Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from John 5:24-29, John 10:7-10, 1 John 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & Romans 13:8-14
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
S = Say. What is the main point? What does it teach about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. Who can you share what you’re learning with today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
A ministry of flourishing as John states begins when we accept Jesus as Savior. This simple act of belief grants us with the promise of eternal life. The enemy's agenda is to steal, kill and destroy; but Jesus has come that we experience life with fullness. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” (John 5:24 NLT). I’m so glad that as we put our belief in Jesus; we have victory over death, decay and sin. We become God’s new creation when we accept Jesus into our lives. This allows us to thrive despite trials and hardships. Christ within us is our hope of glory and in Him we find protection and provision. We have entered into a new covenant in which our inward man is being renewed day by day. Now let us live an abundant/fruitful life with renewed confidence in Him. Now concerning those who have died, Paul said in his letter to the church in Thessalonica that we don’t grieve as those who are without hope. When our loved ones who are in Christ perish, we can rest assured that they will be resurrected (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). I can remember my siblings and I finding great comfort in these very scriptures when my Mother passed away. In our daily living let us be mindful of Romans 13:8-14, which speaks of the day of salvation being soon to come. Also it speaks on Love fulfilling God’s requirements - if you love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will do your fellow man no harm. This is the ministry of flourishing.
Peace & Blessings! - Colleen Payton

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pick a Psalm to pray using P.R.A.Y. Pause to be still, Reflect on the verses, Ask God for help, & say Yes to Jesus.
Reading scripture in this way is called Lectio Divina. Learn more here and practice using one of these apps.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!