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: Exodus 20:1-17
+ 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 142
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 Matthew 5:17-48 & Romans 8:1-4
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…
Have you ever wondered, “Am I a righteous person”? I mean, I am not out there breaking the law - you know, the laws of not killing anyone, or stealing, you know the stuff that will put you in jail. Well, in these verses in Matthew 5, Jesus gives us a better idea of what God sees as righteous.
In Matthew 5:21, Jesus states “You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” WOW! Who hasn’t been angry with someone? I know I am guilty of anger. I always felt righteous in my anger, I mean, how dare they? But this is a big eye opener for sure. Jesus tells us to guard against harboring anger that can lead to insults and broken relationships. He tells us that if we are angry, the only way to handle the situation is to try and resolve the conflict, not to push the person away with insults or slander.
Taking that first step in reconciliation may put you in a place of humility - not a comfortable place to be - but in the eyes of our Lord, it is the right thing to do. I am thankful that I am not in any conflicts with anyone, well at least not that I am aware of. I have been consciously trying to curb my aggravation with others, especially when I am driving. (I’m sure I’m not alone in that!)
Jesus also brought up retaliation in Matthew 5:38. “You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’” Jesus goes on to say that you need to be compassionate and show exceptional kindness to anyone who puts demands on you. For remember, He also told us to love our enemies; “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.’” (Matthew 5: 43-45)
So, the next time you feel like tearing into someone, remember that Jesus calls us to be “righteous” in the eyes of our Father. Let’s all try to show some compassion, kindness, and most importantly, patience with each other. We may not always agree, but that is no reason to spread discord and bitterness. May we all be found righteous in the eyes of our Lord. - Dawn Marie Custer
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!
