Acts 20 - 12.24.25

Scripture

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)

Observation

Today we read a very poignant and emotional moment in Paul’s life. He was saying “Good Bye” to the church of Ephesus, and entrusting the care of the church to the elders. He was sure that he would not see them again, as the Lord was leading him to Jersualem where he would be eventually arrested.

Paul reminds the elders of the church to “keep watch over yourselves” first. We cannot minister and give to others unless we receive from God ourselves, on a daily basis. It is important for us to stay in God’s presence and be filled with his Spirit and Word so that we can pour out into the lives of others that God has brought to us. The Lord reminded us to “watch” and pray so that we don’t fall into temptation (Matthew 26:21). We need to watch over ourselves first in prayer and spending time in the Word.

“..and all the flock for which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” - Watch over the flock or the people whom God has entrusted you with. It is God’s Holy Spirit who has entrusted us with the ministry. Be faithful to the calling God has placed on your life. “Be Shepherd” (NIV) or “feed the church of God” (KJV). A shepherd takes care of the sheep, and a shepherd’s primary responsibility is feeding the sheep. Spiritual food for us is God’s word. Encourage and build each other up with the word (1 Thess 5:11). Feed the word to those who are entrusted to you. Paul reminds the elders how precious the people in the church are to God - he bought them with his own blood. 

Application

Let us watch and pray that we don’t fall into temptation. Let us build ourselves up in our most holy faith praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). And let us watch over the people God has put in our care. Yes, we are called to be our brother’s (sister’s) keeper. Let us feed the word of God to the flock entrusted to our care. 

To feed others with the Word, we need to study the Word ourselves. Let us study the Word to show ourselves approved unto God, a worker that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15, KJV).

Let us be diligent and intentional to do the work that we are called to, in ministering to the people God has placed in our sphere of influence. 

Prayer

Dear Father, You are my strength and my help. I want to please you and fulfill your will for my life. Help me to watch and pray so that I don’t fall into temptation (Matthew 26:21). Help me to build myself up by praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Help me to study your word, so that I will be able to rightly divide your word to your people (2 Tim 2:15).  Help me to fix my eyes on you, the author and finisher of my faith, who for the joy kept before you, endured the cross and despised the shame (Heb 12:2). Help me to set my mind on things above and not things on the earth (Col 3:2). Help me to love the people you have placed in my life, with your love. Help me to genuinely care and feed them with your word, which is the true bread of life. Lord please help me, as I can do nothing without you (John 15:5). I surrender my life once more to you. Make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you (Rom 12:1). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George

Psalm 122 - 12.23.25

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 122:1-3 “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.  Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.” 

OBSERVATION:  This is a Davidic song of ascents.  Going up to the city of Jerusalem was an uphill climb.  (That’s where this Psalm got its title). “Faithful Jews probably sang Psalm 120 while they were still traveling out of foreign lands. They sang Psalm 121 as they caught glimpses of Jerusalem in the distance.  As they sang Psalm 122, they were actually standing inside the walls of the Holy City praying for peace”.  (Gene Getz).

David prayed for the peace of Jerusalem, “May those who love you prosper.  May there be peace within your walls, prosperity within your fortresses.”

APPLICATION:  One day we will enter the New Jerusalem!  What a glorious day that will be!  But for now, as a member of the body of Christ, do I find myself rejoicing that I have the opportunity to go to the house of the Lord?

As a Christ follower, I have the responsibility of not only praying for my church family, but for my city. What would it look like if I prayed that my city would be solidly joined together in Christ? 
Jesus prayed, “May they be one, as You Father, are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.  I have given them the glory you have given Me.  May they be one as We are one.” (John 17:21-22).

PRAYER:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me find peace that is found by focussing on Your promises.  Another way I am able to obtain peace is by obeying You. My ultimate peace will come the day Jesus returns, but until then, I pray I will align my prayers with Yours by praying for peace and oneness.  It is Your desire that people will come to know Jesus is Lord, and that He came to earth to redeem us from our sins, and to give us new life, with the promise of inheriting eternal life. I pray I will be totally devoted to You God, and I ask that You use me to help others find You. I thank You that those who love you will prosper and receive Your peace.  Amen

- Robin Orefice

Acts 18 - 12.22.25

Scripture: Acts 18:28

“For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.”

Observation:

Paul's dedication to defend and teach the Jews is by having a clear understanding of the word of Jesus the Messiah. This enables Paul to have the understanding of the power of growing his knowledge in the bible, which better prepares him to defend the words of the bible to the individuals he is preaching and teaching to. As Christians, we need to be able to explain the gospel to unbelievers. How would it look to non believers if we as Christians cannot explain the Good News about being saved? Ouch, this hits home with me personally! We as Christians and the examples of the church body need to continually increase our knowledge to become better in making disciples. Colossians 3:16 confirms that we are to dwell in the word richly, so that we can be the light, provide sound teaching and to be ready when we are called upon. This is a large responsibility, but does not compare to what it cost God to provided it to us. 

Application:

God is telling me to be more diligent in reading his word. I believe God is also letting me know as a Christian and part of the church body that we carry a responsibility and to prepare for greater things to come. I will commit to not letting life's distractions get in the way of his teaching. This is a reminder for me personally to not let these worldly distractions become my complacency. 

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that this is a reminder for me to remain steadfast in your word and to continue the fight. I pray that you give me the grace, wisdom and knowledge to be a light in all circumstances.  Amen

- Brian Moen