This week we are on to stanza three - following Jesus into mission. Anytime we talk about mission, it seems like it can so quickly spiral into self-condemnation. The line of thinking goes... "I'm obviously not doing enough! Time to do better." From a teaching persepctive it can seem difficult to offer a challenge w/o laying down the guilt.

Lets just say it right up front: the point of the next three week is by no means guilt. Guilt is not a tool of the Spirit. That said, we do want to be a people that are open to being challenged into leading a life that is even more oriented around God's plan and kingdom. So the prayer is that we'd rise to the challenge and where there creeps in guilt - well, lets offer it to God and ask him to plant in us a seed of hope.

So come Spirit. Stir us again with where you are leading us as a network of churches. Give us a heart for your world!

Now for this week, here are a few thoughts to consider. 1) What is the average state of your days? Do you seem to be alive to where God is moving and what is happening around you - or is there most often another reality at work? 2) Read Mt. 9:36 and the surrounding story. What do you see in Jesus? What of his character do you need more of? Welcome the Spirit. 3) Today, you will engage the world around you. From those you know to those that you do not know. What will it mean for you to "see" this world? Why don't you ask the Spirit to equip you and then intentionally engage in the exercise of seeing. The first step in mission is to actually see. 4) When the talk is over, read Lk 15 - the Story of the Prodigal Son. What is it about the fathers reaction that so fits with todays talk? What does this reaveal to you about God's heart?