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 27; 28:1–10; Mark 16:17–18; Luke 12:4–7
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 Acts 27, After appealing to Caesar, we find Paul and some other prisoners on a journey to Rome. The voyage to Rome at this time of year was dangerous. Paul was apprehensive about the trip fearing that there would be injury and loss of life for himself and the crew. He was out-voted when he asked the Centurion in charge if the voyage could be postponed. So they set sail out to sea, but it didn’t take long for a storm to rise and cause the ship to be violently tossed about. The crew lost all hope of being saved. Despite facing the dangerous storm at sea, Paul remained steadfast in his faith. Paul addressed the men, telling them “Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.” ( Acts 27: 22-24) I am sure that Paul’s message was met with some skepticism from the men, after two weeks of constantly being driven across the sea, Paul urged everyone to eat and give thanks to God. Paul’s unwavering faith eventually filled the hearts of the men on board with hope. This a reminder that even we can be a source of hope for others and make a difference when faced with challenging times and circumstances.
The ship eventually ran aground and the men all made it safely to the island of Malta. The native people showed great kindness by making a fire to dry and warm the shipwrecked men. While Paul was gathering sticks to put on the fire, the next dilemma occurred! Paul was bitten by a viper, it clamped down on his hand and hung on. The natives were sure that Paul was a murderer and may have escaped justice from the sea, but now he was going to die from the snake bite. Lo and behold, Paul shook that snake off into the fire with no ill effects. The natives decided that Paul must be a god. After all of this, Paul ended up praying and laying hands on many ill people, he cured all who came to him. The people honored them by helping them set sail with whatever provisions they needed. In Mark 16: 17-18, Jesus tells His disciples that all who believe in His name will “Cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Paul’s faith in the word of God saved him and all who believe. So remember, no matter what storm in life you are facing, keep your faith in our Lord, for He is always with you. He is working all things for our good. Amen - Dawn Marie Custer
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!
