Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
2 16 2024
He was nicknamed – “The Encourager” What might they call you?
I love this section in Acts and Joseph is one of my favorite Disciples. Did you say, Joseph? He was a Disciple who had the nickname of the encourager. Act 4:36 Like my Dad whose name was Conrad, but in College, he picked up the nickname of Happy… That name stuck for the rest of his life. He was easygoing and always seemed to be happy. They gave Joseph the nickname Barnabus because he was an encourager and that nickname stuck. It is mentioned 33 times in the New Testament. He was the advocate for Paul when everyone else was afraid. Why wouldn’t they be? Amazingly the Apostles were surely praying they would be delivered from this horrible murderer, Saul, and he was. But Barnabus walked in with a declaration of a prophetic perspective. “ The risen Jesus converted him”.
That was certainly a divine deliverance.
But fear seems to ride with change not just for them but all of us. We like things normal. We like our known patterns in life but when change comes our amygdala goes on tilt and we naturally run from the fear of that change. The Amygdala in our brain sets off The Fight or Flight syndrome. It is how we are all wired. Barnabus the encourager was the person God used to turn the hearts of the Apostles. Did you know, we fear even in the face of positive change? Like a graduation. As exciting as it is there is another side. Oh no, we are now empty nesters. God thrives on change. He is always knocking at the door of our hearts to give Ez 36:26 “A new heart, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh?.
He saves his children by changing them.
The mind of Christ speaks through signs of faith…of change. We are screaming inside. NOT CHANGE! But Jesus is saying Yes… This is for YOU! Step out and be present! I AM – is with you! Stop the dialogue of fearful thinking. Take every thought captive. Renew your mind in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor 10:5 What Satan meant for harm God meant for good. (Gen 50:20) Just say YES to Jesus.
What is in front of you right now? In what way can God use you as a change agent? Instead of fearing change, embrace the potential of your faith. What will you do if I get involved with this men’s group, or this ministry or outreach? Jesus was the true bearer of change… Jesus brought a spirit of fear to the Pharisees and scared the spit out of them. And they crucified him. God will change you too and put you right where He wants you and you will be able to choose this day who you will follow.
If you go searching for it, He will give you a prophetic perspective. So you might become a change agent for God. What God meant for good will happen through you. Jesus brought change.
Last, Just be present! Just being there… Being present with the Holy Spirit inside you is all the light and encouragement you need to obey! Your presence can be an influence wherever you are… by just being you because the spirit of god is in you. God used Barnabas that way Acts 11 to 22, The Church sent Barnabus to Antioch. Church was under persecution with all these new believers vs 23 And God sent an encourager so they would remain true with all his heart. The same spirit in him is the same in you! You just need to be present for what is already happening. Just take that prophetic perspective. and the power of presence. You. Someone needs to tell others that they are not alone. God is in you! Act 11: 25 to 26 Barnabus went to look for Saul… hunted for him. He took the gift they needed… through him. I’m not sure Barnabus knew all the details, he was just being obedient. Barnabus encouraged the people and Paul. It was there that we were first called Christians. “Little Christ’s”. What an identity. Ignore the negativity and seek out those with their gifts so that you can encourage them to step out and be an encourager too. Walked in with a declaration of a prophetic perspective.
What does a good healthy Yes to Jesus look like for you? Who can you encourage.? Call them. Tell them. Write them a handwritten note. Jesus was always an encourager. Say Yes and watch what he does by you being present and saying YES to Him!
Excerpts taken from Pastor Jon Burgess in Hawaii talking about Barnabus.
God of Revival Jen and Brian Johnson
