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: Genesis 12:1-3
+ 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 139:13-16
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 Acts 3:17-25 & Galatians 3:7-29
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…
Today’s passage may have seemed tedious to read or like it was even written in code. A lot of parallels are made between the Old and New Testaments and the Law is brought up numerous times. In Galatians, Paul is writing to a non-Jewish audience explaining the history of Jewish law, its purpose, and how they now fit into Jesus’ plan. I don’t know about you, but I do tend to be a rule follower (for the most part). I like knowing what I can and cannot do, what my boundaries are, and what the consequences are if I don’t follow guidelines. Maybe you can relate. Not everyone is a rule follower, so to speak, but with that built in tendency there is also this drive to keep all the rules and not break any one of them. There may even be a sense of pride in keeping these rules. It’s painfully clear, though, that it’s not possible to be perfect and keep every rule. Jesus was the only perfect rule follower, and all the consequences we deserved for breaking these rules in the law He took on Himself and was cursed for us.

The other thing I loved about these scriptures is how much Paul is reminding people of their new standing in Jesus and encouraging them with their belonging in the family of God. Maybe there have been times when you have felt like an outsider at church or have felt “less than” for any reason. Paul wraps up chapter 3 saying that we are no longer on the outside looking in, but we are one in Jesus! All the ways we have previously used to try to be included or the pain of being excluded no longer have bearing or carry weight because our identity is in being a child of God. This position and status means that all Jesus has is now ours! We inherit this blessing - you are now in! You’re in the “will” and it had nothing to do with you, but everything to do with Jesus. - Jessica Glenn

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!

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: Genesis 3:1-10
+ 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 139:7-12
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 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-21, & 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
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…
When a little child breaks something in the house, what is often their next step? Hide the evidence? Shift the blame? Hide themselves? These were the natural reactions of Adam and Eve after disobeying God by listening to Satan and eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. We can look back at their actions in hindsight and know how silly that was. For as the Psalmist said to God in today’s reading, “where can I flee from your presence?”. But let’s not be too hard on Adam and Eve because as the first people, they really didn’t have much hind to sight. They saw something that looked pleasing and beneficial to them and they took it, though it was forbidden. They didn’t know how God would react. They would come to see that God is holy and can not abide with sin. They would learn that disobedience has consequences in this life, but doesn’t and relationship with God.

Unlike our original ancestral parents, we have a lot more history of interaction with God to look back on. Here’s what we see from today’s readings:
+ Jesus, when tempted by the same “snake”, Satan, doesn’t buy the lies as A&E did. Instead, he quotes God’s word and stands firm on what’s true. Namely that God is sovereign and that anything Satan was trying to offer him was ultimately God’s to give.
+ Jesus, though the only person ever to walk the planet not under Adam’s curse of sin, and thus the only person not deserving of punishment…paid the ultimate price for us. In fact, the truth that he was untemptable and incapable of sin shows us that he WAS God, and the only perfect sacrifice for sin. “For if by the sin of the one man (Adam), death reigned through that man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17)

Why do kids hide when they do wrong? They fear wrath from their parents and/or loss of relationship. A good parent welcomes their admonition of guilt (aka repentance) with joy, firmly but gently applies appropriate next steps to help the child avoid the bad behavior in the future, and reaffirms that the bonds of their relationship cannot be broken by the child’s actions. This is what God does for us. He is a good, loving parent!  - Mike Nank

For the past 3 years, we’ve worked hard to deliver the Daily Focus straight to your phone every day at no cost to you! If these have helped you connect with Jesus every day, would you consider giving back to support the work God is doing through Paradox Church this Giving Tuesday?
Learn more about how to give at http://www.paradoxchurch.com/give

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!

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 60:1-3, 19-22
+ 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 139:1-6
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 1:1-9, Matt. 4:12-16,  Rev 21:23-27
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…
Thanksgiving has passed and it’s getting dark earlier and earlier… both of which mean it’s time to turn on the Christmas lights! The other day, as I was putting ours up, I kept looking outside to admire them - only to see a disheartening reality: they weren’t on. Not a color or twinkle to be seen. Nothing but darkness. Nothing was working, and it was completely and utterly disheartening, and I was losing hope fast!  Have you ever been in that kind of darkness? The kind where you can’t even see your hand in front of your face? Darkness  can be unsettling, can’t it? But as we search for answers in the dark, even the smallest flicker of light changes everything. Light brings hope.

In John 1:1-9, we’re reminded that Jesus is the Light—the one who stepped into our world to shine in the darkness. And, though there may be times when the light seems dimmer than others, or we can’t quite make it out, Scripture promises that the darkness can’t overcome Him. No matter how deep the shadows feel in your life, Jesus’ light is always brighter. There is always hope. Jesus, the light, brings hope by fulfilling the promise of Matthew 4:12-16, walking with us, guiding each of us in the way we should go, if only we’ll walk with Him. Jesus, the light of Revelation 21:23-27, brings hope. So much so that we can look forward to the hope of a new heaven and earth, where there’s no need for the sun or moon because God’s glory and Jesus Himself are the eternal light. The darkness is already defeated and, one day, will be gone forever. This time of year, perhaps more than any other, reminds us that the light of Jesus is something that each one of us that have Him living in us holds - will we put it on display? Will we turn the light on? As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reflect His light into the world around us. So today, think about this:

• Where do you need the light of Jesus to shine in your life?

• Who around you needs the hope of His light?

Let’s walk in His light, reflect it to others, and remember that in Him, the darkness never wins.There is hope.

- Dave Kubiak

This week marks 3 years of the Daily Focus and the beginning of Advent, with a focus on hope.
As our gift to you, download these phone wallpapers to fill your season with the Hope of Jesus.

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!

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 21:17 - 22:28
+ 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 138:1-5
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 19:38-20:9
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’ve read the scriptures for today’s reading quite a bit throughout my life… but what stuck out to me today has never hit quite like it did this time. What stuck out to me was that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both were disciples “secretly.” What’s significant about that? I grew up in church believing there was there was no such thing! Not to encourage us to be secret with our own faith, but I think it says something of Jesus that He met them where they were. We don’t know their reasons for being secretive – but Jesus did. And they are still recorded as disciples! How amazing! These guys did not openly proclaim Jesus, yet they were still counted as disciples. Which, to me, means the opposite can also be true – we can outwardly proclaim Jesus and NOT be counted as disciples. The difference is in knowing the One that we are proclaiming! My urge to us today is that we must know Jesus – spend time with Him, listen for Him, and be ready to do what He asks, both privately and publicly. - Matteo McGill

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!

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 20:22 - 21:16
+ 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 137
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 19:25-37
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…
This was a heavy passage to read. We start off with Jesus on the cross –he had been tortured and hung on a cross, and was very near the end of his life. “Near the cross of Jesus, stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” What struck me is that, even in his deepest suffering, Jesus gave his focus to his family and friends. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” He was physically and emotionally in excruciating pain, yet He still showed the heart of a loving Savior, ensuring that those left behind would have each other for support. It’s a reminder that community is essential, even—especially—during times of deep grief and sorrow. He knew that those He left behind would be mourning and need to lean on each other. I think it can be very easy for us to isolate ourselves when life gets overwhelming, or when our emotions are challenging. But the desire God has for us is to be in community with each other. Galatians 6:2 says: “bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Through vulnerability and sharing our lives with others, we create opportunities for mutual healing. The act of reaching out, even when we feel we have nothing to offer, can be a source of hope and encouragement for others, just as much as it is for ourselves. Being in community isn’t just about what we can gain from others, but also what we can give. Shame can sometimes keep us from believing we have anything to offer others, but that is not what God says, He has given each of us gifts to share with each other. I would challenge you the next time life is overwhelming, or shame tells you, you have nothing to offer others, to press in anyway. Jesus doesn’t ask us to be perfect, just to show up. Resist the urge to do life alone, or isolate yourself, but instead reach out to others. - Liz Holland

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!

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 20:1-21
+ 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 136
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 19:12-24
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…
In today's reading, I was struck by how Pilate must have felt... like he wasn't sure who to follow, or what way to go. It seemed to him that Jesus was innocent, and his intention was to set him free. He was also surrounded by people who strongly disagreed with him – who thought Jesus was guilty and should be crucified. He kept trying to reason with them, but ultimately his decision was swayed by those who disagreed. Like Pilate, it can be so easy for us to go along with what others are saying or doing. Sometimes this can be a good thing – when we follow those who are walking in truth and are leading well by their example. Following the way of Jesus and going along with what He is doing is always a good thing! However, when we know the truth and follow others that aren't headed in that direction, we are not in the right. It can be really hard to do this - to go against the majority when they are headed in the wrong direction. We see this in young children. We see this in teenagers. And while we wish that becoming an adult would eliminate this, that doesn't always happen... we often see it in adults as well. So today, let's ask Jesus to help us seek Him and His ways above what the world seeks.

Here are a few things you could pray as you go about your day:

• "Jesus, please show me what is right as I go through my day, and help me to follow you and walk in your truth."

• "Lord, would you have me to join this conversation that I am hearing others have?"

• "Jesus, is there a place in my life where I am following others that aren't leading me towards you?" (even if it's not a majority)

• "Jesus, is there a place in my life where you are inviting me to follow you in a way that I haven't before?" - Gwyn Kubiak

  
  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!

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!

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 18
+ 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 135:1-12
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 18:25-40
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 like to think I don’t care what other people think of me. On the surface, I hope to project a Jesus-loving, punk-rock rebel who will go against the flow and stand up for what’s right no matter how unpopular it may be. But today’s reading reminds me just how powerful the fear of others’ opinions can be. I can relate to Peter and Pilate more often than I’d like to admit. Despite once boldly declaring he’d never abandon Jesus, Peter crumbles when faced with the judgment of a few strangers. Just a little later, Pilate wrestles with truth, torn between doing what’s right and appeasing the crowd. It’s easy to shake our heads at Peter’s denial or Pilate’s waffling, but if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments when fear kept us from standing for what we believe.

When we live for the approval of others, we often compromise on what matters most. But there’s beauty and hope to be found there as well - Jesus sees us in those moments when we’re afraid or tempted to bend under pressure, and He still chooses to love us. Unconditionally. He chose to know Peter even when Peter denied knowing Him. He chose to stand silently for Pilate even when Pilate wouldn’t stand up for him. Jesus chose the cross for you, and today, Jesus chooses you. Today, if you’re feeling the pressure of fear or uncertainty, remember Jesus’ steadfast love for you. His grace is greater than our failures, and His truth is worth standing for. - Dave Kubiak

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!

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 15:9-16:14
+ 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 133
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 18:1-11
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…
Confession: I’m a bit of a control freak. For those of you who can relate (my bet is that’s most of us in some area of life), you know that control is often rooted in fear. The fear of not having enough, doing enough, being enough, making enough, or of losing what we have can drive us to grasp at control in all its forms. So imagine you’re there with Jesus in today’s scary situation - a mob armed with torches and weapons approaches. Jesus steps forward, fully aware of what’s coming, and asks, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” Even when faced with betrayal and arrest, Jesus remains calm and in control. Peter, on the other hand, pulls out a sword and lashes out in fear, trying to defend Jesus in his own strength. (Can you relate?) But Jesus gently corrects him, choosing to submit to the Father’s plan instead.

This moment shows us two very different responses: Peter’s impulsive attempt to take control and Jesus’ complete trust in God’s will. How often do we, like Peter, try to force our own solutions out of fear or desperation? Jesus invites us to let go, abandon outcomes to God, and trust Him in it, even when it’s hard. We can be calm like Jesus, even in our “dark night” or in the face of our own “mob,” knowing that He is in control… so we don’t have to be. - Dave Kubiak

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!

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 14:21-15:8
+ 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 132
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 17:20-26
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…
“The power of prayer.” I’ve heard this phrase used many times, but it’s one of those phrases that I think gets lost on people. I know at times it has for me - almost feeling redundant. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 speaks of belonging. Over and over He solidifies who He is and that those that love Him belong to Him. He prays for His disciples, who He knew beforehand would fail Him and falter in their obedience at the time of His arrest and death. As imperfect as these disciples were, He prayed in faith for them. He prayed boldly of how they were given to Him by the Father. Knowing all of this before His sacrifice, He also prayed for us. Jesus showed His disciples how much he loved and believed in them through these last moments in prayer. He believed that even though their faith faltered momentarily that His message would continue throughout the ages, and that they would continue to follow after him - gifted with the Holy Spirit after His resurrection. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word;” (John‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬) Jesus loves His disciples and prayed in full loving faithfulness for them. Not only for them, but for us AND those who will come to know Jesus through our words and works! 

Jesus’ prayer for each of our lives is to further His message of salvation to the ends of the earth until the end of time. Your prayers and the message you carry have real power! Let’s speak and pray boldly today. Pray for yourself, for those that look to you for guidance, and all those that will be drawn close to Jesus because of what you say. The natural outpouring of loving works starts here, and I’m praying today that you would receive the message Jesus was speaking in His prayer over you. That you would pray boldly and rejoice in this call - because it glorifies our God and brings Him joy! - 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!

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 13:23-14:20
+ 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 131
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 17:1-19
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…
Instead of having a “thought” provided, today the thought is yours! We’d love to encourage you to revisit today’s scripture and engage deeply with the questions above. Take time to reflect and let God’s Word speak to you personally.

Identify a Focus verse, phrase, or word. This should be one that presents a truth with special relevance or significance to you. Write it out word for word. Then, write your Feelings or insight: your own explanation of how you see the truth of your Focus relating or speaking to your life. Finally, identify an Invitation from God. If you believe the truth of your insight, what specific action will you take?

Let God guide you through this process, and see how His Word transforms your perspective!

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!

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 12:25-13:22
+ 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 130
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 16:17-33
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…
In life, the more familiar we are with something, the easier it is for us to take it for granted and not fully appreciate it. I hop in my truck every day to drive places, but how often do I pause and think about how amazing it is that I have this machine at the ready that can take me anywhere I choose? I go to my job every day, but do I understand how fortunate I am to be able to work? I go about my weekly routines with my wife and daughters, but how often do I ponder just how blessed I am to have them in my life? It is extremely healthy to pause in life and let the weight of your blessings sink in.
As I was reading today’s scripture I kinda blew through Psalm 130. To be honest, it sounded like a lot of the other psalms and I wanted to get to the “good stuff” in the NT. But something (Holy Spirit) made me stop and reread it. And when I did, the weight of the blessing of God’s forgiveness fell heavy on my heart. “...if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness…” “...with him there is redemption in abundance.”
We talk a lot about God’s unconditional love and forgiveness in our Christian churches. As we should. It is the basis of our entire faith. It IS the gospel (good news). Jesus, God in flesh, sacrificed himself for us that our sins would be forgiven and we could be right with God for eternity. This is a REALLY big deal. My hope for us is that we never become so familiar with this truth that is loses its gravity. I pray that each time we read in God’s word about his love and forgiveness, or anytime we hear of it, or any time it comes to mind…that we would be blown away like it was the first time we were hearing and accepting this truth. That we would be like, “Wow! God did that for me. I am deeply loved and wanted. He is so worthy to be praised!”
Please take a few minutes right now and meditate on this transformational truth. - 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!

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 11:26-12:24
+ 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 129
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 16:5-16
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 been left alone with a ton of work to do? Maybe it was at the end of a party - the guests have left and the cleanup begins. Or perhaps it’s something more personal (and painful), like feeling left alone in the hard times of life. The thought of facing something alone can be an overwhelming one - and sadly, we may even be tempted to feel God has left, abandoned, forgotten, or forsaken us - especially when the going gets tough. In John 16:5-16, Jesus talks to His disciples about leaving them, but I love that He doesn’t leave them in despair. God doesn’t just leave us to figure out life on our own. Instead, He promises the gift of the Holy Spirit—a Helper who would guide, teach, and comfort them in His physical absence. Jesus knew how hard it would be for His followers to understand, but He assured them that His departure was actually for their benefit. 

Today, we have the same promise. No matter what we may be facing, the Holy Spirit is with us, helping us understand truth, navigate tough moments, and stay connected to God’s heart. When you feel lost or unsure, remember that you’re not alone. Lean into the Spirit’s presence, and let Him guide you through whatever you’re facing. Far from being distant, it’s often in the toughest of times when God promises to be closest. When we draw near to Him, God promises to draw near to us. - Dave Kubiak

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!

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 9:20-10;29

+ 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 127.

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 15:9-17
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…
I often think about God's love and how it makes me feel knowing that he loves me. It's an affirming and joyful feeling to be loved. Everyone wants to be loved. Guess what, you are!!! God's love is given to us through grace. Grace was accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, the ultimate act of love. We are to abide in his love. The love that Jesus has for you and me is a mirror of the Love God has for His Son. We, as disciples, are also to mirror this love to each other and to be an extension of the Father’s love. We are to abide in His love. What does it mean to “Abide?” To accept or act in accordance with a rule. To obey. I feel that to be an extension of Jesus is to be a friend and, as a Christian, is to bear His fruit. When we choose to abide, we blossom and grow. That blossom can give off a fragrance - sweet and of His love. Think of cross-pollination in the garden, certain fruits, and trees needing each other to bear good fruit. Sharing love to accomplish something that cannot be accomplished alone. Love is given to us through grace because God wants a relationship with you. Nothing on this earth can take that away.He has your past, present, and future covered. He wants us to have joy in knowing that we are loved, and nothing can separate us from that love. Do you see how strong His love is? It is not fragile. It is big, bold, and everlasting. God wants you to know that you have his favor. He has chosen you. Live in the fullness of his blessing. Live generously, give His love generously as He has to you, and share this grace with each other. John 15: 12 - This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. Have a wonderful day, and know that you are loved by God in Heaven. - Marci Burk

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!

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 4:1-28

+ 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 126.

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 14:25-15:8
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…
John 14 Jesus makes it extremely clear - if you love him you will follow his commandments. I don't think what Jesus is asking for is unreasonable. Anyone can say they love you, but it's only through demonstration - action and intentionality - that the declaration of love can be tested. In Matthew 15, Jesus quotes Isaiah by saying "These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” God Requires his children to live fully surrendered lives to him - not in word only, but in deed. This is only possible if the followers of God are truly connected and submitted to Christ.
In John 15:8 Jesus says the Father is honored when those who claim to be His followers bear much fruit. Which means the sign that an individual has been transformed by the gospel and brought from darkness into light, is that a person will outwardly demonstrate the characteristics of Christ, which are the fruit of the spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are as follows; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Jesus makes it clear earlier in John 13 that the world will know we are his disciples by the love we show for one another. But this can only be done by being fully connected to the source of love, which is Christ. Jesus is the Source. He is the vine, and we are his branches. As we abide in him, our lives will demonstrate the incredible supernatural characteristics of love, and this will be able to be observed by all those around us. They will see the good works we do and glorify God in heaven. This cannot be accomplished by our own power or ability. This cannot be conjured up through hard work or preparation. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in us. As the branches of Christ, we merely mirror the incredible love, grace and sacrifice that was shown to us on calvary to everyone around us. Yes, we have been given mercy. So the only proper response is to show that same love and mercy to everyone God puts in our path. That may seem like an impossible task, but it's not by power, not by might, but by the Spirit says the Lord. I encourage you to stay as close to Jesus as humanly possible, and may you be blessed to live long enough to look back on your life and see the incredible garden God has planted from it. - Jewaun Glenn

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!

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 8:54-9:19

+ 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 125.

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 14:15-24
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 had days where you felt so completely alone? I have, somewhat, especially in these past seven months. You see, I have lived with family in one way or another since I was born - except for a couple of years before I met my husband Chuck. I know that I am never, and let me repeat that, NEVER ALONE! I know for a fact that the Holy Spirit lives in me and with me. As we dive into this passage in John, I pray that you will come to realize that you too, are never alone.
John tells us about Jesus addressing the disciples, explaining to them that He is going to be leaving them physically, very soon. But He also informs them that He will never leave them alone. In John 14:15-17 He tells them, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world can not receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”  I am certain that the disciples were a little confused by this, but soon enough they would understand completely.
Just as Jesus’ promised to never leave the disciples alone, He promises that for us as well. For those of us who love Him and follow Him, He has sent us a “helper”, the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit dwells in each of us - as a friend, comforter, and a guide. Because the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the Father are all one, God dwells within us. Pretty amazing! God loves us so much that He wants to live with us, He wants to have a relationship with us. He longs for us to recognize Him and to live as His children, Jesus goes on to explain this very thing to the disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in Me, and I in you…He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and Manifest myself to him…If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” from John 14: 18-23.
What a huge blessing we have received from our Heavenly Father! He has given us the Holy Spirit so that we will never be alone, and through the Spirit we are given power to overcome evil and to spread the Word to a hungry world. So let us follow Jesus and keep His commandments, by loving one another, and blessing others, in His name. - Dawn Custer

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!

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 7:34–8:1-16

+ 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 124

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 14:1-14
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…
This past Sunday I was with the kids in Journey. Our Bible story for the morning was Elijah asking the widow for bread (1King 17:8-16). I found out after church that Pastor Dave used this same story in his message, not knowing that it was part of the kids’ lesson plan. Amazing coincidence? Maybe. Then yesterday afternoon I was hanging with a young man from Paradox and he asked me a great question about what happens to kids his age who die not knowing Jesus. As part of my answer to him I referenced John 14:2, and we made it our next memory verse. NOW…I sit to prep this Daily Focus and behold John 14:2 is part of today’s readings. Coincidence again? Nah. I’m convinced God is telling me (and by extension you) that his word is alive and active. He speaks relevant, consistent, universal truth through these ancient texts, because they are more than just ancient texts. I am so thankful to be part of a church committed to connecting with God through his word; on Sunday mornings with our adults/teens/kids, in our Lifegroups, and through this Daily Focus. God will speak to us through his word when we pick it up and listen.
In today’s reading we also see that God wants to be with us directly. In the OT reading we see that when Solomon completed the temple that God instructed him to build, God’s presence moved into it and made it a holy ground for the Isrealites to use to connect with God. In the NT reading, Philip gives Jesus a request that we all have thought at some point: “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” Jesus tells Philip plainly that by being in Jesus’ presence he IS in the presence of the Father. Jesus then makes a statement that has changed everything: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.” Translation…God’s presence, his Holy Spirit, is with all who follow Jesus. That’s great news! God himself guides us into his word and speaks through it, comforts us, strengthens us, gives us peace, joy, self-control, purpose, etc, etc, etc.
Thank you God for your presence, your word, and people to enjoy it with.  - Mike Nank

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!

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 7:51 - 1 Kings 8:1-53

+ 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 123

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 13:31-38
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…
In John 13:31-38, Jesus gives a command that feels so simple, yet it’s one of the hardest things we’re called to do: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” Think about that—Jesus, who loved us even to the point of death, is calling us to that same kind of selfless love. This isn’t a suggestion or just a nice idea; it’s the defining mark of His followers. Our love is meant to be what sets us apart and points others to Jesus.

Most of us have heard that at some point, especially if we’ve been following Jesus for a while. After reading this today, though, I noticed how these two stories are actually connected. Right after giving this command, Jesus tells Peter that he’ll deny Him three times before the night’s over. It sounds strange, especially since Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends. But we’re no different. Peter’s denial of Jesus was a moment we all have at some point - and most of us more than once. It’s a moment where fear and self-preservation got in the way of following Jesus. What does all that have to do with love? Loving others like Jesus means choosing to care deeply even when it’s hard, when we don’t feel like it, or when it costs us something. As we follow Jesus today, ask Him for the courage to help us love others genuinely and sacrificially. When we “lay down our life” like Jesus, we won’t be denying His love, we’ll be displaying it. - 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!

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 4:29-5:18

+ 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 121.

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 13:1-17
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…
Here’s an opener I doubt you ever expected - my feet stink. I’ll bet yours do too. Do you ever have that moment where you take off your shoes and get a whiff of what’s been trapped inside of your shoes for 8 or more hours? If you’re with other people, it’s quite frankly embarrassing! And when it’s someone else’s - it can be kind of disgusting. I barely want to smell or wash my own stinky feet - but someone else’s…? In John 13, Jesus does something shocking—He washes His disciples’ feet. The Son of God, who deserves the highest honor, chooses the role of a servant. In that time, washing feet was a dirty, humbling task usually reserved for servants. But here’s Jesus, kneeling in front of each disciple, showing them love in a way that flips power and position upside down. He’s teaching them, and us, that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about titles or status but about serving others with humility.

Here’s the thing. There are ways that the “stink” of our life becomes clear. Our weakness or need can be embarrassing. Most of us want to hide it, and not let anyone see (or smell) it. And we definitely don’t want to get involved in the “stink” of someone else’s life. But that’s exactly what serving is and does. Jesus’ message is clear: if He, our Lord and Teacher, can serve like this, so should we. Service isn’t just an act; it’s a lifestyle He calls us into. When we serve others, we’re reflecting His love, showing that no one is “too good” to lend a hand or meet a need. As we go about our day, let’s think of one way to serve someone around us—maybe it’s helping a friend, lending an ear, or simply being present. Through these simple acts, we’re following Jesus’ example and making His love tangible in the world. - 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!

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 4:1-28

+ 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 120.

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 12:37-50
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…
What is it that makes us want to stand well with men rather than stand well with God? Could it be that we don’t want to be different or maybe we are seeking the approval and support of those around us? It took me a while to want to walk in the ways of Jesus. I spent a lot of time seeking approval from others for what I am doing and how I am doing it. “Standing well with men” brought me tangible acknowledgement I felt from the outside-in versus the acknowledgement of God which was a more internal personal thing.I also had to learn that the accolades from mankind are more of a 'what have you done for me lately’ type of thing that you have to work harder and harder to maintain.

That is, until what I received from God felt 10x what I got from mankind - and I didn’t have to continually figure out how to raise the bar of performance to keep receiving it. God’s love and approval was there for me just because I acknowledged his existence in my life. Society’s pressure to conform to its rules and ways are what drives us away from Jesus. Even people we know who claim to be believers can put pressure on us to conform. Pressure to conform to a way of everyone moving in the same direction, not one with individuals stepping out proclaiming they know a better way. Conformity is the name of the game.

“Standing well with God” takes confidence and strength that we can only develop by being in God’s Word and walking in the winding path set before us. It won't be easy but as we strengthen our walk and practice what we are preaching, it will come to us. Eventually it becomes muscle memory where we walk in the way without even thinking about it. So where are you, standing well? With man or with God? God Loves You And So Do I  - Scott Rose

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!