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 Matthew 13:1-57 & Luke 16:14-17
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…
I’m sure you’ve heard the words before - good “news.” You may have even heard it so often that it’s stopped being news at all. Perhaps it’s “old news.” But here’s the thing about news - it is by definition “new.” News presents new facts. It paints a new picture, a new vision of reality. It brings new implications, and possibilities. When Jesus preached, His message of the new world - or “God’s Kingdom” - that was breaking in was a new teaching… it was news! Whether or not that news was “good” was up to the hearer to decide. That’s why Jesus would often put his new teachings in stories or illustrations called “parables.” They were his vehicle for delivering good news to people who were in need of some and looking for it. In order to receive this news as “good,” a few things were required. First, Jesus says that the people who receive this news as good will be those with new hearts, or soil, where it will be received and flourished. Is there anything that is crowding out or keeping Jesus’ teachings from being “news” to your heart today? Jesus told stories about the way faith might look in people’s lives, the timeline of growth, and even the amount of faith a person needed - all news to his hearers. Is it GOOD news to you today? Jesus’ news invited his hearers to a new valuation of God’s kingdom. Is that news today? Is it good? And finally, Jesus said this news would appeal to all kinds of different (new) people. So, what’s new today? - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
It’s often helpful to look back before moving forward. As you begin a new week, look back over the last one and ask God to meet you in this new one. This kind of reflective prayer is called an Examen.

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!