Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.
If you’re new to the Daily Focus, read this first.
WEEKLY 40 FOR 40 FOCUS | Antioch International Prayer & Fast (Genesis 12:1-3)
Over the 40 Days of Lent, add 40 minutes of prayer to your week - either 1x/week or 7 minutes/day.
This week, The Antioch movement of churches around the world are joining up for an international prayer and fast from February 26-28. During this prayer & fast, we will be asking God to bless us to be a blessing to people of all nations. (Genesis 12:1-3). Here are two lists you can use for how we’ll be praying together:
Have questions about fasting?
See this resource: Encounter God Through Fasting
Want to pray for our international church planting teams year-round?
Go to Nationsprayer.org
DAILY PRAYER FOCUS | Use the PRAY acronym each morning.
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.
Begin your prayer with “Father, I remember your faithfulness to…” and respond with, “Give me faith to…”
SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy 9:1-12
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…
Are you facing giants in your life? “KNOW THEREFORE TODAY YHAT HE GOES BEFORE YOU AS A CONSUMING FIRE IS THE LORD YOUR GOD. HE WILL DESTROY THEM AND SUBDUE THEM BEFORE YOU.” (verse 3) The Bible reminds us over and over again of the faithfulness of our Jesus! He is our strong tower, our ever-present help in times of need. There is nowhere we can go, and he is not already there! He goes before you. There is no giant too big that cannot be conquered with and in Jesus! Amen! My heart beats hard with this truth! It’s electrifying until I face my giant. Then, my heart will sometimes quake for other reasons. Doubt. Fear. It is then I must lift my eyes to heaven, pray, and then intentionally remember the faithfulness of the Lord. It is through these intentional steps that peace and strength are restored. The Holy Spirit whispers the hope of truth through scripture, songs, or those who love me. Take heart because Jesus is faithful to His covenant with His children. His promises are true! Children of the Lord, stand!! Face your giants! Defeat the enemy! Breathe…celebrate…believe. Warning: When the victory comes and the adrenaline subsides, guard your hearts and remember this victory is the Lord’s. All glory and honor belong to the King of kings. - Renee Richter
REMEMBERING PRACTICE | (Optional) Practice remembering with a Daily Examen each evening.
The Examen prayer was made popular by Ignatius of Loyola (1491 – 1556). It has helped Christians for centuries to re-center themselves on Jesus as they come to the end of long days. We are using a variation creat-ed by Pete Greig from his book, How to Pray, to help us remember Jesus at the close of our days.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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.
Reboot = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.
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!
