Sunday, January 31, 2016

A good man

"When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord." Acts 11:23, 24


The Badwater ultramarathon is a 135-mile run from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney held in the heat of summer. To even be considered for entry, a runner must have completed at least three 100-mile races in the past. This year, however, the application for acceptance included this question, "What percentage of your athletic peers would say that you are a good human being?" Race organizers explained that they want "good people to fill the 100-person field." What is that supposed to mean anyway? What exactly is a 'good' man or woman?

Dictionary.com defines a good man as one who is: morally excellent or righteous. And while the bible tells us that there is no one righteous or perfect, it does tell us of a good man we would be wise to imitate. Upon his visit to Antioch, Barnabus, Paul's companion, was described as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith." Why was he good though? He was good because of his solid and unwavering belief in the Lord. Because of that strong faith, the Holy Spirit filled Barnabus completely allowing God to do great things through him. It's no wonder he was described as good then. 

By allowing the Spirit to guide him, "he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true..." and by his obedience, "many people were brought to the Lord." It's definitely a 'good' thing to be Spirit filled then isn't it? May that be the way you and I are defined each and every day!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that fills us with your presence. May we surrender ourselves so completely to you that we could, in turn, be filled completely by the Spirit. Fill us with the joy only you can bring that we might pass that encouragement on to everyone we meet. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Holy Spirit - Francesca Bastistelli


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