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 20; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4; Philippians 1:20–21
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…
I'm sure at this point we've all heard the famous song by Frank Sinatra called, "I Did Things My Way." What's interesting is, when I look at the way the world is now, I feel many people live their life like this - they're just doing things their own way. That's what they boast in. That's what they're proud of. But not so with Paul. In Acts chapter 20, I want to highlight the latter half of the chapter where Paul gives a farewell sermon to the Ephesian elders/ leaders as he prepares to travel to Jerusalem for Pentecost. Paul earnestly shares how he has not withheld any good thing from the leaders and how he has shared the full gospel and has labored In tears and in hardship for the benefit of the Ephesian church. It is after he pleads his case of sacrifice for them and sincerity of his love that he charges them to do likewise..
In verse 28 He gives a warning to every leader/ (Pastor Overseer Elder) to take care of themselves, but to most importantly take care of God's people/the church - for they were purchased with the blood of Christ. That, in a similar way to how he has given himself up for ministry sacrificially and wholeheartedly, that they as leaders should follow his example and as shepherds protect their ( sheep/church members) from (wolves-false teachers) that will try to enter into the congregation. Also, to never water down the message of grace or allow anyone to come into the body of believers to create division or condemnation or teach false doctrine. He also charged them to take care of those who are weak among them. Paul made it clear that he considered his life worth nothing but to finish his task, a ministry for the sake of Jesus Christ (v28).
Even more, we see this call for living sacrificially in a more structural way in Corinthians 16 where aid and donations and resources were brought together for the benefit and the help of those Christians in Jerusalem. Paul sums up the meaning of his life in an amazing statement in Philippians 1:20 - that Christ would be exalted in his body in his life, whether he lives or whether he dies. I'm so thankful for leaders like Paul, who could have did things his way but decided to do it God's way instead. As children of God, we are all blessed because of it. - Jewaun Glenn
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!
