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.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 9:32–43; Psalm 36:9; Mark 5:21–43
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…
I love this!!!
I love that we first read about how Peter was able to harness the power of the Holy Spirit to heal a paralyzed man AND bring a woman back to life.
And then…
We read that Peter was there the day a woman was healed just by touching Jesus’ clothes AND he was in the room when Jesus commanded a dead girl to “get up”.
Why do I love this so much?
I love how Peter learned by watching Jesus. He used the same actions and even the same words as Jesus when he revived Tabitha. And I love that he had the confidence/faith to it. At this point in his life, Peter has taken many small steps of faith with Jesus. He has had his doubts and disassociated with Jesus in moments of fear, but now he has NO hesitation. The difference? Peter is now filled with the Holy Spirit. He has access to God’s authority and power because he has said “yes” to being all-in with Jesus.
Here is what else I love…
The same Holy Spirit that worked through Peter in Lydda and Joppa 2000 years ago is available to us in Warren and Detroit today. I have often lamented not seeing more miraculous works from God, and I have heard MANY people ask me why God doesn’t do miraculous signs and wonders any more. I am becoming more and more convinced that it is not God who has changed, but us. What if we were more like Peter? What if we followed Jesus’ example of authoritative teaching and compassionate healing, opened ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit, and then watched for opportunities to demonstrate God’s power and love?
Let’s do it!
I would love it if more and more the stories we share in our churches of God’s wonders are not just the stories of Moses, David, and Peter…but of those of us today who by faith allow God’s spirit to work through us.
If you have a story of a time you experienced miraculous healing or were able to be part of it for someone else, please let us know: https://paradoxchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/202572
- Mike Nank

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!