by Pastor Cecil | Jul 7, 2020 | Acts
Acts 4:36-37
“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”
If you are anything like me, you enjoy being around people who hold lightly onto the things of this world and give freely of themselves and their possessions. They seem to enjoy giving more than receiving. They relish watching others benefit from a thoughtful gift rather than grasping what is available to them.
Here in Acts 4 we have another illustration of the nature of Barnabas. We have no idea of his net worth or how much property he owned. We’re only told that he sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles. That money would be used to supply the needs of the widows and orphans.
His gift also set the stage for a tragic incident in the body of believers that is recorded in Acts 5. A couple named Ananias and Sapphira evidently became envious of the respect shown for the gift Barnabas had brought to the apostles. They sought to grasp that same respect for themselves by selling some property they owned. The difference was that they only donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale but claimed they gave the total amount received.
The apostle Peter was given spiritual knowledge of their lie and confronted them. The stunning result of their lying to the church (and thus to the Lord) was that they both fell dead instantly.
Barnabas did not give to be seen by men, but he gave as unto the Lord. That should be the way we present our gifts of tithes and offerings. Hold the things of this world lightly in order to receive the blessings the Lord has laid up for us from His throne room in heaven. HOW IS YOUR GIVING TO THE LORD?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Jul 6, 2020 | Acts
Acts 4:36-37
“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”
We live in an era where people seem to delight in glorying in the gory. The more gross it is the better they like it, or at least spend more and more time watching or reading about it.
It seems that times have not changed all that much. Barnabas lived in the days of the early church when it was often a death sentence to be associated with the followers of Jesus. The religious leaders were zealous about stamping out the fledgling church.
Into this toxic atmosphere we are introduced to a wonderful man by the name of Barnabas. Actually that was not the name he was given at birth. He was named Joseph. The reason he was given the nickname Barnabas was because it meant; Son of Encouragement. That in itself tells us what he was like. HE WAS AN ENCOURAGER!
What nickname would people give you? Do you lift people up or pour rain on their parade. Do you leave them encouraged or discouraged when you depart? Are the happier to see you come or have you go? IT IS GETTING QUIET IN HERE, ISN’T IT?!?! MORE TOMORROW – – –
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil
by Pastor Cecil | Feb 5, 2020 | Acts
Acts 24:25
“Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’”
A number of years ago I was attending a Christian conference that was being held on a major university campus. At that time this university boasted the top-ranked football team in the nation.
After lunch a group of us were walking back to the arena when we recognized the head coach and members of his staff walking in the same direction. The coach asked one of his staff what was going on for so many men to be present. The staff member explained that it was a Christian seminar. The coach scoffed and pronounced, “I don’t have time for God today!”
It was heartbreaking to hear such a firm rejection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, there are many who reject the Lord, even if they do not make such a bold statement. Even believers may become so pre-occupied with the things of the world that they simply do not have time for God.
Our Scripture for today gives us the answer. We are to make the time for God and draw near to Him and resist the devil. As we do this, He draws near to us and gives us the power to live a victorious life. Do you have time for God?
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil
