Power Point - March 29, 2006

March 29, 2006

 

And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

 

--Acts 9:26-27

 

Barnabas was a man known for the way he encouraged and built up other people. He was the ultimate people person!

 

If you and I are going to be the kind of people God wants us to be, we must become people persons as well. This includes building relationships with people both inside and outside the family of God.

 

In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….”

 

As believers, shouldn’t we want to pattern our lives after our Lord’s? To do so, you and I must work to respond to others generously, receive others gladly, rejoice with people greatly, and renew people graciously.

 

People need affirmation from an unbreakable band of believers who will encourage, support, and point them toward Christ…someone like Barnabas, a man who sought ways to refresh God’s people.

 

Is your life a river of encouragement, acceptance, and love to those who come in contact with you? Or is it a desert?

 

I challenge you today to be that river of refreshment to those around you. Look for people who you can build up and encourage, and know that God will equip you to be the people person He wants you to be.

 

IF YOU ARE TO BE THE KIND OF MAN OR WOMAN GOD WANTS YOU TO BE, YOU MUST BECOME A TRUE PEOPLE PERSON!