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.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Acts 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…
In today’s reading we have a very interesting interaction between Paul and a room of government officials. Paul is defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders and now has the floor. He shares his personal testimony and the gospel of Jesus. The response by the two main officials involved is very interesting.
Festus’ reaction is confusion. He basically thinks Paul is nuts. “Lights from heaven…c’mon?”. Festus represents a group of people who are hard hearted and blind. There is no room in their world view for the presence of a loving Creator.
King Agrippa, being a Jew himself, is in a different spot. He likely held a belief in “the one true God”, but he was not quite ready to recognize that God as Jesus and open his heart to a relationship with him. Agrippa had a lot to lose from a worldly perspective to dive deeper into Paul’s story so he plays off Paul’s compelling arguments with sarcasm. “What, you thought you could turn me into a Christian that easily?”
I love Paul’s response in the face of this denial and resistance: “I wish before God, that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am — except for these chains.” Paul’s heart, and I believe Jesus’, really shine through in this response. He earnestly desires that all people would accept the love of Christ, and not need to suffer the things Paul has to get there. But Paul knows, all the suffering is worth it for the chance to be with Jesus, and he is willing to suffer at the hands of doubters and haters at the chance that others may meet Jesus through his efforts.
I don’t know about you, but I am inspired by Paul. I wonder what would happen if all Christians were a little bit bolder. I say we find out together. - Mike Nank

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!