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 1 Tim 2; Psa 62:1-2, 5-8; Heb 4:14-16
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…
There is a progression that happens as we read through the scriptures for today. In 1 Timothy 2 we see how God wants us to live together in godliness and holiness. He wants so much for us to be saved that he sent His Son, who gave himself as ransom for all people. I can get on board with that - it feels pretty easy to me to live holy, right up until I'm faced with a challenging teenager, a road raging driver, or maybe even a disagreement with my spouse (even though we never disagree….). The call to godliness doesn't come without challenges. As we move to Hebrews 4:14-16 we see how Jesus has empathy for us because He has a unique understanding of the challenges we face. [15] “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Jesus helps us understand that it is okay to struggle, as long as we remember that in our struggle we can go to Him and receive His grace and mercy. Psalm 62 further reinforces that God is our hope, our strength and our refuge. [5] “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. [6] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” It's a powerful reminder that our hope and stability come from Him, and this allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence. We can trust in God's character even in our imperfection. This allows us to not only deepen our faith, but also extend that same grace to others. - Liz Holland
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!