By Peter Kennedy
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.” – Acts 4:36-37
Benjamin West was an American-born artist, who painted famous historical scenes such as “The Death of Nelson” and “Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky”. He also painted religious subjects, as “The Preservation of St Paul after a Shipwreck at Malta” and “Christ Healing the Sick”.
Entirely self-taught, West gained valuable patronage, and he toured Europe, eventually settling in London. He impressed King George III and West was largely responsible for the launch of the Royal Academy Arts in London.
As a child, Benjamin’s mother left him alone with his little sister Sally. Benjamin discovered some bottles of ink and began to paint Sally’s portrait. When his mother came home, she noticed the painting, picked it up and said, “Why, it’s Sally!” and kissed him. Later, he noted, “My mother's kiss made me a painter.”
Life is hard, but encouragement to live in Christ is stronger. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for those who have encouraged you and seek to be an encourager to others.
“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
God’s Word: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13
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