Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
THANK. Write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
READ. Today’s scripture reading is from Ezekiel 36:26 & Ezekiel 8-9 (Go Deeper: Isaiah 26:20-21 & Revelation 7:1-3)
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
When it comes to sin - whether personal or in our world - we often believe one of four things. Three of them are lies, one is (at least partially) true. First, we believe/act as if God doesn’t see sin. Second, if He does see it, we believe/act as if it’s not that big of a deal, or that perhaps God doesn’t really care about sin in our own life or evil in the world. Ezekiel 8:12 says “…for they are saying, ‘The Lord does not see us. The Lord has abandoned the land.’” In this scripture, God shows Ezekiel what He sees. While we often want sin to remain private and unseen, it is actually for our good and the good of the world that it is brought to light. That’s what confession (both to God and someone who loves us and Jesus) does. Third, we believe/act as if God will not answer our prayers because of our sin. Ezekiel 8:18 says “…Though they call loudly in my hearing, I will not listen to them.” The lie in this is when our sin keeps us from returning to our relationship with God at all. Because of Jesus, we can always enter God’s presence boldly. But because sin breaks God’s heart and our relationship, our first prayer should be to confess, receive forgiveness and healing, and restore our relationship once again. (That is not to say our salvation is lost every time we sin - only to say that our relationship with God and, consequently, our prayers, are affected.) Finally, we believe/act as if God won’t do anything about sin. Ezekiel 9:9 says “…’For they say, ‘The Lord has abandoned the land; he does not see.’” Today, Thank God that He sees sin, cares about it, answers prayer to forgive it, has taken action to end it. God has acted to eliminate evil from our life and His world, continues to act, and will return to decisively finish it. We all sin, and sin will be dealt with. The question becomes, who will receive God’s judgment for it? Me? Or Jesus in my place?
LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method. Ask…
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations.
CONNECT. Have a question, prayer request, or story? Connect with Us or reply to this text to let us know.
SHARE. Know someone who would love the Daily Focus? Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
LINKS. Learn more about Fasting over Lent and Easter Events, Experiences and Services at Paradox

Run the race with endurance today, and stay focused on Jesus.
Make it a Great One!