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. Use as much or as little of this guide as you’d like.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does.
+ Practice gratitude while playing or sing some worship music, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.
+ Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on today’s scripture.
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.” Take time to Thank God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in the past, Worship Him for it, and Intercede (pray for) that truth for yourself and others.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use the PRAY acronym to guide your prayer through a Psalm
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.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Pray a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from 2 Timothy 2:14-26
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? (see Focus on Others)

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Do you find yourself getting overwhelmed with all the chatter these days? We get it from social media apps, the news, standing in line for something, going to a sporting event, and hearing the people around us. It goes on and on. Everyone has an opinion or complaint about something and doesn’t care who hears. There seems to be constant chatter and noise. Are you part of the noise? In this passage, Paul reminds us that we are all workers for the Lord, and we have an opportunity to represent ourselves and Him well. Sharing thoughts and asking questions is good and sometimes necessary. I, for one, process things out loud. There are so many thoughts bouncing around in my head that I just need to get them out so I can hear myself speak and filter out the main thought. However, I have to be careful not to overwhelm my listener with too many thoughts or thoughts that could cause that person confusion or harm. We are in a time of many opinions, questions, problems, and concerns. We are being overloaded with information we have to process or ignore. It’s good to ask questions and process information with trusted friends who know and love Jesus. These conversations can lead to wisdom, peace, and understanding. BUT friends, listen to Paul’s warning in this passage: handle the truth rightly, avoid irreverent babble, don’t allow your talk to spread like a killing infection leading to death, and don’t upset the faith of those participating in the conversation or those close enough to hear only. In this season (or any season, really), we have an opportunity to lead others to the truth, the truth of Jesus, and correct thinking with kindness, gentleness, and love. Take part in some of these conversations. I believe some of these are needed, but be very careful not to get caught up in arguing that leads to the destruction of a relationship or the tearing down of someone’s heart and faith. At the end of the passage, Paul tells us that our patience and gentleness can lead someone to repentance and knowledge of the truth found in Jesus. Our goal isn’t to leave the conversation as the victor in our opinion (even if it’s correct). Our goal is to lead the person to truth with love, gentleness, and kindness so there is no cause to turn away from Jesus. We represent Jesus in every conversation and action; do it with honor for the Father. Friends, as I write these words, Holy Spirit speaks as much to me and those reading them. Go in peace and be encouraged. We can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength. Philippians 4:13. - Renee Richter
EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying an Examen & Tending Your Heart 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.
+ 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.

FOCUS ON OTHERS |
+ Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
+ Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
+ 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!