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 11:14-12 (Go Deeper: Psalm 2:1-6 & Matthew 13:16-17)
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
We often think of them as synonymous, but there’s a difference between hope and optimism. Today’s reading compares the two. Hope is seeing our current reality (often negative) in light of God’s promised future. Optimism is seeing our desired future despite our current reality (often negative). Things aren’t always as they seem. Here, the people of Israel assume they will be blessed in the future because they lived within the geographical boundaries of God’s blessing. But things weren’t good on the inside. Meanwhile, Ezekiel and the other exiles would actually be blessed in the future because of their faithfulness to God. (Remember, Ezekiel is currently shaved bald, laying on his side, and cooking his food over a pile of cow manure. It would be easy to look at that and wonder how God’s blessing could be on him…) The people of Jerusalem couldn’t see or hear any trouble coming. Things looked fine on the outside while they were far from God on the inside. God promises in Ezekiel 11:19 to transform people’s lives from the inside out. It starts with the invisible work God does on the inside and then works its way out to the visible work we do on the outside. God, you alone are our God! Make our hearts clean, tender, and responsive to you today!
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!