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.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 13:31-14:11, Acts 4:12 & Ephesians 2:12-22
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…
Have you ever felt like you’re lost at sea - unsure where to go, tossed by the wind and waves, drowing in the uncertainties of life, wondering where God was, where to go, and what to do next? We’ve all been there. Even Jesus’ disciples, who felt that way as Jesus stood right in front of them. Jesus is with his disciples, and the weight of what's to come hangs heavy in the air. He’s just shared that he’s “going away,” and that the disciples couldn’t go with him. Things are about to change. They wouldn’t feel God’s presence in the same way. They wouldn’t have Jesus right there to show them what to do, tell them what to say, or lead them to where they should go. Troubling and disorienting, to say the least. But Jesus says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1). It's like He's speaking directly to us across the ages, urging us to anchor our hope in Him. Life's uncertainties can feel overwhelming. It's easy to get caught up in worry, fear, and doubt. But Jesus invites us to shift our focus from the storm around us to the steady assurance found in Him. “I am the way,” Jesus says. Remember, Jesus says He is the Light. Today, He reminds us that He’s the Way. If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's uncertainties today, take heart. You're not alone. Jesus promises He’s the Way. He’s gone before you and He’s coming back to get you like a search & rescue team. He’s the Way that has already shown us exactly what God is like and what to do like a map. And He’s the Way that’s that’s always with us like a guide who walks you through every twist and turn - offering comfort, guidance, and hope along the way. Trust in Him. Fix your eyes on Him. You'll find that even in the midst of the stormy seas, He is the Way, like a lighthouse guiding you safely home. If you’re trusting Jesus as your Way for the first time or deciding all over again who Jesus is to you, we invite you to be baptized at Paradox on April 21. - Dave Kubiak
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!