Monday, 26th October 2026 

Alex Buabeng-Korsah 

TOPIC: SINCERE SERVICE UNTO THE LORD 

THEME SCRIPTURE: "Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews." (Acts 20:19, ESV) 

  

  

PREPARATORY QUESTION  

1. Do you serve to be seen, or because you love the One you serve? 

  

Paul, in his farewell message, told the Ephesus elders how he had lived (Acts 20:18). Now he continues by telling them how he served. He names three things: humility, tears, and trials. 

Let's start with humility. Paul was a gifted teacher and a respected apostle. He could have demanded honor. Instead, he served "the Lord." He saw himself as a servant, not a star. That shaped how he treated people. He did not look down on the poor or fear the powerful. 

Next, tears. Paul was not cold or detached. He wept over the lost and over the church. Later in this same speech, he says he warned each person "night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31). Ministry cost him his heart, not just his time. A servant who never feels anything may be doing a job, not loving people.  

Then trials. Some Jews plotted against him in Ephesus. Paul did not hide this. He also did not use it to boast or complain. He simply names it and moves on. Opposition did not change his purpose. 

These three belong together. Humility keeps you from pride. Tears keep you from hardness. Trials keep you dependent on God. Without humility, service becomes a show. Without tears, it becomes routine. Without endurance, faithfulness fades when the going gets hard.

Think about where you serve: at home, at church, at work. Do people see a servant there? Or do they see someone who wants credit? 

Paul's example is not out of reach. It begins with one choice. Serve the Lord first. Then people become the ones you love, not the ones you use.

Key Takeaway 

Real service is humble, heartfelt, and steady under pressure. 

Precious one, do one act of service for someone who doesn't deserve it today, that no one will notice. Do it for the Lord alone.  

Remain blessed. 

  

FURTHER READING  

- Acts 20:19, 31 

- Philippians 2:3-8 

- Mark 10:43-45 

  

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD  

1. Do I need credit when I serve? 

2. When did I last feel real concern for someone's soul? 

3. What opposition tempts me to quit, and how can I stay faithful? 

  

PRAYER  

Father, make me a humble servant. Soften my heart for people who are lost and hurting. Give me strength when serving becomes hard. Let everything I do be for You. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

 

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Exodus 19–20; Psalm 40