Spiritual Warfare: 'We Must Find the Lost Sheep'

God's Power for Our Battles — Thursday, May 14, 2026

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away!
— Matthew 18:11-13 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, thank You for helping me realize what Satan is looking for: sheep who are not with the other sheep. Thank You for reminding me that lost sheep who are all alone are vulnerable; that there is safety in numbers - and that's part of the purpose of Your church. Use me to help others realize this important truth: safety comes from being with other people of God, and there is grave danger in trying to be a Christian all alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Finding the Lost
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and..."
Immanuel: In Spiritual Family
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, I began yesterday to share with you the four Immanuel passages in the book of Matthew. Recall that Immanuel is the name given to Me in...."
Correct and Restore!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Occasionally in an earthly family, a family member can lose his or her way. That person's behavior can become bizarre, erratic,..."
Living My MUSD #6: Shared Prayer through Forgiving Redemptively
Article by Randy Becton
Living My Mission Under Social Distancing Phil Ware opens the New Testament and reminds of a great way to live out our mission while under social distancing, prayer because prayer has always been a virtual way of blessing others.
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 18:11-13

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 18:11-13 NLT — If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away!

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, May 14, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Fruit of the Spirit' (Ga. 5:22-23)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Reason to Celebrate'
"Dear Beloved, What's with all those somber faces among those who claim to follow Me? Yes, seriousness is demanded at certain times. Yes, My call for...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 22:4
"Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 6:7-8
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the..."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare