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.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 10:1-10 & Psalm 23:1-4
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…
So much good stuff in here! We could talk about how the good shepherd, Jesus, provides for and protects his sheep. We could talk about what it means that Jesus refers to himself as the gate and the shepherd. (He does it all.) We could talk about who these pesky thieves and robbers are.
But let’s just reflect today on this one half-verse: “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3.5) I find it difficult to think of myself as special. Maybe you are like me. Of all the billions of people on this earth I am unlikely to be even in the top 10,000 at anything. And when I look at God’s majestic creation, stretching seemingly without end, I feel even less significant. But then I remember this verse, and others like it throughout God’s Word. He calls me BY NAME. He doesn’t just stand at the gate and yell “Come on guys! Who’s with me?” He is like: “Mike. Yes, you. I knit you together. I know you, and I want YOU to come with me.” The creator looks at me, broken and sinful, a tiny sliver of his creation, and says “he is good, and well worth redeeming”. That makes me feel special. I hope you feel the same way. Let’s listen to our good shepherd’s voice today as he calls us, personally, to walk with him.
- Mike Nank
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!