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.
Practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind. Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart guide.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from 2 Timothy 1
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…
If you knew your time was coming to an end, what would your last words be? Paul is arguably one of the greatest writers of the New Testament. He called himself a Hebrew of Hebrews: overly educated, under appreciated, full of wisdom and years of experience, miracles and near-death misses. He was courageous and unwavering. And yet, when we see him in 2 Timothy, he is a man that Is fully aware of his need for encouragement, his need for human contact, and his own mortality. Second, Timothy is Paul's final letter before he is (killed/beheaded) for his faith - and he knows his time has come. There are so many things he could write about. His regrets, his secrets, or even his doubts. But he chooses his last moments on earth to write a letter of encouragement for his fellow brother/friend in Christ. To remind him to never be ashamed of the gospel. To hold to the faith that was passed down to him through his grandmother and even his mother - so that he wouldn't let go of what was instilled in him. Paul teaches that “the spirit of fear” does not come from God, and reminds Timothy of his purpose to preach the truth and serve as an ambassador for God.  Paul really viewed his life as a race, and in his final farewell he is passing the baton to Timothy to continue the calling of grace through faith. Paul writes to Timothy not just as a fellow missionary, but as a father would write to his own son. He used his last moments not for self-gratification, but to encourage others for the sake of the church, the future, and the kingdom of God. His final moments were written in love and sacrifice - which is really how you can sum up the latter half of his life. Paul told timothy to not be ashamed of him, because his sacrifice has put him in prison - the very place from which he is currently writing - but to be bold and unashamed of the gospel. Which brings me to this final thought: I don't know what your last words will be. But I can give you an idea of what mine would look like, and it will be something like this, "My brothers and sisters in Christ, the meaning of life is to be known by God who is Christ and to make him known to whomever he gives you the honor to do so. Do this with all of your strength and all of your might and, in this, you will obtain the meaning of life and the joy of eternity.” - Jewaun Glenn

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!