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, & use as much or little as you’d like.
GET FOCUSED | Start by simply thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
+ Practice gratitude while singing/playing some worship music from Paradox on Spotify.
+ Spend a few moments meditating on today’s Old Testament Scripture: Job 36:27-37:24
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.
MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 56:1-8
Reading 1 = Focus. What is one word or phrase that Holy Spirit puts on your heart?
Reading 2 = Feelings. Focus on that word or phrase while you read. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Reflect and talk with God about it.
Reading 3 = Invitation. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture?
Take time to journal anything you feel the Lord might be saying to you.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from 1 Corinthians 9:12b-27
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?
A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
What stood out to me today was the simple verse in Psalm 56:8 “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” David wrote these words in his prayer while he was held captive by the Philistines. He was fleeing from King Saul, running for his life, in a period of waiting on the Word of the Lord to be fulfilled - that he would one day become king of Israel. He had already been anointed by Samuel the prophet for this role but had yet to be appointed and honestly, things probably weren’t looking like they would even happen. David wasn’t a wimpy guy either. He was a shepherd, had worked and lived outside, killed a lion and bear, slayed a giant with the help of the Lord when everyone else was afraid. I appreciate that alongside all his courageous acts he is also very aware and not afraid to honestly share his feelings and emotions with his Friend and Lord. David writes confidently knowing that he is seen and loved in the midst of his lament and sadness. So much so that even his tears are valued, kept and treasured by God. As a mother, I am in the throes of navigating the emotions of my children, helping them communicate, process and work through what seems like a tornado and myriad of emotions on an hourly basis. :) I know I am not always the most patient and understanding. I can’t say I always want to put every tear my babies cry in a bottle. But I’m thankful that my Father isn’t like me and sees the tears we have cried and shed as we pour our hearts out to Him. If you’re in what feels like a waiting period, where the promise isn’t fulfilled and everything actually looks like it’s the exact opposite of what He has said or you are waiting on, cry out to Him. Let Him cover you and be that friend that sticks closer than a brother as you wait. - Jessica Glenn
EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by returning to prayer each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy, joyful, 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 = Ask to see God’s presence more clearly & walk w/ Him more closely tomorrow.
+ 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.
SHARE THE FOCUS |
+ Pray a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations & those serving them.
+ Text someone an encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
+ Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
+ Who can you share what you’re learning with today personally?
That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!
