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: Nehemiah 6:15-7:73a
+ 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 36
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 4:13-25
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…
Have you ever felt surrounded, broken, intimidated? Nehemiah went to Jeruslum when the city and its people were at an all time low. Broken, overwhelmed, and vulnerable. Homes were in ruins, the wall around the city was destroyed. Because of his faith in God, Nehemiah showed great character and leadership. He refused to be intimidated in his mission to lead Jerusalem into restoration.
The right people in our lives can speak life and restoration into our faith. I think of light - when we have one light in the darkness we may struggle to see, but when another with their light joins you, your ability to see increases. God is our light. When we walk with God, we can see our path more clearly and with confidence. As we strengthen our relationship with God, we take on his light and represent him to others. When we stand together in unity and harmony for God, big things can happen. People and relationships are important not only in our lives, but to the kingdom. Nehemiah knew the importance of each person in the city, and he strategically placed them into the positions that would help restore and protect the city as they rebuilt homes and the wall. There were laborers, gatekeepers, watchmen, priests, and singers. Everyone in the community contributed generously to support the work of rebuilding. There is a Hebrew word, "nadav," meaning “to volunteer or offer willingly,” which highlights the spirit of generosity and communal support. God intended us to live in community - he designed us for relationships. He made us to be together in faith and serve him in rebuilding faith amongst the world. We are meant to play important roles for his kingdom, together.
Even when Nehemiah received threats and attempts of intimidation from surrounding nations, he showed great perseverance. The wall was completed in 52 days, which was a huge feat in that time. The leaders of the opposing nations were intimidated by this, knowing God was in this - there was no way man could accomplish this task in such little time alone. God can move and do so much through us when we partner with him and allow him to strategically place us in the positions to volunteer. Think about our teams at church - the security team keeps us safe watching over the building walls, the parking lot crew helps to protect the families and people as they arrive, the welcome team gives guidance and greetings, the cafe fuels us for the day and gives us time to connect, the clean team takes care of God's house, "The Temple.” Our decor team decorates and helps create an environment of community, the worship team leads us in the praise and lifts our hearts, the pastors teach us how to live in community. The elders watch over and protect. I love our community and I am so thankful for all the ways God shows us how to live. The Bible is alive, the living Word! God is faithful, and with Him we can accomplish more than any man alone. May you feel God's presence and encouragement today. - Marci Burk
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!
