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 Acts 12; Isaiah 42:8; Mark 10:35–40
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…
Obedience. Peter's obedience is the first attribute I see after reading today’s scripture. Peter knows God's voice, and he is faithful to follow God's instruction without hesitation. Even after he was imprisoned, his demeanor seemed calm. Think about his situation… he's in chains, heavily guarded, and yet able to sleep. When he is awakened by an angel, he has no hesitation. His faith in God gave him such security. I want my faith to be strong, like Peter's. Do you believe it was the prayers of the church that set him free? Was it God's hand or Peter's faith? To be able to trust and not fear, even though his situation was dark in the hands of King Herod, Peter just followed God and his instruction. To have that trust and amount of faith! Wow! I think it was both that God calls us into a partnership. To have faith, trust, and not to fear. He also calls us to pray and intercede, to be in agreement with him. The result? God set Peter free. God wants us to know his good works and power. He wants us to know He is the reason we are set free. Isaiah 42:8 says, “I am the Lord. That is my name. I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” When King Herod allows himself to be praised and worshiped, God strikes him dead. God is showing the people, Herod is a mere man. Man is not meant to change God's plan or take credit for things only God can do. He has prepared a plan and a place for us. We are to follow him faithfully - without hesitation, because we know He is God our Father. His intentions for us are good. - Marci Burk

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!