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

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Genesis 9:14
"The rainbow, the symbol of the covenant with Noah, is typical of our Lord Jesus, who is the Lord's witness to the people. When may we expect to see..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All Creation Thanks You!' (Ps. 145:10-13)
"All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Faith and Freedom' (1 Ti. 4:1-4;)
"Dear Father, Keep us from paying attention to seducing spirits or doctrines of demons. Don't let the pretensions of those whose consciences are..."

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