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 Matthew 8:11-12, John 10:16, Acts 10, Ephesians 2:10-15, Galatians 6:15 & Galatians 3:27-28
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…
I love this story. Our culture (rightly) celebrates diversity so well - and yet in many ways we feel more separate and divided than ever. People naturally seem to stick with people who are like them, to identify “us” and “them,” and avoid (if not outright hate) the “other.” The story of Peter & Cornelius puts the “difference” to rest. This new life that Jesus came to bring is for everyone. Jesus is doing a new thing. He is creating a new people, a new humanity. For us to live into it and live out our call as part of this new family, we are to be “other-oriented.” Peter is in prayer when God uses a vision of food to teach him a lesson about people - don’t consider someone an “outsider” who God has created to be an “insider.” There are no limits to God’s love. It extends to all people. Cornelius is a good man - scripture refers to him as devout, God-fearing, upright, charitable, and even a man who prays. And yet, he doesn’t seem to know much at all about Jesus. Peter obeys Jesus, goes to Cornelius, associates with him, sees God’s heart for him (God has been at work in this man’s life long before Peter arrived), and concludes in Acts 10:35 that God loves him… just as he is. But God also loves us so much that He doesn’t let us stay there. Peter proceeds to share the gospel with Cornelius - the truth, the fullness, the life - that Cornelius had only seen, heard and experienced in part. God didn’t keep his distance from us. He sent Jesus. He got close. He associated with us. Sinners. Scripture reminds us that’s what we once were… and then calls us to be like Jesus and do what Jesus did. Go. Love. Share. Ask Holy Spirit today, is there anyone you’ve been keeping at a distance? Are there people (groups or individuals) that you might refer to as “they” - meaning different/other? Take some time to pray for “them” today. Ask God to give you vision like Peter - to help you see “them” as He sees them. Who is someone different than you that God might lead you to befriend? - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.

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!