DEVOTIONALS

A 5 Day Devotional From Pastor Kyle

Jesus’ mission is not a side project of the church; it is the very reason the church exists. Over the next five days, you’ll be invited to see people the way Jesus sees them, embrace the "go" of the gospel, and step into obedience that moves God’s mission forward in your everyday life.

Day 1

Luke 19:5

Jesus noticed Zacchaeus when most people only noticed the crowd. In Jericho, Jesus stopped under a tree and called a man by name—someone overlooked, judged, and kept at a distance. The mission of God begins with this kind of attention: a Savior who sees clearly and refuses to let one searching soul blend into the background.

It’s easy to be surrounded by people and still miss them. We can be busy with schedules, opinions, and assumptions, and never recognize the quiet longing in someone’s life. Today is an invitation to ask God for "Care"—eyes that spot the Zacchaeus moments around you and a heart that makes room for the one who just wants a glimpse of Jesus.

• Ask God to help you notice one overlooked person today—who comes to mind immediately?
• Where have you allowed the "crowd" (busyness, distractions, comfort) to keep you from seeing individuals?
• Identify one person in your life who might feel like an outsider; what is one practical way to honor them this week?
• Pray specifically: "Jesus, help me see people the way You see them." What changes in your attitude do you sense God prompting?
• Take one action today that slows you down enough to notice someone (a conversation, a message, a kind question).

Day 2

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus didn’t give the church a suggestion; He gave a commission. Because He has all authority, His followers are sent to make disciples, not simply attend religious gatherings. The mission didn’t start with the church inventing an idea—it started with Jesus sending His people into the world with His presence and His teaching.

When church becomes only "come and see," it often turns inward and eventually feels empty. But when you remember you are part of Jesus’ "go," worship becomes fuel, teaching becomes training, and community becomes support for a life on mission. Today is about embracing your identity: you are not just someone who goes to church—you are someone Jesus sends.

• In your own words, what does Jesus’ command to "go" mean for your normal week?
• Which part of the Great Commission do you most avoid: going, baptizing/identifying publicly, or teaching obedience? Why?
• Write down one place you already go regularly (work, school, gym, neighborhood). How could you be "on mission" there?
• What is one step you can take to move from being a consumer of church to a contributor (serve, give, invite, disciple)?
• Pray for one person by name who needs Jesus, asking for an opportunity to take a step toward them this week.

Day 3

Mark 16:15

The gospel is meant to travel. Jesus’ instruction to go and preach reminds us that the church is healthiest when it’s in motion, not when it’s parked in comfort. The message is too good and the need is too great for the people of God to keep it contained within a building or limited to a weekly routine.

Fear, awkwardness, and uncertainty often try to silence us, but "Courage" is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing obedience while trusting Jesus with the outcome. As you go, you don’t have to have perfect words; you simply have to be faithful. God can use a sincere story, a humble invitation, or a simple act of love to open someone’s heart to Christ.

• What is your biggest obstacle to "go and tell" (fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, past failure, comfort)?
• Write a 2–3 sentence version of what Jesus has done in your life that you could share naturally.
• Who is one "Zacchaeus" in your world—curious but distant—and what would it look like to take a gentle step toward them?
• Choose one action of courage this week: invite someone, offer prayer, share your story, or bring someone to church.
• After you take that step, plan to journal what happened and what you learned about God’s faithfulness.

Day 4

Acts 1:8

Jesus promised power, not just permission. The Holy Spirit makes ordinary believers into witnesses—people who can speak of what they have seen and experienced. The mission is bigger than our personality, confidence, or ability, because God’s Spirit supplies what we lack when we obey.

This is also where "Collaboration" matters. You were never meant to carry the mission alone; the Spirit empowers you and the church supports you. As you rely on God and link arms with others, your daily life becomes a witness—at home, in your city, and beyond—because God loves to reach people through a people on mission.

• Where do you feel most powerless or intimidated about sharing your faith? Be specific.
• Pray for fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit today; what would it look like to witness with His power instead of your own pressure?
• List two people you can collaborate with (a friend, small group, ministry team) to pray and reach others together.
• Identify one rhythm you can build to stay mission-minded (weekly prayer for the lost, inviting regularly, serving consistently).
• What is one step you can take to be a more faithful witness in your "Jerusalem" (your closest relationships) this week?

Day 5

Luke 19:10

Jesus defined His mission clearly: seeking and saving the lost. That means the heart of God is always moving toward people who are far off, overlooked, or written off. The church doesn’t measure success primarily by comfort or crowds, but by lives changed as people encounter the grace of Jesus.

This week’s journey ends with a personal invitation: remember that you were once the one being sought. Gratitude for salvation becomes fuel for mission, and obedience becomes the pathway God uses to reach someone else. A mission in motion is simply a life that keeps saying yes to Jesus—one person, one step, one day at a time.

• Take time to remember your own story: when did Jesus seek you, and what has He saved you from?
• How does gratitude for your salvation change the way you view people who are far from God?
• Who is one person you sense Jesus is putting on your heart to pursue with love and patience?
• What is one measurable commitment you can make for the next 30 days (pray daily for someone, serve weekly, invite twice, start discipling one person)?
• Ask God: "Don’t let me miss the one in the tree." What specific next step of obedience is He calling you to take today?

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