Day 41 of 50

READING GUIDE:

• Read today's devotion below and Matthew 20.
• 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.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

While joining Jesus on His mission, it is very easy to get discouraged. We desire to see people clearly cross the finish line--come to know Jesus, be baptized. God, however, may be using us in very needed ways while folks take spiritual steps preceding their confession of Him as Lord and Savior. Because of our discouragement, we can quickly give up. This is why we need each other for encouragement and for building one another up.

Finke shares some stories near the end of chapter 19. Based on their circumstances and personal make up, who do you most relate to?

• Stephen - the somewhat introvert, idealist, who "likes to think things out and see things go according to plan."
• Sam - the amateur tattoo-artist, introvert ex-marine who is out of the country more days for work than he is home in the States.
• Mary Ann and Jason - "underemployed, and struggling to make financial ends meet," but who are "ready to rethink a lot of things in their life and learn how to look for what Jesus was doing in their life."

What does a missional community mean for each of these individuals? From what you read, how were they encouraged and built up by the members of their community? What is this saying to you?

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What do you learn of the 5 Practices in Matthew 20?

• Seeking the Kingdom (Matthew 20:1-16)
• Hearing from Jesus (all of Matthew 20)
• Talking with People (Matthew 20:20-34)
• Doing Good (Matthew 20:20-34)
• Ministering Through Prayer (Matthew 20:29-34)