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, & use as much or little as you’d like.
GET FOCUSED | Start by simply thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
+ Practice gratitude while singing/playing some worship music from Paradox on Spotify.
+ Spend a few moments meditating on today’s Old Testament Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16,17
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.
MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 22:9-21
Reading 1 = Focus. What is one word or phrase that Holy Spirit puts on your heart?
Reading 2 = Feelings. Focus on that word or phrase while you read. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Reflect and talk with God about it.
Reading 3 = Invitation. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture?
Take time to journal anything you feel the Lord might be saying to you.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from Acts 21:5-16
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?
A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Ever get caught up in the moment? Anyone who has talked with me knows that I strive to slow down to be fully present and live in each moment. That’s not what we’re talking about today. When it comes to making decisions, it’s “in the moment” thinking that can lead to disaster. King Asa did just that in 2 Chronicles 16. Faced with immediate pressure from King Baasha, Asa relied on the king of Syria instead of seeking God. From a short-term perspective, it seemed like the right move—Baasha retreated, and the crisis was averted. But God saw beyond the moment and knew this choice would bring future turmoil and wars. Asa’s decision, while it seemed to make strategic sense at the time, led to long-term consequences.
Proverbs 14:12 warns us, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death." Asa chose "in the moment" thinking, but Paul in Acts 21 chose "in the end" thinking. Even when faced with warnings and danger, Paul trusted God and walked boldly toward Jerusalem because he trusted that the road of obedience leads to a God’s bigger picture and a greater reward. Where does your help come from? Who, or what, do you trust and rely on? Psalm 22 reminds us that God is our ultimate help, both in the moment and in the end. Is there a decision you’re facing today? Before acting, ask: Is this just right in the moment, or will it lead me closer to God’s best in the end? Trusting God's wisdom may not always seem easier, but it leads to lasting peace and purpose. - Dave Kubiak
EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by returning to prayer each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy, joyful, anxious, or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Refocus = Ask to see God’s presence more clearly & walk w/ Him more closely tomorrow.
+ Practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind. Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart guide.
SHARE THE FOCUS |
+ Pray a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations & those serving them.
+ Text someone an encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
+ Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
+ Who can you share what you’re learning with today personally?
That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!
