Day 39 of 50

READING GUIDE:

• Read today's devotion below and Matthew 18.
• During days 36-42 (at your own pace) read chapter 19 from Joining Jesus on His Mission.
• After days 36-42, meet with your small group and follow the back-of-the-book discussion guide for SESSION 6.

Jesus said to His disciples, 10 “'See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.'" (Matthew 18:10-14 ESV)

We are almost three-quarters through this 50-day journey. Just for a reminder, as seen in Matthew 18:10-14, how does Jesus feel about those who are lost--who do not yet know Him? How important is it for us to join Jesus on His mission?

In a recent small group meeting I attended, we went around and shared our missional stories. We heard a story of one being very intentional in meeting his neighbors. We heard stories from a couple members on the challenges of seeking the Kingdom during a busy work day. We heard a story of one regularly offering the words "God bless you" when encountering strangers. We heard of conversations one has with a co-worker who does not believe in God. We listened to each other. We learned from each other. We encouraged each other to continue being about Jesus' mission.

I can only speak for myself, but I know hearing such missional stories brings more to the surface the missional values found in Scripture which in turn move me to practice living missionally and I know, from the Word and the Spirit's lead, more stories will be produced.

Finke says it well in chapter 19, "...when we hear each other tell our stories about how we saw God working last week, it inspires us do the same. Not only are we inspired, we gain insights and tools for how to do it. When we hear each other's stories about talking with people, we recognize how close we have been to being able to have a similar story. When we hear each other's stories about struggling, we realize we're not the only ones who struggle and we can help each other re-engage the missional adventure."

What about you? Are you a part of a group, a missional community, processing these things together? If not, how may God use you to form one?