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.
Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer this morning. 
P = Pause. As you start your time of prayer, begin by pausing and being still before the Lord.
R = Read. Read the Scripture Focus slowly and focus on words/phrases the Holy Spirit highlights as you read.
A = Ask. Ask God to come and speak to you. Open up your heart to Him as your heavenly Father.
Y = Yield. We want to yield our lives to the words we have prayed and commit to follow Jesus’s way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 16:16–40; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; 1 Peter 2:19–21
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…
Ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? Paul and Silas are right there with you. In Acts 16, they’re thrown into prison for helping a girl in need. But instead of reacting how I often do when things go wrong (putting my head down and sinking into hopelessness and depression or getting crabby, irritable, frustrated, angry, or working harder to try to fix the problem)… they start praying and worshipping God. And in that moment, the chains fall off and the doors fly open. God shows up in the middle of their mess. They’re free. But here’s what I absolutely love - was it that they were set free as they were worshipping, or because they were worshipping? Prayer and worship, even in the worst circumstances, loosens chains and sets us free. There’s healing and power in our response. But I love what happens next even more - instead of making a break for it, Paul and Silas freely stay right there in their unfair, uncomfortable circumstance. It isn’t just that prayer and worship sets us free from our circumstances - although God definitely does that. It’s that when we choose a response of prayer, gratitude and worship, we’re actually set free even in the midst of our circumstance. So today, no matter where you might be stuck or what “prison” you might find yourself in, choose a response of prayer, worship, and gratitude. Those are the weapons we fight with in this daily war for our freedom. And sometimes, we’ll even have to use them in middle of suffering, like Jesus. That’s when they seem to be the most powerful. When life shakes you up, remember Paul and Silas. Praise God in your prison. You’re in a spiritual battle, but God’s given you powerful weapons. Throw up a prayer or even sing a song or two because today, you’ve already been set free. - Dave Kubiak

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!