At one time or another, we could all use a friend like Barnabas, whose given name was Joseph. He must have made a big impression by the way he encouraged others since "the apostles called him Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)" (Acts 4:34).

I noticed the name means "son of" and not just "encouragement." I think it points to His Father, our Lord, from whom he received his insight and wisdom to know when and how to encourage others.

This month's theme discusses discouragement from a Barnabas' perspective. We want you to be Encouraged in Heart and not only to Be Encouraged, but to encourage others as Barnabas did. Join us as we study to become a Child of Encouragement.