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.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from John 7:53-8:30 & 1 John 1:5-7
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…
Jesus is never as shocked as we are at our own brokenness. Here this woman lies in what I am sure is one of the most shameful moments of her life. She is most likely naked, afraid, in front of a large crowd (probably one of the scariest things you could imagine)… yet not one word Jesus utters here indicates he’s caught off guard. I am always shocked at His composure. Here is this woman who had just been caught in sin and paraded in front of Jesus for him to make an example of - I’m sure the Pharisees had crafted mental pictures of what they wanted Jesus’ judgement of her to look and sound like - only to hear… “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Isn’t that just like Jesus? What a “heart check” of a question. I can shamefully admit that many times in life I have looked down on others when there were areas of my life ruled by sin. What if we took a “Jesus approach” here and came to people with grace along with encouraging them to live into a life that more embodies Christ? Jesus enters into our darkness with the light of his grace and love, then invites us not to walk in it. Honestly, Jesus’ approach has me scratching my head most days - and and today is no different. Today, though, I’m thinking of it like this - even though we walk in darkness, things are never really as dark when you have a confident hope of future light. Jesus even says later in this passage that our earthly, human ways of seeing ourselves, others, and circumstances pale in the light of His divine perspective. Are there some situations in your life today that aren’t making sense? Stop right here for a minute (or five), take a deep breath and ask God to shine light on you and your situation - “What are you saying about this? What are you seeing that I am not?” - Matteo McGill

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!