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 9:9-13, Luke 7:36-50, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 14:15-24 & James 2:1-13
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…
Jesus invites us into ministry opportunities all the time. But when we feel/hear the invite, we sometimes ignore it or shrug it off because we don’t feel like we heard the call clearly. We sometimes shrug off because we don’t feel that we are qualified. I even know someone who dodged the invitation because they couldn’t bring themselves to enter the space Jesus was inviting them into because they didn’t want to be with the group of people in that room. Jesus invited Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. A tax collector? One the most despised people of that time. How is a tax collector going to get people to come listen to what Jesus has to share in his teachings? Wouldn’t you think someone with that background might even drive people away? I believe this is another example of Jesus “Qualifying the Called”.  Matthew had skills that most people at that time didn’t have. Matthew could read and write. What if Matthew’s invite was because he could function as a scribe documenting the ministry of Jesus? Matthew’s notes turned into the first book of the new testament. When we think Jesus is inviting us to “follow him,” there’s a reason. It may be because he knows we have a skill that is important to where he is inviting us or that he is inviting us somewhere to introduce us to someone who can mentor us and walk alongside us as we try to navigate our current season of life. On the other side of that, we could also be invited to walk alongside someone, supporting and encouraging them as they struggle through a season of life. I think sometimes he throws things at us to get us to get up and move away from the things that are holding us back. These are the times we should be grateful that Jesus is the head of a ministry of many chances. He knows we get stuck or something shakes our faith and he is good with sending you one of those odd ball invitations to get your attention. Mine came during a VBS planning meeting as they were struggling to find teachers. The words dropped out of my mouth before I realized what I was saying. “I’ll be one of the teachers.” My play was just  trying to stay off to the side out of everyone's sight so I didn’t get asked. I would have never volunteered had Jesus not invited me out of the shadows. Not sure what impact I may have had but I still get stopped out in town by some of those kids to talk about the good times we had starting with that VBS. Last night I even got to watch one of those kids get baptized! She’s in high school now but I’d like to think that maybe somehow the ministry teams I worked with may have helped her to make the choice to accept Jesus’ invitation to become a part of his kingdom. It was one of those times that really reminds us of why we accept the invitation.  We may not think we are qualified but God knows and also knows when we are the best one for the job. God Loves You and So Do I. - Scott Rose

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!