“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20: 28-30
Today’s Christian daily devotional
This is embarrassing to admit, but even to this day,when I think of attending a church service a cold shiver runs down my spine . I get this overwhelming urge to pack up my dearest belongings and just run away. This unsettling in my stomach comes from the many painful experiences I have encountered in the house of God.
I will never forget the condescending glares, uncomfortable whispers and the status of being treated like a second-class citizen. Those scars are still felt today. From cold preachers that preached love from the pulpit, but never took the time to actually reach out and touch the congregation with it. To hot preachers that seemed peddle God’s love and blessings for whatever was in my wallet; I was beyond confused and discouraged. I lost hope in God. I almost gave up on Him.
It is a sad thing that the church cannot automatically be trusted as a safe-haven. Christ Himself warns us Acts 20:28-30 to be aware of perverse people that will use the power of the church to teach false teachings. These wicked men cloaked in religious garb, will be responsible for drawing away many from getting the proper guidance and help from God.
How can we protect ourselves from being victims of this kind of spiritual crime? This can only happen through a concerted effort. We must be responsible for our own spiritual relationship with God. We must be serious enough to READ and KNOW God ourselves.
How does one do this? Intimacy and a strong relationship with God can only happen through reading the word, obeying what God is convicting your heart to do, and by praying.
Deception is a poison we must take action and stand against. As these verses indicate, we are prey to those who seek to destroy God and His children. Don’t be eaten, get educated!
“Dear Heavenly Father,
This world is dog-eat-dog. Sometimes it is easy to fall into complacency when I see a gathering of people that lifts the name of Jesus. I automatically assume that they have the best intentions.
Corporate gathering to celebrate, learn and exhort each other and the name of Jesus is crucial for our personal growth and development in the Lord. But, for those who are lazy believers it is also a spiritual risk.
Lord, I don’t want to get sloppy. Help me to hear from you clearly. Bless my devotional time so I can be educated on what you say. Help me to pay attention to how satan works to use my laziness against me.
Lord, fix every broken area of my heart that has a fear of church. Heal it so I can have the confidence and trust to go out and be a part of a church community.
I pray for all of those who have gotten saved and do not see the need to work on the most important relationship they will ever have…that is the one they have with you, Lord. I ask that every one of us work to shield our family against the wiles of the enemy as if it were an intruder with natural weapons of war, because the damage satan can do to our souls (if we allow him) can be so much worse. Lord, guide us. Empower us to protect the life and the ones you have given to us with fervor, as we choose to serve you and educate others on not being ignorant. In Jesus’ precious name, all for destroying the works of the enemy, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional.
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan