Acts 4:36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Within a few days, I heard that three men our
family knew had passed away. Although I had not seen any of them for some
years, I felt the sting of grief. As I prayed for their families and friends,
memories of each of them flooded my mind. I'd known Pat since he was a boy and
always loved his kind, caring heart. Todd was a friend of our children. The
last time Tim and I ran into him he greeted us with his big smile and welcoming
spirit. Charlie showered his love for Jesus over me when I needed it most.
Every one of these men encouraged me with their loving, hopeful spirit. They
left a positive influence on my life. Which made me wonder, what am I leaving?
In the book of Acts, Paul, who was Saul, turned
his life over to Jesus. God provided him with an encouraging friend; a believer
named Joseph who was nicknamed Barnabas, "son of encouragement."
Barnabas left a positive impression on the people he met. He poured God's love over
Paul as he traveled and taught with him.
Thinking about the men who passed reminded me that
what I do, say, act have an impact on the people God places in my path. Am I
making a good impression for Jesus, or am I leaving behind dark clouds of pessimism
and negativity?
I'm thankful I remember Pat, Todd, and Charlie as
positive influences I my life. I continue to pray for their families and
friends as they miss their loved ones. I also pray God reminds me to be an
encourager for him.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. -Will Rogers