Sent Out with Purpose
Day 1: Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Reading: Luke 14:25-33
Devotional: Jesus never promised an easy path for His followers. Like George Washington understanding the dangerous situation before him yet choosing to go forward, we must soberly evaluate what it means to follow Christ. True discipleship requires us to place Jesus above all earthly relationships and comforts. This isn't a call to literally hate our families, but to love Christ supremely. Before building a tower, a wise person counts the cost. Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? He doesn't want halfhearted followers who retreat when difficulties arise. Today, reflect honestly on what you're willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Remember, the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Day 2: Witnesses to the Nations
Reading: Isaiah 43:8-13
Devotional: God declared to Israel, "You are my witnesses." This wasn't merely a privilege but a sacred responsibility—to know Him and make Him known. Before God, no other deity existed or will exist. He alone is Savior. As New Testament believers, we inherit this same calling. We are witnesses to the one true God in a world filled with false gods and empty promises. God has placed you exactly where you are—in your workplace, neighborhood, and family—to bear witness to His saving power. You don't need perfect theology or eloquent speech; you simply need to testify to what God has done in your life. Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear about the God who saves?
Day 3: Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves
Reading: Matthew 10:16-25
Devotional: Jesus sends us as sheep among wolves, yet He doesn't send us unprepared. Being wise as serpents means carefully assessing our environment, understanding the landscape, and moving with discernment. Like a serpent that camouflages itself, we must learn to navigate hostile territory strategically. Being innocent as doves means maintaining purity of heart and peaceful intentions, serving as messengers of peace empowered by the Holy Spirit. This balance is crucial—we cannot be naive about the opposition we face, yet we must never compromise our integrity or resort to worldly tactics. As you engage with those who don't know Christ, ask God for supernatural wisdom and Spirit-led innocence to represent Him faithfully.
Day 4: The Spirit Speaks Through You
Reading: Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60
Devotional: When Stephen stood before his accusers, he didn't rely on his own wisdom or rehearsed arguments. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he recounted God's faithfulness throughout history, and his face shone like an angel's. Jesus promised that when we're delivered over to testify, we shouldn't be anxious about what to say—the Spirit will give us the words. This doesn't excuse us from knowing Scripture; rather, it's a promise that when we've faithfully studied God's Word, the Spirit will bring it to remembrance when needed. Stephen's bold witness cost him his life, yet he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at God's right hand. Your witness may not lead to martyrdom, but it requires the same Spirit-empowered courage. Trust that God will speak through you.
Day 5: Enduring for the Eternal Reward
Reading: 1 John 2:3-6; Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: How do we know we truly know Jesus? By keeping His commandments. This isn't legalism—it's the natural overflow of genuine love. If we claim to know Him but ignore His command to go and make disciples, we deceive ourselves. Walking as Jesus walked means living a life of mission, continually making the Father known. Yes, you'll face opposition. Yes, you'll be hated for His name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of your faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Your eternal reward far outweighs any temporary suffering. Today, ask yourself: Am I walking as Jesus walked? Am I making God known wherever my feet take me?
Reflection Question for the Week: In what specific ways is God calling you to "go" this week—whether across the street or across the world—and what fears or obstacles are holding you back from obeying His command?
Reading: Luke 14:25-33
Devotional: Jesus never promised an easy path for His followers. Like George Washington understanding the dangerous situation before him yet choosing to go forward, we must soberly evaluate what it means to follow Christ. True discipleship requires us to place Jesus above all earthly relationships and comforts. This isn't a call to literally hate our families, but to love Christ supremely. Before building a tower, a wise person counts the cost. Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? He doesn't want halfhearted followers who retreat when difficulties arise. Today, reflect honestly on what you're willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Remember, the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Day 2: Witnesses to the Nations
Reading: Isaiah 43:8-13
Devotional: God declared to Israel, "You are my witnesses." This wasn't merely a privilege but a sacred responsibility—to know Him and make Him known. Before God, no other deity existed or will exist. He alone is Savior. As New Testament believers, we inherit this same calling. We are witnesses to the one true God in a world filled with false gods and empty promises. God has placed you exactly where you are—in your workplace, neighborhood, and family—to bear witness to His saving power. You don't need perfect theology or eloquent speech; you simply need to testify to what God has done in your life. Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear about the God who saves?
Day 3: Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves
Reading: Matthew 10:16-25
Devotional: Jesus sends us as sheep among wolves, yet He doesn't send us unprepared. Being wise as serpents means carefully assessing our environment, understanding the landscape, and moving with discernment. Like a serpent that camouflages itself, we must learn to navigate hostile territory strategically. Being innocent as doves means maintaining purity of heart and peaceful intentions, serving as messengers of peace empowered by the Holy Spirit. This balance is crucial—we cannot be naive about the opposition we face, yet we must never compromise our integrity or resort to worldly tactics. As you engage with those who don't know Christ, ask God for supernatural wisdom and Spirit-led innocence to represent Him faithfully.
Day 4: The Spirit Speaks Through You
Reading: Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60
Devotional: When Stephen stood before his accusers, he didn't rely on his own wisdom or rehearsed arguments. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he recounted God's faithfulness throughout history, and his face shone like an angel's. Jesus promised that when we're delivered over to testify, we shouldn't be anxious about what to say—the Spirit will give us the words. This doesn't excuse us from knowing Scripture; rather, it's a promise that when we've faithfully studied God's Word, the Spirit will bring it to remembrance when needed. Stephen's bold witness cost him his life, yet he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at God's right hand. Your witness may not lead to martyrdom, but it requires the same Spirit-empowered courage. Trust that God will speak through you.
Day 5: Enduring for the Eternal Reward
Reading: 1 John 2:3-6; Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: How do we know we truly know Jesus? By keeping His commandments. This isn't legalism—it's the natural overflow of genuine love. If we claim to know Him but ignore His command to go and make disciples, we deceive ourselves. Walking as Jesus walked means living a life of mission, continually making the Father known. Yes, you'll face opposition. Yes, you'll be hated for His name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of your faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Your eternal reward far outweighs any temporary suffering. Today, ask yourself: Am I walking as Jesus walked? Am I making God known wherever my feet take me?
Reflection Question for the Week: In what specific ways is God calling you to "go" this week—whether across the street or across the world—and what fears or obstacles are holding you back from obeying His command?