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.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
Submit a Prayer Request or pray with others at the House of Prayer at Paradox every Sunday at 9:00am.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
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…
One of the main things that hit me about this passage, is “The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same.” This letter from Paul could have been written about today’s world, for you see the Corinthians had a very similar way of thinking as how the world thinks today. The way our world feels about personal freedoms is that you should follow your desires and be your authentic self - as long as it’s not illegal, anything goes. The Corinthians would say “I have the right to do anything,” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Their desires that are being referred to in this passage are related to sexual desires. They felt that since they had these desires, they could satisfy them any way they wanted and with whomever they wanted and whenever they wanted. Sound familiar? Here is the problem with this train of thought, as Paul reminds the people of Corinth: sexual intimacy is a gift from God. He reminds us that sex is a unifying activity “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’ But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6: 16-17). Sex is more than just a physical act, it is an emotional and spiritual bonding meant for husbands and wives. This bonding can not be taken lightly, for when sexual promiscuity is practiced, someone is inevitably going to suffer from either guilt, hurt, and possibly lose the ability to form intimate bonds the way God intended. Paul also reminds us that we were bought at a very high price, by the blood of Christ. We are to be united by the Holy Spirit with Christ, therefore we must treat our bodies as not our own, but belonging to God. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). So if your life has been scarred by brokenness and immorality, remember, through Jesus we have been washed clean, justified and sanctified. Our sins are forgiven and in the past. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and body. Amen - Dawn Custer

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!