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 9:7-10:32
+ 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 65:9-13
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 15:3-16
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…
Good discernment is such a valuable gift, and one that takes wisdom and patience to really use. People learn and grow differently, and we all have a unique life experience. There comes a point in your walk with Jesus that you realize you actually know the right answer sometimes. Unbeknownst to you, Jesus answered a prayer and brought you closer to Him and His ways. I remember old ways of thinking I used to have and poor choices I’ve made in the past and I shake my head. In another 5 years I’m sure I could do the same while reminiscing about today. Proverbs 9:8-9 reminds me that a wise person learns from mistakes and past transgressions – and that this is a good thing! I don’t have to live in perpetual guilt and shame. 1 Corinthians 15 nails in the importance of the resurrection. It reminds me that death is defeated and we get to walk in abundant, new life because of God’s sovereignty. There is joy in that! Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no point. Believing He rose from the dead and growing in our faith is how we cross the bridge from death into the new life available to us, from old patterns and broken foundations into freedom, grace and a better understanding of God’s character and our identity in Him. Today, let’s take a moment to consider what we believe about Jesus’ resurrection. How is that belief reflected in your life today? Let’s seek His ways and continue learning good wisdom and discernment together as we walk with the One who conquered death so we could live. - Rachel Hood
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!
