Journal Acts 20 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “…for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock (in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers), to care for the church of God which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw disciples after them.
Therefore, be alert—remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his Grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:27-32)
Observation: I have noticed that Paul, when talking, points to the Word of God: Pay attention; attend to; pay careful consideration, etc. for it will be your (my) sanctification.
When at a decision cross-roads, always take the path towards the Holy Scriptures…
Analysis: I recognize that this passage is slanted towards the leadership of the local church, but because there isn’t a “book” of leadership stuff that is restricted only to the “leadership”, I have to assume that there is stuff that rank and file folks (like me) should pay attention to.
What is “the whole Counsel of God?”
Paul describes himself as “not shrinking, not ceasing” over “three years” from this. 3 years, 36 months, 156 Sundays, 1,000 days, preaching, teaching, admonishing the local church with the whole counsel of God.
What subjects presume the “Whole Council?” How many? How would he do that? What would he have to repeat?
What do I know of the “Whole Council?” Fact: Not enough.
So, what is the assignment? Figure out what the Whole Counsel of God encompasses. Make searching for the “Whole Council” my life’s work—the minimal pursuit of God.
Prayer: Triune God, Father, how can I know You better? Through your Word. I might be able to do tasks, assignments, functions and sense your Pleasure, but I can only know you in an ever-increasing manner through Your Word.
Make it so, in me, O God.
Bring revival, heal my land.
AMEN