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 Acts 11; Romans 15:25–28; 1 Peter 4:16–19
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…
”Come as you are.” I love how simple that is, but it’s such an impactful message of love. People can carry so much weight with things like shame and hurt. In Acts 11, Peter was criticized by a group of Jewish believers for associating with the Gentiles. Peter shares a vision he had to defend why he was going to deliver Jesus’s message of salvation to them. The group criticizing him were referred to as, “the circumcision party.” I thought that was an odd way of labeling them, but as I thought more on it I realized why. These were people kind of stuck in past thinking. Building altars, making sacrifices, and even circumcision were the ways of worshipping and encountering God - even earning redemption before Jesus resurrected. The Gentiles did not know these practices from the past, and they didn’t grow up learning the same stories and laws as the Jews. Peter says, “If, then, God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬) We can be so comfortable in our practices and procedures of life that anything outside of that can seem out of place or even wrong - but Jesus calls all nations and people to Him. So take heart that no matter your background, upbringing, what you know or don’t know… the gift of salvation is given in the same capacity to all repentant followers of Christ, and we all now get to do good works for Him. Our God is faithful in His promise of salvation. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19) - Rachel Hood

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!