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: Isaiah 40:28-31
+ 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 145:8-16
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 Mark 6:30-31 & Matthew 11:25-30
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…
I want to be joyful. I want to be the person walking around that always has good news to share. As I was reading this chapter in Matthew, it brought to mind moments where I have had that opportunity. I started second guessing myself for a moment because a lot of what came to mind were times when it would actually be easy to be in a good mood and bring joy with me into conversations or moments with those around me. But how do I respond when it’s not so simple? When the to-do list is a mile long, the kids are fighting and my pocket book took an unexpected dip? These things are smaller examples, but I do think they are good examples of warning signs that I’m not living in thankfulness. It’s even harder when things like grief and anger enter. Whether I’m witness to it or experiencing those things first hand, joy can almost feel inappropriate in those times. I can’t say the same about being thankful. Starting with thanksgiving in any circumstance, good or difficult, propagates joy. I’m not thankful for stress, but thankful God equips me to govern my life. I’m not happy about the fighting, but thankful God gave me the gift of children. I don’t like when I can’t afford something, but praise God for His provision. I don’t want to feel loss, but cherish the people around me. A friend once shared a verse in Matthew 11 with me in a time where I was caught up in a mix of stress, grief and pain. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV)‬‬ Let’s pray in gratitude to Jesus who equips, gifts, provides for, and cherishes us. Give Him all the glory and rest in Him today. - Rachel Hood

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!