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.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
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…
Our scripture for today is a powerful reminder of the high calling of believers - in handling disputes with wisdom, living morally, and honoring God with our bodies. The Apostle Paul began this chapter instructing the church in settling disagreements between fellow believers. Going to a secular legal system before unbelievers in the world should be the last resort; if possible. Paul reminded the believers that they have the Holy Spirit to help in resolving civil disputes. Again, Paul states, “Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves?  Don’t you realize that we will judge angels?  So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.” (NLT v 2-3). We can resolve our disagreement and issues with one another with the wisdom of God and in love for one another.

The believers in the Corinthian church were converted to Christianity from an immoral paganistic lifestyle. Likewise, in our day, many people come to Christ from various worldly backgrounds and lifestyles. Many of the believers were still engaging in the same activities after becoming Christians. Paul was trying to instill a new mindset in them that now  you have come to Christ, “you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (NLT v. 11b). Paul presented the perfect remedy in Ephesians 4: 22-24, “ to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”  How does Paul’s guidance about resolving conflicts among believers challenge our usual approach to disputes? What does it mean to you personally that the saints will judge the world and angels? - Lawrence Payton

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!