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 Colossians 1:15-20, John 11:1-4&14, Matthew 1:18-23, John 14:1-11 & Philippians 2:5-11
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…
Our God - the God who has all power and understanding - calls you by name, and is calling you into newness everyday. God spoke, and creation was made. Jesus spoke, and people were brought back to life. Jesus healed so many people in Scripture with the power in His Words. There are so many more scriptures that I think point out the power in The Word, and in what is spoken. Having that kind of power over everything is incomprehensible. Yet Jesus, who had it, came here to serve, and be in close relationship with people.
”Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.“ - Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭
I am very thankful that I am not God. Maybe that sounds strange to say out loud, but it’s true. Imagine if all things were known. All seen and unseen. All motivations and reasoning were out in the open for all to know. And yet, as much as I don’t want that power, I can think of countless times that I’ve tried to be in control - even over things I can’t control. Scripture tells us we are fighting against powers and principalities… but the enemy (Satan) does not have power to create life. There is no life or newness in anything the enemy brings. The good news is that Jesus loves us, and is with us through all things. He uses the unlikely and the Ill-equipped because He can. I encourage you to open up the Word today, and ask God what power, knowledge, and newness He has for you in the things that are beyond your control. - Rachel Hood

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!