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 11:1-54 & 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
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…
In today’s devotional we are met with the story of Lazarus’ death as recorded in the book of John. This story reveals Mary, Martha and Lazarus as close friends of Jesus whom he loved.  Yet, Jesus didn’t spare them from experiencing grief.  Jesus foreknew that the Lazarus’ sickness would result in death. He allowed death to occur, so that they may believe and see Jesus’ power and authority over death. Both Mary and Martha couldn’t understand why Jesus took so long to come and see about their sick brother. I can totally relate to their dilemma and would have probably made statements that went something like this… Didn’t we tell Jesus Lazurus is sick?  Why hasn’t he come yet? Does he even care about us? We can learn a valuable lesson here about how we evaluate difficult circumstances in our own lives, when we begin to  question why God delays when we seek him in prayer.  God’s timing is unequivocally the best timing!  Sure we may experience grief or disappointment in the process, but can we trust that we are in God’s perfect will and timing even when our expectations are not met. In John chapter 11 Jesus was showing his friends  that God’s glory can be revealed through even the dead things, in this case Lazarus’ death.  Martha confronts Jesus with if you had been here, my brother would have not died.  Jesus replies to her in John 11: 25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” What seemingly dead situations are you facing today?  As we think of the bodily resurrection of Lazurus and Jesus as revealed in scripture, we can have total faith that Jesus defeated death and that we too will be resurrected as he promised to those who believe. - Colleen 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!