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.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 15 & Philippians 1:9-11
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…
John 15 has held a special place in my heart for a long time - in a lot of ways it’s become like a life word from God about what life is like walking with Jesus. Anytime I feel like I am uncertain, Holy Spirit usually brings me back here, back to remember who God is, what He does, and what I am to do. My kids use the NIRV version of the Bible, and sometimes I will read scripture in that because the simplicity of the way it’s written is so helpful to me. Verse 4 reads: “Remain joined to me, just as I also remain joined to you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain joined to the vine. In the same way, you can’t bear fruit unless you remain joined to me.”
So often in the Christian life , we think that we are supposed to produce/accomplish a lot for the kingdom. This text is so clear that it’s actually the work of Jesus IN US, as we remain joined to him, that produces the fruit. We can’t do it unless we are joined to Him! This doesn’t mean that we don’t do anything but spend time with God… it does mean that as we go throughout our lives, we are remaining in Jesus and relying on Holy Spirit to show us what to do and how to do it. We take the steps he shows us to take- we don’t sit by passively - we join him in what he is already doing. It’s doing the work WITH him, instead of FOR him. This is a lifelong journey of learning how to do this. Some moments, I feel like I am right in step with him, following his lead and working together. Other moments, I realize that I sat by passively and didn’t join him in what he was doing. Sometimes I realize that I am exhausted and like I am running on the hamster wheel through life - and God shows me that I have been trying to do it all on my own (and sometimes that I am doing things outside of what he’s invited me in to.) In Philippians, Paul is praying some really beautiful things for the church. The only way for these things to happen is for us to do what John 15 says. Remain in Him. Rely on him. Join him in what he is already doing. Does this mean we will do it perfectly? Nope. But we keep on going back to him, even when we have walked away. Holy Spirit- help me to remain in you today. Jesus, show me where you are and how I can join you in what you’re doing. Father, help me to rely on you, and not try to do it all on my own. - Gwyn 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!