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 16:37-17:27
+ 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 12
Reading 1 = Focus. What is one word or phrase that Holy Spirit puts on your heart?
Reading 2 = Feelings. Focus on that word or phrase while you read. What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Reflect and talk with God about it.
Reading 3 = Invitation. What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture?
Take time to journal anything you feel the Lord might be saying to you.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
Today’s New Testament reading is from Acts 13:48-14:7
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…
1 Chronicles 16 highlights constant praise and thanksgiving, and emphasizes the call to continually praise God, recounting his blessings and glorifying His name, showing us the importance of a life of worship not just on special occasions but every day as a way of life. The phrase "seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually" emphasizes the active pursuit of God's presence in our lives. The retelling of God's covenant with Israel serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the blessings that come with remaining faithful to Him. What does it mean to actively seek God's presence? I think it refers to the continuous praise and thanksgiving to God. David appointed Asaph and his brothers to minister regularly in the presence of the ark of the covenant. Obed-edom and his sixty-eight brothers were to be gatekeepers, and he left Zadok the priest and his brothers the priests before the tabernacle of the Lord. They all had a role in seeking God and worshiping him for his steadfast love. They were actively seeking God and being in his presence.
David's response to Nathan's prophecy about a lasting dynasty demonstrates a humble attitude, recognizing that all blessings come from God. The promise of a lasting dynasty through David is a representation of God's faithfulness and covenant commitment to His people. David's prayer highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and relying on His provision in all aspects of life. How can we actively apply this in our daily lives? First, we can cultivate a habit of praise. Regularly express gratitude and praise to God in our lives, reflecting on His goodness and faithfulness. We can also seek God intentionally - actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God through prayer, studying scripture, and seeking His presence. We can acknowledge God's Sovereignty - recognizing that all blessings and achievements come from God and should be attributed to Him. And finally, we can live with humility. That means we approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging our dependence on Him.
I am thankful for God's guidance. His word is trustworthy, and his timing will lead us through. I encourage you to actively seek God daily through scripture, worship, and prayer. The more time you spend with him, the more you get to know his character and the sound of his voice. You are so loved, praying blessing over you and your relationship with God, the Father. - 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!
