PART 3: THE FRUIT (Days 15–20)

— DAY 18 —

Thursday 19 February, 2026


OUTWARD FOCUS

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.


Luke 15:4
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety nine in the open country - and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me as I am of Christ.


Matthew 5:14–16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Acts 8:29
And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.’

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

 

COMMENT
As we have discussed previously there is so much that comes from being part of a healthy church family including having friends who support us and encourage us in our relationship with God. However in the warmth of these friendships it is easy to become so comfortable that we forget to look beyond our inner circle to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Spiritual maturity is the moment we begin to develop a true outward focus and carry a deep desire to see people saved and connected into the body of Christ. This means we stop waiting for people to approach us and instead become intentional about looking for the person standing on the edge. By being outward focused we help create a culture that is both freely inviting and deeply inclusive.

Practical maturity is often found in the simple act of walking across a room to welcome a newcomer or connecting someone to a group where they can find a sense of belonging. This outward energy is just as important outside the church walls as it is inside them. Just as Jesus chose to leave the ninety nine sheep to find the one that was lost we are invited to prioritise those who are currently far from God. Whether we are in our workplace or our neighbourhood we are called to be unashamed ambassadors who build genuine bridges with those around us. Every coffee catchup and every conversation at the office is a divine opportunity to reflect the love of Christ and share the hope that we carry.

The most exciting part of this mission is that we are never doing it in our own strength. As we remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit we find that He is constantly whispering to us and highlighting people who need a word of encouragement or a simple invitation. When we choose to be led by the Spirit and take that step of faith we create the space for God to move in power. We realise that our hobbies and our workplaces are mission fields where the Holy Spirit is already at work. There is incredible joy in realising that we are co-labouring with God to reach a hurting world. As we step out of our comfort zones and allow our light to shine we become the very bridge that God uses to bring someone home into His family.

 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LIVE WITH AN OUTWARD FOCUS

  • Refreshed Purpose: Your daily routine takes on a new level of excitement as you realise you are on a mission with God. Every trip to the shops or the office becomes a potential Kingdom moment.

  • Expanded Heart: As you step outside your comfort zone to welcome others, your own heart grows in compassion and love. You start to see people the way Jesus sees them.

  • Kingdom Growth: Your intentionality creates a space where others feel they belong. By being a bridge, you help people find their way into the family of God.

  • Boldness in Faith: The more you share God's love, the more confident you become in your testimony. You realise that the message you carry is the greatest gift you can ever give.

  • Deepened Joy: There is a unique and powerful joy that comes from seeing someone move one step closer to Jesus because you chose to reach out and be a friend.

 

OUTWARD PEOPLE FOCUS (Social Energy)
Pick the number that best describes where you feel you’re at right now. Where ever you are pray about what might be your next step to move forward.

  1. Exclusive: I tend to stay strictly within my inner circle of friends. I often find it quite uncomfortable to branch out or talk to people I don't know yet.

  2. Safe: I primarily spend my time with people I know well. I am friendly if a stranger approaches me first, but I rarely take the initiative to start the conversation.

  3. Stretching: I am making it a point to break away from my friends and introduce myself to at least one person outside my usual circle whenever I am at church.

  4. Inclusive: I view social time as a vital ministry. I actively look to leave the ninety nine to find the one who is on the fringe, making sure everyone feels seen and welcome.

 

MAIN QUESTIONS
(Self Reflection)

Let’s Talk in the Chat
(on the Boot Camp group in Planning Center)

One of the best parts of this journey is that we aren’t doing it alone. We’d love for our chat to be a place of real connection. As you go through each day, please jump in and share:

  1. God’s Voice: What is one specific thing you feel the Holy Spirit is whispering to your heart?

  2. Self-Reflection: What did the "test" reveal to you today?

  3. The Wins: Did you do one of the action points? Tell us about it!

  4. Testimony: Share a thought about a time you felt welcomed by someone when you were a newcomer, and how that changed your experience.

Please Read:
Don't worry about sounding 'spiritual' The most encouraging thing you can share is your honest process. This is a self-reflection about what God is speaking directly to you about in YOUR life. Words like “I” and “Me” are encouraged, “we” and “us” less so.

 

ACTION POINTS

  1. The Leave the 99 Move: Next time you are at a church gathering, spend ten minutes talking only to people you do not know yet before catching up with your usual friends.

  2. The Three Names List: Write down the names of three people in your world who do not follow Jesus. Commit to praying for them by name every single day this week.

  3. Building the Bridge: Reach out and invite a friend or neighbour who isn't part of a church to grab a coffee this week, just to listen to their story and build a stronger relationship.

 

PERSONAL PRAYER STARTER
"Lord, please give me Your eyes for the people standing alone today. Make me bold and kind as I share Your love with my neighbours and friends. Help me to be an ambassador who carries Your hope into every room I enter. Amen."

 
REGISTER COMPLETION OF DAY 19