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

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Blaise Pascal:
"The knowledge of God is very far from the love of Him."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 41:9
"If we have received the grace of God in our hearts, its practical effect has been to make us God's servants. We may be unfaithful servants, we..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 14:13
"Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Are You Leaving, Too?' (Jn. 6:67-69)
"[When many of Jesus' disciples deserted him, he] turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you also going to leave?" Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to..."

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