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 1 Tim 1:1-11; Deut 6:1-8; Rom 10:1-13
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…
It’s Labor Day. A day we step back to recognize what’s been accomplished to bring life into the sometimes dehumanizing work that fills many of our days. It’s a day of well earned rest. Sometimes life feels like a whirlwind of rules, expectations, and endless to-do lists. Many days, I wake up to a list of 40-something things already on my to-do list. The day is so busy I barely get up (or look up for that matter), but at the end of it I still feel unaccomplished. I long for clarity, simplicity… FOCUS. That’s why I love Paul’s instruction to Timothy in this first chapter. There’s a simple, clear message: it’s all about faith and love. In essence, he says to keep the main thing the main thing. Don’t get distracted by the non-essentials. Don’t get stirred up by the unimportant. Don’t get dragged into the chaos. Today’s reading reminds us that faith isn’t about getting everything perfect. - Jesus already did that. It’s about trusting God, loving Him with everything we’ve got, and letting that love flow to others.
You can go through every motion today - but, as Deuteronomy calls us to - loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength aren’t actually at the heart and soul of it—we’re misguided. We can be absolutely perfect in every project and task the day brings - but Romans 10 reminds us that salvation isn’t about doing everything right - receiving Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for our imperfection is what’s really at the heart of the matter. So today, let’s keep the main thing the main thing: Focus (really!) on loving God and allowing that love to overflow into every person, plan and project this day will bring. Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one… or maybe, go back to bed and rest in His love today. He’s done the work 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!
