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.
Choose one of the Names of God using this guide. Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it today, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 22:30-23:11; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 Peter 3:21–22
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…
Today's reading is full of affirmations and encouragement to us as believers as to our identity in Christ. Knowing who we are in Christ is so HUGE as believers and followers of Jesus because all of our actions come from a place of who we are. Growing in not just knowing my identity in Christ in my head but actually allowing the truth of my identity to set me free and influence how I live has been a process for me. What we read in Scripture is 100% true and inspired and given to us by God revealed to us by Holy Spirit so what He says about me I can trust and know is true for me. I love that what is said about our past being wiped clean and being freed from evil ways of thinking is a thing of the past. It's already been done! Not something that we are working on or achieving but has taken place giving us full confidence to go to Jesus boldly without fear or shame. Paul had such a secure sense of his identity and calling in Christ and we see is immense boldness on display in Acts today. He even says that he knows he's right before God and that drives the religious leaders crazy as having this certainty of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection and the new standing and position that gives us in Christ wasn't something they shared. How has or how would knowing your full identity in Christ impact how you live your life? We all need a reminder or who we are from time to time to root us and ground us again in Him. Ask Holy Spirit to speak to you today an identity piece that you need to hear and allow that truth to set your heart free to run today in His ways in a fresh way!
Psalm 119:32 "I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free." - Jessica 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!
