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.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 6; Exodus 34:29–30; 1 Timothy 3:8–13
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…
Today, we see some of the practicals and logistics of the NT church as it grew and people were added to their number daily. They were going through some growing pains for lack of a better word. God gives such wisdom and strategy to the disciples as they lead the church in putting priority not just to prayer and the ministry of the Word but also to caring for widows which in the book of James is described as “pure religion” - caring for orphans and widows. Those selected were full of the Holy Spirit, faith and wisdom. Stephen, one of the men selected, was wreaking havoc for the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders following him, speaking boldly of Jesus that he drew the attention of religious leaders who claimed he blasphemed the religious law. Where do you need the Holy Spirit’s grace and power in your life to follow Jesus in today?
I loved the last verse in this chapter. Stephen’s face before the council shone like an angel - it held a light and glory that could only come from someone who daily was in the presence of God. The only other person we have read about in scripture whose face was described like this is Moses whose face shone so brightly that he had to cover his face with a veil so that people wouldn’t be able to see this glory fading as time went by after he would meet with God on the mountain. Does anyone come to mind for you whose face has a literal glow to it because they know, meet with and walk with Jesus everyday? If someone does come to mind, send them a text as an encouragement of how you see God at work in their life.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”- ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭ - Jessica Glenn

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!