Day 1: Seeing God’s Grace at Work
Reading: Acts 11:19-24
Devotional: Barnabas arrived in Antioch and was amazed by what he saw – the grace of God at work among the Gentiles. Like Barnabas, we’re called to be attentive to God’s movement in unexpected places. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see His grace at work around you. Where might God be moving in ways you haven’t noticed before? In your workplace, neighborhood, or even within your own family? Reflect on how recognizing God’s grace can fill you with joy and amazement, just as it did for Barnabas. Consider how you might encourage others by pointing out the evidence of God’s grace in their lives.
Day 2: Courage to Encourage
Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25
Devotional: The word “encourage” literally means to “put courage into” someone. As followers of Christ, we’re called to build each other up, especially in times of trouble. Reflect on Jesus’ words in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” How can this truth give you courage in your current circumstances? Think about someone in your life who might need encouragement today. How can you intentionally speak words of courage and hope into their situation? Remember, sometimes the smallest act of encouragement can have a profound impact on someone’s faith journey.
Day 3: Cultivating a Heart of Generosity
Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Devotional: Barnabas was known for his generosity, selling a field and giving the proceeds to support the early church. His actions remind us that generosity is a powerful way to encourage others and demonstrate God’s love. Reflect on the resources God has entrusted to you – not just financial, but also your time, talents, and spiritual gifts. How might God be calling you to use these resources more generously to encourage others and advance His kingdom? Remember, our generosity is a response to God’s overwhelming generosity towards us in Christ. Ask God to cultivate a heart of cheerful giving in you today.
Day 4: Extending Friendship and Inclusion
Reading: Romans 15:5-7
Devotional: One of Barnabas’ greatest strengths was his ability to extend friendship and include those on the margins. He bridged the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers, recognizing that the gospel was for all people. Consider your own circles of friendship and influence. Are there people you might be overlooking or excluding, even unintentionally? Ask God to give you His heart for those who might feel like outsiders. How can you intentionally reach out and include someone today, showing them the welcoming love of Christ? Remember, every act of inclusion is a powerful witness to the unifying power of the gospel.
Day 5: Filled with the Holy Spirit
Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20
Devotional: Barnabas was described as a man “full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” This fullness was the source of his effectiveness in ministry and his ability to encourage others. Today, reflect on what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Are there areas where you’ve been relying on your own strength rather than the Spirit’s power? Take time to pray, asking God to fill you afresh with His Spirit. Remember the promise in Romans 8:11 that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you! How might your words, actions, and attitudes change today if you were to consciously rely on the Holy Spirit’s power moment by moment?
Thank you for this series. I’m finding it more helpful when I Take a day at a time instead of scanning a week’s thoughts on one day.
It is good to be pointed back to God’s word, and especially helpful when the text of a highlighted reference appears at the
at the slightest touch. ( Is this difficult to set up?) todays verse helped with an earlier reference I had read today.
When we lived in Essex, one of the local churches had a “Barna-bus” and used to drive it round the local area bringing help to those in need in the area.