Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Acts 20:28 (NIV)
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Today’s Devotional
In Acts 20:28, the apostle Paul gives a strong exhortation to the elders of the church in Ephesus. He urges them to be diligent in their responsibilities as leaders, watching over themselves and the congregation entrusted to their care. The role of a shepherd is not to be taken lightly; it involves protecting, guiding, nurturing, and leading the flock of God’s people.
As believers, we may not all be called to be pastors or elders, but we can still learn valuable lessons from this verse. Each of us has a responsibility to care for and watch over the spiritual well-being of those around us – our family, friends, and fellow believers. By remaining accountable to one another, we can help each other grow in our faith and remain steadfast in our walk with Christ.
Time to reflect
Reflect on your role in watching over and shepherding others in your life:
- How can you be more intentional in caring for the spiritual well-being of those around you?
- What steps can you take to hold yourself accountable for your own spiritual growth and the growth of others?
- How can you support and encourage the leaders in your church as they shepherd the congregation?
Prayer Of The Day
Father God, thank You for the gift of the church, which You purchased with the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to be faithful stewards of this gift, watching over ourselves and those in our care. Teach us to be loving and compassionate shepherds, guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of others. We ask for wisdom and strength for our church leaders, that they may fulfill their roles with integrity and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Strengthening Faith
- Identify specific ways you can support and encourage the spiritual well-being of those around you, such as praying for them, offering words of encouragement, or providing practical assistance.
- Engage in regular self-reflection and accountability with trusted friends or mentors, discussing areas of growth and areas in need of improvement.
- Pray for your church leaders and find ways to support and encourage them in their roles as shepherds of the congregation.
Today Wisdom
Being shepherds of God’s church is a sacred responsibility that all believers can participate in, whether we are leaders or members of the congregation. By watching over ourselves and caring for the spiritual well-being of others, we can help build a strong and vibrant church community that glorifies God and reflects the love of Jesus Christ to the world.
