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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 18
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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…
Whenever I read or listen to the story of the betrayal and arrest of Jesus I have always wondered, “How could they all turn their backs on Jesus?” Often, we have to be ready to receive more to get more of the story. What if that was true for the disciples? Maybe this is our turn to receive more today. When Jesus was arrested in the garden, maybe the disciples were starting to understand what Jesus was talking about when he spoke of his impending death. Perhaps, with their backs against the wall, they began strategizing? What if they felt that since there probably wasn't anything they could do to save him the best thing to do was get scarce and save themselves to continue their work in the kingdom. Simon Peter, who stayed with Jesus when the others fled, denied knowing him. Perhaps he felt that if he identified himself he  might end up in the same way as Jesus.  When our backs are against the wall, it can become tempting to react out of a place of fear, lashing out and hurting others, like Peter. We may be tempted to “save ourselves,” by retreating into comfort or running from responsibilities, the church, or even Jesus himself - doing what makes sense in our limited understanding. We may deny Jesus with our words, choices, and actions for fear of what others will think or what will happen to us. We may even convince ourselves that all this is actually the smart or even right thing to do. Thankfully, while we may not always trust God and remain faithful to Jesus in these frightening opportunities, God is faithful to use even our shortcomings to shape us, write His story with our lives, and bring His kingdom purposes here on earth. God Loves You And So Do I - Scott Rose

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
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.
Refocus = 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. 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!