Acts 20 | Renewed Devotion

Monday: Read Acts 20:1-6
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As the uproar in Ephesus subsided, the disciples may have felt shaken and discouraged by the day’s events and uncertain about what the future might hold if the town clerk could not protect them next time. Luke notes that Paul “encouraged” them, a Greek word that conveys far more than a quick pep talk. It pictures someone coming alongside, listening to fears, addressing real concerns, and speaking comfort that fuels courage. Paul met them in their discouragement, offering hope and direction so they could press on in his absence. As he continued his journey, he carried that same intentionality, encouraging every believer he met with sincere care, attentive listening, and a steady call to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.

This kind of encouragement requires intentionality, patience, and a willingness to meet people right where they are emotionally and spiritually. Though Paul was known for his intellect, boldness, and passion for Christ, he was not above slowing down to invest in others. Luke records that Paul “had given them much encouragement,” a ministry of presence and words that spanned three months. Remarkably, Paul poured himself into others even when he himself may have needed encouragement especially after facing threats, enduring hardships, and being far from home. Without Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” by his side, Paul still chose to be the one who lifted others up. His example challenges us to extend encouragement even when we feel empty ourselves, trusting God to use our willingness to strengthen those around us.

Spiritual Practice: Encouraging When You Feel Empty

Paul’s example in Acts shows that encouragement isn’t reserved for those who feel strong or have it all together. Even after threats, hardship, and separation from close companions like Barnabas, Paul still poured himself into others. This practice helps you follow that same Christlike pattern—offering encouragement even in seasons when you may need it yourself, trusting God to supply what you lack.

1. Pray for God’s Strength – Begin by asking God to fill you with His Spirit so you can give encouragement that flows from Him, not just from your own reserves.

2. Identify Someone in Need – Think of one person who may be struggling emotionally, spiritually, or physically.

3. Reach Out Intentionally – Send them a message, call, or meet in person. Ask questions that show you care and speak words that point them to Jesus.

4. Trust God with the Fruit – Leave the results to the Lord, believing that your act of encouragement can be a seed He will grow in His timing.

Want to Dig Deeper?
Study: Proverbs 12:25, 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Tueday: Read Acts 20:7-12
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Paul may have been intent on continuing his journey, but when given the opportunity to teach, he stayed longer to share Scripture and address the questions and struggles of those eager to learn. His servant-hearted leadership made him flexible, willing to adapt his plans to meet people where they were. Even when the night took an unexpected turn and a young man fell from the third story, Paul didn’t leave the matter to others or let it derail the gathering; he went to him, embraced him, and ensured he was well before returning to continue teaching. In both his teaching and his response to crisis, Paul modeled a leader who put people before plans.

As servant leaders, flexibility is not just a helpful trait, it’s often essential in following the Lord’s leading. While wisdom calls us to keep our commitments and steward our time well, there will be moments when God interrupts our plans with opportunities to serve. These moments may not be convenient, but they are often divinely appointed. Paul’s example reminds us to hold our schedules with open hands, ready to put the needs of others first and point them to Jesus when the opportunity arises. True ministry is not always found in the perfectly planned moments, but in the willingness to respond when God calls us to meet someone right where they are.

Spiritual Practice: Surrender Your Day

Paul’s example in Acts 20 shows that flexibility is essential in servant leadership. Ministry often happens in unplanned moments—when we are interrupted, delayed, or redirected. Practicing open-handed ministry helps us hold our plans loosely and respond to the Spirit’s leading, even when it’s inconvenient.

1. Begin Your Day with Surrender: Pray, “Lord, my plans are Yours. Lead me to the people and moments You want me to serve today.”

2. Watch for Holy Interruptions: Throughout the day, stay alert to unexpected needs, conversations, or moments where God may be opening a door for ministry.

3. Pause and Discern: Before rushing past an interruption, pause and ask, “Is this a distraction or a divine appointment?” If it’s the latter, be willing to adjust your schedule.

4. Respond with Love and Intentionality: When God presents an opportunity, give your full attention to the person or situation. Be present, listen well, and point them to Jesus through your words and actions.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 16:9,Philippians 2:4, Colossians 4:5

Wednesday: Read Acts 20:13-16
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Every “yes” we give is also a “no” to something else. Paul experienced this when he chose to linger in Troas, ministering to the believers and speaking with them through the night. That Spirit-led and fruitful decision shifted his travel plans, forcing him to make up for lost time on his journey to Jerusalem. The delay was significant enough that he sailed past Ephesus—where he had invested three years of ministry—in order to reach Jerusalem in time for Pentecost. It was a choice that may have caused his heart to ache, wishing he could see those beloved believers and testify to what God had done, yet he accepted it as the cost of pursuing the mission God had placed before him.

In the same way, every “yes” we give in our own lives carries a cost. Saying yes to one opportunity, relationship, or responsibility inevitably means saying no to something else, whether it’s our time, energy, attention, or another ministry God could have us invest in. This isn’t meant to discourage us from saying yes, but to remind us to be prayerful and intentional in our commitments. A wise “yes” is one that aligns with God’s priorities, even if it requires sacrifice. When we count the cost before we commit, we are better able to serve with joy, without regret, and with the confidence that our yes is serving God’s best purpose for our lives.

Spiritual Practice: Counting the Cost of Your Yes

This practice is about learning to say yes with intentionality, understanding that every commitment comes with trade-offs. Just as Paul’s Spirit-led choice to stay in Troas meant sacrificing a visit to Ephesus, our own yeses require prayerful discernment. By inviting God into our decision-making, we can ensure our yes aligns with His priorities and leads to joyful obedience rather than overcommitment or regret.

1. Pause Before You Commit – When presented with a new opportunity or request, take a moment to breathe, pray, and ask God for clarity before answering.

2. Ask the Two Questions – “If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?” and “Does this yes align with God’s priorities for me in this season?”

3. Seek Wise Counsel – Share big decisions with a trusted believer who can offer perspective and pray with you.

4. Pray Your Yes – Once you commit, dedicate your yes to God, asking Him to help you fulfill it with excellence, joy, and reliance on His strength.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 16:3, Luke 14:28, James 1:5 

Thursday: Read Acts 20:17-27
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Paul didn’t have the full picture of how he would serve the Lord in the time he had left on earth. The Spirit had only revealed that ahead of him awaited chains and affliction. Many believers, faced with such a warning, might hesitate or even avoid going to Jerusalem altogether. Yet for Paul, that knowledge didn’t deter him. In Acts 20:24 (NLT) he declared, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” As a servant of God, Paul understood that his life was not his own; God’s plans took priority over his own comfort, safety, and even survival. Knowing only the next step was enough, obedience mattered more than self-preservation.

For many believers in America today, following Jesus may not mean facing imprisonment or the threat of death for proclaiming the gospel. Yet the call to lay down our lives is still very real. Scripture tells us that every day we are to “present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1–2), dying to our own desires, pride, and preferences so that Christ may be exalted through us. While Paul’s obedience put his very life on the line, our obedience may require sacrificing our ego, our financial security, our comfort, or our convenience for the sake of the gospel. The question we must bring before God is this: Do I value my comfort and control more than I value His call to be a living sacrifice?

Spiritual Practice: "Daily Surrender" – Living as a Willing Sacrifice

Paul’s willingness to go to Jerusalem, knowing hardship awaited him, flowed from a deep conviction that his life belonged to God. This practice will help you intentionally lay down your own desires, comfort, and pride so you can live fully available for God’s purposes.

1. Begin the Day with an Open-Handed Prayer: Pray, “Lord, my life is Yours—my plans, my comfort, my reputation, and my resources. Lead me to live for Your glory today.”

2. Identify What Needs to Die Today: Ask the Spirit to reveal any selfish desires, fears, or attitudes that need to be surrendered in order to follow Him faithfully.

3. Choose an Act of Sacrifice: Intentionally do one thing today that puts God’s will or someone else’s needs before your own—whether that’s giving your time, sharing the gospel, or letting go of your convenience.

4. End the Day in Reflection: Thank God for the opportunities He gave you to serve and reflect on how surrender brought you closer to Him.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1–2, Galatians 2:20

Friday: Read Acts 20:28-38
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Paul may have been unwavering in his witness and uncompromising about the gospel, but when it came to leadership and involving others in the work of ministry, he was open-handed. He was willing to plant and build up a church, raising up disciples and appointing elders before moving on to his next destination. While his choice of leaders was guided by the Holy Spirit and discernment, his approach to ministry was intentionally focused on entrusting the work to others. Paul understood that the church’s mission would continue long after he was gone, and he was committed to preparing others to carry it forward. He served as a steward, not a lord, over the growing church, knowing that his role was to equip others for the work of the gospel, not to control it.

All too often, believers can slip into a lone-ranger mentality, serving as if the entire mission depends on them and in doing so, they neglect to invest in the next generation who will carry the work forward. True servant leadership is not about being the hero, the savior, or the only one capable, but about equipping and releasing others to serve. Sometimes pride, fear of comparison, or doubt in another’s ability can keep us from raising up leaders to take our place. Paul’s example challenges us to resist that mindset and to see leadership as stewardship, preparing others to step in so the mission of God continues. When we follow his example, we leave behind not just what we have accomplished, but a legacy of people equipped to carry the gospel further than we could on our own.

Spiritual Practice: "Passing the Torch" – Investing in the Next Generation of Servants

Paul understood that the mission of God was bigger than himself and would outlive his lifetime. This practice invites you to intentionally invest in others, equipping them to serve and lead so that the mission carries forward. True servant leadership means preparing others to take your place, not holding tightly to your role.

1. Identify Potential Disciples or Leaders: Ask God to show you one or two people in your life who could be encouraged, mentored, or equipped for greater service.

2. Commit to Intentional Time Together: Schedule regular, purposeful interactions—whether over coffee, through shared ministry, or in Bible study—where you can teach, encourage, and pray with them.

3. Share Responsibility” Give them opportunities to serve and lead, even if it means letting them do things differently than you would. Offer guidance, but allow them to grow through experience.

4. Pray for Their Growth and Impact: Regularly pray for God to shape their character, deepen their faith, and use them to reach others with the gospel.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Study: Proverbs 27:17, Ephesians 4:11–12, 2 Timothy 2:2, Titus 1:5