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 one 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 24:1-14, Hebrews 11 & Hebrews 12:1-2
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…
Even if you are not an ice hockey fan, or an aficionado of Olympic history, chances are you have heard of “The Miracle on Ice”. On February 22, 1980 an outmatched, super-young team from the USA beat the highly favored Russian team to earn the right to advance and ultimately win the gold medal. It is one of the greatest underdog stories in all of sports. How did these inexperienced upstarts beat the superbly trained and extremely experienced veterans? FAITH. They believed it was possible and acted out of that belief. Their story has since been used by coaches, and other non-sports leaders, since that time to inspire teams to overcome adversity.
In Matthew 24, Jesus paints a picture for his disciples (and us) of the extreme adversity that his followers will face in the years to come. Deception, famine, earthquakes, persecution, and death are among the trials that will come before the end of this world. So how can we his followers overcome? FAITH. “At that time many will turn away from the faith…but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (NIV)
Like a fiery coach rallying his players facing a second half deficit, the writer of Hebrews uses a “Miracle on Ice” tactic to embolden the believers of his day (and us). He refers to great examples of faith from the past: Abraham, Noah, Moses, etc. He challenges us to be like this large cloud of witnesses; to throw aside the things that cause doubt and keep us from God, and to run with endurance the race set before us, no matter the hurdles we may face.
What trials are you facing? Do you believe God is powerful enough to help you overcome? Is there anything hindering you from trusting Him? Cast it aside, believe all things are possible with God, and act out of that belief. - Mike Nank

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
Simply pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers: the Lord’s Prayer, or pray it using this Lord’s Prayer guide.

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!