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 26
+ 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 71:18b-24
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 2 Corinthians 7:13b-8:9
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…
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." - Psalm 71:18
We were never meant to do life alone. From the beginning, God designed us for community—to walk together, be led by His Spirit, and carry forward His Kingdom values to future generations. Scripture is our foundation. Proverbs 26, filled with Solomon’s wisdom, acts as a spiritual “Do’s and Dont’s” list for God’s people. These aren’t just ancient truths—they’re practical principles we’re meant to live and share.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that foolishness can be passed down just as easily as wisdom. That’s why spiritual discernment is so important. On our own, we might misinterpret God’s truth. But God, in His grace, gave us the Holy Spirit—our guide and teacher. And He gave us each other. In love, we are called to shepherd and support one another. Studying Scripture isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about transformation. Every time I revisit God's Word, I discover something fresh and life-giving.
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” Proverbs 26:4
It’s a clear call to choose wisdom in our responses and avoid being pulled into foolishness. In 2 Corinthians 7:13b–8:9, Paul urges the church to repent and return to God. We all feel the weight of the world and sin sometimes, but when we share the joy of repentance, it becomes contagious. Encouragement spreads. Titus, worn down by his efforts to reconcile Paul and the church, found renewal through his community. We need that same refreshment today. Even in weakness, God uses us. As we age, our calling doesn’t fade. Psalm 71:18 reminds us that we are to proclaim God's power to the next generation. This is our legacy.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word and the gift of community. Help me walk in discernment, guided by Your Spirit. Use my life to pass on truth, love, and faith to the next generation. Teach me to encourage others and remain teachable myself. In Jesus’ name, amen. - 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!
