Devotion
Fool’s gold
David Jacobs
In this passage the Apostle Paul shares his goodbye address with the Ephesian elders, that is, his final instructions to the church leaders in Ephesus. He has much to say, but let's focus on the three traits that he says should characterize good shepherds (good leaders).
First, he says a good shepherd will "feed the church of God" (28) "the word of his grace" (32). The first job of a pastor is to teach the Scriptures. Your pastor may not be perfect, but if he is teaching you the Bible week in and week out, be thankful for him.
Second, a good shepherd points people to the ultimate Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus. Paul says in verse 30 that false leaders try "to draw away disciples after them"—that is, after themselves rather than Jesus. Perhaps you serve in a pastoral or teaching role and are sometimes discouraged that your messages and lessons aren't more exciting. But do they point people to Jesus? Do they encourage people to trust God more? Then you are being faithful and God is pleased with you.
Third, a good shepherd leads by example. That is what Paul meant when he said "I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak" (35). He had set a good example for them in ministering to those in need. Good examples are so important! I read about a dad who was hiking with his little boy when the climb became difficult, even dangerous. The dad stopped to consider which way to go and heard a little voice over his shoulder: "Pick a good path, Dad. I'm coming right behind you."
Prayer
We're all examples to someone. Can others find Jesus by following in your footsteps? If not, determine today to make whatever changes are necessary to be a good shepherd.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
