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 26
+ 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 18:1-6
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 16:30-17:3
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…
“It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” Let’s be real—there are some “dirty jobs” no one’s lining up to do, but they’re absolutely essential. Scrubbing toilets, taking out the trash, cleaning up a mess, or even dealing with whatever is growing in the office fridge—someone’s got to do it! These tasks may not get applause, but they keep life running smoothly. They remind us that God’s goodness often shows up in the most unexpected, unglamorous places - and that it often takes humility and service to see it. But there’s a deeper truth here.
Sometimes, we can overlook the beauty in what seems like the “behind-the-scenes” work of life. In 1 Chronicles 26, we read about the gatekeepers, treasurers, and other officials—roles that might not seem glamorous but were absolutely vital for the functioning of the temple and the worship of God. These individuals were faithful in their tasks, ensuring everything was protected and in order. Then, in Acts 16 and 17, we see the jailer’s heart transformed and Paul faithfully serving God’s purposes right where they were - inglorious as it may have been.
These passages remind me that no matter who you are, what part you play, or where you may find yourself, no person, part, or place is insignificant when it’s done for the Lord. Whether we’re opening doors, watching kids, cleaning the building, praying in the quiet, or worshipping and preaching the gospel boldly, every act of service matters in God’s kingdom. He equips and calls us to do our part faithfully, just like the gatekeepers and the apostles. What has God placed in your hands today? Whether big or small, stay faithful and trust that He’s using you to make an eternal impact! - Dave Kubiak
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!
