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 Old Testament scripture: 2 Samuel 19:31-43 - 2 Samuel 20:1-26
+ 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 this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 119:105-112
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 John 10:22-33
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…
Have you ever been in a “lose-lose” situation? Today’s reading brings new meaning to the old phrase, “Caught between a rock and a hard place.” In John 10:22-33, Jesus is having a pretty intense back and forth with the Jewish leaders who are questioning His identity. They claim to want a straight answer: “Are you the Messiah or not?” But the truth is, they’ve already made up their minds. I love how Jesus moves past the argument and reaches down into the soul. He moves beyond “words” to “works.” Essentially, Jesus points to the works He’s done, reminding them that His actions speak louder than words, and, rather than giving an “answer,” Jesus turns the question right back to them. Instead of their judgment, Jesus invites them to judge for themselves. It’s a great lesson for us! Sometimes, we might feel pressure to justify our faith or prove ourselves to others, but a relationship with Jesus is meant to be experienced, not just explained. When we walk closely with Him and see how He moves in our lives, that’s the best testimony we can share. So, take a moment to reflect today: Is anyone asking about who Jesus is in your life? What work has Jesus done that you might be able to share in response? Just like Jesus openly shares His relationship with Father God, make a bold declaration with your life today to stand with your Father God - even though that might lead to challenges and misunderstandings. When it does, take comfort in Jesus’ words - your Father God has you in His hands through it all. (v29) - Dave Kubiak
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!
