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 11:55-12:36 & Isaiah 61:1-3
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 taken the time to look back on an event or season in your life? I appreciate reliving moments in my life, moments of joy, and even moments of struggle. Looking back, I can celebrate those beautiful times again and even celebrate when looking at the struggle because, in those moments of struggle, I can see how Jesus brought me through the event and met me there. Sometimes, I can even find the answers to my questions during the struggle, not realizing Jesus had not only listened to my many questions but also brought understanding as I journeyed with Him to the end. I hope you have caught on to the fact that this Daily Focus has us looking backward in John. When John had partnered with Holy Spirit, who now resides within each believer, to write this letter, Jesus had already ascended to heaven. As John remembers these events, he is looking back with new eyes and a mind enlightened by Holy Spirit, who helps him understand those events that brought so many questions while he lived through them. Can you imagine how puzzled Andrew and Philip must have been when their request for a “meet and greet” between Jesus and the Greeks visiting for Passover turned into a discussion of His death and glorification? But looking back on the moment with Spirit-enlightened minds, we understand Jesus’s urgency to tell anyone who will listen that He is the resurrection and the life. He is the Light of the world, illuminating the path to the Father and eternal life with Him. John subtly eludes that the people came for a show. They wanted Jesus to perform another miracle, maybe even a resurrection from the dead. They had traveled far for this show. But Jesus explains that He will be resurrected to bring much fruit and life, just as the seed planted and dying brings life. The Father says, “I have glorified Your name, and I will do it again.” Jesus says these things, leaving the people asking more questions, and then hides Himself, offering no more explanation. For some, the answers don’t come until, looking back with the eyes of Holy Spirit, the actual understanding comes. Friends, take some time this morning to look back on this passage that has so many nuggets of truth and ask Holy Spirit for the understanding He has for you this morning. Or, like John, look back on an event or season in your life, seeing it with fresh eyes empowered by the Holy Spirit’s understanding so that you might see Jesus more clearly. - Renee Richter

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!