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 9:15-27
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…
Last year, MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani signed a 10 year, $700 million dollar contract with the LA Dodgers. This summer, we get to look forward to cheering on US Olympians as they go for the gold. In both cases, these athletes are rewarded (in some cases, extremely well) for their discipline, efforts, and accomplishments. What would(n’t?) you do for that kind of money? For the glory of Olympic gold? In today’s reading, Paul starts by saying how preaching the gospel isn't about him getting a paycheck - you won’t find him on preachers with sneakers. It's about something much bigger—sharing the good news and winning people over to God. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to connect with others and spread the love of Jesus. Then he gets into this whole athletic metaphor, comparing it to running a race and boxing (neither of which I have a whole lot of experience in). In verse 24, he really focuses in - “Run in such a way as to get the prize." In other words, live your life like you're going for the gold! But it's not just about striving for some earthly reward. Paul’s talking about an eternal prize. Living faithfully, being intentional, and staying focused on God’s kingdom—that’s what really matters. He goes on to talk about how he disciplines himself so that he won’t get distracted or lose sight of the goal. And then Paul wraps it up with this powerful line: "Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." I still remember early morning practices on the swim team in high school - I would show up but often just not feel like running or lifting weights. Sometimes, I’d rather swim to the bottom of the pool for an underwater dance party than swim another lap. Paul invites us to not just go through the motions. No, the stakes are too high. The reward too great. He’s intentional about his faith journey. He's all in for Jesus. He’s giving it everything he’s got.
So today, let’s live our lives with purpose - like we’re training for a race. Stay focused on Jesus, stay disciplined, and run this race with everything you’ve got. The prize at the end isn’t some gold medal—it’s eternal life with God. - Dave Kubiak
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!
