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: Proverbs 3:21-4:27
+ 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 61
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 12:27-13:7
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…
I love the book of Proverbs. As I was reading through the verses for today. I paused at chapter 4 verse 6 to ask myself, “Who is the author referring to when it says, "do not forsake her…?” I was wondering if I missed something, so I did what anyone would do - I asked Google, and it led me to a commentary about this verse. Here's what it found out: Wisdom is often personified as a female figure in proverbs, suggesting a nurturing and guiding presence or a protective and loving nature. (this is the heart character of wisdom from God for us) I feel this. I can connect to that, and understand this nature to protect and love. I believe wisdom can be a gift, it can be learned, and it can be passed on for generations to come when we teach, mentor, and disciple others. We are told in Proverbs to actively seek wisdom and guard against wicked motives. To be discerning and not follow the ways of wicked people. It is important that we surround ourselves with others of faith and wisdom, remembering our Father God and His words. We are to take hold of His instruction and guard it. God is so good. He gives us instruction and guidance in his Word. His Word is wisdom. At first, I was confused, but I wanted to understand, so I dug deeper. If you’re there today, stay encouraged! Dig deeper. The words on the page may not make sense at first. Don't give up, take a step further to seek wisdom, and find insight - for it is life to all who find it. - Marci Burk
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!
