Monday, September 28, 2026
[Paul continued his talk to the Ephesian elders, saying,] "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock — his church, purchased with his own blood — over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you — my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you."
Three areas of emphasis are important to me as Luke tells about Paul's visit with the Ephesian elders:
A shepherd's - pastor's or elder's - work is to love and protect people who are precious to God, not to seek prestige or elevation in status. Without all elements that Paul emphasizes, shepherds cannot be what God wants them to be. So, let's value such shepherds and give them the respect and honor they deserve as they live a life of service to God's people!
Almighty God, our tender, loving, and sacrificial shepherd, thank you for your shepherds who serve your church. Bless them. Protect them. Guide them. Empower them. And, dear Father, may we, your sheep, love and respect them as we should. I pray this and thank you, in the name of Jesus, our good shepherd. Amen.
![Illustration of Acts 20:28-31 NLT — [Paul continued his talk to the Ephesian elders, saying,] "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock — his church, purchased with his own blood — over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you — my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you."](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/23801.jpg "Illustration of Acts 20:28-31 NLT — [Paul continued his talk to the Ephesian elders, saying,] \"So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock — his church, purchased with his own blood — over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you — my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.\"")
Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.
Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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