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 Ruth 2:5-16; Jas 1:27
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…
We all know the golden rule: do for others as you want them to do for you. Ruth is a shining example of this philosophy in action. When her husband died, she could have, and many would say should have, gone back to her family for support. But, out of compassion for her aging mother-in-law, knowing that without a man in her life in that time/culture she would struggle mightily, Ruth left the security of her home to travel back with Naomi. Golden rule move for sure! And what happened? As she was gleaning food from Naomi’s relative’s field she was inquired about by Boaz, the lord of that land. It was likely her youth and looks that had him inquire, but once he found out about the sacrifices she made for Naomi, that is when Boaz started ordering preferential treatment for her ,which eventually led to their marriage. Boaz recognized that she was living the golden rule, or what James calls “pure and undefiled religion…looking after orphans and widows in their distress”.
I would like to introduce a new, slightly lesser rule. Let’s call it the silver rule: do for others what you see them doing for others. Boaz was inspired by Ruth. Her selfless actions led him to do what he could do…which was actually more than what Ruth could do. Basically God multiplied Ruth’s efforts and as a result Naomi was cared for. And, Ruth was “comforted and encouraged” by God through Boaz.
So, let’s be like Ruth. When we see an “orphan or widow” in need, aka someone who is not able to fully provide for themselves, let’s be golden rule-followers and step in. Let’s do it sacrificially, as Jesus demonstrated…not for any reason other than it is the right thing to do.
Let’s also be silver rule-followers like Boaz. If we are inspired by someone else sacrificing for others, let’s ask how we can jump in to multiply their efforts. As they are being hands and feet to others, let’s be appendages to them, providing comfort and encouragement from the Lord. - 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!