Daily Devotions

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 20

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Several years ago I heard a sermon on Acts 20 entitled, “How to Resign a Church.” The sermon outlined Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. God used it to show me how to minister to His people. When Paul left the church at Ephesus he had given his all for the Lord. Paul’s ministry was marked by humble service. He shed many tears for the people in Ephesus and endured many trials in their behalf. Paul’s ministry was not only marked by humble service, but also by faithful preaching. He preached the whole counsel of God and did not leave anything out. He stood on God’s Word without compromise. Also, Paul was a compassionate soul-winner. He warned lost people and wept over them. Paul was relentless when it came to sharing the Gospel. He was willing to go anywhere, preach to anyone, and stay as long as needed. When Paul left the Ephesians they wept most of all for the words which he had spoken. The truth we stand for is far more important than the positions we hold. May we be missed most of all for the truth of God that is lived in us and through us!

Prayer: “Dear Father, May we live like Paul, love the lost like Paul, and may we leave like Paul. Help us to finish well. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron