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.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from Genesis 4:-1-11, Genesis 5:3-31, Genesis 6:3, Revelation 21:6, & Revelation 22:1-2
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
S = Say. What is the main point? What does it teach about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. Who can you share what you’re learning with today?

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Probably not something I would share with someone new to their faith. I had been on my Christian walk for a while before I understood and could get behind this idea. I wasn’t sure I was ready to die for something I didn’t really understand. The death he is talking about is the death of our sinful self to make room for a new life with Christ. When Christ calls us, he is asking us to put aside our old ways and life to make room for a new life walking in the good news.

On New Year’s Day, a friend of mine blessed me with the opportunity to help serve dinner to the homeless at his church. After all of our guests had been served, I grabbed a plate of food and sat down at one of the tables. I started talking with the guy next to me about going to church. He told me he didn’t go to church because he was homeless and living in a shelter. I asked why that was keeping him from going to church and he couldn’t really answer me. He did say that he wasn’t sure that God would forgive him for his past, and that he kept going back and doing the same things. I reminded him that Jesus died on the cross to earn us forgiveness for our sins - even though he knew we were going to make mistakes in our walk with Him. I told him that because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have a call to let the old self die and the power to start a new life in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether it's a call to leave home and follow him like the disciples or leave an old life behind like my friend above, Jesus’ call requires us to let our old selves die so that we can be reborn into the kingdom of God. This death and rebirth makes room in us for our call, whatever that may be. Our walk toward and into the Kingdom isn’t easy but the blessings we receive make the journey worth it. Bonhoeffer also wrote “Only the man who is dead to his own will can follow Christ.” Lord help me set my will aside and begin a new life in you, Amen. God Loves You and So Do I. - Scott Rose

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pick a Psalm to pray using P.R.A.Y. Pause to be still, Reflect on the verses, Ask God for help, & say Yes to Jesus.
Reading scripture in this way is called Lectio Divina. Learn more here and practice using one of these apps.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

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