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 14
+ 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 67
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 16:1-11
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…
There is a way that seems right to a man, but the prudent person honors God in their living. The Bible, especially the book of Proverbs, gives us wise counsel in how we can live a life of praise, honor, and worship to our God. Every aspect of life reveals how (and if) we are serving God. One of the ways that comes to mind is serving God through our finances. It sounds easy, but it really does entail a level of discipline and faith. In 1 Corinthians, Paul directs the churches of Galatia about their collection practices. He advises them to set aside a weekly portion of their income, so that they may provide a financial blessing for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Through both their faith and discipline, they were well positioned to be a blessing through their giving.
In addition to the wisdom proverbs provided on giving, chapter 14 provides more valuable nuggets on the approach to develop character that is pleasing to God. I will mention a few that stood out to me. V.29 (BSB) “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.” Developing my patience is an area that I’ve really been trying to increase. In my pursuit of gaining more patience, I’ve discovered that patience leads me into a greater space of calm. V.4 (BSB) “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of ox.” Meaning that if you are diligent through hard work and perseverance, you will experience the fruits of your labor. - Colleen Payton
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!
