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 21:1–36; Matthew 5:11-12; John 19:13–16
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…
A while back, I was up north with my family. We were going on an adventure together that day, and there was construction on the road that would have gotten us there. So, we put our destination into GPS and followed it down the dirty, winding, bumpy backroads of northern Michigan until finally, we arrived.
Sometimes, doing the right thing isn’t easy. In Acts 21, we see Paul determined to go to Jerusalem, even though he knows trouble is waiting. People try to talk him out of it, but he’s firm—he knows this is what God has called him to do. It's a powerful reminder that God’s plan isn’t always the easy or peaceful one, and that following it isn’t always smooth. Just ask Jesus. Before going to the cross himself, Jesus gave us a heads up in Matthew 5:11-12, telling us that when we’re persecuted for doing right, we’re actually blessed. That’s tough to hear, but it’s true. Doing the right thing doesn’t always feel alright. And it certainly isn’t always (or even usually) met with cheers of approval from the rest of the world. Take a look at Jesus again, as he stood before Pilate in John 19. The crowd is shouting for His crucifixion, but Jesus remains calm, fully surrendered to God’s plan. He knew that His suffering would lead to something far greater—our salvation.
So, when you’re feeling like the world is against you for doing the right thing, remember you’re in good company. Jesus, Paul, and Christians throughout the ages have walked this way before. Is there something God has asked you to do that you know is right but has gotten hard today? Stay strong and keep your eyes fixed (or focused) on Jesus - God’s got something amazing in store for you.- 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!
