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 11:17-34
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…
There are three parts that stick out to me from these verses: the gathering of the church, the bread, and the wine. Even back in Paul’s Day the church was struggling with division amongst its ranks. Paul points out that instead of coming together to support and love each other, the church in Corinth had all kinds of issues where they weren’t necessarily coming together to support each other. What should have brought them together as a unified body in Christ instead divided into class conscious cliques. The current Church is still struggling with this - from denominational divides to disagreements over daily life, we as Christ followers need to figure out how to understand people who may have differing views than we do if we are going to be able to stay in fellowship with them. I think we need a better understanding of what the elements of communion signify. I used to struggle with communion sometimes because of what I was or wasn't taught as a young Christian. I was taught what the elements represented, but I am not sure if I was taught the significance of eating the bread and drinking the wine. (I also may not have been paying attention that day.. so it’s probably on me.) The bread represents the body of Christ. By eating the bread we acknowledge our broken relationship with God is restored through Jesus so we can receive the love and grace of God and be in relationship with him. It is out of an “attitude of gratitude” that we return some of the love showered on us. The wine/juice represents Christ’s blood shed for us. By drinking the wine/juice, I am signifying my acceptance of the new covenant between God and I - a covenant no longer based on the law as in the Old Testament, but a covenant based on love. The new covenant is not based on my ability to keep the law but on Jesus’ keeping the law for me and offering me the unearned grace and love of God. Communion isn’t about our own perfection or “not sinning” - If that were true no one would be worthy to receive it. Instead, communion offers a reminder and path for repentance and restoration in our relationship with God. Take a few moments to reflect, repent, and receive the grace and love of Jesus in communion before you start your day. God loves you and so do I - Scott Rose

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!