Daily Devotion

Reflection: Terry
Voice: Shivdas

The Ministry of Encouragement

Audio

Today is Wednesday, 11th June. It is also the Feast of St Barnabas. Take a moment to be still in His presence.

We read Psalm 101

I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
    to you, O Lord, I will make music.
² I will ponder the way that is blameless.
    Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart
    within my house;
³ I will not set before my eyes
    anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
    it shall not cling to me.
⁴ A perverse heart shall be far from me;
    I will know nothing of evil.

⁵ Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly
    I will destroy.
Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart
    I will not endure.

⁶ I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
    that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
    shall minister to me.

⁷ No one who practices deceit
    shall dwell in my house;
no one who utters lies
    shall continue before my eyes.

⁸ Morning by morning I will destroy
    all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all the evildoers
    from the city of the Lord.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.

The Scripture Reading is Acts 4:32-37

³² Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold ³⁵ and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.³⁶ Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, ³⁷ sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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Reflection

Though Barnabas was not one of the twelve apostles, he stands out as a significant early disciple of Christ. Born into a wealthy Jewish family on the island of Cyprus, he chose to use his resources for the kingdom. As we read in Acts, he once sold a piece of land and gave the proceeds to the church to help those in need.

Later, Barnabas became an active participant in the early Church’s mission, often traveling with the apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. Though he was not always in the spotlight, his role was vital. He is best remembered as an encourager — someone who lifted others up, made space for them to flourish, and generously gave of his time, resources, and gifts.

The Church has always needed leaders — popes, bishops, clergy, and pastors — but alongside them are countless others like Barnabas, who quietly and faithfully support the work of the Church. They are the steady hands, the generous givers, the voices of encouragement behind the scenes.

Have you considered how your gifts might bring encouragement to others?

There are those called to lead from the front. But even the boldest leaders often draw strength from those who stand behind them, praying, supporting, giving, and believing in them. Do you know someone who needs courage today? Could your words, your presence, or your generosity help lift their burden?

Take a moment to pray and ask God:

How can I be an encourager today?
Whom can I support?
What can I give?

Like Barnabas, your role may not always be centre stage — but it can be eternally significant.

Collect of the Day

Grant, O God,
that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas,
who, seeking not his own renown but the well­being of your Church,
gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor
and the spread of the Gospel;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

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Be blessed by this song Helping Hand composed and sung by Gloryfall.

Saw it in the news today
Images that froze me on my way
Something deep within was stirred
A feeling that was lost I’d left unturned

Your love and compassion for the lost
Your peace that floods the innermost
Your strength to raise a helping hand
Your heart that brings healing to the land

May I see it through Your eyes
See each person as a valued prize
Take me from the comforts that I hold
It won’t take a tragedy for me to show

Your love and compassion for the lost
Your peace that floods the innermost
Your strength to raise a helping hand
Your heart that brings healing to the land

I don’t wanna turn the other way
There’s an urgency I know
Your heart goes out to them each and every day
You’re calling for the church to rise and show

Your love and compassion for the lost
Your peace that floods the innermost
Your strength to raise a helping hand
Your heart that brings healing to the land

Link to today’s full Morning Office

This daily devotion is based on the Morning Office. It is a projected ignited by Revd Canon Terry Wong with clergy and members from various parishes contributing. It comes with selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture text, accompanied by reflections and prayers. There is an audio option, which often ends with a selected hymn or song. It will be best to both read and listen. We aimed to help Anglicans to appreciate our liturgical resources while keeping to the devotional needs of Christians today. This project started on Ash Wednesday, 2025 and are offered for weekdays only. We appreciate feedback at info@mpcc.org.sg