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 Leviticus 26:3-13, Hosea 14:4-8 & Galatians 5:22-23
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…
We read in Leviticus that God is willing and able to do pretty much ANYTHING for his people. Control the weather? No problem. Reroute dangerous animals? Easy peasy. Make crops flourish? All day!
Did he ask for anything in return? Nope…but he did make a requirement up front: “follow my statutes and faithfully observe my commands”.
A-ha! So God is looking to get something out of it?
Not really, as the statutes and commands he gave were for the benefit of the people and their society. He wants them to follow them for their own good, and he wants to be walking along side them in the process to bless them.
The promises made to his people Israel are available to us as well. We can enjoy his blessing when we walk in his will by following his commands.
And what exactly are these commands?
Jesus simplified them to this: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
Easier said than done.
The good news is that Jesus sacrifice and resurrection has opened the way for the Holy Spirit to help and guide us. The fruit of walking with him: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Lord God, I will do my best to follow your commands. I know they are good and good for me. I accept your help through the power and wisdom and care of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - 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!