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 little as you’d like.

GET FOCUSED | Start by simply thanking God for who He is & what He’s done.
+ Practice gratitude while singing/playing some worship music from Paradox on Spotify.
+ Spend a few moments meditating on today’s Old Testament Scripture: 1 Kings 19
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 135:13-20
Reading 1 = Focus. What is one word or phrase that Holy Spirit puts on your heart?
Reading 2 = Feelings. Focus on that word or phrase while you read. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Reflect and talk with God about it.
Reading 3 = Invitation. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture?
Take time to journal anything you feel the Lord might be saying to you.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from John 19:1-11
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Does it ever feel like evil is winning? Like the darkness of greed, hate, and selfishness in our world is snuffing out the light? Have you seen people experience victory in Jesus, only to later experience faith-shaking suffering that makes them question God’s love? It is a hard thing to take.
This must be what Elijah felt when he uttered the words: “I have had enough!” Elijah just finished helping God execute an amazing display of His power. In light of what happened, the leaders of Israel should have bowed to God in penitent humility. Instead Ahaz and Jezebel began a hunt for Elijah in an attempt to wipe him out for good, thinking without the “man of God” to thwart them, God would be powerless.
Likewise, I am sure the disciples of Jesus, and all those who were following him must have felt deep dred at the sight of Jesus whipped, beaten, and losing the trial for his life.
The powers of sin and darkness in this world are powerful. And, our selfish nature leans toward rebellion away from God.
But…
As it says in Psalm 135 today: “the Lord WILL vindicate his people.” And yesterday we read: “our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever he pleases.” Translation…evil cannot and will not win!
Elijah did not stay hidden in his cave. With God’s leading and power he helped gather the remnant of believers and reclaim the nation for God’s people.
Jesus didn’t stay dead. He conquered death and sin, once and for all!
So if you are feeling defeated. Like evil is winning. Remember God’s promises. Remember Jesus’ victory. Wait on the Lord and like Elijah, listen for God’s voice. God has a plan to shine light into the darkness of this world, and it involves you!  - Mike Nank

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by returning to prayer each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy, joyful, 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 = Ask to see God’s presence more clearly & walk w/ Him more closely tomorrow.
+ 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.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
+ Pray a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations & those serving them.
+ Text someone an 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.
+ Who can you share what you’re learning with today personally?

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!