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.

GET FOCUSED | Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
Spend a few moments in silence, meditating on scripture, or writing/saying 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
Play or sing some worship music you love, or use a playlist from Paradox on Spotify.

MORNING PRAYER FOCUS | Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
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.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | Today’s reading is from Psalm 27
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
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…
Sometimes I let fear delay my obedience to God. There are so many words in my vocabulary that when boiled down actually start with fear. Stress, anxiety, frustration, sadness, anger, doubt.. I think the result of giving those words power by using them regularly breathes life into a lie. It gives power to the fear that they start with, and ultimately a foothold for the enemy to use against us. A way to keep us in a place where we don’t activate. Thomas doubted his friends when they told him they saw the resurrected Lord. It makes me think about what might have caused him to initially fear believing. We do know from scripture that it took another week for Jesus to reveal himself to Thomas, and then he believed (John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬). Fear delays things like blessings, and revelation‭s. Fear takes up space where faith could be. I want to have the faith that overcomes all things that lead me to give the enemy room to bring strongholds. ”The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — whom should I dread?“ (Psalm‬ ‭27‬:‭1) ‬ Today I invite you to be patient with God, and yourself. Have faith that there is an answer to whatever question, concern or struggle you are experiencing. Ask Jesus into that place, and His Holy Spirit to bring comfort to you while you are waiting. ”Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.“ (Psalm‬ ‭27‬:‭14)‬ - Rachel Hood

EVENING PRAYER FOCUS | Re-Focus on Jesus by praying a Daily Examen each evening.
Replay = Replay your day. What made you happy or joyful? What made you 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 = Commit to walk with Jesus tomorrow. Ask for grace to see His presence more clearly.
*For help or an audio prayer version, use the Lectio 365 app.

SHARE THE FOCUS |
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!