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 16:6-15; John 15:26
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…
If you’re a parent, coach, or teacher, you’ve probably had that moment where you show a kid how to do something, but they rush ahead and do it their own way instead. Take pouring milk, for example. You tell them to go slow and be careful, but nope, they charge ahead and—splat! Milk everywhere. How often do we rush ahead of God’s plan for us and end up either missing His blessings or making our lives a whole lot messier?
In Acts 16, we see Paul on a gospel-sharing adventure. He was so in sync with the Holy Spirit that he didn’t move until he felt the Spirit lead him. And when he did move but felt the Spirit tell him to wait or go somewhere else, he listened and obeyed. In Acts 16:14-15, Paul gets to see the payoff for his patience and obedience: “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized.”
John 15:26 says, “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” We can tap into the Holy Spirit’s power in every situation in our lives. When we lean into His guidance, it can save us from making a huge mess! So next time you’re about to spill the proverbial milk, remember to slow down and listen. - Liz Holland
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!