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:1 Kings 1:28–53
+ 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 119:153-160
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 12:1-11
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…
One of my favorite worship songs is “Alabaster Heart” by Bethel Music. (Check it out on our Spotify “Sunday Worship” playlist!) What exactly is an “alabaster” heart? It’s a beautiful image of the story we read today. The story is found in John 12:1-11. Here, we find a beautiful and intimate moment where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, wiping them with her hair. It’s an extravagant act of love and devotion. While some people, like Judas, saw it as a waste, Jesus recognized Mary’s heart. She wasn’t worried about appearances or the cost; she simply wanted to honor Jesus in the best way she could. Sometimes, our worship and service to Jesus might seem over the top to others, but true worship comes from a heart that’s willing to give its best for Him, no matter what anyone else thinks. What about you - do you care what anyone else thinks? The people that think your offering to Jesus is a waste of time, talent, or treasure? Or maybe the people saying you’re the waste of time? Do you ever wonder if what you have to offer Jesus might be wasted on Him, or even a waste of His time?
Think about your life - your worship - in the here and now. How are you expressing your love for Jesus in physical, tangible ways? Is there anything you’re holding back because of what others might say or think? Or are you willing to give Him your very best—even when it feels risky or extravagant? Mary shows us that real devotion means putting Jesus first, regardless of what it costs us. Is there something in your life that you can bring before Jesus today as an act of worship, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly? No matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done - Jesus sees you. He welcomes you. He values you, and He treasures the heart behind every gift offered to Him. - 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!
