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: Proverbs 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 68:7-18
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 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
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…
I remember so many times as a kid questioning the decisions my parents made. Especially when I started driver's training, I would ask my mom why she took certain routes instead of others. Like most teenagers, I thought she was wrong or just wasting time. What I didn’t realize then was that she had years of experience guiding her decisions — while I had only a small amount of knowledge.
Now that I’m a mom of teenagers, I’m experiencing the other side of that dynamic. My boys often question why I enforce certain rules or hold different expectations for them. Our answer is always the same: we are trying to guide you into becoming the strong, godly men that God designed you to be. Their focus is often on immediate gratification, but ours is on their long-term growth.
Proverbs 16 says: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Just as my kids sometimes have plans that don’t align with my hopes for them, I too have plans that don’t always align with God’s hope for me. I might think my plans are good — even great — but God has infinitely more wisdom, and His plans are far better than mine. Verses 2–3 go on to say: “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
My challenge for us today is to seek the Lord and His wisdom before trusting in our own understanding. I had a friend who once told me he asked God for guidance in everything — even which pants to wear in the morning. At the time, I thought that was a bit much. But now, I admire that level of trust. I want to have the kind of faith that says, “I won’t move unless God tells me to.” - 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: Proverbs 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 68:1-6
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 1 Corinthians 16:12-24
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 readings, God gives a beautiful picture of what a church community is to be. In verse 6 of Psalm 68, it says that God puts the lonely in families. In 1 Corinthians, we are told to “do everything in love”. Paul also shows an example of how others can help supply what is lacking, and the body of Christ (the church) can refresh our spirits. In Proverbs 15:31, we are told that “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” All of these things, when present in the church community, are beautiful and needed! Whether you are currently experiencing them or not, I encourage you to ask Jesus if there’s a step he is inviting you to take into even more of what he has for you in the church community. Perhaps you have been sort of floating by in the church, not really engaging in any of these things - maybe he is inviting you to step into a life group so that you can receive family, care and refreshment! Maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of these things and he is inviting you to show others love, refresh others, or provide a place of family for the lonely. Maybe you’ve been pouring out but not allowing others in, and he is inviting you to reach out and receive from others. Perhaps you’ve received lifegiving correction but have not followed it - maybe he’s inviting you to step into that. Maybe you’ve been avoiding the church because of sin and he’s calling you back. The beauty of the church is that it’s intended for all of us to both give and receive what God is offering through one another. :) - 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: Proverbs 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 67
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 1 Corinthians 16:1-11
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…
There is a way that seems right to a man, but the prudent person honors God in their living. The Bible, especially the book of Proverbs, gives us wise counsel in how we can live a life of praise, honor, and worship to our God. Every aspect of life reveals how (and if) we are serving God. One of the ways that comes to mind is serving God through our finances. It sounds easy, but it really does entail a level of discipline and faith. In 1 Corinthians, Paul directs the churches of Galatia about their collection practices. He advises them to set aside a weekly portion of their income, so that they may provide a financial blessing for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Through both their faith and discipline, they were well positioned to be a blessing through their giving.

In addition to the wisdom proverbs provided on giving, chapter 14 provides more valuable nuggets on the approach to develop character that is pleasing to God. I will mention a few that stood out to me. V.29 (BSB) “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.” Developing my patience is an area that I’ve really been trying to increase. In my pursuit of gaining more patience, I’ve discovered that patience leads me into a greater space of calm. V.4 (BSB) “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of ox.” Meaning that if you are diligent through hard work and perseverance, you will experience the fruits of your labor. - Colleen Payton

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: Proverbs 13
+ 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 66:16-20
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 1 Corinthians 15:42-58
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…
What if I told you your future isn’t shaped by your feelings—but by your habits? Proverbs 13 reminds us that the wise walk with the wise. It’s not about one big spiritual high, but the everyday steps. As we’ve often said, we follow Jesus one step at a time. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 that because of Jesus’ resurrection, what we do now, that small step you take today, isn’t wasted—it’s eternal. Your quiet obedience, your small sacrifice, your unseen faithfulness—it all matters. Psalm 66 shows us a God who listens, who hears, and who responds when we seek Him with a surrendered heart.

So today, don’t chase the quick fix or the loudest voice. Choose one discipline that draws you closer to Jesus—read through Proverbs 13 again in this light and ask Jesus to highlight one verse. Build the habit, because God’s forming resurrection life in you one step at a time. Keep going. It's not in vain. - 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: Proverbs 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 66:8-15
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 1 Corinthians 15:29-41
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: Proverbs 11
+ 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 66:1-7
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 1 Corinthians 15:17-28
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…
The Bible is an incredible book that we often refer to as “The Word of God,” because that’s just what it is! It is God’s words given to help us, teach us, and to tell us about Himself and how we can restore our broken relationship with Him. We read Proverbs 11, part of an incredible book of wisdom from God that STILL shows us how to be good, godly and successful in our everyday lives. The book of Psalms helps us to express the ups and downs of our human experience while recognizing how God is “awesome in His deeds toward the children of man” (Psalm 66:5). Our New Testament verses from 1 Cor. 15:17-28 connect our earthly lives to the heavenly and Almighty God as well. We all fear a lot of things in this world, but people’s greatest fear is death. It’s the great unknown for many, and many try to blow it off with “It is what it is. You live, you die, just make the most of it!” But we know that when faced with death, people instinctively flee from it in fear. We as believers did as well once, until we realized that Jesus, God the Son, had truly conquered the power and fear of death over us! We believe that Jesus, while living here as both God and man experienced actual death on the cross, and three days later took up His life again. That’s the resurrection of Easter! Now if that was just an inspirational but fictional story, it wouldn’t really mean much in that hour when we will all face death. But it was and IS real - and paid the full price for our sins that separated us from God! And so, by faith we believe in His resurrection from His death, and also in OUR resurrection from our death. Jesus’ sacrificial death in our place is why we don’t fear it anymore! More than that, our death and resurrection give our lives here on earth purpose and meaning! It’s why we love the “hard to love” and help the down-trodden and weak, it’s why we give and tithe of our limited finances and give our time in worship and service to God and others… We make the most of our lives here on earth because there IS a resurrection! So cast off fear and take up faith and love, and go and make this and every day, a Resurrection Day!! - Frank Taubitz

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: Proverbs 9:7-10:32
+ 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 65:9-13
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 1 Corinthians 15:3-16
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…
Good discernment is such a valuable gift, and one that takes wisdom and patience to really use. People learn and grow differently, and we all have a unique life experience. There comes a point in your walk with Jesus that you realize you actually know the right answer sometimes. Unbeknownst to you, Jesus answered a prayer and brought you closer to Him and His ways. I remember old ways of thinking I used to have and poor choices I’ve made in the past and I shake my head. In another 5 years I’m sure I could do the same while reminiscing about today. Proverbs 9:8-9 reminds me that a wise person learns from mistakes and past transgressions – and that this is a good thing! I don’t have to live in perpetual guilt and shame. 1 Corinthians 15 nails in the importance of the resurrection. It reminds me that death is defeated and we get to walk in abundant, new life because of God’s sovereignty. There is joy in that! Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no point. Believing He rose from the dead and growing in our faith is how we cross the bridge from death into the new life available to us, from old patterns and broken foundations into freedom, grace and a better understanding of God’s character and our identity in Him. Today, let’s take a moment to consider what we believe about Jesus’ resurrection. How is that belief reflected in your life today? Let’s seek His ways and continue learning good wisdom and discernment together as we walk with the One who conquered death so we could live. - 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: Proverbs 8:1-9:6
+ 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 65:1-8
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 1 Corinthians 14:36-15:2
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…
How do you feel about buffet meals? All of those choices, with new and sometimes familiar favorites to choose from, can leave you excited or overwhelmed. I know I can’t eat everything—it’s just too much—but I don’t want to miss something tasty. I usually end up taking enough for a bite of those things that look the most interesting and more of what is familiar and a favorite. Sometimes, the devotionals containing many verses make me feel like I’m at a buffet of God’s truth. It’s all good, and I definitely don’t want to miss out. What will I choose to focus on? Spirit, what do You have for me this morning? The chapter on wisdom in Proverbs 8 caught my attention, and this was what I took the most of this morning. I believe wisdom is another word for the Holy Spirit in this chapter, or maybe what the Holy Spirit is offering. He has been with God, is God, since before the earth's foundations were set. There are many delightful things to walk away with while reading and sitting with this chapter. I took verses 9-11 away with me this morning.

“The words of my mouth are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.”

What is your heart focusing on right now? Is it riches, wealth, and earthly reward? Or is the heart seeking God and HIs wisdom with every inch of space in it? Those who seek God with their whole heart find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13). And how does one gain understanding? By studying persistently and searching for it. When the verse states wisdom is right for those who “find” it, it implies that someone is actually seeking knowledge. God can and sometimes does drop pearls of wisdom and understanding in our laps or across our screens, but friends, I have to say that those things I have sought hard after are the pieces of wisdom and understanding I remember and are etched on my heart for all time. Friends, don’t give up the search because understanding doesn’t come as fast as you’d like. God’s truth, wisdom, and understanding are like hidden treasures worth discovering! - Renee Richter

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: Proverbs 7
+ 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 64
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 1 Corinthians 14:20-35
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 book of Proverbs is saturated with timeless instructions that we can apply to our everyday lives; the truth in God’s Word never expires. The 7th chapter of Proverbs begins with godly advice from a Father, Teacher or a spiritual leader to the youth or young adult; to equip them in navigating around the destructive devices of immorality and severe consequences of wrong choices. “Follow my advice and always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.” (vv 1-2, NLT). Wisdom, insight, discernment, and understanding of God’s Word are safeguards to apply against temptations, unfaithfulness, immorality and destructive choices in its various forms.  In vv 6-9; this godly wisdom is contrasted with the naive ones who lack common sense, judgment, easily led astray and succumb to the seductive appeal of sin and wrong decisions. Verses 21-27 tells the tragic outcomes of those who neglect wisdom and sound judgment.  Wisdom is a practical guide to avoid the deadly landmines of life. What should I do?  Daily immerse yourself in the Word of God and prayer (lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil), then take wisdom and understanding everywhere you go. - Lawrence Payton

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: Proverbs 6
+ 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 63
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 1 Corinthians 14:6-19
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…
God isn’t looking for noise—He’s looking for heartfelt clarity. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul calls out empty words that may sound spiritual but serve no real purpose if no one understands them. That’s the tension: you can be loud for God but still unclear. Same goes for life—Proverbs 6 warns against careless speech and impulsive choices, while Psalm 63 shows what it really looks like to hunger for God: “earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You.” Real spiritual maturity isn’t found in volume, but in intentionality. When you speak, when you worship, when you lead—make it count. Before you speak, post, or lead—pause and pray: “God, make my words clear and helpful, not just loud.” Then choose one moment today to encourage someone in a way they can actually understand and apply. Truth only transforms when it’s heard and lived. - 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: Proverbs 5
+ 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 62
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 1 Corinthians 13:8-14:5
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: Proverbs 3:21-4:27
+ 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 61
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 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:7
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 love the book of Proverbs. As I was reading through the verses for today. I paused at chapter 4 verse 6 to ask myself, “Who is the author referring to when it says, "do not forsake her…?” I was wondering if I missed something, so I did what anyone would do - I asked Google, and it led me to a commentary about this verse. Here's what it found out: Wisdom is often personified as a female figure in proverbs, suggesting a nurturing and guiding presence or a protective and loving nature. (this is the heart character of wisdom from God for us) I feel this. I can connect to that, and understand this nature to protect and love. I believe wisdom can be a gift, it can be learned, and it can be passed on for generations to come when we teach, mentor, and disciple others. We are told in Proverbs to actively seek wisdom and guard against wicked motives. To be discerning and not follow the ways of wicked people. It is important that we surround ourselves with others of faith and wisdom, remembering our Father God and His words. We are to take hold of His instruction and guard it. God is so good. He gives us instruction and guidance in his Word. His Word is wisdom. At first, I was confused, but I wanted to understand, so I dug deeper. If you’re there today, stay encouraged! Dig deeper. The words on the page may not make sense at first. Don't give up, take a step further to seek wisdom, and find insight - for it is life to all who find it. - 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: Proverbs 2:9-3:20
+ 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 60
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 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
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…
It's unquestionable that we live in a day and time where it is becoming increasingly more difficult not to compare ourselves to one another. Social media allows us to see other people's lives on display, and usually it’s the best parts that they show. But this is not just a social media issue, it's actually an issue that takes place in the body of Christ in the church. There are many people that have different gifts, different abilities, different talents… and if your focus isn't truly on Jesus, you too may end up in a place where you view your gifts and talents as useless in comparison to everyone else's. This is what makes 1st Corinthians 12 such a special chapter. How can the foot say to the hand that because it is not a hand it is not a part of the body? Or even worse - how can the ear feel that it is worthless because it is not an eye. Paul says in verse 17, if the whole body were an eye, what part would do the hearing? If the whole were an ear, what part would exercise the sense of smell? But as a matter of fact, God has placed each of the members in the body just as he has decided. It may not make sense to us why God has chosen us in the ways that He has chosen us. But we can take comfort in knowing that God has placed us where we are meant to be. That our gifts and talents, our very diverse nature, could be used and maximized to its fullest potential by trusting and submitting ourselves unto God for the good of the body of Christ. Comparison is the enemy of unity, and Paul is calling on the church to be unified. That we wouldn't think less of ourselves or greater of ourselves, but to care for one another. Since we all are a part of this body, we should live the way Paul describes in verse 26: If one member suffers, everyone suffers with it. If a member is honored, all rejoice with it. I believe comparison and pride are relatives and this continual focus on ourselves, on the way we look, on what we have, etc can become a slippery slope of narcissism that leads us away from God's intent. But instead, let us take the attention off of ourselves and place our energy and and our focus on the cares of others in our church, to look at the bigger picture, to truly see ourselves connected to the body - unified - despite our differences. "Not all for one, but one for all.” I believe it is by doing this that we as a church body will become an unstoppable force that will bless God and bless others. - Jewaun 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: Proverbs 1:1-2:8
+ 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 59:10-17
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 1 Corinthians 11:31-12:11
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…
Proverbs is written by Solomon, to whom was given the gift of wisdom by the Lord. As an educator, I love this Proverb. It opens with some of the most profound words ever spoken. Verse 7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” (Proverbs 1:7-9). When we “fear the Lord” it does not mean to be terrified of Him, but to realize that He has all authority and power over our lives, that we are to respect and revere Him, that He has many things to teach us… and to pay attention to those instructions.

I truly believe that the Lord places the right people and situations in our path to bring us wisdom and knowledge. Looking back over my life I can identify many individuals and situations that taught me how to make wise choices and the discernment to avoid foolish ones. We have the responsibility to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord, so that they may prosper under Him and avoid temptations by the evil one. In my family, it was often said that “The Lord only gave you to me for a short time, my job is to teach you right from wrong.” I know that sounds simple, but it can be a daunting task - especially in today’s world. Our children can be influenced by so many different sources and people. I told my son one time that I wasn’t trying to stop him from experiencing things for himself, but to save him from the consequences that come from poor decisions. It is our responsibility to help them determine the correct direction, to steer their lives in a direction that they will find favor with the Lord. As we are reminded in Proverbs 2:1-8, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as a for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  I pray for all of our children - that the Lord would love them like David, give them the wisdom of Solomon, and guide them on the path that He has chosen for them. I also pray this over all of you, for we are ALL GOD’S CHILDREN. - Dawn Marie Custer

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

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

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

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: Job 42
+ 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 59:1-9
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 1 Corinthians 11:17-30
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…
We are all probably familiar by now with the book of Job and all of the tragedy and trials Job went through, as well as how his friends responded to him and what was happening in his life. There are two things that God revealed to me as I was reading. First, no matter what has happened in our life, how we may have missed what God was doing, or even how we got it right - God is interested in the posture of our heart in and through the circumstances we are experiencing. In fact, even when we mess up and miss what God was saying or doing, He honors our humility and repentance. We can simply come back to the One who loves us the most and admit that we don’t know it all and that we recognize that His ways are higher than ours and better than ours. And in His kindness, mercy, and grace, we get to try again over and over and over. God honored Job for his humble heart and how, no matter what, Job did not let his environment or others sway his view of the Father in the end. He still held God in the highest place in his heart. Second, God continues to give opportunity after opportunity to return to Him when we’ve gotten it wrong like Job’s friends. He had anger against them, yet He invited them to repent and return. God gave them a second chance at honoring Him in their life - the same way He has called us to. (That means it’s not too late for you and I either!) If you have found yourself pondering thoughts or believing thoughts about God that are not true, repent! God is loving and merciful and so gracious. He’s inviting you back to Him so he can make your path straight again. Don’t let today go by without allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal where you need to repent and return to the Holy One. - Cecelia Thapa

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: Job 41
+ 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 58
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 1 Corinthians 11:3-16
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…
There’s a tension in today’s passages—a tension between power and purpose, chaos and order. Job 41 paints a picture of Leviathan, a wild beast that no human can tame. It’s a reminder that God holds power over everything, even what seems uncontainable. In Psalm 58, we see David cry out against injustice, longing for the day God sets things right. And in 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about headship—not to promote control, but to highlight design and divine intention. At first glance, it can all feel overwhelming or even controversial. But underneath it all is this truth: God brings purpose to what feels wild. There is order in His plan—even when we can’t see it yet.

So how do we respond? Start by surrendering what feels chaotic in your own life. Name the “Leviathan” you’re wrestling—maybe it’s anxiety, a broken relationship, or a lack of direction. Then, choose to trust that God is not distant from your struggle—He’s sovereign over it. Practically? Spend 5 minutes today in total honesty with God. No filter. Tell Him what feels out of control. Then listen. He’s not afraid of the wild—and He won’t waste your chaos. - 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: Job 40
+ 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 57:7-11
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 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:2
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…
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: Job 39
+ 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 57:1-6
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 1 Corinthians 10:11-22
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…
Now God gets to speak. Up until now, Job, his wife and his 3 friends all have had something to say about Job's situation.God tells Job to "Gird his loins," get ready because the real truth is coming and it is coming from the Head Man himself! Job has been suffering for a long time. I am not sure how long, but he has endured a lot of loss and physical pain. Too much for one man to endure without the help of God! We all will suffer. Not something I enjoy saying, but it is true. How we look at suffering makes all the difference in how we endure our suffering. We each look at suffering through different lenses. Some use blessing lenses, some punishment lenses, some self-pity lenses. Some just have blinders on. I don't know anyone who purposely asks for suffering, who asks for cancer or MS or allergies or CIDP or divorce, or death or even a cold. No one says, "Put me in,Coach. I'll take a disease or two!" How we deal with suffering depends on where we are looking. Living with a person in chronic pain has taught me that suffering can make you turn in on yourself. You only know pain. You wake up to pain and go to bed with pain. Suffering lenses are tough to wear. For Job, God set him straight and showed him that the only real hope in suffering is to focus on Him. He reminds Job of His great power. Vs.5-who.knows when the wild donkey will go free Vs.9, who knows when the wild.ox will consent to serve you Vs.26, does the Hawk take flight by your consent? Just a few of the ways God helps Job to refocus and look to Him. THIS WAS NOT AN EASY TASK! Job had to let go of his lenses of suffering and exchange them for the wisdom lenses of God. You might call them "Joy" lenses because that is what Jesus did for us. In Hebrews, it says, "but for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God." We are that joy! God is with us in our suffering. We have a living God who knows what pain and suffering is. I have to remind myself of that a lot. But if I keep my eyes on Him, I too can have lenses of Joy, and Jesus will meet me in my pain. - 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: Job 38
+ 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 56:9-13
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 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
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…
Temptation is something we have to deal with everyday of our lives. From being rabid fans of our favorite sports team to the movies we watch, temptations to leave the path we’re walking with Jesus are everywhere. And if we’re honest, sometimes it’s way easier to excuse it than fight it. We even justify giving into these temptations by telling ourselves, “It's no big deal, God will forgive me,” or “It’s ok, I took communion last week.” But that's not freedom—that's spiritual laziness. It seems we’re often tempted to take the easy way out in our relationship 

Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" The Israelites had seen God do miracles, and still, they gave in to temptation—and it didn’t end well. I can remember giving into temptation when I was younger, trying to rely on my mom and dad's grace and mercy for things I did… and the wrath that sometimes ensued. Why would I try to use that with God? Why trade in his mercies for temptations? There’s a cost to giving into temptation - and I’m good with reading about it and not experiencing it again! (Don’t get me wrong, I have definitely taken some chances and gambled with God’s grace.) When we’re tempted to take the easy way out in our faith (like canceling church services one winter Sunday at a previous church because the boiler wasn’t working and it was 50 degrees in the sanctuary. A few weeks later I found myself at the Big House yelling “Go Blue” at a tem I could hardly see through the snowstorm!), we might need a reminder that the “easy way” isn’t always easy.

God isn't just some safety net for our bad decisions. He’s a holy God who loves you enough to call you higher. Follow His Book and walk in a right relationship with him. Yeah, temptations are real. They always will be. And they’re everywhere. But every time you say no to sin and yes to Jesus, you’re building a faith that actually works when life gets messy. Being able to withstand temptation helps us grow in our faith and walk with Jesus. He’s already won the battle—you just need to walk His path.

Practical step: Before you excuse or justify something today, pause. Ask: "Is this leading me closer to Jesus—or farther away?" Then choose the way that leads to life. 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: Job 36:27-37:24
+ 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 56:1-8
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 1 Corinthians 9:12b-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…
What stood out to me today was the simple verse in Psalm 56:8 “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” David wrote these words in his prayer while he was held captive by the Philistines. He was fleeing from King Saul, running for his life, in a period of waiting on the Word of the Lord to be fulfilled - that he would one day become king of Israel. He had already been anointed by Samuel the prophet for this role but had yet to be appointed and honestly, things probably weren’t looking like they would even happen. David wasn’t a wimpy guy either. He was a shepherd, had worked and lived outside, killed a lion and bear, slayed a giant with the help of the Lord when everyone else was afraid. I appreciate that alongside all his courageous acts he is also very aware and not afraid to honestly share his feelings and emotions with his Friend and Lord. David writes confidently knowing that he is seen and loved in the midst of his lament and sadness. So much so that even his tears are valued, kept and treasured by God. As a mother, I am in the throes of navigating the emotions of my children, helping them communicate, process and work through what seems like a tornado and myriad of emotions on an hourly basis. :) I know I am not always the most patient and understanding. I can’t say I always want to put every tear my babies cry in a bottle. But I’m thankful that my Father isn’t like me and sees the tears we have cried and shed as we pour our hearts out to Him. If you’re in what feels like a waiting period, where the promise isn’t fulfilled and everything actually looks like it’s the exact opposite of what He has said or you are waiting on, cry out to Him. Let Him cover you and be that friend that sticks closer than a brother as you wait. - 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!