you become an Encourager?


Visit these Wonderful Pages:
My friend Peggie has a WONDERFUL devotional this week called:

Survival 101--A Christian Devotional from "Peggie's Well"
What Does the Bible Teach About Hospitality?
Joni and Friends - The Disability Outreach of Joni Eareckson Tada - Accelerating Christian Ministry in the Disability Community

 

Are you still discouraged and dealing with the loss of a loved one?


Visit: Annie's How to Cope with Grief & the Holidays Page
Ray of Hope Support Group for Grieving Parents &
Deeper Still - For those who Grieve by
IBS (International Bible Society)

 

Other Related Pages by Annie for you to visit:

February 1st is Be An Encourager Day!!!!
Send someone a card just to encourage them.

 

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