Yesterday’s Sermon:

We looked at some of the things Judas missed because he chose to betray Jesus and then commit suicide. He missed the joy of Jesus’s resurrection. He also missed heaven, forgiveness, and peace. Finally he missed a future on earth filled with exciting possibilities. Today’s devotion will focus on this last idea.

Read the following Bible verses several times:
Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, two men were chosen as possible replacements for Judas. Before making a final decision, they voiced the following prayer…

Acts 1:24-25
“they prayed and said, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside’”

Having read this verse several times, what is God saying to you?

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Answer these questions:
The apostles saw thousands of people become believers, churches grow in Jerusalem, and the gospel spread to other nations. Judas missed it all because he “turned aside” from the ministry to which he had been called.

• Have you ever turned aside from what God was calling you to do? What did you miss? What did you learn?
• Are you turning aside from God in some way at this season in your life?
• How does it make you feel to know that God knows your heart?

After answering these questions, write or verbalize a personal prayer to God.

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Praying for our church:
We are seeking God’s wisdom for dealing with five specific challenges our church is facing.
Today please pray for God’s wisdom in dealing with the following challenge:

• How can we develop more leaders and what is the role of our pastors in this process?