As you read Acts, chapter 20 with me, you will see what Paul’s true intent was when he was out in the ministry. It was not for himself or his own glory, but to finish the work of God on earth with valor and to help people follow Jesus and not be deceived. And as you read a portion of this chapter with me, think of yourself and if you are as earnest as Paul when it comes to declaring the good news of the gospel to people. It is written, “wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:26-28) Paul surely desired that the people of Christ’s church knew all the counsel of God. And how would Paul be able to share that knowledge with them, through the ancient scrolls that have been preserved over time and through the help of the Holy Spirit. As for us now, pastors in churches should continue to teach the whole counsel of God. This means going through the Bible with the congregation each weekend while going chapter by chapter and verse by verse through it. This way, every believer can also know God’s will for mankind and also be led to walk in His righteous statutes. It is important that the church is being fed and nourished by God’s Word. Even at home, we continue to pray often and study the Bible daily individually, and as a family.
Paul also said this, “for I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Acts 20:29-32) He gave a warning that we need to be prepared through knowing God’s Word, so that we are not led astray. For people will come into the church seeming to be God’s elect, but in the same right, lead many people astray. These are wolves in sheep’s clothing, and if we are not being led by the Holy Spirit and understand the Bible, then we may also fall victim to their lies and deceits. Paul warned people then over the space of three years about this perversion that would creep into churches. And it wasn’t simply a sermon here and there, but day and night did he preach this. I can see him as an evangelist on the streets preaching and teaching as people went by. Paul taught us that by His Words are we found secure in God’s grace. We are built up, even to the point of God giving us an inheritance in heaven. This is because we are sanctified by the blood of Jesus. So continue praying and reading the Bible, while allowing the Holy Spirit to move in your lives. Then, you will be strong in the Lord and not be deceived.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will earnestly seek Your face. That we will remain in Your presence. Then, can You move in our lives and do great things in and through us. I believe in You, Jesus, my Lord, and my God. I trust in Your promises for my life and for other people who I have and will come in contact with. If people would simply call upon Your Name in prayer, they could understand the Bible truths even better and find out the importance of their own lives for Your kingdom. It doesn’t have to be a mystery when it comes to knowing Your will for our lives. People like to think that You are distant and do not acknowledge us when we pray or read the Bible. But I would ask these same people how often they seek Your face, pray by themselves and with people, read the Bible by themselves and with people, worship God by themselves and with people, go to church and work for the church, do service for their neighbors and other people who are in need, help feed and clothe the homeless and needy, and evangelize Your truths to the world. As I just spoke, there is so much more we could all be doing for You, God. But other things have clouded people’s lives. Instead of shining brightly for You in this darkened world, people have allowed the darkness to enter their lives. And because people are not reading the Bible daily on their own and with their family, people and their families are being led astray. I am afraid, God, that only a few people who go to church now are truly seeking You with their whole hearts within those walls and without. I pray that more people will be true to their faith and be saved. This is my prayer, God. I love You. Amen.
This devotional convicted me to read the Holy Bible more and pray more.