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 6:1-21
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…
When I read the story of the feeding of the five thousand, initially I am kind of baffled. I want to be able to reasonably explain how that actually could have happened first, and then ask questions later. Time and time again, God shows me this is not the best way to learn. I believe Jesus teaches us by leading us to a place where we can stop to hear Him and receive His instruction. In John chapter 6 we read the story of the five thousand who were fed and filled because Jesus multiplied. Five thousand people saw or heard of the miracles and healing that He performed. Then they followed after Him.

When a person is looking for advice, they might seek out someone that they have seen or heard has had success in that area. That’s what draws us in. Results. When we look to Jesus for ways we can see results, He will lead us to a place we can first find comfort and rest. He will provide instruction and sustenance so that the body of Christ can move forward with direction and strength. We can have confidence in our pursuits because we’re going to Him as our compass, allowing Him to teach us and receiving His provision. Then He will multiply through us His life giving power.

It’s a relief to know we have a God that has endless love for His children. There’s no limit to what He can do in and through us. He says that we can do this too. We can choose to look to see what Jesus is doing in our lives or others and follow after Him. Learning the steps needed to confidently run the race set before us with strength and abundant provision.

What is God showing you today? What area of your life is Jesus trying to heal, lead, and provide for you in? Ask Him how to multiply that, and act with boldness because you saw His results in your life or someone else’s. Today my prayer is that you see His work, follow His lead, and joyfully receive His bounty because there is plenty. Know that He will use you, and multiply through you with plenty of bread to spare. - Rachel Hood

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!