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: 2 Chronicles 26:16-28:8
+ 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 26
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 23:25-24:3
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…
Think back to your childhood. (For some of us a tougher task.) Did you always listen to your parents/teachers/etc, or did you frequently think that you knew best? As you moved into your teen years, it got worse, didn’t it? It seems that the more knowledgeable and capable we got, the less we seemed to heed authority.
In today’s OT reading, King Uzziah suffered from this tendency. As a military leader, he was gaining knowledge, strength, and capability. “But when he became strong, he grew arrogant, and it led to his own destruction.” Despite God’s clear instructions, he entered a part of the temple reserved for the priests and became inflicted with a skin disease. You have to wonder what was going through Uzziah’s head at the moment? Probably something like: ‘This rule of God’s is fine for everyone else, but surely not for me!’ Clearly he was wrong.
It may seem paradoxical, but I think the more we grow in knowledge and capability, the more we need to listen closely to God’s instruction, not less. We need to fight the tendency to feel we know best, or assume we know what God wants us to do. We need to dive deeper into his word, speak with him more frequently, and seek wise counsel.
Let’s not be like Uzziah who became strong and then grew arrogant. Let’s become humble, and then watch our strength grow as we listen to our good father!  - 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: 2 Chronicles 25:5-26:15
+ 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 25:8-22
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 21:5-16
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…
Trusting God isn’t just about the big moments - it’s about the everyday decisions that shape our lives. In 2 Chronicles 25 and 26, we see two kings who started well by trusting God but got tripped up when they relied on their own strength instead. Amaziah did what was right, but “not with a whole heart.” Even though King Amaziah initially obeyed God, half-hearted trust and obedience will always lead to unnecessary battles. His son Uzziah followed a similar path: God blessed him with incredible success, but when he became powerful, he forgot where that success came from. He became proud, and it destroyed him. Can you relate? It’s so easy for me to shift from trust and dependence on God to relying on my own strength when things are going well.

That’s where the encouragement of Psalm 25 to stay humble and teachable comes in. (It’s also the inspiration for one of my favorite songs by Third Day, “My Hope is You”). It says, "O my God in you I trust.” Trust and humility go hand in hand. When I humble myself, I admit I have a need. And trust is where you turn to meet it. When we humble ourselves and trust God’s guidance - even when our plans fall apart or we feel surrounded by challenges like Paul in Acts 23, who trusted God's presence despite opposition - we find that we’ll never be “put to shame.” Wherever you find yourself today, remember this: God is good and trustworthy. He makes known His ways, teaches His paths, leads in truth, instructs in the way, and leads the humble. Keep trusting God today - He never fails. - 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: 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:4
+ 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 25:1-7
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 22:30-23:11
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…
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: 2 Chronicles 21:18-23:21
+ 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 24
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 22:17-29
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…
Psalm 24, There is so much packed into this passage. I read it over several times and saw new meanings highlighted each time. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, our Father in heaven.
King David, the author of Psalm 24, wrote this passage out of his love and commitment to God. He acknowledges that the whole earth and everything in it belongs to God. Having faith in God starts with believing He made this world, that it belongs to Him, and that He has a purpose for everything He made - including you. This passage offers a guide to holy living for those whom God has saved by his amazing grace.

There is a reference to the gates, which made me dig deeper. What is David saying about gates, and how does this apply? I think the gates & doors represent a place of power and control. It is a euphemism for courts and judges since ancient Israel, and the courts assembled at the gates of cities. In verses 7-10, David tells the "gates" to "raise up your heads" and be uplifted that the King of Glory may enter. He is speaking to those seated in authority like a judge, telling them to acknowledge someone who is greater than themselves. It is a command to confess the LORD as King, to keep God on the throne in our lives and acknowledge his power and glory. These judges, kings,and people in authority all belong to God, and each will answer for their actions, and what they (we) allow to pass through and affect the people they (we) oversee and protect. Is God your authority? Does God influence you as you influence those with whom you have authority/influence? Do we allow ourselves to be influenced, believe lies, or be led by selfish motives of greed, power, pleasure and gluttony? Who we allow to influence us matters too. Who do we surround ourselves with? What do we allow to pass by our doors and gates? When reading 2 chronicles 21:18- 23:21, look at the line of kings and what took place. While the kings in power were influenced by God, there was peace and prosperity. When led astray by selfish people with wicked motives that served false gods, there was much death and despair. Thankfully, God is really good at pointing us back to him and correcting us in love.

What does it mean to love like God, then? I think it means to correct one another in love. Nothing good will come of offense, and to truly love someone like God does is not to participate in their “worship” of false gods and idols, or partner with beliefs that go along with sin and selfishness. Who you surround yourself with matters, but if you see a fault in someone you love, help them correct it and turn to God, the King of Glory. You are loved just as you are, not as you should be, but God loves you too much to let you stay that way. - Marci Burk

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: 2 Chronicles 20:20-21:17
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 23
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 22:3-16
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…
I know you’ve been here... Do you ever get up in the middle of the night and have to walk, but you can’t really see where you’re going? It’s happening more and more as I get older. Moving forward when you can’t see clearly where you’re going is tough, but it’s also necessary. It’s also what faith actually looks like, and what brings about breakthrough in our life. When things are dark or unclear, walking in faith (not by sight) can mean praising God before we see it for what God has already done, is doing, and will do. Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20 gives us a glimpse of what to do when we don’t know what to do or where to go: seek God first and praise Him even before the breakthrough comes. When he led Judah into battle, they didn’t charge with weapons drawn - they sang songs of worship, showing us how to praise God in uncertainty. Similarly, Psalm 23, one of my favorites, reminds me that the Lord is my Shepherd, guiding me EVEN AS I WALK THROUGH SHADOWY VALLEYS (emphasis mine). Do you know that today? Can you feel it? Even when we can't see the way, God’s presence makes all the difference. In Acts 22, while Saul (Paul) was on the road to Damascus, he was blinded… which was exactly what it took for him to find clarity. It was precisely the moment he couldn’t see where to go or what to do next that God called him into a new life of purpose. Maybe today you're waiting for answers or unsure about your next step. Trust the God who sees the whole picture, praise Him for what He’s already done, and follow His voice like a sheep trusts its shepherd. His path will always lead to life. (Take some time to read through Psalm 23 again today, praying through any area of uncertainty in your life. Try listening to “Praise Before My Breakthrough” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt while you do!) - 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: 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:19
+ 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 22:29-31
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 21:31-22:2
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 done something that wasn’t really right, but you had good intentions as to why you did it? Maybe you told a little “white lie,” but it backfired on you. This is pretty much the situation we find King Jehoshaphat in. King Jehoshaphat married his son off to King Ahab’s daughter, Ahab is the king of upper Israel at this time, while Jehoshaphat is the King of Judah. Well King Ahab was evil and married to Jezebel, they had turned their backs on God and were worshiping false idols. Jehoshaphat thought that by uniting their kingdoms through marriage that it would strengthen their power over their enemies. Needless to say this alliance turned into a total disaster. When King Jehoshaphat returns home, he is severely rebuked by the prophet Jehu for associating with an evil king. Jehu tells him that the Lord is not happy and if Jehoshaphat continues to associate with wicked people, he is courting the wrath of the Lord. But Jehu tells Jehoshaphat that the Lord does see some good still in him, because he had rid the land of Judah of the Asherah poles (poles or trees that were erected to a Canaanite goddess) and had set his heart on seeking God. 

As a response to Jehu’s rebuke, Jehoshaphat gets the whole country to pray and worship the Lord. He then sets up a judicial system throughout Judah. He appoints judges in every city and tells them that they MUST rule with integrity and fairness - always putting God’s law as their guiding post. The Judges must have a deep respect for the Lord and be totally accountable to Him. Because of Jehoshaphat’s reverence and dependance on the Lord, along with the citizens of Judah, the Lord intervenes and gives Judah a victory when a massive army of Judah’s enemies launch an attack. This story reminds us that we need to be accountable for our actions. Even when we have good intentions, seek to repent. It also reminds us not to judge others unfairly, but to uphold the laws of the Lord. And finally, remember that even in tough times, keep your eye on the Lord, trust in Him and continue to thank and praise Him. Believe it or not He is working for your good. - Dawn Custer

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by returning to prayer each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy, joyful, anxious, or burdened?
Rejoice = Give thanks to God for the small and the significant things from the day.
Repent = Ask God for forgiveness where you need. Receive His forgiveness afresh.
Refocus = Ask to see God’s presence more clearly & walk w/ Him more closely tomorrow.
+ Practice hearing from God by asking questions like, “Father, what do you want me to know about you?” or “Father, what do you want to say about your love for me?” Simply be still and listen, or journal anything that comes to mind. Learn more about hearing from God using the Tending Your Heart guide.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
+ Pray a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations & those serving them.
+ Text someone an encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
+ Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
+ Who can you share what you’re learning with today personally?

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

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: 2 Chronicles 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 22:22-28
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 21:17-30
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
One line stuck out to me from the OT reading today: “As the Lord lives, I will say whatever my God says.” This is what the prophet Micaiah said when asked to give a false prophesy to the kings of Israel and Judah. It seems very simple to say a prophet would share accurately what God says, or that we who desire to follow the Lord’s will would actually do what he says. I mean…he is GOD. We would be foolish to be disobedient. However, life is seldom so straight forward. What happens when what we think God is saying to us (through his word, his Spirit, or the counsel of other believers) is at odds with what we think is best? What if what he seems to be saying is much harder, might make others upset, makes us uncomfortable, will take a long time, etc? Wouldn’t God want his children to have an easy path? Be at peace with others? Be comfortable? Etc?
Not necessarily.
Remember what God’s goal is: eternal relationship with all those who will receive his love. Often the decisions that lead to greater success by worldly standards are not the ones that God is leading us towards. The paths that force us to rely more on him and listen more closely to him are the ones he usually calls us to. So should we just always choose the harder thing? No! God does want to bless us at times and his paths are not neccessarily the most uncomfortable.
So how can we know what God wants us to do? Well we need to learn to listen…to hear his voice. Most often, we KNOW the answer. Think back to king Jehoshophat who sought out Micaiah’s advice. He and king Ahab of Israel already had a plan to attack Ramoth-gilead, and they had already heard from all their advisors who UNANIMOUSLY agreed with the plan. So why send for Micaiah? I think it is because there was a part of the king that KNEW this was a bad plan, and the Lord was not with them.
We would be wise to listen to that voice inside of us. If we are trying to walk with the Lord, that voice is most likely his Holy Spirit and we would be wise to listen closely. “As the Lord lives, I will say whatever my God says.” - 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: 2 Chronicles 16,17
+ From your reading, finish the sentence “God, you are ___.”
Take time to thank & worship God for the ways you’ve seen Him be/do that in your life.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer involves both talking and listening to God.
+ Pray the Lord’s Prayer, or slow down to pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.
+ Use “Lectio Divina” to listen to God in this morning’s Psalm: Psalm 22:9-21
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 21:5-16
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…
Ever get caught up in the moment? Anyone who has talked with me knows that I strive to slow down to be fully present and live in each moment. That’s not what we’re talking about today. When it comes to making decisions, it’s “in the moment” thinking that can lead to disaster. King Asa did just that in 2 Chronicles 16. Faced with immediate pressure from King Baasha, Asa relied on the king of Syria instead of seeking God. From a short-term perspective, it seemed like the right move—Baasha retreated, and the crisis was averted. But God saw beyond the moment and knew this choice would bring future turmoil and wars. Asa’s decision, while it seemed to make strategic sense at the time, led to long-term consequences.

Proverbs 14:12 warns us, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death." Asa chose "in the moment" thinking, but Paul in Acts 21 chose "in the end" thinking. Even when faced with warnings and danger, Paul trusted God and walked boldly toward Jerusalem because he trusted that the road of obedience leads to a God’s bigger picture and a greater reward. Where does your help come from? Who, or what, do you trust and rely on? Psalm 22 reminds us that God is our ultimate help, both in the moment and in the end. Is there a decision you’re facing today? Before acting, ask: Is this just right in the moment, or will it lead me closer to God’s best in the end? Trusting God's wisdom may not always seem easier, but it leads to lasting peace and purpose. - 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: 2 Chronicles 14,15
+ 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 22:1-8
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 20:32-21:4
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
Observe. Pay attention to what the text says. Ask who, what, when, where, & why.
Interpret. What’s the main point or meaning? What does it teach about God? Yourself?
Apply. Apply this truth to your own life. What can you put into practice today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
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: 2 Chronicles 12:13-13:22
+ 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 21
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 20:17-31
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 have read Psalm 21 multiple times, but this time I was struck by the relationship between the king and His Lord. His Lord, who has bestowed on him so many blessings and has given him the desires of his heart. What an intimate relationship! It reminds me of John, the disciple Jesus loved. His love wasn't exclusive to John in this intimate way - John was receptive, by God's grace, to that love. So it was with the king in Psalm 21 - he has been touched by the unfailing love of God. He didn't earn it. In fact, there was nothing he could do that could change this unfailing love. He could see that love in the victories he had, in the fulfilling of the desires of his heart, and  in the defeat of his enemies. 

God’s unfailing love leaves me speechless,especially when I think of all the ways, large and small, that the Lord has bestowed His love on me. The peace I feel when I sit in His presence - unfailing love. The gratefulness I feel when I see all He has given me - marriage, kids, friends, and a church that is alive in Jesus - unfailing love. The correction I receive when I step away from Him at times - unfailing love. All these are examples of His unfailing love that has captured my heart. I am not worthy, but I sure am grateful for his faithfulness and His love that never fails. How can you see his unfailing love for you today? Ask God to show you in a tangible way how He is loving you today - maybe in a friend, a memory, a song. Whatever. He delights to let you know just how much you mean to Him and how His love will never fail you. - Mary Spix

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: 2 Chronicles 11:1-12:12
+ 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 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 Acts 20:4-16
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…

How do you react when you think your grand plan is ready to go and God tells you it's not going to happen? I struggle with this sometimes - especially when I think I have it all figured out and the plan can’t fail. In 2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam has assembled 180,000 soldiers to go attack Israel. Just as things are coming together, the prophet Shemaiah brings him a message from God saying, “You shall not go up or fight with your kindred. Let everyone go home.” Rehoboam received his message and sent everyone home.

Can you relate? I can remember the faces of the 20 people sitting in front of me when I told them our plan wasn’t going to happen, that God is telling me we need to set our plans aside and just go home. I can only imagine the reaction from Rehoboam ‘s 180,000 chosen troops. Unlike Rehoboam, I kept trying to ignore God’s message and trying to figure out how we could make our plan better so that God would change his mind and let us go ahead with it. Sometimes in walking the path God has called us to, we are called to NOT do things, which can test our faith to the limit. But if we’re sure it is God’s voice we are hearing and instruction we’re receiving, we have to set our plans aside and do what is right in the eyes of our Lord. What will you do when God calls you to scrap all your plans and just go home and forget it? God Loves You and So Do I - Scott Rose

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: 2 Chronicles 9:13-10:19
+ 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 19:7-14
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 19:32-20:3
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, the verses at the end of Psalm 19 stood out the most to me. David is honestly pleading with the Lord to humbly keep him from callousness, arrogance and a purposeful committing of sin that is known to go against what God says is right, good and pure. Because it is altogether possible to become complacent and begin to think that we know better than God which can lead to willful sin out of pure pride. Throughout this Psalm though, we see that David has this understanding of God's heart, character and nature that recognizes that any boundaries, rules or guidelines given to us are for our good and we should love them and long for them in our lives unto pleasing Him inwardly and outwardly. In our world that is very postmodern, there is a push for 'tolerance' and relative/subjective truth and the saying of  ‘you do you' as a way to condone actions or behavior that may or may not be in line with God’s character and Word. It may be uncomfortable to call sin - sin. To label it for what it is. That can feel huge or daunting or maybe even defeating. But I love David's heart to call things what they are and to beg God to keep him from sin knowing he can't even discern his own heart sometimes and the hiddenness that we all can fall into. God is so kind and sympathetic to our weaknesses, as Jesus was tempted and suffered in every single way we are, yet he was without sin. When we find ourselves in sin, we can know that we go to a God who sympathizes with our weaknesses and even intercedes for us. And in this, He gives us a way for healing, breakthrough, and receiving of grace through the rhythms of confession. I was talking with a friend just the other day about regular confession and the power of it in our lives. Each time, it may not feel fantastical or powerful - and sometimes it’s actually really hard to do and embarrassing and requires immense courage and vulnerability. Yet, through confession, we receive grace and mercy from others and healing comes. That is the promise in Scripture. We are reminded of who we are in Christ and how He sees us - our true self and identity because of the cross and the righteousness placed on us because of Jesus. These rhythms are not without reward or fruit and this friend and I who are in discipleship together are seeing the fruit of regular confession. If this isn't a practice in your life, I would challenge you to do so with someone you are in discipleship with and watch God fulfill His Word in your life of healing, true fellowship with Him and others and the receiving of mercy and grace from Him. 1 John 1:7-9; Proverbs 28:13 - 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: 2 Chronicles 8:1-9:12
+ 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 19:1-6
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 Acts 10:34-43
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 year was 1992 and I was a senior in high school. I was working at a bicycle shop, my first job. Some guy came by with a small cardboard box full of cassette tapes with 2 songs on them. He told me it was a free promotional tape from a new band and I should check it out. The cover was a black and white picture of a monk on fire. I was a metal head in those days and I will never forget popping the tape into my car’s cassette deck and being blown away by these songs. I remember being anxious to tell my friends about this new band I had “discovered”. The one guy in our group whose musical opinions carried more weight for whatever reason didn’t like it, and so for months my buddys had no interest and I was left to hold a candle for this band all alone. Of course, a year later Rage Against the Machine was a huge radio success and rising star and my friends all loved them.
What in the world does this have to do with today’s reading?
I guess I just want to identify (in some weird way) with the disciples in the early years after Jesus’ death. Here they are trying to share the gospel, aka the good news of God’s grace through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. They KNOW that this news they “discovered” is GOOD and TRUE and LIFE-CHANGING…yet some people won’t listen. Peter and the other apostles must have been so frustrated when some people wouldn’t respond to the gospel, and especially frustrated at those whose opinions carried more weight when they were telling other people not to listen.
I love this line from today’s reading: 'in every nation the person who fears him (God) and does what is right is acceptable to him.' The gospel of hope in Christ Jesus was not just for the disciples who personally followed Jesus, and it wasn’t just for the Jewish people. It was for EVERYONE. Yes, God had a plan to introduce himself personally to the world through Jesus, born into the Jewish culture. But his end game is for all the world to know of him through the tireless, at times frustrated work of the early apostles.
Sometimes people have to hear a song a few times before they can appreciate it. Likewise (but on a way more important level)sometimes people have to experience Jesus a few times before they feel the rhythm of his love. Like the dude with the cardboard box, it is our job to introduce others to a sampling of Jesus’s love and encourage them to listen.  - 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: 2 Chronicles 6:24-7:22
+ 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 18:46-50
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 19:6-20
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…
Sometimes, we think God only “shows up” in certain places or through specific practices—like a church service, a worship song, or a quiet time. But the truth is, God’s presence and power can fill any moment when we invite Him in. From the mundane tasks of our daily lives to the monumental challenges we face, He longs to meet us right where we are. When we shift our focus and welcome Him, even the ordinary becomes holy ground.

In today’s readings, we see how God shows up in powerful ways when His people turn to Him. In 2 Chronicles, Solomon’s prayer and the dedication of the temple create a space for God’s glory to fill the room. In Psalm 18, David sings of God’s deliverance, reminding us that He is present in our battles. And in Acts, the Holy Spirit moves mightily through bold steps of faith, transforming lives and spreading the Gospel. These moments remind us that God isn’t limited to a building or a ritual—the fullness of His presence is available to us in our quiet time, trials, and tests of faith. Today, invite God into every moment - whatever your facing - and watch Him fill it in ways only He can.- 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: 2 Chronicles 5:2-6:23
+ 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 18:37-45
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 18:22-19:5
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: 2 Chronicles 3:1-5:1
+ 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 18:30-36
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 18:8-21
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…
HE MAKES ME BRAVE - We’re reading Psalm 18:30-36 today and I’m reminded that Jesus is so much bigger than my situation, my insecurity, my doubt, etc. Personally, this has been a big “step out of the boat” season for me and my family- reading this is such a great reminder that “not height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8:39‬) And wherever he is, is where I want to be! If you resonate with any of the above try this… Take 10 extra minutes today and do the following

• Read Psalm 18:30-36

• Think about whatever situation that may be troubling you or causing anxiety

• Read the passage again

• Finish it off by listening to “You Make Me Brave” by Bethel Music

Let’s be reminded of God’s GOOD perspective in all of our situations today! Grace & Peace! - 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: 2 Chronicles 1-2
+ 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 18:25-29
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 17:29-18:7
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 have had the opportunity to play a lot of organized sports during my high school years, and now I get to watch my three boys do the same. What I have noticed is that the best athletes are not always the most naturally talented; rather, they are the ones who are constantly striving to work hard at their sport. They are also the ones who are the most humble and teachable.

Solomon was like one of those athletes. He had been given this great kingdom, and God came to him and offered him whatever he asked for. He didn’t ask for wealth or victory over his enemies; he asked for wisdom so he could lead God’s people the way God wanted him to. He didn’t trust in his own ability; he went to God, the best coach, and was humble enough to ask for His guidance. In Psalm 18:27, it says, “You save the humble, but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.” God not only gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge, but He also honored his desire for choosing the right things and gave him great wealth.

My prayer—and yours, too—can be that God would make us humble and teachable, and that we would seek His wisdom and not our own.- 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 Chronicles 28-29
+ 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 18:16-24
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 17:16-28
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 reading covers a lot, but as I was looking through it I felt like Jesus highlighted a few things. When David died, he died as a man of honor who lived a long life and honored God. He was able to pass on what God had spoken to him to his son, Solomon, and help prepare him to take over as king. In reading about his life, we can see that he did not perfectly carry out what God had called him to do. He sinned. How refreshing this is for us - that though David sinned greatly, he still is credited as being a man after God's own heart! Righteousness is what God does in us as we choose to follow him - so when we turn back to God when we sin (instead of running away from him) and confess and repent, he restores our relationship. In Psalm 18, we can see the relationship that David had with the Lord. David kept turning back to God, even in his sin. This is what made him righteous and allowed him to experience the Lord rescuing him, delighting in him, and supporting him. It can be very easy for me to run away from God when I sin, and I know I am not alone in that. Today (and every day) let's boldly approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find help in our time of need! (Hebrews 14:16). If there's a specific situation or sin coming to mind for you - run to Jesus! He can help! - 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 Chronicles 27
+ 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 18:7-15
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 17:4-15
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 French government once had a rat infestation problem in one of their colonized cities: Hanoi, Vietnam. Their solution was to offer a bounty on the rats, paying citizens who brought in a rat’s tail. Their plan backfired as instead of killing the rats, some citizens were breeding them and then just chopping off their tails for the money. The point is, sometimes plans to control a problem can backfire and make the problem worse.
Similarly, the Jewish leaders in the early 30’s AD had a problem. The gospel of Jesus was spreading as apostles like Paul and Silas were traveling from city to city, boldly proclaiming Christ’s resurrection with signs and wonders. In today’s reading, we see an attempt to stop this spread by involving the Roman authorities backfire. Paul and Silas escape and move further away, which spreads the good news even further and “many of them believed”. And when AGAIN the authorities threaten them, God opens a door for  them to take the gospel to Athens, one of the major metropolises of the world in those days. What Satan intended for evil, God used for good. We can rest easy knowing that God has a counter move for every scheme of the evil one. We can stay strong and not lose heart if our attempts to help others and share God’s love appear to hit a roadblock. God saw it coming in advance, and he already has a detour planned that will take you exactly where he needs you to be. - 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 Chronicles 26
+ 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 18:1-6
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 Acts 16:30-17:3
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…
“It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” Let’s be real—there are some “dirty jobs” no one’s lining up to do, but they’re absolutely essential. Scrubbing toilets, taking out the trash, cleaning up a mess, or even dealing with whatever is growing in the office fridge—someone’s got to do it! These tasks may not get applause, but they keep life running smoothly. They remind us that God’s goodness often shows up in the most unexpected, unglamorous places - and that it often takes humility and service to see it. But there’s a deeper truth here.

Sometimes, we can overlook the beauty in what seems like the “behind-the-scenes” work of life. In 1 Chronicles 26, we read about the gatekeepers, treasurers, and other officials—roles that might not seem glamorous but were absolutely vital for the functioning of the temple and the worship of God. These individuals were faithful in their tasks, ensuring everything was protected and in order. Then, in Acts 16 and 17, we see the jailer’s heart transformed and Paul faithfully serving God’s purposes right where they were - inglorious as it may have been. 

These passages remind me that no matter who you are, what part you play, or where you may find yourself, no person, part, or place is insignificant when it’s done for the Lord. Whether we’re opening doors, watching kids, cleaning the building, praying in the quiet, or worshipping and preaching the gospel boldly, every act of service matters in God’s kingdom. He equips and calls us to do our part faithfully, just like the gatekeepers and the apostles. What has God placed in your hands today? Whether big or small, stay faithful and trust that He’s using you to make an eternal impact!  - 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!