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 3:1-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 & James 1:16-18
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…
Because of the great sacrifice Jesus made for us, we are no longer children of darkness, but children of light. In Colossians 3:1-11 Paul reminds us that we are a new creation in Christ. That we have the opportunity to start afresh, to put away our sinful nature and walk in the way of our Savior and Lord. “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God“ Verse 1. The word “seek” is present tense, which indicates continuing action. In other words, Paul is telling us to seek and to keep on seeking the things that are above. It is a lifetime quest. As a consequence of our new life in Christ, we need to lift our eyes from the dirt at our feet to focus on the stars above. We need to leave behind their concern of worldly things so that we might focus our concerns on “the things that are above.” Above, after all, is where Christ now lives and reigns—the same Christ with whom we were joined in baptism and resurrection. He is “seated on the right hand of God”—the place of greatest honor.
As we look at Ephesians 2:1-10 we are further instructed that because we were all dead in our sins and transgressions against God, but those who believe, have been made alive in Christ by God’s Grace, and for His glory. It is a transformation that should shake our hearts and minds to our very core, to cherish God and to live our lives in a manner that would please Him. We need to live for Christ and not for ourselves.
I have run into people who knew me back in my middle to late 20s, during this period of my life I fell away from the Lord. Thankfully it didn't take long for Jesus to give me a huge dope slap and drive me to my knees, to turn my life around and back over to Him. These people think that they know me, but they know the old, dead, worldly me. Because of Jesus, and His great sacrifice I am a new creation in Him. My life now focuses on His desires and not my worldly desires. These people were thrown off by the fact that I was so involved with my church, a youth leader and an ordained member of the Presbyterian Church. I loved sharing that even the worst sinner has been redeemed by Jesus, proclaim your faith, be baptized and become a disciple of Christ. I thank Him daily for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon me and the future I have in Him. Is it easy every day to turn away from the desires of the world, not in the least. But, by focusing on His word and prayer, I inch my way through day by day. James 1:16-18, reminds us that the only source of good things in our life is--God Himself. All the good things in our lives ultimately come from God--we have not received them as gifts from ourselves or others. If it's good it's from God. Therefore let us be thankful daily, lift up our praise and show the world whom we worship and what an incredible God we serve.
Daily Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day, May the words from my lips, my actions and deeds, as well as my heart be pleasing to You today, in the name of Jesus my savior, I pray Amen. - Dawn Custer
PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Pray through a Ripple Prayer or use Nations Prayer to pray for the nations and those serving them.
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!
