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"And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated "Son of Encouragement"), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet."
(Acts 4:36-37)
Pastor Jim Henry is a modern-day Barnabas; he is someone who builds up and encourages. Never have I heard a discouraging word from Pastor Jim. He is the former pastor of First Baptist Church Orlando, FL. He faithfully served there for over 29 years. He is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and continues to preach and speak at conferences to this day while in his 80's. Today, I will interview Pastor Jim for an upcoming episode of our REvangelical podcast ministry.
Pastor Jim, in the words of actor Clint Eastwood, "does not let the old man in." Eastwood says that every morning, he gets up, looks in the mirror, and tells himself, "Do not let the old man in." What he means by this is, do not become cantankerous and grouchy. Unfortunately, many elderly people do not age well. Some of you up in years may protest and say, "But you are not there yet. Just wait! You will be mean and grouchy just like the rest of us!" I sure hope you are wrong. I want to be more like Jim Henry who chooses daily to be an encourager, a giver, and not a taker.
Jesus teaches us that we will give an account on the day of judgment for every idle word that we speak ( Matthew 12:26). What a sobering thought. I will have to give account to God for the words I have spoken in gossip and complaining and being negative. But I want to do better, don't you? Here are a few practical things that you and I can do to help us be more like Barnabas and Jim Henry:
- Smile. It is hard to be negative and complain when you are smiling.
- Greet people by looking them in the eye, and when appropriate, shake their hand or give them a hug.
- Be positive. I know some think it impossible to be positive in the midst of all the sorrows and pain they are experiencing, but please try. Being positive has a way of comforting and uplifting you.
- Speak words of life. Give God praise, compliment others, and when tempted to become sour and negative, resist that temptation!
Christian artist Toby Mac's song " Speak Life" is so powerful:
So speak life, speak life
To the deadest darkest night
Speak life, speak life
When the sun won't shine and you don't know why
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope
You speak love, you speak
You speak life
I am praying for you to be an encourager today!
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