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 14, Matthew 11:25-27 & Hebrews 10:19-22
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…
Today’s passages of Scriptures reveal that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Treasure Map to God the Father, Heaven and Eternal life. In John 14: 1-3, the disciples were anxious and disturbed about death, and what happens afterwards. Jesus’s words still comfort and reassure us today.  In verse 4 of John 14, Jesus says, “And you know the way to where I am going.” (NLT). Thomas spoke up in verse 5, “No, we don’t know, Lord. We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (NLT). This simple, yet powerful Scripture opens the door for doubters and skeptics to come to Jesus. Then Jesus responded to Thomas and said, “I Am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. Now take a moment and absorb these eternal truths. Jesus did not say that He was “a'' way meaning that there is another way, route, path, alternative, or belief systems. No, Jesus made Himself abundantly clear; that He is the one and only way to God the Father. And this is why some people resent or reject Christianity because they think it is too exclusive and too narrow minded. In fact, the way is wide enough for the whole world to enter into eternal life providing that everyone would receive and accept Jesus by faith. Jesus as the Truth, He is the reality of all God’s promises. Jesus provides certainty to people whose lives seem confused and unstable, both now and eternally. Jesus as the Life, He is the giver and sustainer of “Zoe” the God-kind of Life, Abundant Life, Everlasting Life, and Eternal Life to all who will receive Jesus by faith and trust in Him alone. Then again, in Matthew 11:27, Jesus made a very profound statement, “My Father has entrusted everything to Me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him (the Father).” (NLT). The only way to truly know God the Father, one must first come to Jesus, the Son of the Father and then Jesus will disclose, unveil, and reveal Him. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is already at work in the Church (body of believers) and in the world to lead us into all truth (Jesus). Something to think and reflect on: How do Jesus' promise of a  place in His Father’s  house provide comfort for you in your current circumstance?  How can you apply the promise of the Holy Spirit to help navigate your spiritual and personal challenges? How does Jesus’ assurance of His unity to the Father deepen your understanding of His divinity? - Lawrence Payton

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!