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: Ezra 8:21-10:6
+ 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 34:1-7
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 Romans 1:26-2:4
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…
Did you ever have a time when you knew God would show up in your situation but you still felt you might need insurance? I have a friend who often says in these situations, "If God doesn't show up, we are sunk!" I wonder if Ezra lived in our time, if he would feel the same way. Outwardly, he boasted to the king about his mighty God. But maybe, under his breath, he would hope this God would show up. Ezra was preparing the Israelites to move to Jerusalem. He gathered 12 men to carry the treasure they had. They were traveling through territory that was dangerous. They could be robbed of everything they had at any moment. Ezra instructed the Israelites to fast and pray so that they would be safe on their journey and protected from bandits. But then, doubt enters his heart. Perhaps he should ask the king for some soldiers to help protect them on their journey? Insurance. But how could he do this? He just told the king," Our loving God who looks after those who seek him and turns away in disgust those who leave Him." He fasted and prayed again, didn’t take soldiers, and went on his way. Fortunately, they arrived safely in Jerusalem. But Ezra found out that many had been unfaithful and married women from outside of the Israelites. He tore his robe and wept bitterly. Many surrounded him and wept as well. In Romans 1:26-2:4, Paul talks about the ways they were living outside of God's plan. Ezra and Paul cautioned the people to not go after their false God's but to repent and seek Jesus alone. I have false gods in my life: chocolate, TV, and games on my phone. They satisfy for a while but in the end, they do not fill me like Jesus can. Fortunately, we have a God who forgives and restores, like He did for the Israelites and for us today. My heart often breaks for Jesus. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, and I still sin, like the folks in Ezra and Paul's day. I am grateful for His unfailing love towards me. I won't be sunk and neither will you if you keep turning to Him. - Mary Spix
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!
