Daily Devotional

(Note: Welcome to my on-going devotional series in Acts 16-28. I encourage you to look back at past devotionals and stay current. Today we come to Acts 20).

So, now that I have stepped down as senior pastor, I am now the newest associate pastor at Campus Bible Church. The adjustments have gone well and once again I’m reminded of the need to go back to basics as it comes to leadership. It drives me to reminders from the Book of Acts. Consider with me Acts 20:28–35 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The apostle Paul is in Greece, preparing to go to Jerusalem, fully expecting to suffer greatly there. Before he leaves, he provides instructions that ministry leaders of every age should see as their marching orders. I certainly do:

Leadership Lesson #1. The Church is not ours; it belongs to Christ, who purchased it with His blood. (He gets His way; we don't).

Leadership Lesson #2. Protect the Church from false teachers who seek to draw disciples away from sound doctrine. (The best protection is for us to teach the Word thoroughly).

Leadership Lesson #3. Rely on God to equip us to serve. (Beware of people-pleasing gimmicks).

Leadership Lesson #4. Don't chase after money, knowing God will give us His eternal inheritance. (Be a giver; not a taker).

That's not all the instruction needed but it’s a pretty good start! Pray for all of our ministry leaders today! Before this day is done, send a note or a text letting a few of them know how you value their ministry in your life. That’s what the apostle Paul would ask us to do:

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 - “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another”

Still learning…

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